How much does camping cost at Black Canyon Campground?

Camping fees at Black Canyon Campground range from $3-$8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Black Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Canyon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come-first-serve as reservations are not allowed.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Canyon Campground before I book?

Yes! Black Canyon Campground has 4 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 Black Canyon Campground?

Black Canyon Campground is open Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak season for docks.. 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 Black Canyon Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Black Canyon Campground?

Fire policies at Black Canyon Campground: No specific fire policies provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Black Canyon Campground have?

Black Canyon Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Black Canyon Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Black Canyon Campground?

Popular activities at Black Canyon Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Canyon Campground

4.00

7 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

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....

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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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

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

Summer is the only practical season to visit. Daytime highs reach the 80s-90s°F from July through August, with nights cooling to the 50s-60s°F. Skies stay clear most days, and breezes average 5-10 mph. The park installs docks Memorial Day weekend and removes them after Labor Day. Winter temperatures drop to the mid-30s°F during the day and the teens at night, but boat access becomes unreliable and the campground effectively closes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

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

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

Black Canyon Campground sits on the shore of Bighorn Lake in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, accessible only by boat. The campground has 17 primitive tent sites carved into the canyon walls near Fort Smith, Montana. Fees run $3-8 per night, and docks are installed Memorial Day through Labor Day for easy access.

Black Canyon Campground caters exclusively to tent campers and is accessible only by boat.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the only practical season to visit. Daytime highs reach the 80s-90s°F from July through August, with nights cooling to the 50s-60s°F. Skies stay clear most days, and breezes average 5-10 mph. The park installs docks Memorial Day weekend and removes them after Labor Day. Winter temperatures drop to the mid-30s°F during the day and the teens at night, but boat access becomes unreliable and the campground effectively closes.

ElevationNestled at the water's edge where canyon walls rise dramatically from the reservoir, Black Canyon Campground occupies a unique position in this vertical landscape. While specific elevation data awaits confirmation, campers experience the full grandeur of the canyon's vertical relief, from waterline camps to towering cliff faces that create an intimate, sheltered atmosphere.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient limestone and dolomite formations rise from the shoreline, revealing layers deposited by prehistoric seas. The Bighorn River carved these canyon walls over millions of years, creating a microclimate where desert, mountain, and aquatic ecosystems meet. Bighorn sheep navigate the cliffs above the water. The canyon's depth and orientation produce dramatic light shifts at sunrise and sunset.

Geological RegionBlack Canyon Campground showcases the powerful forces that sculpted the Bighorn Canyon over millions of years. Here, ancient limestone and dolomite formations tell the story of prehistoric seas, while the Bighorn River's relentless carving reveals layer upon layer of Earth's history. This water-dominated ecosystem creates a unique microclimate within the canyon walls, supporting diverse plant and animal communities adapted to life at the intersection of desert, mountain, and aquatic environments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown number of guests per tent site.

Groups

There is no information about designated group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutAll 17 sites are primitive tent spots scattered along the shoreline. Bear activity closes the campground periodically.

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable in advance. Walk-up or first-come-first-served policies apply.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-serve as reservations are not allowed.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, with additional fees for late cancellations or no-shows. Late cancellations for individual campsites may forfeit the first night's fee if canceled after 12:00am local time the day before check-in. Details are specified in the facility's rules on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeAll 17 sites appear to be standard tent sites.

PrivacyNo information on site privacy is available.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesNo recommendations for individual campsites provided.

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.

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours are mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Fort Smith, MT.

Trash & RecyclingNo details on trash or recycling facilities are available.

Water FeaturesThe campground is surrounded by water and is accessible only by boat, making it ideal for water-based recreation.

Camp HostNo campground host information available.