M
MARK C.
Scout
ScoutDeadmans Basin
Beautiful location
Two campers there the night we stayed. We were in an RV so we didn’t use the provided bathrooms. Peaceful and serene with great opportunities for fishing or being alone.
Camping near Martinsdale, MT
69 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping areas around Martinsdale, Montana provide a range of options spanning from established campgrounds to primitive sites. The Martinsdale Reservoir Montana FWP offers waterfront camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, situated on the north shore of the reservoir. Spring Creek Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with access to drinking water and toilet facilities. Several other developed campgrounds within driving distance include Chief Joseph City Park in Harlowton and Richardson Campground near White Sulphur Springs, offering varying levels of amenities.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly across the region's campground options. Many sites are accessible via drive-in routes, though some roads may require careful navigation. The Martinsdale Reservoir area experiences significant wind patterns that can affect the camping experience, particularly for fishing enthusiasts. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with many open from late spring through fall, typically Memorial Day to October or early December. Limited tree cover in some areas means exposure to sun and wind. A review noted, "The problem with this campground is it has no trees so you are at the mercy of the sun and wind. The wind, it really blows through the area, every time I have visited this site I have found it too windy to attempt to fish."
The camping experience in the Martinsdale area features notable contrasts between developed and primitive sites. Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors, with several campgrounds offering lake or reservoir access. Sites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy between campers, though amenities remain basic across most locations. Many areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservation systems. Pricing varies, with some locations offering free camping while others charge modest fees ranging from $5-$18 depending on residency and fishing license status. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, stargazing opportunities rank highly among campers' experiences, with one visitor commenting on a nearby reservoir: "With no light pollution here, on a clear night like ours, the stars were simply astounding."
Best Campgrounds near Martinsdale (69)
1. Spring Creek Campground
"Regardless we were able to find a great water front site a good distance away from anyone else. Close to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park."
"Very nice quiet campground.Located by the shore of large lake. I thimk there were 12 or so sites available, each has table, fire ring and bear box."
2. Martinsdale Reservoir Montana FWP
3. Spring Creek
"You need to drive up a narrow paved road then a wider graded gravel road then make a sharp turn down to the right. Sites aren’t big but we did see some hunters in a small trailer."
from $10 / night
Check Availability4. Chief Joseph City Park
"A very nice small town town campground east of Montana’s front range. Several level pull-through RV sites with electricity. Dumpster and water hydrant near by in the campground."
"Really well maintained grounds, level gravel sites, fairgrounds close by."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Forest Lake Camping Area
6. Camping area 6393A
7. Grasshopper
"Some are not well situated for parking a camper, but it didn’t seem to crowded and we had our choice of spots early evening on a Friday."
"As you enter this campground you find a trail head to the left and then a picnic area to the right. The campsites start right after the first of two vault toilets for the campground."
8. Whitetail Camp
9. Halfmoon Campground
"I arrived around 1pm on a Friday and there were only two spots remaining. I grabbed spot #8, it certainly is not the most desirable but it was a spot nonetheless."
"The scenery surrounding the campground is breathtaking: sharp peaks that rise upwards of 7,000 ft in elevation, crystal clear mountain streams rushing down the mountain sides, waterfall after waterfall"
10. Shields River Campground
Drive Time
- 1 hr 25 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 35 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 44 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 6 min from Great Falls, MT
Recent Camping Photos near Martinsdale, MT
27 Photos of 69 Martinsdale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Martinsdale, MT
242 Reviews of 69 Martinsdale Campgrounds
- SStacie Q.Scout
Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch
We love it here!
Friendly, immaculate, perfect along the Boulder River!
- ttrina G.Scout
Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch
Lush and green in August with tree shade
Came in off the road without reservations they had creek space available. Green grass variety of rigs are here. There’s a nice playground for the children and plenty of space to walk. Your dogs has full hook ups on the pricier side, but with the money.
- AAlice H.Scout
Otter Creek Fishing Access Site
Riverside Camping
A few easy access spots next to the river and are relatively flat. Plenty more space further into the parking lot for bigger rigs. $10 pp for a conservation pass from what I could read online. We weren't hunting or fishing. Long drop toilet clean enough. Boat ramp available for river access.
Connie B.
