Fort Benton sits at 2,614 feet elevation along the Missouri River, where temperatures can exceed 100°F during summer months. The area features a mix of riverside camping and prairie terrain with significant wind exposure, particularly during spring and early summer. Camping options range from basic fairgrounds sites to full-service RV parks with varying amenities.
What to do
River activities: Access the Missouri River at Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground, which serves as a popular starting point for canoe trips. "A nice campground with both tent and RV sites... There is the canoe drop in that is quite busy during the day but not a hassle. The cliff on the other side of the river was a gorgeous view when the sun was setting," writes Carter W.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for native species near the waterways. "My 7yr old enjoyed catching soft shell turtles," notes Jean L. from Chouteau County Fairgrounds. However, exercise caution as "the island right near the fairgrounds is called snake island. They are everywhere," warns Amy H.
Explore historic downtown: Walk to Fort Benton's historic district from nearby campgrounds. The Chouteau County Fairgrounds offers easy access as it's "set on the edge of Historic Fort Benton... Lots to see, explore and experience in the area. 5 minute walk to downtown," according to Mimi.
Hiking trails: Access nature paths at Thain Creek Campground in the Highwood Mountains. "The trailhead for #431 is on the campgrounds and there are multiple routes you can take once you start. The path I followed for about 40 minutes opened into an incredible meadow with wildflowers," shares Donna S.
What campers like
Quieter camping options: Find seclusion at Thain Creek Campground. "Great place if you want a very secluded campground. They had clean pit toilets, a nice fire ring and picnic table for $10 a night. Nice hiking trails are available that go through the summer pastures for local ranchers," notes Lisa Z.
Clean facilities: Access well-maintained bathrooms at most area campgrounds. At Tiber Marina Campground, campers appreciate the "cleanest pit toilets ever, and power hookups all for $20 a night! The hosts were super friendly and informative," according to Joy B.
Night sky viewing: Enjoy stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. Tiber Marina Campground offers "no light pollution also made for an incredible evening of star gazing," reports Joy B.
Spacious campsites: Find room to spread out at several locations. "Lots of space between sites," notes Joy B. about Tiber Marina. Similarly, at Thain Creek, "the site are really well maintained and beautiful with a lot of trees and vegetation in the area. You are also not too close to other campsites," according to Sterling C.
What you should know
Access roads: Prepare for gravel travel to more remote locations. For Thain Creek, "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," advises Lisa Z.
Bugs and weather: Pack appropriate protection during summer months. At Wood Bottom Recreation Area, campers recommend exploring beyond the main campground: "The disbursed spots along the river are awesome! Some of the best spots you can find!" But be prepared for insects as Amy H. warns about Chouteau County Fairgrounds: "It's super buggy and extremely hot in the summer. We couldn't even sit outside at night because of the mosquitoes."
Reservation systems: Check availability requirements before arrival. Many campgrounds including Chouteau County Fairgrounds operate on "first come, first served" basis with no reservations accepted, as noted by multiple reviewers.
Campground conditions: Verify site layouts when planning. "Most spaces at the fairgrounds are gravel with no designated site numbers," and the sites at Wood Bottom "are just fire rings along the edge of a parking area," according to Dexter I.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Find kid-friendly amenities at Chester City Park. "The park and garden is very well kept with a great playset for kids," notes Kelsey B., though she cautions about noise: "The train is VERY LOUD and goes through every hour or so all night."
Water activities: Choose riverside campsites for easy water access. Chouteau County Fairgrounds provides access to the Missouri River, which families appreciate. "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," advises Jean L.
Safety considerations: Supervise children closely near water areas. While the rivers provide recreation opportunities, multiple reviewers mention wildlife concerns, especially snakes near water areas at certain campgrounds.
Plan for weather: Bring adequate cooling for summer camping trips. "Thankfully there was power to run the AC. We would've been long gone without it," shares Amy H. about summer camping at the fairgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate campgrounds based on rig size. For larger RVs, Great Falls KOA may be preferable as "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," explains Roger W.
Hookup availability: Verify electrical capacity before arrival. "Electric pedestals at some locations are shared between two sites, potentially requiring extension cords," while at Tiber Marina Campground, they offer "power hookups all for $20 a night!"
Road conditions: Assess access routes for larger vehicles. For RV campgrounds near Fort Benton, Montana, access varies significantly. At Thain Creek, "RVs and campers are welcome if they can survive the teeth jarring gravel road there," warns Donna S.
Level sites: Check pad surfaces when selecting a campground. Great Falls KOA features "blacktop" pads, while others have gravel surfaces that may require additional leveling.
