Best Campgrounds near Radersburg, MT

Camping options around Radersburg, Montana include both developed campgrounds and primitive sites set against the backdrop of the Elkhorn Mountains. Crow Creek Campground, a BLM facility, serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation with its 6-8 established sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. The Missouri River corridor also offers several mixed-use campgrounds, including Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site and Indian Road Campground, catering to tent campers, RV users, and in some locations, cabin stays. Canyon Ferry Lake provides additional water-oriented camping experiences at locations like Cottonwood Campground and various Bureau of Reclamation sites.

Access to many campgrounds requires travel on dirt roads that may present challenges during wet weather. Crow Creek Campground is reached via State Highway 285 through Radersburg, where the paved road transitions to a maintained dirt road. According to one visitor, "Finding information about this campground was hard, it does not show up on the BLM's interactive map." Most campgrounds in the area lack drinking water and trash service, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out garbage. Vault toilets are common at established sites, while dispersed camping areas offer no facilities. Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water sources during summer months.

Many developed campgrounds in this region feature direct access to water bodies, making them popular for fishing and boating activities. The Missouri River access points receive positive reviews for their level sites and proximity to water. A camper noted that Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site has "nice, level sites not far off the main road" with "sites pretty close to the water." Wildlife viewing opportunities include rabbits and various bird species, particularly at Cottonwood Campground where one visitor described the birds as "rampant and very loud but entertaining to watch." Free camping options exist throughout the area, though reviews indicate varying experiences with site quality and cleanliness. For those seeking more amenities, several KOAs and state park campgrounds within 30 minutes offer electric hookups, showers, and cabin rentals.

Best Camping Sites Near Radersburg, Montana (126)

    1. Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 285-3610

    $14 / night

    "This campsite is located in a beautiful remote area of Montana, only a short hike away from the beginning of the Missouri River. Large site. The only problem was there were many mosquitoes."

    "We stayed at Site 16, which is at the far end of the campground and felt nicely tucked away."

    2. Ponderosa - Canyon Ferry Reservoir USBR

    9 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    "Beautiful drive in and across dam.  Smaller less congested Campground than others on the lake itself.  Boat ramp for river access and fishing, Quick access to top of dam and beach areas for swimming."

    "Near Goosebay Harbor. Rough roar 3 miles Long to a hidden gem."

    3. Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

    4 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "The campground has one ADA Campsite, site #4, unless you really need the sites concrete pad I would avoid this site as it is going to be very busy around the site as it is right next to the boat launch"

    "What a great little park just off the highway! Everything was well maintained and the vault toilet was cleaned and stocked."

    4. Three Forks KOA Journey

    19 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 285-3611

    $58 - $70 / night

    "Park for children Great walking paths

    Fire pit accessible

    Trash and dumpsters."

    "New KOA owner here very friendly and all around awesome. Though spot close quarters tight turns."

    5. Indian Road Campground

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 475-3921

    "This is a nice campground just outside of Townsend Montana. Good information signs about the area and the Lewis and Clark journey. A nice fishing pond is available for children 14 and under."

    "All spots are in a loop so you just park next to the spot you want. No trash, water or electric. It’s free and has a picnic table and fire ring at each site."

    6. Crow Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Radersburg, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "Bumped in to this nice little campground after hiking in the adjacent Elkhorn Mountains.  This is a BLM campground with 8 sites, each having a metal fire ring and picnic tables. "

    "The sites all have access to the water and there is a single vaulted toilet. The tp was stocked and the sites were clean."

    7. Cottonwood Campground

    5 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    12 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    "While the campground is near Canyon Ferry Lake it is not on the lake."

    "Pulled in around 10 to find a couple 5th wheels in a circle and a few vans dispersed, only one sketchy motor home but quiet night."

    8. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

    37 Reviews
    Cardwell, MT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-3541

    $8 - $70 / night

    "The layout of this state park was somewhat unusual: there are five loops within one larger loop with 32 sites plus seven additional pull-through sites on the outside of the loop."

    "It is not far away from freeway I90. It has never been crowded when we were there in spring or fall. Big campground, clean and tidy, in an open area with few trees. Shower building was OK."

    9. Upper Toston Dam Campground and Boat Launch

    3 Reviews
    Radersburg, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "The Lower Toston Damp Campground is located a half mile below Toston Dam. The Upper Toston Dam Campground features four cover camp picnic table sites with metal fire rings."

    10. Canyon Ferry Lake KOA

    4 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 266-3100

    "Great Playground, close to tent sites. Nice staff and great coffee and beautiful setting!"

    "Pretty mount and lake views. Playground and store. $5 for showers if you are not staying."

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Recent Reviews near Radersburg, MT

613 Reviews of 126 Radersburg Campgrounds


  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Fort Harrison RV Park

    Great resupply & laundry spot

    Friendly people. Standard RV park, not a campground. Close to everything you need and has laundry and a gym available.

  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Park Lake Campground

    Nice spot, busy on weekends

    Great views and walking space for dogs. Lots of wildlife. Water and vault toilets. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards can be used on the lake. Good fly fishing spot.

  • VanRumschpringa V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Quiet with a relatively easy approach

    The road has some potholes but nothing too problematic. There are a lot of small pull-ups and some large spaces as well. You’ll be buried deep in the woods near Bridger bowl. I camped at the trailhead for Lower South Brackett trail. I did not explore what lay beyond my site. It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke.

  • Emma G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Vigilante Campground

    Lovely spot

    Small secluded campsite, easy to get to. Road was totally fine with my Subaru Impreza! Went in the off-season so almost no one there. Would recommend hiking Trout Creek Canyon. Stunning!

