Floweree, Montana camping areas sit on the eastern plains near the Missouri River, with elevations around 3,400 feet and a semi-arid climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Cell service ranges from excellent in Great Falls to virtually non-existent in more remote locations, particularly in the Highwood Mountains where Thain Creek Campground is situated. Weather patterns shift dramatically between seasons, with summer highs reaching 90°F and potential for sudden storms.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Logging Creek, campers find multiple trail options directly from the campground. "Endless trail. If you do some research in that area there is a place where there are some caves to explore, and another with fossils," notes one reviewer. The nearby Highwood Mountains provide additional terrain for day hikes.
Wildlife viewing: Freezout Lake Dispersed Camping offers excellent bird watching opportunities with its wildlife refuge setting. "We woke to the sound of birds," reports one camper. The wetlands attract numerous waterfowl species, making it ideal for photography and nature observation.
River activities: The Missouri River provides fishing, floating, and swimming opportunities near Fort Benton. Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch offers direct river access where "My 7yr old enjoyed catching soft shell turtles." Many campers use this site as a starting point for longer river floats.
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Thain Creek receives praise for its wooded environment. "We were shocked this campground wasn't full, it's only an hour from Great Falls and the road is your typical gravel, a few larger potholes but completely doable in any car," one reviewer explains. Another notes that "At night, there were a couple of elk calls and at least two owls hooing back and forth."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Great Falls KOA, "Showers were very nice. Of course it is close to everything in town such as WalMart, gas stations, restaurants, and shopping." The campground includes accessible bathroom facilities with individual shower/toilet combinations.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate no-cost sites. "Freeze Out Lake Waterfowl Manage Area's campground is a free campground," explains one reviewer, adding that it offers "a vault toilet that is about it." Another camper notes, "The pit toilet was really clean. We were the only ones there."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often requires negotiating unpaved roads. For Thain Creek, one camper advises "Be aware that this is a long rough gravel road of at least 12 miles to get there. I would not suggest trying to haul a large rig into it." Another notes the "teeth jarring gravel road" approaching the campground.
Insect prevalence: Mosquitoes pose a significant challenge, especially near water sources. A Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground visitor warns, "The island right near the fairgrounds is called snake island. They are everywhere. It's super buggy and extremely hot in the summer. We couldn't even sit outside at night because of the mosquitoes."
Wind exposure: Open areas experience substantial wind, particularly at higher elevations. At Freezout Lake, one camper mentions "heavy winds, just make sure you don't leave things out, and expect a windy breakfast." Sites with trees provide better wind protection.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Younger visitors enjoy water features at several campgrounds. "Pool and playground are great for young kids," notes a Great Falls KOA visitor. Logging Creek offers "a great little pool on the far side of the campsite is great for kids."
Playground access: Benton RV Park & Campground has mixed reviews regarding children's activities. One visitor described a negative experience: "Our campsite was overrun by a group of 6 kids. Playing and cutting through the entire time we stayed there." Parents should supervise children closely due to varying enforcement of rules.
Educational opportunities: Fort Benton offers historical learning opportunities with its river history. "I highly recommend checking this adorable little town out," advises a Chouteau County Fairgrounds visitor. The Lewis and Clark expedition passed through this region, with interpretive information available in town.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV parks vary significantly in how they position units. At Dick's RV Park, a reviewer notes "The campsites are plentiful and not as close to each other as others," while another mentions "The sites are small and the campground is busy." Consider calling ahead to request specific site information.
Leveling challenges: Many regional campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Thain Creek, the terrain includes natural slopes, and at Benton RV Park, one visitor noted the uneven grounds requiring additional setup time.
Power availability: Military Park Malmstrom AFB Gateway FamCamp provides concrete pads with full hookups, though requires military affiliation for access. "Water, sewer and electric are provided. There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp," reports one military visitor, making it a reliable option for qualified RV campers near Floweree, Montana.
