Kiwanis Park provides donation-based camping spots near Lewistown, Montana at 3,900 feet elevation. Located in the geographic center of Montana, this area experiences warm summer days and cool nights with average July temperatures ranging from 50-85°F. The surrounding Little Snowy and Judith Mountains create natural boundaries that shelter several camping areas and rustic accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Crystal Lake Campground offers multiple trail options including a loop around the lake and paths to scenic viewpoints. "The lake trail also had a couple of backcountry spots to set up. There's also a few more trails in the area that were very pretty," notes camper Shy-Anne W.
Wildlife viewing: Open meadows around Crystal Lake Campground provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We had abundant wildlife sightings with multiple deer right at our campsite," reports Jessica B. The natural setting makes dawn and dusk prime times for observation.
Fishing access: The clear waters of Crystal Lake support multiple fish species. "We saw a few fish being pulled out of the lake, lots of hikers heading up the trails and a few deer passing through the meadow," mentions Brandon N. Anglers should check Montana fishing regulations as licenses are required.
What campers like
Free camping with donations: Kiwanis Park operates on a donation system that helps maintain the facilities. "This place is great and it runs off of donations, so make sure to drop some cash into their donation box if you can. Clean bathrooms and plenty of spots to park your car and camp, some with picnic tables even," advises Sarah G.
Clean facilities: The well-maintained bathrooms at Kiwanis Park receive consistent praise. "This is a clean well kept basic campground right off the highway. Bathrooms clean and well functioning, plenty of spaces without being crowded," notes Roberta P.
Extended stays allowed: Kiwanis Park permits longer visits than many public campgrounds. "We were here on June 17, 2022. They have a ten day limit on your stay which is free. No electric but they do have some water spigots spaced throughout," shares reviewer Sherry.
What you should know
Road conditions: Reaching some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. "To get there it's a mix of about 20 miles of gravel and 1 lane paved roads. The gravel roads are well maintained. The 1 lane paved roads are a little iffy if you're pulling a trailer and its a busy travel day," warns Brandon N. about accessing Crystal Lake Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Kiwanis Park, "Our AT&T has 2-3 bars of data and running 13 mbps," reports Sherry, but remote sites have minimal to no coverage.
Yurt camping alternatives: While dedicated yurt camping near Lewistown, Montana is limited, the rustic cabin accommodations provide similar sheltered experiences. The Dry Wolf Cabin serves as a year-round alternative to traditional yurt camping in Lewistown, Montana area with basic amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Shower access: Though campgrounds lack showers, alternatives exist. "There's a shower at the civic center in town for $2, or one in Grass Lands for $5 just 30 min down the road," explains Sarah G. about staying at Kiwanis Park.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations cause temperature fluctuations. "Potable water is available while we were here no electricity. 4 or 5 covered toilets throughout campground area," mentions Chris B. about September conditions at Crystal Lake.
Tree cover considerations: Recent forest management has changed some camping areas. "This use to be the most beautiful campgrounds in Montana, until the USFS said the trees were dangerous. They had every tree in the campgrounds cut down and hauled off," explains Steve P. regarding Crystal Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: Kiwanis Park offers flexible parking for various RV sizes. "No designated sites just find a place to park. Small, only about 10 sites, a few ok for large rigs," advises Jeff R.
Water access: RVers should note water availability at each location. "The Dyrt description is a little confusing, no dump station, water only. Nevertheless we were happy to find it as a quick night stop," clarifies Roberta P. about Kiwanis Park.
Weather protection: The region can experience sudden weather changes. "Perfect place to duck into and park during high winds/rain. Extremely clean restroom," shares Mary S. about Kiwanis Park providing shelter during storms.
