Camping spots near Box Elder, Montana cluster around Fresno Reservoir and along Highway 2, with limited shade but expansive northern Montana prairie vistas. Situated at approximately 2,700 feet elevation, the area experiences wide temperature swings between seasons. Summer temperatures can reach triple digits with persistent winds, while access roads to more remote camping areas often become challenging after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fresno Reservoir offers walleye fishing from shore or boat at Kiehns Bay. One camper noted, "It's a huge reservoir with great walleye fishing. Not pristine or tranquil, but a good time." Fish species include pike, walleye, and crappie.
River floating: The Missouri River corridor provides boat-in camping and multi-day floating trips from Coal Banks Landing. "This is an enjoyable campground along the Upper Missouri River Breaks on river mile 41.5. Site has two vault toilets, 13 picnic tables, and 9 fire rings. This is a major launch area for floating the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument."
Animal viewing: Hansen Family Campground offers farm animal interactions as a unique feature. Campers report, "They have horses, mules, goats, chickens, alligator's, ducks & geese. Kids had a great time!" The male peacock display, called train rattling, provides an unexpected wildlife viewing opportunity.
Hiking options: Hill County Beaver Creek Park contains Mount Otis trail and a 3-mile nature trail. The park requires a $55 annual pass that "can be purchased at Stromberg Sinclair in Havre or other locations in Havre." The pass grants access to dozens of camping areas within the park system.
What campers like
Affordable alternatives: Community parks provide budget camping options with basic facilities. Zurich Park charges $10/night, while Hansen Family Campground offers nightly, weekly, and monthly rates with full hookups at all sites.
Reservoir views: Campers appreciate the elevated sites at Kiehns Bay, with one noting: "Spectacular views from a few campsites on top of the walls, well spread out areas and definitely big rig friendly spots." Another mentioned it as "a beautiful site overlooking the reservoir."
Convenience stops: Evergreen Campground provides an efficient overnight option when traveling through. "While small and not that scenic, this is a professional outfit that makes things easy. It's small enough to chat with neighbors and big enough to have your own space and get a good night's sleep."
Privacy features: Despite limited natural tree cover in the region, some campgrounds create separation between sites. Evergreen Campground has "trees and bushes all around the border, giving it a cozy, private feel." This provides a buffer against the open prairie environment.
What you should know
Water quality issues: Sulfur-tasting water affects multiple campgrounds in the region. At Evergreen Campground, "When I talked to an employee about the water tasting bad (I believe it was something like sulfur), she explained it was natural and not unhealthy, which was confirmed by a local friend."
Noise factors: Railway traffic creates consistent noise near Highway 2 corridor camping areas. Train tracks parallel the highway through most of the region.
Seasonal challenges: Summer heat combined with wind creates difficult camping conditions. One camper at Lone Tree Campground noted the site is "in a grove of large cottonwoods" which provides rare natural shade in the area.
Local traffic patterns: Some reservoir camping areas experience heavy local use, especially on weekends. "Lots of bottles and garbage on the beach from parties and around 2am some locals rolled through in louder trucks right past our spot."
Tips for camping with families
Farm animal interactions: Kids enjoy feeding and visiting the animals at Hansen Family Campground. "This was a fun, unexpected stop. Unfortunately it's a bit in the middle of nowhere, Montana, but we were delighted none the less."
Swimming considerations: Water recreation options have limitations. At Kiehns Bay, campers advise: "I wouldn't suggest swimming," while noting that the reservoir is "typically a boating/rv spot."
Historical activities: Nearby Havre offers educational options for families. "Beneath the street historical tour was a blast back to the past and how the town survived a devastating fire. We toured Fort Assinniboine located 10 miles out of town. More great history and testament to how tough it was on the wild frontier."
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential, particularly for mosquitoes. "Mosquitoes, mosquitoes, mosquitoes. Like you would try to walk your dogs and would be covered in them. The lady at front desk was super nice and the campground was clean. Lovely setting against the hills. But... mosquitoes."
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: At Havre RV Park and Travel Plaza, "The middle sites are parallel parking for big rigs and back in sites for the smaller trailers or Class C's. Our 28 ft Class A with tow fit just fine. I think larger rigs would be challenged."
Utility placement: Sewer connections at some campgrounds require creative hose routing. "The sewer hook up is in the road under our rig so we pulled out slightly and dumped when we left to avoid climbing under to hook up."
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds position RVs very close together. At Evergreen Campground, sites are "very, very close together. Walk out camper door into next sites plug ins and sewer hose. Very limited space between campers."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites requires preparation. Many dirt roads leading to camping areas develop washboard conditions. One camper noted the road to Kiehns Bay is "hilly and has a bit of washboarding, we made it in and out without any problems."
