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Campgrounds near Pompeys Pillar in Montana range from primitive fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River to RV parks and cabin rentals within driving distance. Captain Clark Fishing Access Site offers primitive camping with fire rings and picnic tables directly on the riverbank, while Pompeys Pillar FAS provides access to the historic sandstone formation marked by William Clark during the Lewis and Clark expedition. Campgrounds near Pompeys Pillar provide excellent opportunities for riverside camping with beautiful views of the Yellowstone River. The area supports tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals at locations like Hardin KOA and Billings KOA Holiday within driving distance.
Road conditions and access vary significantly across these camping areas, with some requiring travel on rough, washboard roads unsuitable for large RVs or trailers. Most fishing access sites now require a Montana Conservation License for overnight stays, which costs $10 for out-of-state visitors and is valid for a full year. Captain Clark Fishing Access has a 20-foot length limit for vehicles and trailers, limiting accessibility for larger rigs. Summer brings mosquitoes to riverside locations, especially near marshy areas. "A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Your permit is good all year."
Riverside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with campers particularly appreciating the peaceful setting and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Yellowstone River provides a scenic backdrop at several campgrounds, with Captain Clark Fishing Access offering spacious, grassy sites facing the water. Visitors note the abundance of bird activity, including wild turkeys and geese. A review noted, "Beautiful spot by the river. Kind of crowded for how secluded it was, but we got a good camp site by a gorgeous old cottonwood tree that provided some privacy." Cell service is available at some locations but completely absent at others like Grant Marsh Fishing Access. Most riverside campgrounds have vault toilets but lack running water, showers, and hookups, making them best suited for self-contained camping or those prepared for primitive conditions.
"We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument."
"A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Here's the link. Your permit is good all year."
"There are also a lot of sandstone Cliffs and deep gullies a very big good assortment of varied Terrain to teach young horses for trail riding."
"This camp ground is tucked into a residential area, and far enough off the interstate to not hear the noise, but close enough to town and all the other amenities to make it very convenient."
"We normally avoid KOA campgrounds - preferring to stay away from large campers pushed together. Our experience was not what we expected. We were the only ones in the last loop."
"This is no more/no less than expected from a private campground in eastern Montana. Very convenient off the highway and to town, also about 20 minutes to Little Big Horn."
"It's relatively quiet even tho it's close to the highway. Nicely spaced spots. Clean bathhouse and laundry. Hostess is friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Easy walk into town for groceries."
from $37 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Washing machine room is big and an adjacent room to wash your dog! This KOA has a Pizza/Wings store attached to office."
"We had another RV right next to us, about 5 ft away. On the other side of our RV was a nice green grassy area with a picnic table, which was nice. It was a great one nighter for us."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Stopped on our drive along 90. Lots of sites with fire rings (some with grills too). The farther you go, the more rugged it gets. Adjacent to a few farms, fun to wake up next to the cows."
"It’s an incredible BLM-managed dispersed camping area about 30 minutes outside of Billings, offering towering ponderosa pines, rocky bluffs, and sweeping valley views."
"Only two spots I could find right on the Big Horn river, but a beautiful and Serene location. One Vault toilet and a couple of garbage cans in one locale. No cellular service whatsoever."
"Can’t beat the proximity to gas & propane, great convenience store and nice RV Stop amenities."
from $45 - $479 / night
Check Availability"The park is in a quiet area with easy access on and off the interstate Highway in southeast Billings. The exit is he same one that leads to the road to downtown, the ball park, and the airport."
"Would recommend this site, its right outside town, close to the hospital. The camp is nice and the facilities are nice, the people are friendly and there is places to walk with in the camp."
GuideI stayed here for a night while heading east - May 13th. It was green and grassy as the season hasn't really kicked in. After the fly fisherman that was wading in the Bighorn River departed I had the place to myself. I woke up with the sun and some noisy critters. Great night!
ScoutThe sites were unkept. There were no showers and the site numbers were all but impossible to find.
RangerWe just wrapped up a 16-day basecamp here and absolutely loved it. It’s an incredible BLM-managed dispersed camping area about 30 minutes outside of Billings, offering towering ponderosa pines, rocky bluffs, and sweeping valley views. Here are the camping specifics you need to know:
The Setup & Access: This is mostly dry/dispersed camping, though many of the sites do have picnic tables and fire rings. You have to take a few miles of gravel roads (Oswald and Haeg Rd) to get in. There is some washboarding, but we took it slow and easily got our Ford Explorer and 5x8 trailer down into the camping area without any issues.
Amenities: There are vault toilets available near the entrance/parking lot. How far of a walk they are just depends on which dispersed site you claim!
Connectivity (For Digital Nomads): We work remotely full-time from the road. We were able to get a crystal clear line of sight for our Starlink dish, making this an amazing spot to work from the woods.
Activities: The hiking and mountain biking here are top-tier. Highly recommend hiking the "Owl Be Back" trail right from camp, which weaves you through the massive sandstone outcroppings.
If you want a quiet, rugged, and beautiful place to dry-camp that is still close enough to Billings for supply runs, this is the spot!
TravelerWe stayed for a single night. Right on the river. Flat spot. Plenty of spots. Sketchy area on the way in...a few very run down homes, but it opens up to a lovely area. Area had other campers, all looked pretty rough. 5 sheriff cars and a paramedics unit came down later in the night. I'm not sure I'd visit again.
ScoutI was skeptical about this spot, looking at it on Google Maps it didn’t look like anything special, but I am so glad I decided to camp here. The landscape is incredible and the sites are very spacious.
