How much does camping cost at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Camping fees at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Fire policies at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area have?

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Pets are not allowed at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Popular activities at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

4.28

28 reviews

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SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Montana Primitive Camping Montana

Quick Facts

8,800 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open annually from e...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,800 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open annually from e...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site, except for the $15.00 per night camping fee.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

406-682-4253null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

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Nearby places

Sheridan - approximately 13 miles away, travel time varies due to road conditions.

Nearby supplies

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Weather at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Best Time to Camp at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Summer is the window when the road clears and all six sites are accessible. Daytime temperatures typically reach 50–70°F, but nights drop to 25–40°F, cold enough that you'll want a warm sleeping bag even in August. Early July brings peak wildflowers and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Late August offers more stable weather and clearer skies. The rocky access road can be rough early in the season or after storms.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer (early July–Sept) is prime: road clear, water activities available and well-reviewed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from early July through late September, weather dependent.

About Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Branham Lakes Campground sits at 8,800 feet in the Tobacco Root Mountains, offering six primitive lakeshore sites on 3 acres. The small size means weekend spots fill fast, but those who arrive early get access to a high-altitude lake without the usual backpacking effort. Fees run $15 per night during the summer season.

Branham Lakes Campground provides primitive camping experiences with rustic lakeshore sites. RV and group camping are not recommended due to road conditions, and the campground caters mainly to tent campers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the window when the road clears and all six sites are accessible. Daytime temperatures typically reach 50–70°F, but nights drop to 25–40°F, cold enough that you'll want a warm sleeping bag even in August. Early July brings peak wildflowers and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Late August offers more stable weather and clearer skies. The rocky access road can be rough early in the season or after storms.

ElevationAt 8,800 feet above sea level, Branham Lakes stands as one of Southwest Montana's highest drive-to campgrounds – a remarkable achievement that puts you closer to the clouds than most vehicles ever venture. This lofty perch means you're camping in the realm of mountain goats and golden eagles, where the air is thin but the views stretch endlessly across the Continental Divide.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders a mountain lake with clear water and a boat launch for small craft. Alpine meadows surround the sites, filled with wildflowers during peak summer. The Tobacco Root Mountains rise above the basin, their granite peaks holding snow into July. At this elevation, the landscape shifts between meadow and scattered timber, with the lake itself calm enough to reflect the ridgelines on still mornings.

Geological RegionNestled within the alpine meadows of the Tobacco Root Mountains, this corner of Southwest Montana showcases geology written in stone over millions of years. These ancient peaks, carved by glaciers and polished by time, create a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure in one of Montana's lesser-known but equally spectacular mountain ranges.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of alpine meadows and the Tobacco Root Mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about lodging or accommodations is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative content.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

Camping in an area, campsite, or developed campground is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No details about group camping sites are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix rustic sites positioned along the lake. The 3-acre footprint keeps things compact but spread enough for basic privacy.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityGet there early on weekends as there are only a handful of sites.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityAn ADA-accessible toilet is available at the campground.

Site SizeThe six campsites are described as rustic and positioned along the lakeshore.

PrivacySurrounded by alpine meadows and Tobacco Root mountains, the sites offer a natural, secluded atmosphere.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest arriving early on weekends to secure one of the limited lakeshore sites.

Best Campsitesnull

Need help booking Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site. Drinking water is not available.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Branham Lakes Campground offers multiple recreational activities including fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The lakeshore setting enhances the opportunities for water-based activities. Hunting and shooting sports are also permissible within the forest area.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rocky road conditions unsuitable for low-profile vehicles and trailers.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesMadison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729, Phone: 406-682-4253, operational hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingCampers must pack out all trash as there is no garbage service on-site.

Water FeaturesLocated along the lakeshore, the campground provides access to a high mountain lake for swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing.

Cell CoverageNo information regarding cell phone service is provided in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

28 reviews

Satisfactory

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and rustic charm of Branham Lakes Campground, with praise for its high-altitude location and accessibility to a mountain lake. Road conditions and limited sites are noted as key factors to consider.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Users consistently praise the beauty of the location, proximity to the Tobacco Root mountains, and the ability to drive to a high-altitude lake. The campground's small size is seen as an advantage...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Road conditions are a recurring complaint, described as rocky and challenging for low-profile vehicles and unsuitable for trailers. The limited number of sites is also noted as a drawback for those...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews by number are available.

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One user advises arriving early during weekends due to limited sites. All-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for safer travel through rocky roads.

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate high satisfaction during summer months due to accessible water activities and pleasant alpine weather. Late fall and winter visits highlight challenges like road conditions and...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Lovely campground, and unique - It is rare to be able to drive to a high mountain lake in Montana!" - James QP 2. "The most beautiful place to drive. Don't go. All-wheel drive recommended." -...

Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

The ADA-accessible toilet is appreciated, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-related features are provided.

Based on 28 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Tent campers with an AWD or high-clearance vehicle who want a mountain lake to themselves: non-motorized boating, fishing, and cold swims are right outside camp, and late August gives the most stable weather at this elevation.

Skip if

Weekenders who book late will find all six sites gone. Low-clearance cars and any trailer shouldn't attempt the rocky access road, and there's no potable water on-site, so plan accordingly.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(15)

Mill Creek Campground

5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729

Mill Creek Campground sits in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Sheridan, offering 10 primitive sites among mature pines at 6,480 feet elevation. Sites cost $12 per night and accommodate trailers up to 22 feet. There's no drinking water, so visitors must bring their own supply. This is active bear country. Proper food storage is mandatory.

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Campground Map

Weather at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Best Time to Camp at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Planning Tips

About Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Best Time to Camp at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews