How much does camping cost at Tongue River State Park?

Camping fees at Tongue River State Park range from $8-$43/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tongue River State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Tongue River State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tongue River State Park before I book?

Yes! Tongue River State Park has 7 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 Tongue River State Park?

Tongue River State Park is open Electricity available at Camper's Point and Pee Wee South Campgrounds - availability reduced during off season. Only 11 sites have electricity from approximately October 1st to May 1st depending on weather.. 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 Tongue River State Park?

Tongue River State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Tongue River State Park?

Fire policies at Tongue River State Park: "Campfires are allowed in designated areas only.". Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Tongue River State Park have?

Tongue River State Park has 156 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tongue River State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tongue River State Park. 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 Tongue River State Park?

Tongue River State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tongue River State Park?

Popular activities at Tongue River State Park include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tongue River State Park

4.20

35 reviews

290 Campers Point, PO Box 8, Decker, Montana, 59025, United States

Top 18% in MTSpring

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Montana

Quick Facts

3,461 ft

Price

$8 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

156 campsites

Season

Electricity availabl...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Montana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,461 ft

Price

$8 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

156 campsites

Season

Electricity availabl...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Montana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Tongue River State Park

$8.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.

Standard Site Fee$18.00

Get Notified When Available

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

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Provider

4067572298

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Campground Map

290 Campers Point, PO Box 8, Decker, Montana, 59025, United States

Tongue River State Park

290 Campers Point, PO Box 8, Decker, Montana, 59025, United States

Nearby places

Decker (6 miles), Sheridan, Wyoming, and other cities are not specified with exact distances and travel times.

Nearby supplies

The marina is noted for being well-stocked, selling essentials, bait, tackle, drinks, firewood, ice, and propane. No exact external supply store locations are listed.

Driving directionsLocated just north of the Montana-Wyoming state line, Tongue River Reservoir State Park is located 6 miles north of Decker on Secondary 314, then 1 mile east on county road.

Secondary 314 is accessible from Decker, and the route includes a paved county road for the last stretch. The location is easily reachable, but details on seasonal closures or terrain challenges are not provided.

Weather at Tongue River State Park

Best Time to Camp at Tongue River State Park

Summer brings mid-70s to mid-90s during the day, cooling to the 50s and 60s at night. Early May sees highs around 64°F and lows near 40°F. Late June through July hits 83–88°F with about 90% clear skies and evening temperatures in the low 60s. Winter drops to freezing with occasional snow. The reservoir makes summer the obvious choice for boating and swimming. Waterfront sites at Sand Point and Campers Point fill fast on holiday weekends. Weekdays stay quieter.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Prime season for boating, swimming and clear skies; warm days and busy recreation.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Electricity available at Camper's Point and Pee Wee South Campgrounds - availability reduced during off season. Only 11 sites have electricity from approximately October 1st to May 1st depending on weather.

About Tongue River State Park

Tongue River State Park sits in southeastern Montana's red shale country, offering 156 campsites across six campgrounds along a 12-mile reservoir. Fees run $8–43 per night. Sites range from primitive spots to electric hookups, with 81 reservable. The park attracts boaters, anglers, and campers looking for space and scenery in Montana's high desert.

Tongue River State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles. It offers primitive camping, RV sites, and group camping options, with some areas providing electricity hookups and others being more basic.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-70s to mid-90s during the day, cooling to the 50s and 60s at night. Early May sees highs around 64°F and lows near 40°F. Late June through July hits 83–88°F with about 90% clear skies and evening temperatures in the low 60s. Winter drops to freezing with occasional snow. The reservoir makes summer the obvious choice for boating and swimming. Waterfront sites at Sand Point and Campers Point fill fast on holiday weekends. Weekdays stay quieter.

ElevationElevation details are not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryRed shale formations frame the reservoir, their ancient layers exposed by millions of years of erosion. Juniper-dotted canyons cut through the terrain between the mountains to the west and prairies to the east. The landscape sits at 3,461 feet elevation in high desert country. Tree coverage is sparse. Good for views and stargazing, less good for midday shade. Reviews consistently mention the openness. One camper noted bringing an awning helps during summer heat.

Geological RegionTongue River State Park showcases southeastern Montana's remarkable geological tapestry, where millions of years of natural forces have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else. The park's signature red shale formations tell an ancient story written in stone, while juniper-dotted canyons carve intimate corridors through the terrain. This unique ecosystem bridges the gap between Montana's mountainous regions and its eastern prairies, all centered around the serpentine 12-mile reservoir that has become both a recreational paradise and a vital water source for the surrounding high desert environment.

