East Creek Campground

4.43

9 reviews

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Dillon Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Dillon Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

East Creek Campground

$0.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is currently no fee ($0.00) for single-site use of this campground; however, there is a $50.00 fee for use of the group site.

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$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

406-683-3900

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

friendlywell-maintained

"User reviews highlight the peaceful, unplugged nature of East Creek Campground, as well as its well-maintained facilities. The natural beauty and serenity are frequently praised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

East Creek Campground

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Driving directionsFrom Dillon take Interstate 15 south for about 48 miles to Lima. Turn North on Frontage Road for 0.8 mile. Take Forest Road 179 west for 7 miles. Turn south 0.5 miles on Forest Road 3929 for 0.5 miles, then southeast on Forest Road 3930 and continue 1.5 miles to the campground.

FS RD 3930 is not plowed during winter months.

Nearby places

Dillon (approx. 48 miles, travel time varies), Lima (approx. 7 miles off the interstate).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in Lima, MT or Dillon, MT. No specific stores mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at East Creek Campground

East Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. From June through September, fresh mountain water flows freely for campers, and the high country comes alive with wildflowers and wildlife. As autumn arrives, the landscape erupts in golden aspens before winter blankets the area in pristine snow. Note that Forest Service Road 3930 remains unplowed during winter months, creating a backcountry paradise for those equipped for snow camping. Summer visitors enjoy crisp, comfortable days perfect for hiking, while winter adventurers must prepare for frigid temperatures and deep snowpack.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

June–Sept water available and high country is most lively; prime visiting season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through September; early fall likely pleasant but seasonal services wind down.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Open mid-May; water and full services not available until June, variable conditions in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site closed outside mid-May–September window; winter not supported.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open mid-May through September, weather dependent.

About East Creek Campground

Tucked away in Montana's rugged backcountry, East Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate campground features four first-come, first-served sites perfectly suited for tent camping or small trailers up to 16 feet. Here, you'll trade cell phone signals for star-filled skies and the gentle whisper of East Creek flowing nearby. The primitive setting rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas and the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in our connected world.

East Creek Campground is a primitive site, offering minimal facilities. It is suited for tent and small-trailer camping, and group use is also supported at a separate site.

Weather and SeasonsEast Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. From June through September, fresh mountain water flows freely for campers, and the high country comes alive with wildflowers and wildlife. As autumn arrives, the landscape erupts in golden aspens before winter blankets the area in pristine snow. Note that Forest Service Road 3930 remains unplowed during winter months, creating a backcountry paradise for those equipped for snow camping. Summer visitors enjoy crisp, comfortable days perfect for hiking, while winter adventurers must prepare for frigid temperatures and deep snowpack.

ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet above sea level, East Creek Campground sits in Montana's alpine zone where the air is crisp, the nights are cool even in summer, and the mountain views stretch endlessly across the horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryAt 7,000 feet in the heart of the Montana mountains, East Creek Campground serves as your gateway to untamed wilderness. The dramatic Lima Peaks, locally cherished as the Branham Peaks, dominate the skyline with their jagged silhouettes and snow-dusted summits. This high-elevation sanctuary within Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest surrounds you with dense conifer forests, alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, and the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies stretching as far as the eye can see.

Geological RegionSet within the spectacular high-elevation terrain of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, East Creek Campground rests among ancient mountain peaks shaped by millennia of geological forces, where the Continental Divide's rugged backbone creates a landscape of stunning alpine beauty.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 days

Groups

The group site requires a $50 fee for use.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served for all sites; no specific details on site fill patterns.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. The campground may not be suitable for campers with significant mobility limitations due to its primitive nature.

Site SizeSites are suitable for tents or small trailers with a maximum trailer length of 16 feet.

PrivacyAs this is a primitive site with only four camping units, privacy is likely high, though not explicitly detailed.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

East Creek Campground offers limited but meaningful outdoor activities. The primary activity explicitly mentioned in the sources is hiking. Campers often comment on the serene, unplugged atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

HikingHiking is available. Specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell phone service, bear activity requiring proper food storage, and limited winter road access.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food storage boxes are available.

Weather at East Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4

9 reviews

Recommended

East Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peaceful, unplugged nature of East Creek Campground, as well as its well-maintained facilities. The natural beauty and serenity are frequently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great little campground." Campers enjoyed the helpful and friendly hosts, well-maintained facilities, and the opportunity to disconnect in a beautiful natural setting.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that the upper part of the campground felt 'a little bare' due to recent forest management efforts, and the seasonal unavailability of water in certain areas was mentioned.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting to enjoy the views and peaceful atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned enjoying the nearby Lima Peaks and Branham Peaks.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Facilities like water are only available seasonally (June through September), which impacts user experience. Campers generally find the area more appealing during this period.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to camp to enjoy the Lima Peaks or also known as The Branham Peaks." "The upper part of the campground has had some major forest management done because of insect damage and age of the...

Based on 9 reviews