Recreational vehicle sites near Box Elder, Montana offer camping options with varied terrain and weather conditions. This prairie region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the camping season, often with strong winds across open landscapes. Road conditions to campgrounds vary significantly, with some access roads presenting challenges during rainy conditions.
What to do
Explore local farm animals: Hansen Family Campground in Chinook houses chickens, ducks, geese, goats and donkeys that campers can feed and interact with. "This was a fun, unexpected stop. Unfortunately it's a bit in the middle of no where, Montana, but we were delighted none the less. They have chickens and ducks and geese, goats, and donkeys. You can feed them and visit with them," notes one visitor to Hansen Family Campground.
River activities: Missouri River access points provide opportunities for catching soft shell turtles, fishing, and boat launching. A camper at Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground shared: "My 7yr old enjoyed catching soft shell turtles. Your far enough out you feel like you are camping but you are right in Fort Benton."
Historical tours: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to local historical sites. "We took the day to explore the town. 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," reported a camper at Havre RV Park and Travel Plaza.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Some camping areas near Box Elder provide more generous spacing between units. "The sites are huge. No big trees, and right by the highway and train tracks. But it was peaceful and restful, and just what our family needed to recharge," writes a reviewer about Hansen Family Campground.
River views: Camping options along the Missouri River offer scenic vistas. One visitor to Coal Banks Landing observed: "I found the campground mostly empty and very quiet. It was a stormy day with rain and strong winds up on the plateau above the river. But the campground is down by the river and sheltered from the wind."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. A camper at Benton RV Park noted: "The restrooms and showers are very clean," while another at Chouteau County Fairgrounds reported, "The bathrooms are clean, updated and have hot showers."
What you should know
Ground conditions: Soft soil can create challenges for RV stabilization. A reviewer at Zurich Park stated: "Our fifth wheel jacks (regardless of having blocks and Snap Pads) sunk about 8 inches into the dirt, and we couldn't get anything level. So we had to leave and go back down the highway to get to a nicer RV park."
Temperature extremes: Summer heat can be intense in this region. "We were here in mid July and it was 94° with about a 35 mph wind howling across the Prairie. Quite a shock considering we had just come down from the mountains!" reported a visitor to Benton RV Park.
Insects: Mosquito populations can be problematic at certain locations. "Mosquitos, mosquitos, mosquitos. Like you would try to walk your dogs and would be covered in them," noted a camper about Hansen Family Campground, while another at Chouteau County Fairgrounds advised: "Down by the river. Bring bug spray."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several RV sites near Box Elder, Montana feature recreational facilities for children. "A beautiful little park with about 10-12 electric 30 and 50 amp. The playground looked amazing. A nice hike up over the hill to a nice pond," shared a visitor to Zurich Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping areas with resident wildlife attract families. "We had a wonderful time! Horses, mules, goats, chickens, alligator's;), ducks & geese. Kids had a great time!" reported a camper at Hansen Family Campground.
Supervision requirements: Some campgrounds have specific rules regarding children. At Benton RV Park & Campground, "One of there rules is to respect the campsites of others and not short cut through them. The other rule that we took issue with is children under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times."
Tips from RVers
Site configuration: RV camping layouts vary significantly between locations. "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," noted a reviewer at Havre RV Park and Travel Plaza.
Sewer connection challenges: Unusual sewer hookup positions can complicate the camping experience. "The sewer connections are extended well out of the ground, so you will have to get your sewer hose up so that gravity flows at least level," reported an RVer at Hansen Family Campground.
Noise considerations: Train activity impacts several campgrounds. At Chester City Park, "The train is VERY LOUD and goes through every hour or so all night. The tracks run one street over from the park and it has to blow it's whistle at each RR crossing there are about 5-6 of them just across from the park."