Scenic ViewsDirectly quoted: "Very beautiful scenery" and "One minute from the water." The reservoir forms a central feature of the views.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no mentions of hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations. The site primarily caters to campers using tents, RVs, and other camping units.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

1:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 8 people per site, increasing to 16 for double sites.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to 8 people or 16 for double-count sites.

Groups

Group camping sites can accommodate up to 16 people and two camping units, as specified in the park's guidelines.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix campgrounds spread across red shale and prairie terrain. Mix of reservable and first-come sites. Rattlesnake runs small and quiet. Layout varies. Some sites offer solid privacy, others less so. The openness means minimal natural screening between spots in most areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservation availability is implied but specific platforms like websites are not detailed.

Walk-in AvailabilityReviewers mention a mix of reservation and first-come-first-serve options, but exact numbers are unclear.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable, and cancellation terms are not detailed.

AccessibilityAll sites on Campers Point are ADA compatible, ensuring accessibility for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some spacious enough to accommodate two toy haulers with room for additional setups.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by campground. Rattlesnake Campground is described as quieter due to fewer sites. Tracy Webb noted, 'Plenty of privacy.

Total Campsites156 campsites

Recommended SitesUser review recommends packing an awning for shade given sparse tree coverage.

Best CampsitesRattlesnake Campground has fewer sites and stays quieter than the larger loops. Tracy Webb called it plenty private. Pee Wee South sits close to water access. Sand Point and Campers Point offer waterfront locations. Some sites handle two toy haulers with room left over, though spacing varies across the park.

Need help booking Tongue River State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

A dump station and water faucets are available during peak season, as weather permits.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tongue River State Park offers a diverse array of recreational activities. Visitors can engage in boating, bird watching, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and picnicking. The park is also popular for wildlife viewing and is surrounded by a scenic reservoir ideal for water-based activities. User reviews highlight fishing, boating, and swimming as top activities, although fishing reviews are mixed.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCoal mining activity in the surrounding area results in a coal smell. Sparse tree coverage limits shade during hot weather.

Fire Policy"Campfires are allowed in designated areas only."

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesIn case of emergencies, visitors are advised to dial 911. Additional assistance may be provided by park staff, but specific details on the nearest hospitals or police stations are not available.

Trash & RecyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not provided.

Water FeaturesProximity to a 12-mile reservoir allows for fishing, boating, and swimming. Some campsites are described as "one minute from water."

Camp HostHost assistance was positively reviewed, with one user applauding the park office for allowing access to tools for emergency repairs.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

35 reviews

Satisfactory

Tongue River State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight Tongue River State Park as a scenic and versatile destination with good camping, boating, and fishing opportunities. However, some amenities like showers are lacking, and fishing experiences vary.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Campgrounds offer a variety of activities and ample space. The marina is highly praised for its well-stocked store and friendly staff. Sites are described as private, clean, and quiet. Paul Dodson...

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Fishing experiences are inconsistent, and there is a lack of trees for shade, prompting some to recommend packing an awning. One user described the fees as expensive, and there are no shower...

Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Rattlesnake Campground is quieter and more basic, while Campers Point offers ADA-compatible sites. Pee Wee South and Campers Point are the only reservable campgrounds.

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing an awning due to minimal tree cover. Tracy Webb highlighted that the cost per car was $18 per night, which they found reasonable.

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fishing experiences improve around Memorial Day, but the park can be quieter mid-week. Visits during colder months are possible but less common.

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Always a fun place for fishing, boating and camping.' - Steve Hudak - 'The marina is always stocked with necessities.' - Steve Hudak - 'You got to try their Indian tacos on Saturdays and burgers...

Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

All sites on Campers Point are ADA compatible. Reviewers did not mention specific issues or challenges with accessibility.

Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash, aligning with the park's guidelines.

Based on 35 reviews

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Tongue River State Park

$8.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.

Standard Site Fee$18.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

4067572298

Go if

Boat-and-camp trips are the sweet spot here. Waterfront sites at Sand Point and Campers Point fill fast on holiday weekends, so book early; weekdays have real breathing room. The marina sells bait, propane, and ice, so you don't need a supply run.

Skip if

No showers anywhere on the property, and the sparse tree cover means brutal midday sun without an awning. Anglers chasing reliable catches will likely be disappointed, and winter drops electric hookups to just 11 sites across the whole park.

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