How much does camping cost at Dayboard 9 Campground?

Camping fees at Dayboard 9 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 Dayboard 9 Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dayboard 9 Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Dayboard 9 Campground operates on a walk-up basis rather than through advance reservations.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dayboard 9 Campground before I book?

Yes! Dayboard 9 Campground has 1 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 Dayboard 9 Campground?

Dayboard 9 Campground is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.. 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 Dayboard 9 Campground?

Dayboard 9 Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dayboard 9 Campground?

Fire policies at Dayboard 9 Campground: Fire pits are available at each campsite, but specific fire usage rules are not detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Dayboard 9 Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Dayboard 9 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 Dayboard 9 Campground?

Popular activities at Dayboard 9 Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dayboard 9 Campground

0 review

Dayboard 9, Bighorn Lake, Fort Smith, MT, USA, 59035

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,541 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Opens during the sum...

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

4,541 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Opens during the sum...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Dayboard 9 Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fees and reservation fees vary. Reservation fees are $8 when booked online or via app, $9 via contact centers, and $3 in-person. There...

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

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Campground Map

Dayboard 9, Bighorn Lake, Fort Smith, MT, USA, 59035

Dayboard 9 Campground

Dayboard 9, Bighorn Lake, Fort Smith, MT, USA, 59035

Nearby places

Okabeh Marina (approx. 9 miles by water), Barry's Landing (approx. 27 miles by water).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies may be sourced from Fort Smith, including groceries and fuel. Additional provisions can be accessed at Okabeh Marina or Barry's Landing before embarking by boat.

Best Time to Camp at Dayboard 9 Campground

The campground opens Memorial Day through Labor Day, when Bighorn Lake is most accessible. Summer brings daytime highs in the low 60s to 70s°F, with nights cooling to the upper 40s to mid-50s°F. Clear skies dominate, making mornings calm for launching boats. Water activities work best in summer, though the lake stays cold enough that swimming appeals mainly to hardy visitors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; warm days (~63°F) and courtesy dock/floating station available in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

About Dayboard 9 Campground

Dayboard 9 Campground sits 9 miles south of Okabeh Marina on Bighorn Lake in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This primitive boat-in campground features gravel sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, it charges $3-8 per night and offers a courtesy dock and floating comfort station during summer.

Dayboard 9 Campground offers a primitive camping experience with minimal facilities, accessible only by boat.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens Memorial Day through Labor Day, when Bighorn Lake is most accessible. Summer brings daytime highs in the low 60s to 70s°F, with nights cooling to the upper 40s to mid-50s°F. Clear skies dominate, making mornings calm for launching boats. Water activities work best in summer, though the lake stays cold enough that swimming appeals mainly to hardy visitors.

ElevationPerched at the water's edge where canyon walls rise dramatically from the reservoir, the campground offers a unique perspective of this vertical wilderness, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery.

Natural Features and SceneryBighorn Lake fills a canyon carved over millions of years, creating a sharp contrast between layered canyon walls and calm reservoir water. The campground sits at 4,541 feet elevation along the lake's edge. Canyon walls rise above the shoreline in shades of red and gold. The area supports diverse wildlife, and raptors like golden eagles and peregrine falcons use thermals rising from the cliffs.

Geological RegionDayboard 9 sits at the heart of one of North America's most spectacular geological showcases. Here, Bighorn Lake fills a canyon carved over millions of years, creating a stunning contrast between the rugged, layered canyon walls and the peaceful reservoir waters. This unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife and offers visitors a front-row seat to observe the powerful forces that shaped the American West, from ancient seas to modern river systems.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unspecified

Groups

There is no information about group camping facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutPrimitive gravel sites cluster near the courtesy dock.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as Dayboard 9 Campground is non-reservable.

Walk-in AvailabilityDayboard 9 Campground operates on a walk-up basis rather than through advance reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees apply based on the Recreation.gov policies, including $10 cancellation fees and forfeiture rules for late cancellations. Since Dayboard 9 Campground is non-reservable, these policies may not be strictly relevant.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information about features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground includes primitive gravel campsites.

PrivacyThe campground's privacy level is not described.

Recommended SitesNo site-specific recommendations provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is set in a serene environment perfect for those seeking a remote, boat-accessible camping experience. Specific recreational activities are not detailed, but opportunities may include enjoying the lake and its surroundings.

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear encounters, as indicated by park instructions, and water-based risks due to the campground's boat-in nature.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at each campsite, but specific fire usage rules are not detailed.

Emergency ServicesFort Smith provides emergency services including a clinic and ranger facilities.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no information regarding trash or recycling facilities at Dayboard 9 Campground.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Bighorn Lake, with access to a courtesy dock and floating comfort station during the summer.