Potosi Campground And Picnic Area

4.57

56 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open annually from l...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open annually from l...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Potosi Campground And Picnic Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this campground.

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

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USFS

Provider

406-682-4253

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 56 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacy

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, celebrating the campground's beautiful location, free access, and natural hot springs. Many comments highlight its primitive nature and peaceful environment."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Potosi Campground And Picnic Area

45.5733, -111.9043

Driving directionsFrom Harrison, travel west on Pony Road for about 7 miles. At Pony, take South Willow Creek Road south for 10 miles. Follow the signs to the campground.

Road access to the campground includes dirt and narrow places on Willow Creek Road. The interior campground road is narrow, rough, and rocky. It is recommended that trailers not exceed 22' in length.

Nearby places

Harrison (approximately 7 miles), Pony (approximately 10 miles)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Potosi Campground And Picnic Area

Mountain weather at Potosi keeps visitors on their toes with its dynamic personality throughout the seasons. Summer brings pleasantly warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though mountain breezes ensure refreshingly cool evenings. Spring and fall transform the campground into a landscape of dramatic contrasts, where morning frost can give way to afternoon sunshine, and unexpected snow flurries may dust the peaks even in late May. Winter wraps the entire area in a crystalline blanket, creating a serene wonderland for the most adventurous souls. Pack layers and prepare for Mother Nature's full repertoire—she performs all her acts here with enthusiasm.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in MT

Summer brings warm days, lush surroundings and is peak season (Memorial–Labor Day); reviewers praise summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through mid-October; mountain weather and autumn foliage make fall appealing though specifics are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open from late May so late spring can be lush; hot springs and creek draw visitors but season is short/variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground typically closed in winter (open late May–mid Oct); winter camping not a supported season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather dependent.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from late May to mid-October, weather dependent.
Current Alerts: null

About Potosi Campground And Picnic Area

Tucked into the eastern slopes of the majestic Tobacco Root Mountains, Potosi Campground offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience where the soothing sounds of South Willow Creek create nature's soundtrack. This intimate mountain retreat features 15 thoughtfully positioned campsites beneath a canopy of towering conifers, complemented by a scenic picnic area perfect for afternoon gatherings. Modern vault toilets provide convenience while preserving the site's natural character. As you explore this pristine habitat shared with local black bears, proper food storage becomes part of the adventure—secure bear boxes help protect both wildlife and visitors. With a carry-in, carry-out philosophy, Potosi maintains its untouched beauty, inviting campers to leave only footprints in this mountain sanctuary.

The campground offers primitive-style camping. There are 15 designated campsites, but additional dispersed camping sites are available along the creek. RV camping is not supported due to narrow and rocky roads, and parking aprons are dirt. Tent camping and primitive camping are the primary options.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsMountain weather at Potosi keeps visitors on their toes with its dynamic personality throughout the seasons. Summer brings pleasantly warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though mountain breezes ensure refreshingly cool evenings. Spring and fall transform the campground into a landscape of dramatic contrasts, where morning frost can give way to afternoon sunshine, and unexpected snow flurries may dust the peaks even in late May. Winter wraps the entire area in a crystalline blanket, creating a serene wonderland for the most adventurous souls. Pack layers and prepare for Mother Nature's full repertoire—she performs all her acts here with enthusiasm.

ElevationPerched at 6,200 feet above sea level, Potosi Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air feels crisp and pure. This elevation brings a refreshing coolness that provides welcome relief from summer heat, though evenings can turn surprisingly brisk even in July. The thin mountain air enhances the brilliance of starlit nights, while mornings often greet campers with a delicate frost that sparkles like diamonds on pine needles before melting into dew.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient pines and firs create cathedral-like groves, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. South Willow Creek meanders through the heart of the campground, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over smooth stones while providing a natural gathering place for wildlife and a peaceful soundtrack for campers. The Tobacco Root Mountains rise dramatically to the west, their rugged peaks painted in ever-changing hues as the sun arcs across Montana's big sky. This pristine ecosystem supports a rich tapestry of mountain flora and fauna, from delicate wildflowers carpeting sunny meadows to the majestic wildlife that calls these forests home.

Geological RegionThe campground rests in the embrace of the Tobacco Root Mountains' eastern foothills, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. South Willow Creek has carved its course through the heart of the camp over millennia, creating a riparian corridor that serves as a lifeline for the surrounding ecosystem. These mountains, part of the greater Rocky Mountain chain, showcase the raw power of tectonic uplift and erosion, with exposed rock faces telling stories millions of years in the making.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops (upper and lower). Most sites are at a 90-degree angle to the road. Parking aprons are dirt.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations. First-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. Sites fill up quickly, especially on weekends and peak seasons.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets and other accessibility features are not available.

Site SizeTrailer lengths exceeding 22 feet are discouraged.

PrivacyThe campground is described as heavily wooded, providing privacy between sites. "There's a creek that runs through there so you don't really hear your neighbors.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesSites along the creek may provide added natural ambiance and a buffer from neighboring campers.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby hot springs. The Potosi Cut-Off Trail No. 303 offers 3.1 miles of hiking for foot, horse, motor, and mountain bikes. The creek provides opportunities for fishing. Users also mention the hot springs frequently, describing them as a 'must-see' though not 'super hot.'

HikingPotosi Cut-Off Trail No. 303 is 3.1 miles long and supports activities like hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Reviewers describe it as a great trail for day hikes.

FishingFishing is available in South Willow Creek, which runs through the campground. No specific details about fish species or fishing quality are provided.

BikingMountain biking is permitted on Potosi Cut-Off Trail No. 303, which is 3.1 miles long.

Wildlife viewingReviewers mention the area as a beautiful spot surrounded by mountains and along the creek. Wildlife viewing may be possible in this heavily wooded area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, and visitors must use proper food storage techniques. The road to the campground is dirt, narrow, and rough, which may be challenging for some vehicles.

Active Alertsnull

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

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed at the designated fire rings at campsites. Visitors must adhere to any local fire bans.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

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

Trash & RecyclingThere are no garbage services. Visitors must pack out what they pack in.

Water FeaturesSouth Willow Creek runs through the campground, and there is an undeveloped hot spring within walking distance.

Camp HostThe district ranger or host lives at the entrance to the south loop and enforces rules, which is appreciated by rule-abiding campers.

Weather at Potosi Campground And Picnic Area

Reviews

4.6

56 reviews

Top-Rated

Potosi Campground And Picnic Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, celebrating the campground's beautiful location, free access, and natural hot springs. Many comments highlight its primitive nature and peaceful environment.

Review Summaries

Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers consistently praise the campground's free access, natural hot springs, and privacy due to the wooded setting and creek. They describe it as a 'hidden gem' and 'a great place to spread out...

Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback primarily concerns the poor condition of the dirt road leading to the campground. Some reviewers describe it as 'awful' and 'patchwork of dirt road potholes.' One reviewer also...

Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing maps since there is no internet or cell service and packing out trash due to the lack of garbage services. A reviewer suggested visiting the hot spring near the campground...

Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors noted snowfall and the need for warm clothing since the campground and surrounding hot springs can be cold. Reviewers who visited in warmer months praised the lush surroundings and...

Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely little hot spring with a fence surrounding it. Just about a quarter mile hike from the parking lot/campground." "Sites with table and fire ring fill up quickly." "Beautiful campground in...

Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user highlighted that sites with tables and fire rings fill up quickly, but additional dispersed sites are available along the creek. Another mentioned that the district ranger enforces rules at...

Based on 56 reviews