Camping opportunities near Dagmar, Montana exist primarily in the northeastern corner of the state where the prairie landscape features limited tree cover and seasonal temperature extremes. Winter temperatures regularly fall below 0°F while summer days can reach the high 90s. Most camping facilities in this area operate seasonally from May through September due to harsh winter conditions, with primitive sites offering minimal amenities compared to more developed parks in western Montana.
What to do
Fishing access: Snowden Bridge provides riverside camping along the Missouri with two primitive campsites located near the vault toilet. "This is my go to for overnights and day trips. Right along the Missouri River. Great fishing access, wooded and close to town. Have seen great wildlife, excellent summer stargazing," notes reviewer Stacey N.
History exploration: Fort Buford State Historic Site offers free camping with picnic tables and fire rings near important historical landmarks. "Amazing place to learn about history of North Dakota. This is where Sitting Bull and his son surrendered and Lewis and Clark Trading Post. They do demonstrations on old time trades," explains Tonya T.
Swimming and water recreation: The lake at Brush Lake State Park Campground offers water activities during summer months. "Went here deliberately because it is not extremely busy and has a warm lake for swimming, boating, tubing. Canoing that is very near the campground," writes reviewer M.F.
What campers like
Water views: Blacktail Dam offers waterfront camping with electric hookups. "All camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water. Each site has electric that you share with your neighbor," explains Leah N.
Proximity to town amenities: Staying at Rosewill RV Park in Plentywood places campers within walking distance to services. "We have stayed here twice, once 2 years ago for 2 mo. and then again for the month of August this year. Level sites, good water, 30 & 50 amp service & city sewer. You are 3 blocks from downtown, so within walking distance of every thing in town," notes Wendell V.
Solitude and natural settings: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Dagmar offer quieter experiences away from crowds. "The CG is free. They want you to check in at the Confluence Visitor Center. The CG has tables, fire rings, and trash cans. Nobody has pulled in around us. Nothing better than free camping with solitude these days!" reports Brian L. about Fort Buford.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is restricted to specific carriers in this remote region. At Rosewill RV Park, "A word of warning, unless you have Verizon or Nemont phone service your phone will not work! The park does not have wi-fi, however, the public library does have free wi-fi."
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis during shoulder seasons. "In September this small state park is over run with hunters. I truck camp and left with my site reserved only to come back with another camper in my spot. Online reservation system would resolve any issues," reports Eric P. about Brush Lake State Park.
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds in the region have basic amenities only. At Bruegger Centenial Park, "Nice place to stop for the night, no designated sites but I set up a pop up in the parking lot and it worked great. Two blocks off of Hwy 2, restrooms available but not showers. It may be a little close to active railroad tracks for a light sleeper."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Blacktail Dam offers family-friendly amenities near campsites. "They have a nice playground for the kids, some picnic shelters, bathrooms and garbage cans. There is a swimming beach about 1.5 miles from where we had camped which was pretty central to the grounds. It's not a big beach area so busy days it can be a little crowded. It is nice and sandy and great for the kiddos, though."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for children. At Fort Buford, demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades occur regularly during summer months, giving children hands-on historical education opportunities.
Water safety considerations: Swimming areas have varying regulations. "There isn't a lot of water access for shore fishing and swimming is prohibited in most areas," notes Leah N. about Blacktail Dam, indicating families should verify swimming access before planning water activities.
Tips from RVers
Spacing and privacy: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Dagmar offer minimal separation between sites. "Blacktail Dam is a popular destination for most area people. It is a small dam so it does tend to get quite busy, with minimal camping spots. Most of the land around the lake is privately owned lots," explains Jodi P.
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities close early in the season. "Everything was closed, I'm here in April so I would have been the only camper had I stayed. But the bathrooms aren't open and the water is not on yet," reports Teresa T. about camping at Blacktail Dam in spring.
Shade availability: Sheridan County Fairground provides a rare shaded camping option in this region. "Nice little campground. Has electric and water. Just down from rest area in Plentywood MT. One of the nicest and at a reasonable price. $10. Nice shady in amongst some Cottonwood trees. Came in real handy in the middle of nowhere."
