Black Canyon Campground

Star4.00
7 reviews
P.O. Box 7458, Fort Smith, MT, 59035, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,648 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open all year; docks...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service 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
Black Canyon Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees vary by activity and reservation method, with fees ranging from $3 for in-person reservations to $8 for online reservations....
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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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(307) 568-5406BICA_media@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"User reviews highlight Black Canyon Campground as somewhat hidden and less visited. However, no significant details are provided beyond this."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 7458, Fort Smith, MT, 59035, USA

Black Canyon Campground

P.O. Box 7458, Fort Smith, MT, 59035, USA

Driving directionsBlack Canyon Campground directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/bica/planyourvisit/black-canyon.htm.
Access is boat-in only and located five lake miles from the Ok-A-Beh boat ramp. Seasonal docks are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Nearby places
Fort Smith, MT is the closest city.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in Fort Smith, MT.

Best Time to Camp at Black Canyon Campground

Black Canyon rewards visitors with remarkably clear skies nearly 70% of the time, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and sunset photography against the canyon walls. Gentle breezes averaging 7.67 mph keep summer days comfortable, while minimal precipitation (less than 8% chance) means your outdoor plans rarely face interruption. Winter transforms this wilderness into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering around 35°F during the day and dipping to a crisp 16°F at night—ideal for those seeking solitude and the stark beauty of frozen canyon landscapes.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day; docks available, best boating access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder season likely less crowded and scenic, but fewer dock services.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Before docks open; boat access possible but services and seasonal docks are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year but docks are seasonal; colder weather and reduced boating limit appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak season for docks.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open all year; docks available seasonally (Memorial Day - Labor Day).
  • Current Alerts: Closure notice since 8/30/22 due to aggressive bear activity.

About Black Canyon Campground

Venture into the heart of untamed wilderness at Black Canyon Campground, where adventure begins with a boat journey across pristine waters. This remote sanctuary within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers 17 intimate tent sites carved into dramatic canyon walls, accessible only to those willing to leave the roads behind. Here, the modern world fades away as you dock your boat and step into a landscape shaped by millennia of wind and water, where towering cliffs embrace a peaceful shoreline camping experience unlike any other.
Black Canyon Campground caters exclusively to tent campers and is accessible only by boat.
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Activities you can enjoy

While specific activities at Black Canyon Campground are not detailed in the source, it is part of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, which generally offers opportunities for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
BoatingThe campground is accessible only by boat, and it is located five lake miles from the Ok-A-Beh boat ramp, suggesting boating activities are central to accessing the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAggressive bear activity is noted as a significant hazard. Campers are advised to store food properly and follow bear safety guidelines.
Active AlertsClosure notice since 8/30/22 due to aggressive bear activity.

Weather at Black Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.0
7 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Black Canyon Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Black Canyon Campground as somewhat hidden and less visited. However, no significant details are provided beyond this.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is noted for its secluded location by at least one user: 'Great campground kind of hidden.'
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No user complaints are explicitly detailed, though the current closure due to bear activity suggests previous issues with food storage.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are derived from the user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great campground kind of hidden.'
Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews targeting specific sites within the campground are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews discuss experiences related to pets.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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