  • Emma G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Closed Gate

    Gate is closed, I’m assuming for the winter? Anyways, camped next to the gate there’s a little pull out. But not ideal.

    Pretty close to Helena and decent service can see why it’s not a bad place to stay. Road was fine.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily, although this is by far the roughest road I’ve encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart! I saw a couple sprinter vans coming up but no other RV’s. There are a handful of spots to camp on the way up the mountain but I found one about 1/4 mile before the campground. There is sun, shade, a fire ring and 3 other neighboring sites. 2 of those sites aren’t very accessible by car but this site is big enough for multiple vehicles. It’s also walking distance to the Fairy Lake trailhead and to the lake itself, which is very popular on the weekends. Would absolutely stay here again. No bugs, no bear scat nearby, some traffic but still private.

  • Tim T.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot - No Traffic

    This was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves.  The access when you turn off at Elliston is not clearly marked but there is only one road that turns off there so its not too difficult to get on the right road. We had the area to ourselves and did not hear or see any other vehicles on the road the whole time we were there.  There were lots of free range cattle though.

    One thing worth mentioning is that these sites are not far from the main road and the train tracks.  The trains come by on a semi-frequent basis and you will definitely hear the train whistle and track noise.  It wasn't a deal breaker for us, but something to keep in mind.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Battle Ridge Campground

    Great for tents

    We found this spot to be lovely but don’t go up the mountain if you have an rv. We ended up at the dead end and we had to back down our 30 foot rv down the mountain. Lots of people living at this spot in the late fall so be aware of that. Cool spot but not big rig friendly passed the main turn in area.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Fairy Lake Campground

    Gorgeous Mountains and Crystal Clear Water

    The drive up is very rough, most vehicles I saw were Toyotas and Subarus. 4 Wheel drive is recommended, however I took my Ram Promaster 3500 Campervan up to the top where the campground is. The campground is a little higher up than the lake, but the Mountain View’s are worth not having a campsite directly on the water. There is a stream that runs through a few sites tho. Anyway it was beautiful and plenty of space between other sites, but there were people there all weekend long. The weekdays we were basically alone at the campground.


Guide to Radersburg

Camping near Radersburg, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the water or a place with more amenities, there are options that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Explore the Lewis & Clark Caverns: Just a short drive from Radersburg, the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a must-visit. One camper noted, "Be sure to unhook and get to the caverns early in the morning to get a reservation to tour." The caverns offer stunning tours that are perfect for families.
  • Fishing and Boating: At the Court Sheriff Campground, you can enjoy great access to the water. A reviewer mentioned, "Great campground with a mix of sites and day use. Lots of shore access for swimming and fishing."
  • Hiking: Trails around the Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground provide beautiful views. One visitor shared, "The state park, campgrounds, and trails are so beautiful."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained sites. A review for the Three Forks KOA Journey stated, "Bathrooms and shower house were very clean and private which was nice."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. At Hellgate Campground, one guest said, "Chuck the camp host was very attentive and friendly! He was probably the best host we have ever had."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Devil's Elbow Campground offer beautiful surroundings. A camper remarked, "The spaces are wide and long... and well separated."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in certain areas. A visitor at the Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitos were so bad we immediately left and found another place to stay for the night."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A camper noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups, and no showers."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A review for the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park advised, "They do have drop-in non-reservation sites, but recommend getting reservations."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. The Three Forks KOA Journey has a large dog area and a nice pavilion for family gatherings.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to schedule time for cave tours and hikes. One family shared, "We did the Paradise tour as my son is in a wheelchair. The classic tour looked super cool though!"
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, it's wise to bring plenty of repellent. A camper at the Confederate Campground mentioned, "The mosquitoes were absolutely bloodthirsty and aggressive."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have small sites. A reviewer at the Three Forks KOA Journey noted, "The sites are very small and very crowded."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds that offer full hookups. The Court Sheriff Campground has good access to water but no electric hookups.
  • Be Mindful of Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping mentioned, "The road just leading to the camping spots was a little bumpy."

Camping near Radersburg, Montana, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping spots near Radersburg, Montana?

Several excellent camping options exist within easy driving distance of Radersburg. Crow Creek Campground is a free BLM site with 8 primitive sites, each featuring metal fire rings and picnic tables plus a vault toilet. For water access, Toston Dam Campground offers riverfront camping with good fishing opportunities, though be prepared for occasional train noise. Other nearby options include Cottonwood Campground near Townsend and the dispersed camping areas around Canyon Ferry Reservoir, which provide more rustic experiences for those seeking solitude.

What historical sites can I visit while camping in Radersburg, Montana?

The Radersburg area offers rich historical experiences for campers interested in Montana's past. Stay at Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground to explore the birthplace of the Missouri River and significant Lewis and Clark expedition sites. The park features interpretive displays about this pivotal exploration. Indian Road Campground near Townsend provides informative signage about Lewis and Clark's journey. For mining history, visit the ghost town of Radersburg itself, which was once a thriving gold mining community in the 1860s, or explore the nearby historic mining districts in the Elkhorn Mountains.

What is the best time of year to camp near Radersburg, Montana?

The ideal camping season near Radersburg runs from late May through September when temperatures are most comfortable and facilities are fully operational. Delmoe Lake in the nearby Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is particularly beautiful in summer months. For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, consider camping at Deerlodge National Forest Lowland Campground in early June or after Labor Day when temperatures remain pleasant but visitor numbers decrease. Be aware that higher elevation sites may have snow through May, and mosquitoes can be intense near water in early summer, especially at riverside campgrounds.