Are you planning a tent camping trip to Pompeys Pillar? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Pompeys Pillar campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Please call the local BLM Office for current recreation site conditions and restrictions. Howrey Island Trail is damaged from river flooding. Travel at your own risk Howrey Island Recreation Area consists of approximately 592 BLM-administered acres and is in the floodplain of the Yellowstone River. This is a 'Pack In, Pack Out' area and all garbage must be removed. Some road sections may be closed due to high river flows or to protect habitat. The entire area is open to walk-in visitation, regardless of conditions. Overnight camping is permitted. No fireworks are allowed. Be mindful of seasonal and area fire restrictions.
Scout
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. Also, we were in T1 and near the bathrooms which made it so people would cut through our campsite often.
That being said all the facilities are very nice and the staff as well.
Tent campers beware but not that ware.
Ranger
This is a noisy place to stay! I was in a tent and thought it was overpriced. The tent sites were just a corner of grass on the edge of the site. Lots of noise from RVs and the interstate nearby. However, it was clean and well maintained.
Scout
This camground was fairly quiet. Close to town. Only issue with this campground is how they have sites marked. Took a little bit to figure out the site markers for tent camping. They have little concrete circles on the ground with numbers. After we figured that out it was easy to get set up and paid.
GuideQuite possibly our favorite campsite so far on our trip to Yellowstone. This is the original KOA established in 1962, and believe me they have it down to an art AND a science. The place is incredibly organized, the staff is amazing. They have all the amenities that will make your stay truly memorable for you and your family. They have a large swimming pool, and a hot tub, and a great little putt putt golf course. The tent sites were very comfortable, they are on grass, with grated fire pits.
I’ve never been to a place that had so many bathrooms, and showers. There was never a line at any time. The laundry facilities were immaculate, and always available.
This KOA truly sets the bar for a safe environment for you and your family. The only challenge that I had was trying to get my daughter to leave. She was happy staying there versus going to see Yellowstone park!
RangerIf you are looking for a busy campground this is it. Lots of activities going on. Access to the river which is beautiful. Great laundry room. Showers were nice and hot. They are unisex so all located in same building. A little strange walking out our your shower room. They were clean. Tent sites were ok. Don’t expect privacy or peace. Although, there is security to try and enforce many don’t listen. A lot of late nighters stay here. Location is ok but there is a little interstate traffic noise. We tried to get located for easy access to Yellowstone and Cody. After spending the day in Cody we found several nice campgrounds available sometimes you just have to risk it and show up. We are moving to Res lodge area to be closer to Yellowstone. We also found this is a campground used for locals for weekend away for swimming and hanging out. A lot of unattended children. Nice enough but we prefer more secluded accommodations.
LegendGeneral: Upon arriving at this campground (the FIRST Holiday KOA), I felt like we were in Disneyland! Everything was spotlessly clean, the staff was exceptionally friendly and even though there were rain clouds in the sky, it felt sunny!
Site Quality/Facilities: There are a variety of sites ranging from tent to full hookup with concrete patio, swing, and upgraded picnic table with umbrella. We had reserved a water/electric site. The first site assigned to us had a huge puddle from the recent rain so I went back to the office and asked if we could switch to the one next to it and it was no problem to do so. Sites that back up to the river are, in my opinion, the nicest but they don’t have full hookups if that is what you need. Some of the tent sites will hear road noise. There is a restaurant on-site (Pistol Pete’s) that was not open when we were there (due to Covid) but there was a food truck where you could order breakfast sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, etc. We did not try this so cannot comment on the quality. Coin-operated laundry.
Bathhouse: As nice as, if not nicer than, our bathroom at home! The tiled showers were very clean (it helped that I snagged one just after it was cleaned) and had a bench, plenty of hooks, a sink, and a toilet in an all-in-one. The water pressure was a little meek but hot. Husband had a shower in the alternative trailer– nice and clean but not as fancy.
Activities: Pool, hot tub, nice playground, mini golf all on-site. Campground backs up to the Yellowstone River with direct access, although the river was very low when we were there.
This very family-friendly campground is not our typical place to camp but after a week without, we needed showers and electricity and it was a Friday night in August, so we are glad we made the reservation to stay here!
Guide
We needed an easy stop crossing from WA to the Midwest. When we arrived, a number of sites were being used, but they were just there for the day. We loved our spacious spot with an amazing view of the river. Few bugs in September. We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument.
