Best Campgrounds near Fort Benton, MT

Fort Benton, Montana provides camping options along the historic Missouri River corridor, with several campgrounds taking advantage of river access and boat launch facilities. The Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground sits on the edge of town with both tent and RV sites, while primitive boat camps like Senieur's Reach and Black Bluff Rapids cater to river travelers. Benton RV Park offers full hookup sites for larger vehicles, and Wood Bottom Recreation Area provides both established camping and dispersed sites along the river approximately 10 miles northwest of Fort Benton.

Road conditions vary significantly when accessing camping areas around Fort Benton, particularly for the primitive boat camps that require water transportation. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially at the county fairgrounds, while private RV parks like Benton RV generally accept reservations. Summer temperatures can be extreme, with several campers noting intense heat and strong winds across the open prairie landscape. Insect activity increases dramatically during summer months, particularly near the water. A visitor commented, "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."

The Missouri River corridor provides the primary attraction for campers in the Fort Benton area, with several primitive boat-in camps supporting multi-day river expeditions through the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Tent campers appreciate the separation from RV areas at the fairgrounds campground, where one camper noted, "Nicely separated from the RV sites so that I wasn't breathing in the RV exhaust." Amenities vary widely, from primitive boat camps with fire rings to the fairgrounds campground with electric hookups, showers, and clean restrooms. Those seeking more remote experiences might consider Wood Bottom, where a visitor remarked, "The campground is okay, but the dispersed spots along the river are awesome! Some of the best spots you can find!"

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Benton, Montana (31)

    1. Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground

    8 Reviews
    Fort Benton, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 622-5505

    $15 - $45 / night

    "Set on the edge of Historic Fort Benton, this is a great place to land for a night or a week or more. Lots to see, explore and experience in the area."

    "Your far enough out you feel like you are camping but you are right in Fort Benton. I highly recommend checking this adorable little town out. Also check to see when their rodeo is."

    2. Wood Bottom Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Fort Benton, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 622-4000

    "Put Decision Point for the destination & drive past it 1/4 mile downhill to the Loma Missouri bridge."

    3. Benton RV Park & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Fort Benton, MT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 622-5015

    $50 - $60 / night

    "It's probably the bright spot in the entire town, which appears to be about a half square mile of trailers and double wides surrounded by miles of amber waves of grain."

    7. Thain Creek

    8 Reviews
    Highwood, MT
    25 miles
    Website

    "When the directions include "drive down the dirt road for 20 miles," you know you are in for an amazing experience. Thain Creek Campground did not disappoint."

    "This is probably one of the best campsites around the Great Falls area. The site are really well maintained and beautiful with a lot of trees and vegetation in the area."

    9. Great Falls KOA

    17 Reviews
    Malmstrom AFB, MT
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 727-3191

    "This campground sits just on the outskirts of Great Falls. It is like most KOA's with many amenities including a pool. Showers were very nice."

    "You have to drive through part of Great Falls, Montana to get to this campground, but once you are in it, you forget all about the city."

    10. Hole-in-the-Wall Boat Camp

    2 Reviews
    Big Sandy, MT
    28 miles
    Website

    "Since you will take boats there, cows can walk to the landing sites, but remember to keep all your gates shut. Overall pretty good campsite."

    "Nice trail leads to the hole-in-the-wall. To get to trail canoe down river another 0.8 mile, stopping at the first large cottonwood, you will find a trail here."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Fort Benton, MT

70 Reviews of 31 Fort Benton Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Chester City Park

    Very nice 👌

    Very nice park & plenty of room for several campers. 11 DTV channels & strong 4G. 👍

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Chester City Park

    Fantastic!

    This spot was a really easy in and out. They do have fresh water if you need to fill your tank. A previous guest mentioned a "really loud" train. The train was about 5 blocks away if you have ever lived anywhere near a train, it wasn't that loud. There is plenty of space for multiple rigs if you are caravanning. It even has a covered pavilion and picnic tables.

