Is Picnic Spring Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Picnic Spring Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Picnic Spring Campground?

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

How many campsites does Picnic Spring Campground have?

Picnic Spring Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Picnic Spring Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Picnic Spring Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Picnic Spring Campground?

Picnic Spring Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Picnic Spring Campground?

Popular activities at Picnic Spring Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Picnic Spring Campground

4.56

39 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,264 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

3,264 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Picnic Spring Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(605) 797-4432null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Picnic Spring Campground

45.8736, -103.4842

Weather at Picnic Spring Campground

Best Time to Camp at Picnic Spring Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and the longest days for exploring the sandstone cliffs, clifftop vistas, and Ponderosa-framed campsites. Daytime highs are commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for hiking, photography, cliff-top picnics, and brilliant star-gazing after dark. With only eight sites, crowds remain low compared with larger parks, but be mindful of increased visitation on weekends and potential wildfire/campfire restrictions during d- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Listed as best season: warm, dry weather and long days for exploring cliffs and vistas.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Picnic Spring Campground

Picnic Spring Campground sits on a clifftop in the Custer Gallatin National Forest's Sioux District, offering eight sites beneath Ponderosa pines with sweeping sandstone views. Operated by the Sioux District Office, this primitive campground draws visitors seeking solitude and dramatic scenery in Montana's foothills. Campers hike the surrounding trails, photograph the cliffs, and stargaze after dark.

Picnic Spring Campground provides 8 primitive campsites suitable for both tent camping and small RVs. The focus is on providing a secluded and natural experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and the longest days for exploring the sandstone cliffs, clifftop vistas, and Ponderosa-framed campsites. Daytime highs are commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for hiking, photography, cliff-top picnics, and brilliant star-gazing after dark. With only eight sites, crowds remain low compared with larger parks, but be mindful of increased visitation on weekends and potential wildfire/campfire restrictions during d- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3264 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and ScenerySandstone formations tower around the campground, creating what visitors call "absolutely beautiful cliffside camping." The warm-toned rock layers frame clifftop vistas that glow at sunset. Ponderosa pines shade the sites and fill the air with their vanilla-bark scent. Wild turkeys wander through camp. The elevation sits at 3,264 feet. Despite the dramatic scenery, summer can bring wasps to the pit toilets, and grazing cows sometimes add noise to the otherwise quiet setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style or alternative accommodations are offered at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The campground has a 14-day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most reviews indicate campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, suggesting enough space for typical family camping setups.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsThe campground is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityAccessible toilet facilities are available at the campground.

Site SizeThe campsites are small and suitable for tents or smaller rigs. "Room for bigger rigs" was mentioned by a reviewer, but specifics on maximum sizes are not provided.

PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced, providing ample privacy. A reviewer noted, "Spots are far enough apart, you will not hear or see your neighbors.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest choosing campsites with shaded areas and picnic tables for the best experience.

Amenities available

Picnic Spring Campground is a small, peaceful location offering 8 campsites. Accessible facilities include a toilet, but there is no trash pickup or firewood available. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and enforces a 14-day stay limit. The campground provides a minimalistic experience in a serene, remote setting.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Picnic Spring Campground

The campground is set amidst beautiful sandstone formations and Ponderosa Pines, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and enjoying the scenic surroundings. Some reviews highlight the quiet and remote nature of the campground as perfect for relaxation.

Hiking4.0/5

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Warm-toned sandstone, clifftop vistas and sunsets are repeatedly praised as photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at Picnic Spring Campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

39 reviews

Top-Rated

Picnic Spring Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly praised for its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and remote location. Common themes include the stunning sandstone formations, privacy of sites, and the natural surroundings. Some noted the lack of crowds, even during peak seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Most beautiful campground ever... quiet, overlooking cliff views." - "Well laid out campground with 8 sites." - "Absolutely beautiful cliff-side camping." - "Fire pit and picnic table at each site...

Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

- "No one else here mid-week in August. Don't drink the water and watch for wasp in the pit toilets." - "Lots of noise from cows." - "Vault toilets had wasps nearby." - "Very isolated nature might...

Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are not provided, but all 8 sites are noted for their privacy, scenic views, and inclusion of picnic tables and fire pits.

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own drinking water as the available water is not potable. - Avoid the pit toilets if wasps are a concern. - Campers should pack out all trash due to the lack of trash pickup services. -...

Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground remains uncrowded even during peak camping months like August, making it an ideal location for those seeking solitude. Mid-week visits are particularly quiet. Summer months bring...

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Highlight campout of our week of road trip and car camping." - "An absolutely wonderful free campground down a long, but good, gravel road." - "Nice free camp with a couple pit toilets. Water is a...

Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible toilet is the only mentioned feature for those with disabilities. No specific feedback on accessibility from users is available.

Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific comments about pet safety or amenities for pets are mentioned.

Based on 39 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Picnic Spring Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Share this campground

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Provider

(605) 797-4432null

Go if

You want dramatic scenery, solitude, and don't mind primitive facilities or occasional livestock noise.

Skip if

You need hookups, trash service, or prefer campgrounds without wasps in the vault toilets.

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Wickham Gulch Campground

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Wickham Gulch Campground sits in the Long Pines foothills of Custer Gallatin National Forest, just across the Montana border from Camp Crook, South Dakota. Operated by the Sioux District Office, this primitive two-site campground offers tent camping with vault toilets, potable water from a natural spring, and access to hiking trails through the pines. Reviewers praise the quiet seclusion and clean facilities, though campers must pack out all trash and bring their own firewood.