How much does camping cost at Blacks Pond Campground?

Camping fees at Blacks Pond 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 Blacks Pond Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Blacks Pond Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites at Blacks Pond Campground are walk-up sites.

What is the best time to visit Blacks Pond Campground?

Blacks Pond Campground is open The campground does not specify peak season dates.. 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 Blacks Pond Campground?

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

How many campsites does Blacks Pond Campground have?

Blacks Pond Campground has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Blacks Pond Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Blacks Pond Campground?

Blacks Pond Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Blacks Pond Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Blacks Pond Campground?

Fire policies at Blacks Pond Campground: No specific fire policies are mentioned, though campers should adhere to general Forest Service fire safety rules.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.17

6 reviews

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,734 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ashland District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,734 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ashland District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Blacks Pond Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site

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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Provider

406-784-2344

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What Campers Say

3.17

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews for Blacks Pond Campground are minimal and provide very limited insight. One review notes, "Blacks pond campground pretty," with no additional context."

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Campground Map

Blacks Pond Campground

45.3492, -106.2862

Nearby places

Ashland, MT - Approximately 15.25 miles and roughly 20-25 minutes of travel time depending on road conditions.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies likely available in Ashland, MT, approximately 15.25 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Ashland, MT travel east on Hwy 212 0.75 miles to Birney Turnoff (Tongue River Road). Turn right and travel 8 miles south to the O'Dell Creek Turnoff. Turn left on O'Dell Creek Road and travel 7 miles to the intersection of Forest Road 4021 and Forest Road 4131. Turn right on Forest Road 4021 and travel 0.5 miles to Blacks Pond.

The campground can be accessed via paved roads for the initial portion (Hwy 212 and Tongue River Road), but transitions to unpaved roads (O'Dell Creek Road and Forest Road 4021). These roads require navigation skills and may pose challenges during inclement weather or seasonal conditions.

Best Time to Camp at Blacks Pond Campground

Summer brings the warmest, most reliable conditions. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, while nights cool into the 40s and 50s. Longer daylight hours support hiking, fishing, and paddling on the pond. This is also Montana's wildfire season, so check current conditions before arrival. With only two sites available first-come, crowds aren't an issue even during peak months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Source notes summer as warmest and most reliable (day highs mid-60s to mid-80s°F).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: The campground does not specify peak season dates.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Seasons of Use Year-Round Weather Dependent
Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Blacks Pond Campground

Blacks Pond Campground sits in the Ashland Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest at 3,734 feet, offering just two primitive sites on a first-come basis. Fees run $3-$8 per night. The location straddles Montana's prairie-forest transition zone, creating a quiet spot for campers comfortable with minimal amenities and no trash service.

Blacks Pond Campground offers camping on a very small scale, with only two campsites available. The type of accommodations is basic, with no reservations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest, most reliable conditions. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, while nights cool into the 40s and 50s. Longer daylight hours support hiking, fishing, and paddling on the pond. This is also Montana's wildfire season, so check current conditions before arrival. With only two sites available first-come, crowds aren't an issue even during peak months.

ElevationNestled at an elevation that captures the essence of Montana's varied topography, Blacks Pond sits at the perfect vantage point where prairie meets forest, offering campers a unique perspective on the state's diverse ecosystems.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where prairie grasslands meet montane forest. Blacks Pond itself anchors the setting, though specific details about its size and shoreline character aren't documented. The surrounding terrain shows Montana's geological variety: weathered sedimentary layers and scattered volcanic remnants mark millions of years of landscape change. Open meadows alternate with forest groves, creating a mix of sun and shade across the small camping area.

Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Ashland Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest, Blacks Pond occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where ancient prairie grasslands merge seamlessly with montane forests. This unique positioning showcases Montana's incredible geological diversity, from weathered sedimentary formations to volcanic remnants that tell the story of millions of years of Earth's evolution. The surrounding terrain bears witness to the powerful forces that shaped the Northern Rockies, creating the dramatic landscapes that make this region a geological wonderland for curious campers.

Scenic ViewsLimited specific descriptions of views, though adjacent natural features may offer scenic prairie and forest landscapes.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are listed for the campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No official check-in time specified.

Check-out

No official check-out time specified.

Stay Limit

The campground does not provide explicit information about the stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific information on the number of guests allowed.

Groups

Group camping is not mentioned as being available at Blacks Pond Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo primitive sites total. No layout details available.

Reservation PlatformsBlacks Pond Campground does not use reservation platforms; first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites at Blacks Pond Campground are walk-up sites.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is used; campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityAn accessible toilet is explicitly mentioned in the campground's description.

Site SizeTwo campsites are available, but specific dimensions or size categorizations (e.g., large, small) are not mentioned.

PrivacyDetails about the level of privacy at the campsites are not provided.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific recommendations for choosing sites due to limited campground size.

Amenities available

Blacks Pond Campground offers a very minimalistic camping experience on the Ashland Ranger District with only two campsites. "Trash Pickup: No" and "Firewood: No" highlight the lack of on-site amenities provided. A notable feature is the accessible toilet facility available for campers. Water and other common amenities like picnic tables, firewood availability, or a camp store are explicitly unavailable. This is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservation system.

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities are not explicitly detailed in the source material for Blacks Pond Campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lack of trash pickup and firewood provision, as well as exposure to weather changes given the remote location.

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are mentioned, though campers should adhere to general Forest Service fire safety rules.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No mention of quiet hours.

Emergency ServicesAshland District Office, Hwy 212, Ashland, MT, 59003 (406) 784-2344

Trash & Recycling"Trash Pickup: No" clearly indicates that there are no trash facilities on-site, and campers must pack out all trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near Blacks Pond, providing potential access to water-related activities.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not specified for Blacks Pond Campground.

Weather at Blacks Pond Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.2

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Blacks Pond Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Blacks Pond Campground are minimal and provide very limited insight. One review notes, "Blacks pond campground pretty," with no additional context.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews