Lincoln, Montana sits at an elevation of 4,541 feet in the heart of the Blackfoot Valley. The area receives moderate precipitation throughout the year with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Lincoln operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some facilities available for off-season use when weather permits.
What to do
Fishing at Browns Lake: Browns Lake is stocked with over 50,000 rainbow trout annually according to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. "The lake is known for large rainbow trout and 10 pounders in the spring are apparently not a fish story. The lake also has Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Longnose suckers," notes camper Dexter I. at Browns Lake.
Hiking nearby trails: The Indian Meadows Trailhead serves as access point to wilderness trails. "Indian Meadows Trailhead is the trailhead for two trails in to the Helena National Forest Scapegoat Wilderness Area... Mainline Trail #481 and Landers Fork Trail #438," explains reviewer Dexter I. at Indian Meadows Trailhead.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Keep an eye out on the surrounding hills around the campground for Big Horn Sheep. While staying at the campground we saw 5 sheep on the hill next to the campground entrance," reports a visitor at Holter Dam Rec Site.
What campers like
Proximity to town services: Hooper Park provides easy access to Lincoln's amenities. "Walking distance to all the amenities of town. This park has a pit toilet and flush toilets, also showers, potable water and garbage service," writes Ethan C. at Hooper Park.
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds offer direct access to water. "Aspen Grove Campground features 19 campsite nestled in a mature grove of cottonwoods, Lodgepole pines, junipers and a few aspens, all sitting on the banks of the upper Black Foot River," describes Dexter I. at Aspen Grove Campground.
Secluded forest settings: Copper Creek offers a quiet forest experience. "Located about 10-15min drive off of the highway. Last half is gravel. Three hiking trails nearby. Clean long drop toilet. Cold water. $15.00 per night. No power. Big level lots for trailers," notes reviewer Johnathan I. at Copper Creek Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigation of rough roads. "The 5 miles of washboard road most likely deters the crowds! Very clean, well maintained spots. Nice concrete tables and fire rings," shares Kaimy M. about Copper Creek Campground.
Limited facilities: Most pet-friendly Lincoln area campgrounds provide basic amenities only. "This is a dry campground so bring water. This is also a trash-in trash-out campground. The campground is fairly exposed and tends to be windy during the summer," explains a reviewer at Browns Lake.
Availability patterns: Some campgrounds have predictable usage patterns. "Usually pretty well filled up most last spring and summer weekends. Not so busy during weekdays," observes Dave M. regarding Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Playground for kids and it's pet friendly! We love this park," mentions Ethan C. about Hooper Park's facilities for children.
Swimming opportunities: Several sites provide safe water access for families. "Swimming area is nice and water was warm however it may have been too hot to tent camp. There was only a few places to find shade to set up a tent," notes Tony E. at Holter Dam.
Wildlife education: The area provides opportunities for children to observe animals. "We were surprised at the number of deer in the area. Deer roamed around our sites and nearly knocked on our doors," reports Valentia about their stay at Hooper Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Hooper Park offers some powered sites. "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. I did not see a place to dump," explains Dan H.
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have space constraints for larger vehicles. "Big Nelson Campground is anything but big. This is a tiny cramped campground. I found 6 campsites, but the Forest Service website list this campground as having four," cautions Dexter I.
Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies across campgrounds. "We have 27 foot 5th wheel and just barely had enough room to unhook and park in front of our RV," notes Dan H. about Hooper Park's space limitations.