Camping near Martinsdale, MT

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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

      4.5(11)12mi from MartinsdaleRVs, Tents

      "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

      3.0(2)1mi from MartinsdaleRVs, Tents

      3. Spring Creek

      5.0(3)12mi from MartinsdaleRVs, Tents

      "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

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      4. Chief Joseph City Park

      4.6(8)23mi from MartinsdaleRVs, Tents

      "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

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      5. Forest Lake Camping Area

      4.0(1)16mi from MartinsdaleTents

      6. Camping area 6393A

      2.0(1)14mi from MartinsdaleTents

      7. Grasshopper

      3.4(5)22mi from MartinsdaleRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

      3.0(2)18mi from MartinsdaleRVs, Tents

      9. Halfmoon Campground

      4.5(11)29mi from MartinsdaleRVs, Tents

      "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

      3.0(2)19mi from MartinsdaleTents

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    Recent Reviews near Martinsdale, MT

    245 Reviews of 69 Martinsdale Campgrounds

    • Robert B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Jumping Creek Campground

      Pretty quiet and secluded, mostly open

      Camping late September in a truck camper, found it quite comfortable and adequate. Post-logging, (reportedly due to tree disease) the new growth is up to around 12' tall. There a nice brook babbling and some of the sites are along it. Sites are well separated and clean, as is the toilet. Parking sites are mostly quite level. There is a $15 camping fee. Only one other site was occupied. Road noises are fairly distant and tolerable. No T-Mobile coverage.

    • Katie F.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 21, 2026

      Otter Creek Fishing Access Site

      Nice place for the night

      There’s not many spots and there were about 5 groups already here. Not much privacy but very pretty my the river.

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 16, 2026

      Timber Creek Dispersed Campground

      Breathtaking Scenery

      Nobody should be concerned about making it down the 5.6 mile gravel road. We took our 36’ motorhome and tow vehicle - no issues. We stayed for about 10 days. It was so quiet. Except for the weekend, we had the place to ourselves. I can’t even explain how beautiful the scenery is. We even enjoyed the cows day and night! We took several trips deeper into the woods to explore with our Jeep. Now that section was rough - but fun. We were surprised by the lack of wild animals. We saw two deer one morning and that was it. But the cows made up for it. You won’t regret staying here!!

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Deadmans 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.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 29, 2026

      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.

    • A
      Aug. 28, 2026

      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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 28, 2026

      Chief 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!

    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?

    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?

    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?

    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.