Camping sites near White Sulphur Springs, Montana range from lakeside locations to forested mountain settings in the Castle Mountains and Lewis and Clark National Forest. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 4,500 and 6,000 feet, which creates cool nights even in summer months. Access roads to many remote camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall when unpaved routes become slick with mud.
What to do
Fishing at multiple elevations: Newlan Creek Reservoir offers varied fishing areas across its six different camping sections. "Newlan Creek Reservoir FAS has lots of opportunities for camping. The FAS has six different camping areas. The first three camping areas are right next to each other," explains camper Dexter I.
Creek exploration with children: Spring Creek provides water play opportunities in a safe creek setting. As one visitor noted, "Most sites have water access. The water is a creek (no fish). The water is refreshing." Kids enjoy crossing fallen logs and creating small dams with rocks.
Dark sky stargazing: The remote mountain locations provide exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. In some campgrounds, campsites with fewer trees offer better celestial observation. One camper at Spring Creek mentioned, "The sites are a nice mix of trees and open space. If you have starlink you can get a good view of the sky."
What campers like
Uncrowded weekday camping: Mid-week visits provide the best chance at securing prime spots, particularly at popular areas. A Newlan Creek visitor advised, "You must be there mid-week to get the paid camping spots." At $10-15 per night for most Forest Service campgrounds, these sites offer good value.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Castle Mountain area hosts diverse wildlife including bears. As one Gipsy Lake camper reported, "Great place to camp. Lots of wildlife. Saw a black bear 30 yards from the camp site." Many campgrounds require proper food storage due to bear activity.
Fall foliage camping: Skidway Campground showcases exceptional autumn colors. "The fall colors are out today. The ground vegetation was in reds and yellows, the aspen trees ran from summer green to fall yellow and then all the mature green firs trees made for a pretty site in the campground," described a September visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: Access to remote campsites often involves navigating unpaved roads that deteriorate in wet conditions. At Jumping Creek Campground, one visitor cautioned about "rough gravel road access. Be prepared for chips in your paint and a good Carwash afterwards."
Tree removal impacts: Several Forest Service campgrounds have undergone tree removal due to disease, affecting shade availability. A Jumping Creek visitor noted: "Due to a tree fungus the Forest Service has clear cut this campground a few years ago. Now it's low shrubs, wild flowers and blueberries."
Turn-around limitations: Some smaller campgrounds have limited space for maneuvering larger vehicles. At Richardson Campground, campers should "pay attend to the sign at the beginning of the campground 'NO TURN AROUND' this sign is correct. Once you get past the second campsite their will not be room to turn around if you have a trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Water-adjacent sites for children: Campsites near water features provide natural entertainment for kids. At Grasshopper, one family noted it was a "Good place for kids" with a "Nice creek through campground with small pools and fallen logs to cross on."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly near lakes and in early summer. Pack appropriate repellent and protective clothing. One camper warned about "Tiny Vampires" at Spring Creek Campground, describing the area as "Beautiful area around the lake. Riddled with mosquitoes around this time of year."
Limited connectivity benefits: The lack of cell service creates opportunities for screen-free family time. Several campgrounds report no signal, with one Conestoga camper noting "If what you are looking for is exploring history and wildlife then this is the place."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Conestoga Campground & RV Park offers the most reliable RV accommodations with "all pull-thru sites and FHU's." One visitor appreciated that "Tv reception is good with all the major channels, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS. Verizon and AT&T are good. The park WiFi is very good."
Tight maneuvering at lake sites: Lakeside camping requires careful navigation for larger rigs. At Newlan Creek, a reviewer cautioned: "It is hard to find a site as you have to drive through the loops of sites which have trees and some tight corners for those larger rigs."
Site leveling challenges: Many Forest Service campgrounds have uneven sites requiring leveling equipment. At Skidway, "long parking areas are helpful as several sites had limited flat ground available for tents outside of the parking area and picnic table location."