  • Chloe B.
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Sluice Boxes State Park Campground

    Perfect

    My husband and I started hiking up here long before we ever camped. We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you. If your up for hauling in your stuff and back out and don't mind not having access to a bathroom or a fire pit and as we did sleeping under the stars it's a perfect place to try

  • Vanessa S.
    Apr. 11, 2025

    Military Park Malmstrom AFB Gateway FamCamp

    Great park for those associated with the military

    I have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years.  I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years.  I return every year to visit family.  The concrete pads are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level.  Water, sewer and electric are provided.  There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp.  A laundry and men and women's shower house is at the entrance.

    The MAFB "Annex Campground" is located in a corner on base.  This is the original campground and has not been updated in over 30 years.  The gravel spaces are close together, mostly back in, and small.  Showers are available at the base gym across the road and laundry is at the off base campground.

    The base doesn't have an active runway so planes are not taking off at all hours but you will hear lots of helicopters.

    Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that.  There is a lot of water nearby to enjoy on the Missouri river.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Great Falls KOA

    Wooded Area and Open Area and Fun

    KOA 8/24: The area we stayed in is for medium sized rigs or smaller. It was wooded and very nice for a KOA. The larger spaces are in a newer and less shady portion of the campground.
    FUN POOL PARK, PLAYGROUND, PETTING ZOO, SHORT TRAIL. GREAT ICE CREAM

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Security: No locked gate Usage during visit: pretty full on weekends Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: close Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: yes Campground Noise: Fairly quiet Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: yes Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: very nice Showers: yes / nice Pull Throughs: most all Cell Service (AT&T): fine Recent Weather: very hot Insects: none Host: staff Rig Size: large

  • Z
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Tiber Reservoir Sanford Park Lake Elwell Campground

    Not impressed/Sad VFW site

    The VFW site is the only one we visited.  We did not camp here and only went to check it out.  So glad we did; rotting trash on the roadway and large green dumpster trash cans were on their side but a few were upright.  Standard warning sign for bears but some sites were closed for renovation.  All sites had over a foot-high weeds and one had a 20' metal culvert in it.  Some shade for lakefront sites.  No lake access except at boat ramps.   The ramp area had a mercury warning for fish and recommended consumption for Walleye.  This sealed the deal for a NO go!  062924

    Sorry no photos.

  • l
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Thain Creek

    Thaine creek campgound

    This is a nice back in the woods campground with spots right on the creek. Our spot was 4 nice table on the creek with lots of sound. A lot if shade. Semi secluded from other campsites. The fire pits are really high so standing up is required for heat. Need chainsaw to gather wood. Lots of birds in the area. Lewis and Clark national forest. Highwood mountains. Lots of potholes drive with care.

  • Traci B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Great Falls KOA

    Nice and clean

    Nice KOA with good amenities. Good family environment. Clean


Guide to Fort Benton

Fort Benton camping options extend beyond the immediate riverfront areas, with opportunities stretching across the broader Missouri Breaks region. Summer temperatures in this prairie landscape frequently exceed 90°F, creating challenging conditions for tent campers without shade. The area sits at approximately 2,600 feet elevation with limited natural windbreaks, making campsite selection critical for comfort during the region's common high winds.

What to do

Hiking near White Cliffs: Coal Banks Landing serves as a gateway to the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument with access to numerous hiking trails. "The hiking up to the Hole-in-The-Wall is AWESOME! Though you will have to do some easy rock climbing so be prepared. It's also really easy to fall hundreds of feet as well," notes a visitor at Hole-in-the-Wall Boat Camp.

River fishing opportunities: Wood Bottom Recreation Area offers excellent fishing access points. "Nice location to explore the Missouri River Valley & all it has to offer!" reports one camper. The area features both established sites and more remote options along the riverbank for anglers seeking solitude.

Historical exploration: Fort Benton's heritage is accessible from Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground. "Set on the edge of Historic Fort Benton, this is a great place to land for a night or a week or more. Lots to see, explore and experience in the area," writes one visitor, noting the easy 5-minute walk to downtown historical sites.

What campers like

Sheltered river sites: The Missouri River corridor offers protection from the constant prairie winds. At Coal Banks Landing, one camper noted, "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."

