Afterbay Campground

Star4.52
26 reviews
Afterbay Campground, Rte 200, Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,196 ft

Price

$18 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Crow Tribe of Indians site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Afterbay Campground
$18.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Full utility sites with electric and water hookups cost $35 per night, while non-utility tent camping sites cost $18 per night. Fees are payable via...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(406) 666-2333dyanna.threeirons@crow-nsn.gov
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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocationlakehookups

"Reviews are generally positive, with campers appreciating the location's scenic beauty, tranquility, and proximity to attractions like Yellowtail Lake. However, privacy, shade, and grass at campsites are limited. Bear activity has been noted. 'Beautiful spot to camp!'"

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Campground Map

Afterbay Campground, Rte 200, Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA

Afterbay Campground

Afterbay Campground, Rte 200, Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA

Driving directionsTake Route 313 through Fort Smith, MT. Look for the brown and white sign for Afterbay Campground. The campground will be on the right side of 313, just past the NPS Headquarters building.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Route 313. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain were mentioned.
Nearby places
Fort Smith, MT (approximately 1 mile away).
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies are available at Fort Smith, MT. Specific details about grocery stores, fuel stations, or camping supply shops are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Afterbay Campground

Experience the best of Montana's high plains climate at Afterbay Campground, where dry, moderate conditions create ideal camping weather throughout much of the season. Fort Smith's unique location offers comfortable temperatures for outdoor adventures, with crisp mornings perfect for wildlife viewing and pleasant afternoons ideal for water activities. The area's low humidity and abundance of sunshine make it a haven for those seeking reliable camping conditions in the heart of Big Sky Country.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Good weather and water recreation in peak season; busier during Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in MT

Visitors recommend late spring or early fall for optimal weather and fewer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 10% in MT

Late spring recommended for good weather and fewer crowds; pleasant season for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Campground open year-round but no winter recreation or facilities described.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, including during Memorial Day to Labor Day season.

About Afterbay Campground

Discover your perfect basecamp at Afterbay Campground, where 22 thoughtfully designed sites await along the pristine south shore of Afterbay Lake. Nestled within the breathtaking Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Fort Smith, Montana, this hidden gem combines the convenience of modern amenities with the raw beauty of the American West. Each spacious back-in site comes equipped with electric and water hookups, making it ideal for RV enthusiasts and tent campers alike. Gather around your fire ring under star-filled skies, enjoy meals at your picnic table with stunning lake views, and take advantage of clean composting vault toilets and a convenient RV dump station nearby.
Afterbay Campground provides versatile camping options, including both RV and tent sites. Group camping, cabins, and glamping are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Campsite occupancy may not exceed 14 cumulative days within a 28-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Afterbay Campground provides opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and relaxing by the lake. While hiking or biking trails are not directly mentioned, the scenic area is suitable for exploration. Nearby attractions include Ok-A-Beh Marina and Yellowtail Lake, which offer additional recreational activities.
FishingFishing is available at Afterbay Lake, although success may depend on stocking schedules. 'We fished but didn’t catch anything. We were told the lake hadn’t been restocked yet.'
BoatingBoating opportunities are available nearby at Yellowtail Lake, with Ok-A-Beh Marina as a recommended launch point.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, with reports of bears near the campground. Birdwatching is also noted, as campers have observed beautiful birds in the area.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present in the area; proper food storage practices are necessary.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredMetal locked boxes are provided for food storage to prevent bear activity.

Weather at Afterbay Campground

Reviews

4.5
26 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Afterbay Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are generally positive, with campers appreciating the location's scenic beauty, tranquility, and proximity to attractions like Yellowtail Lake. However, privacy, shade, and grass at campsites are limited. Bear activity has been noted. 'Beautiful spot to camp!'
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the campground as a 'beautiful spot to camp' with quiet surroundings and opportunities for relaxation. The availability of electric hookups and vault toilets are appreciated. Proximity...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Some concerns include the lack of privacy, shade, and grass at campsites. Additionally, the absence of shower facilities is noted, and fishing success can depend on the lake's stocking schedule....
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own shade structures as the sites lack natural cover. Be prepared for potential bear activity by using the provided food storage lockers. Visit Ok-A-Beh Marina for stunning views and to...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak seasons (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the campground tends to be busier but remains quiet. Campers recommend visiting in late spring or early fall for optimal weather and fewer crowds.
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful spot to camp!' 2. 'No privacy, no shade, no grass, but if you want to visit the area on the Montana side and stay in a public campground, there aren’t many options.' 3. 'It’s fun and...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites 6, 7, and 19 are designated accessible sites and are likely the best options for individuals with mobility needs.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is excellent, with all sites ADA accessible and specific sites (6, 7, 19) designated for accessibility. Restrooms are also wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. No further pet-specific amenities are reported.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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