Missouri Headwaters State Park lies at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers, forming the beginning of the Missouri River at an elevation of 4,045 feet. This historically significant area played a key role during the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1805 when they camped here seeking the source of the Missouri River. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night, with mosquitoes most active at sunset.
What to do
Explore historical monuments: Visit the interpretive sites at Missouri Headwaters State Park where you can learn about Lewis and Clark's journey. "Experience Camping near where Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped at the headwaters of the Missouri river in 1805. Historical signs about the Corps of Discovers stay at the headwaters of the Missouri and their journey are located through out the park," notes visitor Dexter I.
Cavern tours: Book a guided tour at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park to explore limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites. The 2-mile hike to the caverns is uphill, so plan accordingly. One visitor advises: "Beware, it's a 2mi hike uphill from the campground if you don't want to drive your RV up the caves! Warm showers $3. Cave tours not included in camp fee, dump is $5 also."
Fishing access: Take advantage of the multiple river access points for fishing. A Missouri Headwaters camper mentions, "Great river access 1/4 mile up the road also," while another visitor points out that "you have four rivers to choose from, all with great fishing opportunities."
What campers like
Tipi camping experience: Try the unique tipi accommodation at Missouri Headwaters State Park for a different glamping experience. "A neat feature as well is they have one teepee that my husband and I stayed in for the night," shares Angela K., who discovered this option while traveling to Glacier National Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Enjoy the peaceful setting at most campgrounds in the area. At Toston Dam Campground, one camper describes it as a "Small campground tucked away from highway. Right on shore of river/reservoir. Heavily used train tracks on opposite shore, so you get some train noise but not horrible."
Camp host hospitality: Several campgrounds feature attentive hosts who enhance the experience. At Three Forks KOA Journey, "Super friendly staff. Sites are shady unless you have a big rig - that area does not have shade. Decent dog park. Decent playground," according to Maggie C., who stayed in July 2025.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. At Hood Creek Campground, a visitor in September 2025 notes: "Signs posted this weekend that gate is closing for the season at 12:00PM 9/28/25. Never saw a forest service staff member or any representative for the recreation area this weekend."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. At Upper Toston Dam Campground, "First of all you have to get on a 10 mile dirt road to get to the campground. The road is not too bad for a truck or SUV. May be a little challenging for normal passenger cars but doable."
Mosquito activity: Plan for insects at dusk during summer months. Andreas W. advises about Missouri Headwaters State Park: "When the sun sets in June and July the mosquitos will come out. They are quite nasty but an hour after sunset they are gone, having a campfire going helps too."
Reservation demand: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. One camper at Hood Creek observed: "A massive bummer that boils my blood is I had no less than 5 nearby spots all reserved for multiple nights where nobody showed during the entire weekend while others strolled thru looking for a place to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Spire Rock Campground, one family group mentioned: "We had a great experience! We took our whole family, multiple tents, and dogs. We were in one of the group sites (#2) with creek access in our site it was perfect."
Wildlife education opportunities: Use the camping trip as a learning experience about bears and other Montana wildlife. At Lewis & Clark Caverns, "Did you know you can print out a packet for your little ones to become Cub Rangers at this State Park? There are great amenities for both camping and RV'S with a child's playground located on the camp."
Accessible trails: Look for shorter hikes suitable for children. Missouri Headwaters State Park provides "Many short hiking trails are in the park, be sure to take the short hike up to a vista to get the entire view of the headwaters area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: For bigger RVs, certain campgrounds work better than others. At Three Forks KOA Journey, a visitor shares: "When we arrived, my husband went in to register and a fellow in a golf cart met us to escort us to our spot. Our 'new' spot was in the back of the park on an end. We had some lovely views! Our pull-through site was spacious, level, and equipped with reliable full hook-ups."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. Michael B. notes about Lewis & Clark Caverns: "Had to use all our jack stands to combat the slope of our site (P007). Others looked much more level."
Dumping and water fill locations: Note where services are located relative to campsites. At Lewis & Clark Caverns, "Electric only campsite. Water fill and dump station are separate from sites."
Missouri Headwaters State Park offers vault toilets that are "very clean and smell fresh" while firewood is available for $6 per bundle and will be delivered to your site.