Wildlife viewing: Wood Bottom Recreation Area offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities away from developed areas. "The disbursed spots along the river are awesome! Some of the best spots you can find!" according to a visitor who preferred the more remote options.

Family-friendly swimming: Chouteau County Fairgrounds Campground provides river access for younger visitors. "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," shares one parent who appreciated the balance of amenities with natural experiences.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: Finding campgrounds can be difficult without proper directions. For Wood Bottom, one visitor warns, "Warning, google doesn't have this site on the map. Put Decision Point for the destination & drive past it 1/4 mile downhill to the Loma Missouri bridge. There is a sign here with the Woods Bottom CG a mile down to the right on a improved gravel road."

Weather extremes: Benton RV Park & Campground experiences significant wind and heat. "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!" shares one RVer.

Road conditions: Many campsites require travel on unpaved roads. At Thain Creek Campground, a visitor notes, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Turtles and river activities: Look for child-friendly water access at fairgrounds camping. "This is a cute spot if your feeling like camping but want to stay in cell service and have electricity and water access. Down by the river. Bring bug spray. There is a small boat ramp/river access," recommends a family camper.

Balance of amenities: For families seeking both outdoor experiences and comforts, Thain Creek offers an excellent compromise. "This is probably one of the best campsites around the Great Falls area. The site are really well maintained and beautiful with a lot of trees and vegetation in the area," writes one visitor, highlighting its appeal for weekend getaways.

Rodeo scheduling: Time your fairgrounds stay around local events. "Also check to see when their rodeo is. The campground is right by the arena. If that isn't your thing you might get dusted out," advises one camper planning a family trip.

Tips from RVers

Limited turnaround space: Wood Bottom requires caution for larger rigs. "The road past the campground is really rutted & is almost impossible to turn around with a travel trailer. Check it out before you drive it!" warns one RVer who encountered challenges.

Hookup realities: Despite advertisements, verify actual hookups at your campsite near Fort Benton. "They say there are full-hookups but really there is only 1 site with both electric and water. The others only have electric," notes a camper at the fairgrounds facility.

Cell service considerations: Great Falls KOA offers better connectivity for those needing to stay connected. "The wifi worked only in that immediate area," notes one RVer, though the campground provides "a nice oasis" with "nice trees" compared to the surrounding open fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free or low-cost camping options in Fort Benton?

Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground offers affordable camping with electric and water hookups at budget-friendly rates. Campers report you "can't beat the price" for what's offered. For those seeking primitive options, Wood Bottom Recreation Area provides basic camping with just fire rings along a parking area and outhouse facilities at minimal cost. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument area offers several low-cost primitive camping options for those willing to boat in. When camping on a budget in this area, it's best to bring all necessary supplies as services are limited, and prepare for insects during summer months, particularly near the river where mosquitoes can be abundant.

Where can I find camping sites near Fort Benton, MT?

Fort Benton offers several camping options to visitors. Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground is located on the edge of historic Fort Benton, right near the Missouri River, making it convenient for both overnight stays and longer visits. For those willing to venture a bit further, Coal Banks Landing provides drive-in and boat-in access with water and toilet facilities. Other options in the broader area include Wood Bottom Recreation Area along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and several boat-in camps like Black Bluff Rapids and Evans Bend for those exploring the river. Great Falls, about 40 miles away, offers additional camping opportunities for those who need more amenities or are passing through the region.

What amenities are available at Fort Benton campgrounds?

Benton RV Park & Campground offers clean, well-maintained facilities with immaculate restrooms and showers. While it has comprehensive rules and regulations, the campground provides essential services for RV travelers. For those seeking a more rustic experience with some conveniences, Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground provides clean, updated bathrooms with hot showers, electricity, and water access. It also features a small boat ramp for river access. Many Fort Benton area campgrounds are situated near the Missouri River, providing scenic views but sometimes attracting insects during summer months. For more extensive amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, campers would need to travel to larger facilities in Great Falls, approximately 40 miles away.