Basin Canyon Campground And Picnic Area

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1820 Meadowlark Butte, MT 59701

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Butte Ranger District site

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Basin Canyon Campground And Picnic Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. Camping is free.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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USFS
Provider
406-494-2147

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

13 Google reviews

"No user reviews are available for the Basin Canyon Campground."

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Fees & Passes at Basin Canyon Campground And Picnic Area

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free

Stay Limit: Maximum recommended stay dictated by seasonal access.

Cancellation: No reservation required; walk-in site.

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Butte Ranger District website.


Best Time to Camp at Basin Canyon Campground And Picnic Area

Mountain weather here writes its own rules, shifting from warm summer afternoons to crisp, star-filled nights that might require an extra layer in your sleeping bag. Even during the camping season, Mother Nature occasionally dusts the landscape with unexpected snow, reminding visitors they're truly in the high country. Pack layers and prepare for nature's delightful unpredictability—those surprise snowflakes in June make for unforgettable camping stories.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day to mid-September.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts noted.

About Basin Canyon Campground And Picnic Area

Tucked away in the Boulder River Valley, this intimate wilderness retreat offers two secluded camping units for those seeking an authentic backcountry experience. While the campground remains refreshingly undeveloped—perfect for adventurers who prefer their nature unfiltered—day visitors can enjoy peaceful picnic areas alongside the rushing waters. Come prepared with your own water supply, as this rustic haven keeps modern amenities to a minimum, allowing the natural world to take center stage.
The campground is undeveloped with basic facilities, offering two camping units for trailers up to 16 feet, ideal for tent camping or small RVs.
Historical SignificanceWhile the Boulder River Valley may not boast ancient ruins or historic battlefields, the towering presence of Indian Head Rock serves as a natural monument to the region's geological past. This distinctive formation has watched over the valley for millennia, offering modern visitors a tangible connection to the powerful forces that shaped this rugged landscape long before the first tent was ever pitched here.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here writes its own rules, shifting from warm summer afternoons to crisp, star-filled nights that might require an extra layer in your sleeping bag. Even during the camping season, Mother Nature occasionally dusts the landscape with unexpected snow, reminding visitors they're truly in the high country. Pack layers and prepare for nature's delightful unpredictability—those surprise snowflakes in June make for unforgettable camping stories.
ElevationNestled in the mountain valleys where the air carries that distinctive high-country crispness, this campground sits at an elevation that reminds you you're well above the everyday world below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Boulder River commands attention here, its crystalline waters carving a melodious path through the valley while providing a stunning backdrop for your wilderness escape. Dominating the skyline, Indian Head Rock stands as a geological masterpiece—its weathered face telling stories written in stone over countless centuries. This dramatic landscape offers photographers endless inspiration and provides hikers with natural landmarks that make every trek an adventure.
Geological RegionSet within the spectacular Boulder River Valley, this campground places you at the heart of a geological wonderland. The star attraction, Indian Head Rock, showcases nature's artistic prowess through fascinating rock formations that reveal millions of years of Earth's history. The surrounding valley walls and river-carved terrain create a natural amphitheater where every sunrise and sunset becomes a private show performed by light and stone.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeCampground only accommodates trailers up to 16 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is not explicitly mentioned, but the campground has only two camping units, suggesting limited clustering.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure one of the two units; trailer size capped at 16 feet.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum recommended stay dictated by seasonal access.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Camping units limited to small groups.
Groups
No group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo camping units along Boulder River; undeveloped site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day to mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform available; walk-in only.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly two camping units available; first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation required; walk-in site.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy fishing in the Boulder River, picnicking in designated areas, and exploring nearby geological features such as Indian Head Rock.
Fishing
"Fishing - River/Stream" opportunities are available at the Boulder River. Specific details about types of fish or quality are not provided.
Winter Activities
No information on winter recreational options is provided.
Water Sports
No details on non-motorized water sports are available.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • No specific fire policies provided; assume basic safety precautions.
  • Quiet hours are Not specified.

Hazards

General hazardsNo potable water; limited trailer length; avoid unsafe stream crossing or wildlife risk.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted.

Weather at Basin Canyon Campground And Picnic Area

25
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 73%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 12.8 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services

Butte Ranger District - 1820 Meadowlark Butte, MT 59701 (406-494-2147); nearest hospital in Butte.

Good to know

Peak season datesMemorial Day through mid-September.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Boulder River.
Common complaintsLimited amenities, no potable water, and undeveloped facilities.
HostManaged by the Butte Ranger District (406-494-2147).

Campground Map

1820 Meadowlark Butte, MT 59701
Driving directionsFrom I-15 take exit #156 to Basin. Take Forest Road 1723/Basin Creek Road North for approximately 3 miles to the campground.
Limited accessibility due to undeveloped roads; maximum trailer length is 16 feet.
Nearby places
Basin - 3 miles (approx. 10 minutes)
Butte - 30 miles (approx. 40 minutes)
Helena - 50 miles (approx. 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Basin (minimal options) or Butte (larger stores and camping supplies).

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Basin Canyon Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for the Basin Canyon Campground.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

No user-provided positive highlights are available.

Common Concerns

No user-provided complaints are available.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.

Seasonal Insights

No user-provided information about seasonal trends is available.

Camper Quotes

No user quotes are available.

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to individual campsites are provided.

Accessibility Features

No accessibility reviews are available.

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews related to pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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