Camper submitted image from Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana - 1
View All

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana

Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site, near Miles City, Montana, is a straightforward spot for those looking to escape into nature without the frills. With a handful of sites along a small river, it offers a clean and quiet environment that many visitors find lovely and private.

Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Campers have enjoyed the peaceful views and the sound of the nearby stream, making it a great place to unwind. One visitor noted, “Pretty nice spot for a few days,” highlighting the level spots and the well-kept grounds.

While there are no drinking water or trash services, the campground is free, which is a big draw for many. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pack out what you bring in. If you’re up for some fishing or just want to relax by the water, this spot has you covered. It’s also pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in on the fun.

Though some campers have had mixed experiences, many appreciate the tranquility and the chance to connect with nature. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills camping experience close to Miles City, this location might just be what you need.

Description

Fish and Wildlife Service

Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site (FAS) is located on the Tongue River 13 miles south of Miles City, Montana. This recreation site is maintained by Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department (FWP) and is known for its hunting and fishing opportunities. Campers should be aware that the camping area at Twelve Mile Dam FAS does not have hookups or potable water (dry/primitive camping) but the Fishing Access Site does offer vault toilets, ADA fishing pier, and a boat launch. Twelve Mile Dam campsites are first-come, first-served with a maximum stay of 7 nights.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

12 miles south of Miles City on Hwy 59, 1 mile SW of Tongue River Road (Hwy 332).

Coordinates

46.24689053 N
105.7499 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

60%
20%
0%
0%
20%

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2022

Nice little spot

Handful of sites on a small river. Clean, quiet, well kept. Super private and lovely. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table.

SiteI don’t think they’re numbered? it was down on the right hand side off the loop.
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana by Liam G., August 30, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2021

Terrible night

This actual spot was mediocre, there was non flammable trash shoved into the fire ring and it was pretty gross and noisy.

Most of the spots we’ve found on here have been amazing but our night here was downright terrifying. We pulled into a spot on the river and it seemed like a busy night, a few trucks even drove into our spot but politely backed out.

In the middle of the night we were woken up by our dog barking crazily towards the river. Several figures were looming over there pretty far from the car but they were audible and sounded inebriated. We already thought about leaving and then one person who was dressed in all black came across the spot about five feet from our car and then our dog scared them off. Thank god we car camp because this was honestly terrifying and whoever that jerk was ruined our night and shook us up for at least a day.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2021

Nice Spot for a Few Days

Pretty nice spot for a few days. Fire rings (no fires allowed right now), picnic tables, a super cute stream that runs through, nice, level spots, vault toilets, and quiet, gorgeous views. Would definitely stay again.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2021

Wrong Coordinates, easy to look up and find!

10/10 free camp sites. We arrive late in the night but were able to find a spot. Once it was light out we could see how well Mainers the grass was, there were paths to the river, mowed by whomever takes care of this place. Would defiantly stay here again!!

Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
Reviewed May. 21, 2021

So relaxing & quiet

Stayed 5 nights and it sure was lovely! Right next to the creek/dam, you can fish or play in the water with your dog. The 2 vault toilets were always clean & stocked. Lawn was mowed while here and everyone was respectful of each other’s space. Can’t hear much noise from the highway. There’s two farms that back against the place so you may hear some noise from it. There’s at least 8 spots here and a tent site. Definitely enough room for all rig sizes. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. Definitely would stay here again! Only 15 minutes from mile city. No water, no trash but it’s free!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana by Abby M., May 21, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana?

    Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana is located at 2427 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana?

    Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Primitive Camping - Twelve Mile Dam Fishing Access Site - Montana?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is fair, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.