Camping options near Pompeys Pillar, Montana include both streamside fishing access sites and developed RV parks within short driving distance. The region features rolling grasslands between 2,800-3,500 feet elevation with the Yellowstone River providing a central waterway through the landscape. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F while nighttime temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees, requiring campers to pack for temperature variations.
What to do
Boat access fishing: Captain Clark Fishing Access Site offers direct river access with a boat ramp. "A few miles off of the highway and you will find this nice camping area along the Yellowstone River... the scenery was exceptional. This is close to Pompeys Pillar," notes Chad L.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby landmarks showcasing Montana's history. "We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument," writes Dorothy J. about staying at Captain Clark Fishing Access Site. Another camper mentions "It's easy to imagine Capt. William Clark floating past in 1806 in his lashed together canoes on his way to the Missouri to rejoin Capt. Merriweather Lewis."
Hiking and biking: The Acton Recreation Area offers trails of varying difficulty. "The trails are well used and vary from flat and easy to moderately difficult. Lots of bicyclers on the trails," states a reviewer. "Excellent place too take 21 speed mountain bike too," adds another visitor.
What campers like
River views: Riverside camping spots provide natural scenery. "We loved our spacious spot with an amazing view of the river. Few bugs in September," reports Dorothy J. Another camper at Grant Marsh describes it as a "beautiful and Serene location" with "only two spots I could find right on the Big Horn river."
Vault toilets: Many primitive sites maintain clean facilities. "Vault toilet super clean. Right on the river, so silent," notes Steve N. At Grant Marsh FAS, visitors mention "a clean bathroom (just a toilet, no running water)."
Dispersed camping privacy: Campsites offer separation between visitors. At Acton Recreation Area, a camper reports: "About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others."
What you should know
Conservation license requirement: Montana now requires permits for some sites. "A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here... Your permit is good all year," explains a Captain Clark visitor. "The out of state variety that I had to purchase was $10 and is good for an entire year at this and any other location in the state that requires it."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack services. "Length limit on vehicles is 20 feet. They clarify 20 ft tow vehicle and 20 ft trailer," notes a Captain Clark reviewer. At Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground, "Tent camping here is not very private. You basically pitch a tent in the middle of a bunch of RVs with very little tree cover."
Wildlife encounters: Expect various animals in the area. "Heard some coyotes over night and saw some hunters in the morning," reports a visitor to Acton Recreation Area. Another camper mentions, "You can see where the beavers have been at work felling trees on they way in. Wild turkeys were pretty vocal last evening."
