Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

4.59

28 reviews

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Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsSwimmingSummer 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

Opens Madison Ranger District site

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

Opens Madison Ranger District site

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

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

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USFS

Provider

406-682-4253null

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationlake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

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Driving directionsFrom Sheridan go east on Mill Creek Road for about 13 miles. Road conditions can be an issue, so the road is not recommended for those with trailers. Please call for specific road conditions.

The road to the campground is a dirt road that is rocky in places and may not be suitable for low-profile vehicles. Trailers are not recommended.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Mother Nature rules supreme at this elevation, painting each day with dramatic brushstrokes of mountain weather. Open from early July through late September, Branham Lakes rewards the intrepid with a true high-country experience. Pack your warmest sleeping bag – even summer nights can dip toward freezing, while afternoon thunderstorms roll through with theatrical flair. The rocky approach road adds to the adventure, especially early in the season. Savvy campers target the sweet spots of early July and late August, when azure skies dominate and the chances of rain dwindle to almost nothing. But whenever you visit, come prepared for weather that can shift from sunshine to snow in the span of an afternoon meal.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in MT

Open July–Sept; summer reviews note accessible water activities and pleasant alpine weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.5 / 5

Open through late Sept but late-season weather and road issues make visits more challenging.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Closed until early July; spring access not typical.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground operates early July–late September; not open for winter camping.

Planning Tips

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

About Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Perched high in the mountain wilderness at nearly 9,000 feet, Branham Lakes Campground offers adventurous souls a rare escape into Montana's alpine paradise. This intimate 3-acre retreat features just six coveted lakeshore sites, each one a front-row seat to nature's grandest theater. Wake up to mirror-still waters reflecting the jagged peaks of the Tobacco Root Mountains, while alpine meadows burst with wildflowers around your tent. Despite its remote feel, modern conveniences haven't been forgotten – you'll find an ADA-accessible restroom, a peaceful day-use picnic area perfect for afternoon gatherings, and a boat launch that beckons anglers to try their luck in the crystal-clear mountain waters.

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.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme at this elevation, painting each day with dramatic brushstrokes of mountain weather. Open from early July through late September, Branham Lakes rewards the intrepid with a true high-country experience. Pack your warmest sleeping bag – even summer nights can dip toward freezing, while afternoon thunderstorms roll through with theatrical flair. The rocky approach road adds to the adventure, especially early in the season. Savvy campers target the sweet spots of early July and late August, when azure skies dominate and the chances of rain dwindle to almost nothing. But whenever you visit, come prepared for weather that can shift from sunshine to snow in the span of an afternoon meal.

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 SceneryStep into a landscape that seems painted by the gods themselves. Alpine meadows carpet the terrain in a tapestry of wildflowers – Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain avens creating a natural garden around your campsite. The centerpiece is the pristine mountain lake, its waters so clear you can count the trout swimming in its depths. Towering above it all, the Tobacco Root Mountains thrust their granite spires into the Montana sky, their slopes holding snow well into summer. This is one of those rare places where you can drive your vehicle right to the edge of wilderness that usually requires days of backpacking to reach.

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.

Best Campsites

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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

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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 lakeshore sites spread across 3 acres.

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.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingDay hikes are available within the forest and provide access to scenic alpine meadows and mountain views.

FishingFishing opportunities include lake and pond fishing, with ice fishing available during colder months.

SwimmingVisitors can swim in the lakes, with the setting being described as 'lovely' by user reviews.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted, with a boat launch provided for convenience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Active Alertsnull

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.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area

Reviews

4.6

28 reviews

Top-Rated

Branham Lakes Campground And Picnic Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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