Picnic Spring Campground

Star4.80
39 reviews
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

3,264 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Sioux District Office site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Picnic Spring Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground does not require reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While there is no specific fee for camping at Picnic...
Show more
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.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(605) 797-4432null
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 39 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryquietsites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Picnic Spring Campground

45.8736, -103.4842

Driving directionsFrom Ludlow, SD travel north 2 miles on Hwy 85 to Tufte Road. Turn left and continue for 4 miles and turn right continuing on Tufte Road. Go 1 mile and turn left on Forest Road 3114 (Fuller Pass Road). Go 1/4 mile and turn left on Forest Road 3123. Go 1/4 mile and turn right into Picnic Spring Campground.
The roads leading to Picnic Spring Campground include gravel roads, as described in the user reviews: "An absolutely wonderful free campground down a long, but good, gravel road." User reviews also confirm that these roads can accommodate larger rigs, suggesting good accessibility for most vehicles.
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Picnic Spring Campground

The campground shines during weeks of crisp, dry weather when clear skies reveal endless stars and gentle breezes whisper through the pines. These perfect camping windows offer moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. However, Mother Nature occasionally flexes her muscles with periods of stronger winds and cooler temperatures, reminding visitors why proper gear and weather awareness remain essential for any backcountry experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer visits noted as uncrowded with scenic views; mid-week in August often empty.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Overview mentions crisp, dry weather and great skies—fall likely excellent though specifics sparse.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring conditions not described; possible mud and variable weather but scenic features persist.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter details; Montana winters likely cold and services are primitive, lowering appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Picnic Spring Campground

Tucked away in the North Cave Hills Unit of the Sioux Ranger District, Picnic Spring Campground offers an intimate escape with just 8 sites for those seeking true solitude. This hidden gem, affectionately dubbed 'a great little campground in the middle of nowhere' by seasoned campers, provides the perfect balance of remoteness and comfort. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit nestled beneath towering Ponderosa pines, while vault toilets ensure basic amenities don't compromise the wilderness experience. Here, the absence of crowds isn't just a feature—it's the main attraction.
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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
The campground has a 14-day stay limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe area offers hiking opportunities through trails surrounded by sandstone formations and Ponderosa Pines. Specific trail details are not provided, but the terrain is described as scenic and peaceful.
Wildlife viewingWildlife appears to be abundant, with campers noting sightings of turkeys, yellow meadowlarks, and hearing coyotes. The quiet and natural setting enhances the experience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews caution against drinking the water from the nearby spring and note the presence of wasps in the pit toilets.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Picnic Spring Campground

Reviews

4.8
39 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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. -...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Picnic Spring Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated February 2, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Picnic Spring Campground