How much does camping cost at East Creek Campground?

Camping fees at East Creek Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is East Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

East Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served for all sites; no specific details on site fill patterns.

Can I see photos of campsites at East Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! East Creek Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit East Creek Campground?

East Creek Campground is open Open mid-May through September, weather dependent.. 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 East Creek Campground?

East Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does East Creek Campground have?

East Creek Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at East Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at East Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at East Creek Campground?

East Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at East Creek Campground?

Popular activities at East Creek Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

East Creek Campground

3.44

9 reviews

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Featured in:Group Camping Montana

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

East Creek Campground

$0.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: No fee Group Site: $50.00 per

Group Site Fee$50.00

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USFS

Provider

406-683-3900

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

East Creek Campground

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

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.

Weather at East Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at East Creek Campground

July and August bring the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 55 to 75°F and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Trails clear of snow, wildflowers peak, and the creek runs steadily. Afternoon thunderstorms pop up occasionally, and fire restrictions may apply. Winter buries the area in deep snow and makes access difficult since Forest Service Road 3930 isn't plowed. The small site count means you'll have solitude even during the summer window.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

July–Aug best: trails clear, wildflowers peak and reliable daytime temps.

Planning Tips

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

About East Creek Campground

East Creek Campground sits at 7,000 feet in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Lima, Montana. The campground has four first-come, first-served sites that accommodate tents or small trailers up to 16 feet. Cell service doesn't reach here. Water is available June through September, but recent forest management work has affected parts of the campground due to insect damage and aging trees.

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 SeasonsJuly and August bring the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 55 to 75°F and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Trails clear of snow, wildflowers peak, and the creek runs steadily. Afternoon thunderstorms pop up occasionally, and fire restrictions may apply. Winter buries the area in deep snow and makes access difficult since Forest Service Road 3930 isn't plowed. The small site count means you'll have solitude even during the summer window.

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 SceneryThe campground rests among conifer forests with views of the Lima Peaks (also called Branham Peaks). At this elevation, alpine meadows fill with wildflowers during summer months. East Creek flows nearby. The terrain sits along the rugged backbone of the Continental Divide, where ancient peaks and high-country scenery define the landscape. Forest management efforts are visible in some areas where damaged and aging trees have been removed.

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.

Scenic ViewsCampers often rave about the views from this site. User review: 'Great place to camp to enjoy the Lima Peaks or also known as The Branham Peaks.'

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

There is water at this campground, however it is only on during June thru September for this site.

Potable water

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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

Rate East Creek Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.4

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

East Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground features only four sites, and no specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews.

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in user reviews.

Based on 9 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 who want genuine solitude without paying for it. July and August hit the sweet spot: water's running, wildflowers are out, nights drop into the 30s, and four first-come sites means you're rarely competing with a crowd.

Skip if

No cell service is a hard stop for anyone who needs to stay reachable. The upper sites also look noticeably thinned out from recent tree removal work, so if forest canopy matters to your camp setup, that's worth knowing going in.

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Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

East Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about East Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Get high on life at this small, high-elevation campground in the Montana mountains with 4 camping units. East Creek Campground offers first-come, first-served sites for tents or small trailers. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 16 feet.There is no cell phone service here so you can truly unplug and let the wilderness take all your cares away. Immerse yourself in the outdoors, and find your happy place here with minimal distractions. Campers often rave about the views from this site.</p>