ScoutDry camping,no water, only one pit toilet, by busy road and cost us $30 for one night
RangerThere is some wash board on the gravel road but it wasn’t bad. Sites are marked and clustered together. There were a handful of other campers and other than the guy who seems to be living here and decided his homemade RV needed to be welded back together at 10:30 Pm. It was a nice place to stay.:
TravelerThe people were very friendly and even gave me a free ice cream.
ScoutSite is adjacent to a very good restaurant with nice owners. Has full hookup on a level, quiet gravel and grass lot.
Camping sites near Pompeys Pillar, Montana range from primitive fishing access locations to established campgrounds with differing levels of amenities. The terrain features rolling hills and cottonwood groves along the Yellowstone River at approximately 3,300 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with cooler evenings in the 50-60°F range.
Explore nearby historical sites: Pompeys Pillar National Monument makes an excellent day trip from Captain Clark Fishing Access Site. "We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument," notes Dorothy J. who stayed at Captain Clark. The monument features William Clark's signature from 1806.
Fishing the Yellowstone: Multiple access points provide opportunities to fish the Yellowstone River. "This is actually a fishing access point with boat ramp," explains a Captain Clark camper. The river offers seasonal fishing for trout, walleye, and catfish depending on location and time of year.
Wildlife watching: The riparian areas attract diverse wildlife. At Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground, campers report frequent deer sightings: "Had two bucks stroll within 30 yards of the tent area." Bird watchers will appreciate the variety of species including wild turkeys, geese, and songbirds throughout the riverside camping areas.
Riverside camping spots: The peaceful settings along the Yellowstone River consistently receive positive reviews. One camper at Captain Clark appreciated "our spacious spot with an amazing view of the river." The natural riverside environment provides a serene backdrop for camping experiences.
Shade trees at select locations: Many campers value the shade provided by mature trees. At Billings KOA Holiday, a reviewer noted the "beautiful setting among trees" and "several spots around a small pond." The cottonwood trees at riverside locations offer welcome relief from summer heat.
Trails and outdoor activities: Several camping areas offer access to hiking and biking trails. "This is one of my favorite local riding spots. The trails are well used and vary from flat and easy to moderately difficult," writes a reviewer about Acton Recreation Area. Many locations provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching.
Conservation license requirements: Montana fishing access sites require a conservation license for overnight camping. "A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here... Your permit is good all year," explains Kevin C. about Captain Clark. This permit costs $10 for out-of-state visitors and remains valid for 12 months.
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult access roads. A reviewer cautions about Pompeys Pillar FAS: "The road getting there is horrible it's very washboard and the going is very slow. I do not recommend it for any kind of RV or camp trailer." Always research current road conditions before attempting access.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings mosquitoes, especially near the river. "Pretty buggy. Bring your mosquito repellent," advises a Captain Clark camper. Spring can bring flooding and muddy conditions, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
Swimming spots: Some locations offer safe areas for swimming. At Captain Clark, a camper noted, "The Yellowstone River is a fast moving and dangerous river but there is a great swimming hole on the other side of the boat launch." Always supervise children near water and be aware of current conditions.
Playground availability: Several established campgrounds offer playgrounds for children. At Hardin KOA, a visitor mentioned: "Very nice playground with a mix of old and new equipment. But I didn't like the dirt under it as the kids and I got dirty feet super fast." Check ahead for family amenities at your destination.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning experiences by visiting nearby historical sites. The Little Bighorn Battlefield is within driving distance of several campgrounds. "This is close to Pompey's Pillar, and the Little Bighorn battlefield. Also not far from Billings," notes a Captain Clark camper.
Length restrictions: Some fishing access sites have strict vehicle length limits. At Captain Clark, "Length limit on vehicles is 20 feet. They clarify 20 ft tow vehicle and 20 ft trailer." Always verify size restrictions before arrival.
Sewer connection challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup configurations. At Grandview Campground, a camper mentioned the dump connection was "about 1ft above ground level and almost made it impossible to dump with an accordion hose." Bring extension hoses and adapters when traveling in this region.
Affordable overnight options: When traveling along I-90, several campgrounds offer convenient overnight stops. "We needed an easy stop crossing from WA to the Midwest," reported a Captain Clark camper. Most fishing access sites provide basic amenities at minimal cost with the conservation permit, while KOAs and private campgrounds offer more amenities at higher prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Pompeys Pillar in Montana?
For camping near Pompeys Pillar, consider Captain Clark, a dispersed camping area along the Yellowstone River just a few miles from the monument. This site offers spacious spots with fire rings and stunning river views. Another option is Pompeys Pillar FAS, a camping area located at the historic site itself. While not primarily known as a hot camping destination, it provides a unique opportunity to camp near this important Lewis and Clark landmark—the only location where their signatures on sandstone can still be seen. Both sites offer convenient access for travelers looking to explore this significant historical site while enjoying Montana's natural beauty.
What established campgrounds are available near Pompeys Pillar National Monument?
Several established campgrounds serve visitors to Pompeys Pillar National Monument. Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground in southeast Billings offers full hookup sites with trees and lawns, plus tent-only and water/electric sites, all with easy interstate access. For those seeking a family-run experience, 7th Ranch RV Park in Garryowen provides well-maintained sites with water and electric hookups, free ice cream and coffee in the office, and beautiful prairie views with memorable sunsets. Additional options include Afterbay campground for outdoor enthusiasts and Roundup City Park, which offers affordable camping by donation with flush toilets. These established campgrounds provide various amenities within reasonable driving distance to the monument.
What camping is available near Pompeys Pillar, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pompeys Pillar, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 32 campgrounds and RV parks near Pompeys Pillar, MT and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pompeys Pillar, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pompeys Pillar, MT is Captain Clark with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pompeys Pillar, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Pompeys Pillar, MT.
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