GuideA few miles off of the highway and you will find this nice camping area along the Yellowstone River. Very windy the day we were there, but the campsites were nice with fire rings and the scenery was exceptional. This is close to Pompey’s Pillar(which is currently closed for repair), and the Little Bighorn battlefield. Also not far from Billings.
TravelerStopped for one night tent dry camping on 9/10/20. Clean and quiet. Close to interstate (pros and cons). Parking available next to tent area. No fire rings in the large tent area. Limited picnic tables. Had two bucks stroll within 30 yards of the tent area. Bathrooms and showers were secure and clean. No firewood for sale. Had to buy from KOA next door.
LegendTo clear things up first this is a single campground that has cabins tent spots and pull in RV and camper spots.
This site would definitely be more suited for TVs but our tent fit in fine and we were able to escape to the nearby Yellowstone River.
There is also gritty sandstone climbing on the trims that surround Billings and one of our favorite ranges in the lower 48, the Beartooths, is very close by and absolutely stunning!
Ranger
This is a really cool Montana treasure in my opinion. Lewis and Clark signed the sandstone here and its the only location of its kind. Not really a hot camping spot, but a really awesome piece of Americana and a worthwhile visit. If you are interested in Lewis and Clark, Montana has dozens of locations to visit: float the Missouri and camp where they camped, make some big life decisions at Decision Point near Loma, explore the museums at Fort Benton or Great Falls, and much more.
Legend
Montana is such a beautiful state! The hiking and outdoor activities are limitless! My family and I go to Montana once every few years because he outdoor life is hard to stay away from. We stayed at this campground because there is some really good hikes nearby and we wanted to see this part of Montana. The campground was pretty good, just s typical campground. The restrooms weren’t the cleanest, but they were portapotties which to me are never clean! Bring your own toilet paper, they ran out the last day we stayed. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring. Within the campground there is a large grass area where people were playing horseshoes, volleyball and spike ball. My family and I enjoyed hanging out in this area, throwing a frisbee around with our dog. Again? Highly recommend hiking in the areas nearby! We also went to the lake that was close by! Enjoyed swimming and playing fetch in the water with our dog. Loved our stay and can’t wait to come back!
ScoutThis was an easy 1 night stop off highway. We are not the busy campsite type. This is a busy site a lot of trailers That being said, we were the only tent campers It was quiet and nice to have laundry
Guide
Great water and electric hookups with good water pressure. The staff here are very caring and hospitable, and the office has free ice cream and coffee!
We were delayed by a fire and bad storms and we called to say we wouldn’t be there before they close the office at 9:00 pm, but Laura said that she was concerned for us boondocking at Walmart, that there’s nothing available that night in Billings and that she’d stay late to let us in. Their hospitality shows in the nice selection of home-made freezer meals, Montana teas, and Montana honey for sale at homey prices.
Legend
This is my second time staying here on my way somewhere. 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. Variety of site options including a tent area. Nice hot showers! Laundry is $3 to wash and $175 to dry.
RangerWe really enjoyed our stay at Afterbay campground in Montana. Montana is such an incredible place to camp because there are so many outdoor activities. If you love the outdoors, I recommend visiting Montana. It is a great place year round. This campground is one of my favorite places because right down the road are a few different hikes. One hike is 8 miles round trip and it has the most amazing views ever. Views of the lake and mountains all around. You can’t beat that. The campground is well kept, but a little on the smaller side. Not sure how many spots they have, but during the summer it gets very busy. If you are planning to come in the summer I would recommend making your reservation ahead of time. We have stayed here twice and both times all the campsites were full. Bring your own fire wood because they don’t have any for sale close by. Also bring water because they don’t have any water hookups. Luckily we brought jugs of water, which we needed for our hikes. There are plenty of trees that provide great shade. Lots of bugs and mosquitos during the summer so I’d recommend good mosquito spray. We have come in the winter and stayed in our RV (see snow pictures) and we have come in the summer.
GuideDidnt camp but stopped to cook lunch, seems fine for tent or car camp, theres a few old picknick tables and an outhouse toilet. A few boaters at the boat ramp and one small area to get down to the river for dip (beware fast rapid spots), or use pier for fishing. No bites after a few casts but wasnt planning to stay as it was 92 degrees with not much shade.
RangerThis 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. Full hookup sites have a gravel pad, some grass and a few trees. AT&T service was good. Very friendly owner and an interesting gift shop.
GuideThis park has very nice full hookups sites with trees and lawns, some tent only sites at the rear of the park, and several water & electric only sites that are very close together.
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.
The property has a small, nice pool, a playground, a general store, laundry, dump station, and access to the Yellowstone River via a walking path.
