Lincoln, Montana sits at an elevation of about 4,500 feet in a mountain valley surrounded by the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes, with warm summer days typically ranging from 70-85°F and cool nights dropping into the 40s even in July and August. Most campgrounds near Lincoln provide access to the Blackfoot River watershed, with fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout.
What to do
Fishing access points: Browns Lake Fishing Access Area provides dedicated camping spots with direct lake access. "Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks stocks this lake with over 50,000 rainbow trout per year….that's right 50,000. The lake is known for large rainbow trout and 10 pounders in the spring are apparently not a fish story," notes one camper about Browns Lake.
Hiking opportunities: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access. The Indian Meadows Trailhead serves as the starting point for "two trails in to the Helena National Forest Scapegoat Wilderness Area," according to a visitor at Indian Meadows Trailhead, who adds that "each trail head has a small parking area, but a very large parking area is between the two to allow for additional parking and for horse trailer parking."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report deer sightings around their sites. As one visitor to Hooper Park noted, "The deer walk through the campsites and the area is surrounded by pine trees." Another camper mentioned, "Deer roamed around our sites and nearly knocked on our doors."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Lost Moose Meadows Campground receives consistent praise for its site size. "Each site is like a little oasis with plenty of room to stretch (B3 feels like a 1/2 acre lot, and likely not too far off from it), plenty long enough for even the longest of rigs (some of the pull throughs are over 100 feet long)," writes one reviewer at Lost Moose Meadows Campground.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. A visitor at Copper Creek Campground commented, "Very clean, well maintained spots. Nice concrete tables and fire rings. Smelled of pine and very few biting bugs!" Another noted the area "has three vault toilets and potable Water is available from a hand pump."
Quiet atmosphere: The more remote campgrounds offer peaceful settings. "It's a great place to relax and reset after spending time in crowded national parks," said one camper about Copper Creek Campground, adding "Small campground on creek. There were several sites available on a Saturday night. Some sites more private than others."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds requires travel on unpaved forest roads. One camper at Indian Meadows Trailhead warned, "The only downside to this location is the access road being full of potholes, and if pulling up to the site late at night be careful for the narrow, winding roads that have a large drop off." Another visitor to Copper Creek noted, "I will say the road up, has seen much much better days. The speed limit on this road is 45, and I didn't catch myself going over 15mph. Heavy washboarding, and deep potholes."
Seasonal availability: Most Forest Service campgrounds operate from late May through early September. The exception is Hooper Park, which sometimes remains accessible in shoulder seasons: "The campground was closed for the season as we stayed in late September. That meant free! No bathrooms or water but it wasn't needed."
Varying hookup options: Electrical service is limited to specific sites and campgrounds. At Hooper Park, "There are 8 sites with 50-Amp electric for $30 a night. These sites are electric only, no water or sewer. There is a water hydrant for potable water."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Hooper Park includes children's play areas. "Playground for kids. Deer roamed around our sites and nearly knocked on our doors," mentioned one visitor. Another camper noted the park offers "a small playground which my kids think is underwhelming."
Cabin options: For families wanting shelter accommodations, Lost Horse Cabin provides "nice spacious log cabin with plenty of room to roam/hike in the area. Beds for up to 8 people, wood stove and firewood on site." This can be a good alternative during unpredictable weather.
Swimming opportunities: Some locations offer kid-friendly water access. Regarding Cummings Cabin, one visitor mentioned "Small secluded lake nearby for relaxed swimming," making it suitable for families with smaller children.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should check site length limitations. At Lost Moose Meadows, a reviewer noted it's "big rig friendly, which is a bonus for us," while another mentioned, "We have 27 foot 5th wheel and just barely had enough room to unhook and park in front of our RV" at Aspen Grove Campground.
Utility connections: Hookup availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Lost Moose Meadows provides full hookups, while Hooper Park offers only electric at select sites: "It's only $10 to camp here with a tent. $25 for an electric site with an RV."
Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies across the best places to camp near Lincoln, Montana. A visitor to Hooper Park noted, "The sites were not level. They looked as if they would be puddles if it rained," while another camper said, "the site was level and not the worst I've ever backed into."