RangerChief Joseph Campground
Nice over night
The small town of Harlowton has a grocery store and gas station and a couple of other stores and mechanic shops. The campground is right on the edge of town set down into a gully with a very nice rodeo arena next to it. Being in a gully protects from the Montana strong winds so it is a plus. We stayed two nights to rest up from our journey cross country. It is very clean and fairly spacious with a couple trees. I guess if it were full it would seem not so spacious but I think that is only when there is a rodeo. No restrooms, or sani dump that I’ve seen. So need to be self contained. It does have electric. There is supposed to be water but haven’t found that yet either. Over all it is a nice place to rest. At $23 per night for 30 amp. You can’t beat it!
Greg F.
TravelerOtter Creek Fishing Access Site
Nice overnight stop. Wish I had a license so I could fish.
Cool little site nice trail to creek.
Ray D.
GuideSpring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch
Outstanding park/camp grounds
Outstanding staff, well maintained grounds and campsites, on a river and has a creek running through the middle of the park.
owen T.GuideCrystal Lake Campground
Crystal lake Lewistown
Nice size. Very expensive 20. A night. Water available. Lake droughted out.
- CCorinne W.Guide
Otter Creek Fishing Access
A great overnight stop.
Dispersed camping. We were able to find one of the few spots in the shade and it was right off the river. A great way to cool down after a super hot, long day on the road. We got here at 5 on a Thursday and was able to find a spot. Bring your own water. And the toilet is very clean!!
Guide to Martinsdale
The Martinsdale, Montana area encompasses several established campgrounds within the Lewis and Clark National Forest and surrounding public lands. Campground options range from basic sites along Martinsdale Reservoir to more developed facilities like Spring Creek Campground. The region supports both tent and RV camping, with several locations providing primitive sites along waterways. Martinsdale Reservoir Montana FWP offers drive-in access for both tent and RV campers, while Spring Creek provides a more secluded experience with creek-side sites. Most campgrounds in this area maintain a rustic character with limited amenities and services.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with several campgrounds requiring travel on rough gravel or dirt roads. Spring Creek road leads to multiple camping areas including Whitetail Camp, located 12 miles north of U.S. Highway 12. Many sites operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through October or early December, with weather conditions determining actual closure dates. The area experiences significant winds, particularly at Martinsdale Reservoir where exposed campsites offer little protection from the elements. Campers should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and limited facilities. A review noted that "Martinsdale Reservoir Fishing Access Site campground is a very large campground with sites well spread apart from each other. The problem with this campground is it has no trees so you are at the mercy of the sun and wind."
Waterfront access represents a common feature across multiple campgrounds in the Martinsdale area. Spring Creek Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its creek-side sites, with visitors appreciating the small canyon setting that provides shade and cooler temperatures in summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities include potential bear encounters, requiring proper food storage at all locations. Fishing is available at several sites, with Spring Creek offering brook trout fishing. The more remote camping areas like Richardson Campground provide greater solitude but extremely limited facilities. A camper commented that Spring Creek has "10 sites with Spring Creek running through it. Our site backed up to the creek. You need to drive up a narrow paved road then a wider graded gravel road then make a sharp turn down to the right." Vault toilets are common at most established sites, but drinking water is limited to a few locations with hand pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping at Martinsdale Reservoir?
Where can I find camping at Martinsdale Reservoir?
Martinsdale Reservoir Montana FWP offers camping directly at the reservoir with well-spaced sites. This fishing access site features a large campground area where sites are generously spread apart, though not all are numbered. For alternatives near Martinsdale, consider Deadmans Basin, another reservoir camping option that's convenient for travelers passing through the area. The fishing access sites provide basic accommodations for both tent and RV campers, with easy water access for fishing and boating activities.
What amenities are available at Martinsdale camping areas?
What amenities are available at Martinsdale camping areas?
Camping areas around Martinsdale offer basic amenities. At Chief Joseph City Park, you'll find level pull-through RV sites with electricity, a dumpster, nearby water hydrant, and access to a large community playground. It allows stays up to 14 days. For a more rustic experience, Ackley Lake State Park Campground provides basic facilities in the Martinsdale vicinity. Most Martinsdale area sites have picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary by location. Expect limited services with some sites offering vault toilets but generally no hookups or running water beyond community spigots.
When is the best season for camping in Martinsdale, Montana?
When is the best season for camping in Martinsdale, Montana?
The optimal camping season in Martinsdale runs from late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities at Crystal Lake Campground, where you'll find peaceful waters, clear lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers. By October, areas like Dry Wolf become less crowded while still offering beautiful Montana scenery, though temperatures drop significantly. Fall camping at reservoirs like Deadmans Basin shows lower water levels. Winter brings harsh conditions making camping difficult, while spring can be wet with unpredictable weather. Summer remains the most reliable season with the fullest access to facilities and activities.
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