GuideWe stayed at 7th Ranch RV Park in Garryowen, Montana in September 2021. This wonderful park is situated just a small drive from the Custers Last Stand and The Battle Of Little Bighorn. This is a family run park and working farm run by a family that has made this a must stop if you are traveling in this area . The sites are large pull-thru sites with FHU. All sites are tiered going up hill so everyone has amazing sunset views. Our site was a bit unlevel so bring your legos to assist in the setup. The sites all have trees and large grassy areas that are watered every night, so be forewarned. The road in is a dirt road which is a bit bumpy so slow down, as it’s only a short stretch till you get to the office. Big bonus is you get ice cream when you check in and who doesn’t like ice cream! They also sell homemade pies among other goodies in the office and they are delicious. Put this park on your list of places to stay when visiting Montana. It was an awesome stay for us. To see videos on this park and others, visit our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.
Scout
If you’re just staying for the night, it’s great. It’s FREE! Go down a short gravel road and pass a semi-maintained pit toilet. It looked great when I visited!
Further down the road there are two fire rings on your left. About 100 ft from each other. If you’re using just one tent there is a spot right on the river bank! I wish I had seen it the night before. There’s also some room on the right under the bridge.
The noise from the cars & the boats in the morning is the only bad thing. But it’s not terrible and I slept fine.
Saw a huge eagle looming over everything across the river.
Have fun
TravelerA 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.
https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/landing_input
This is a great spot. I was here on a week night very quiet. Only one other couple. Lots of birds. You can see where the beavers have been at work felling trees on they way in. Wild turkeys were pretty vocal last evening.
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.
It is actually a fishing access point with boat ramp. A little slow going in on the dirt road. Could be slick if rainy. There are 4 campsites with fire rings and a pit toilet at the far end.
Length limit on vehicles is 20 feet. They clarify 20 ft tow vehicle and 20 ft trailer. Don't know how strict they are on this. It would be tough to get anything big in here anyway. You can stay here up to 7 days.
Legend
We stayed here one night while traveling on Highway 12. This is a city park in Roundup, a small town along with a string of smaller towns along Highway 12. It is called Cow Bells
The cost is by donation that you place in a pay station near the entrance. There are flush toilets, a little dated but clean and functioning. There is a dumpster for your trash near the restrooms. I believe this is the campground for the Musselshell Rodeo.
The sites are spread out with picnic tables. You are sheltered by huge cottonwoods. While it was windy while we stayed, none of the branches fell. We were there mid September when the cottonwoods turn gold.
This was a godsend to us as we tried Deadman’s Basin but there were signs warning of rattlesnakes. Also, there was little shade there. There are few other public places to camp and in this part of Montana there is little public land.
Legend
Love love love staying here. Montana is so gorgeous, and the camping here is the best. Mountains surrounded us everywhere we looked. The hiking around this area is spectacular, and I would highly recommend checking out the hiking areas around. The campground was great. It was actually a lot bigger then I thought it would be. There is quite a bit of room between each campsite, which we like. The campsites are typical- picnic table and fire ring. But again, they are pretty big and they are separated by trees and shrubs. Great trees for hammocks. The only downside is that there were tons of bugs. The mosquitos were something else. Not sure if it is because it is close to the water, or standing water, but holy smokes they were bad. Highly recommend bringing lots and lots of bug spray. The weather was pretty hot too! The campsite was pretty busy when we went, but that was because it was during the summer months. Recommend reserving your spot ahead of time. They have some really good biking trails- recommend brining a bike if you love to do that!!
GuideThis area is for dedicated horseback riders or hikers. The road getting there is horrible it's very washboard e and the going is very slow. I do not recommend it for any kind of RV or camp trailer. When I go out here to ride I usually take my least favorite horse trailer a big living quarters trailer will not go down this road with that said this is actually a fantastic place to ride Young Horses. There is huge Open Fields. 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. Because it is BLM land you can camp but there's not really any camping spots. People do lease this land for their cattle so there are cattle no motorized vehicles allowed beyond the fence. There is a small parking lot big enough for a couple small horse trailers no bigger than three or four horse.
Travelergreat
TravelerApprox 4 spots right on the Yellowstone River. Pretty buggy. Bring your mosquito repellent. The. site is experiencing some river bank erosion due to runoff. Fire grates at each site. Some overflow make due sites that could work at the boat ramp.
Tent camping near Pompeys Pillar, Montana, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pompeys Pillar, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pompeys Pillar, MT is Pompeys Pillar FAS with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Pompeys Pillar, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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