Trapper Springs (Mt)

Star4.26
38 reviews
BLM Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT 59729

Quick Facts

4,482 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Campsites are reserv...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Dillon Field Office site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Trapper Springs (Mt)
$20.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsites cost $20 per night during peak season (May 1 - September 30). Group pavilion can be reserved for $50 per day. Additional vehicle...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-683-8000
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 38 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspaciouswell-maintained

"Users generally appreciate the clean facilities, proximity to the Madison River, and spacious sites. However, some criticisms include the lack of privacy, minimal shade, and water availability issues in recent years."

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Campground Map

BLM Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT 59729

Trapper Springs (Mt)

BLM Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT 59729

Driving directionsFrom Bozeman; Head west on MT Hwy 84 (Norris Road). Continue on MT Hwy 84 for 20.5 miles. Turn left (south) at South Bear Trap Canyon Road. If you cross the Madison River you have just passed the turn. From Norris; Head East on MT Hwy 84 (Norris Road) travel for 8 miles and turn right (south) at South Bear Trap Canyon Road after you cross the Madison River.
The road to the campground includes a gravel section that is described by reviews as 'a little washboardy for about a mile.'
Nearby places
Bozeman (approximately 20.5 miles), Norris (approximately 8 miles), Ennis (distance not specified).
Nearby supplies
Firewood is available for purchase at Red Mountain Campground when the volunteer campground host is present. Other supplies are likely available at nearby towns like Bozeman or Norris.

Best Time to Camp at Trapper Springs (Mt)

Blessed with Montana's signature dry climate, Trapper Springs enjoys stretches of moderate temperatures and crystalline skies that make it ideal for outdoor pursuits. Summer brings its own dramatic flair, with warm days perfect for river activities, though afternoon winds can sweep across the sagebrush plains with impressive force. Seasoned visitors recommend securing tent stakes well and bringing layers for the cool evenings that follow even the warmest days.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; summer favored for fishing, tubing and river activities despite low shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder season with cooler weather and fewer crowds; river activities taper off.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is shoulder season with variable conditions; fishing possible but water issues noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Campground open FCFS in winter but limited river recreation and colder conditions reduce appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campsites are reservable May 1 - September 15 and first-come-first-serve September 16 - April 30.
  • Current Alerts: Fire bans may be active during dry seasons, and drinking water availability was recently inconsistent as noted by reviews.

About Trapper Springs (Mt)

Where the lower Madison River winds through Montana's rugged landscape, Trapper Springs Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of riverside camping and adventure. This intimate campground features 15 thoughtfully spaced sites, with 9 available for advance reservation, ensuring you can secure your spot in this sought-after destination. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural setting, including accessible vault toilets, seasonal drinking water, and each site equipped with its own fire pit and picnic table for those memorable evening gatherings under the stars.
Trapper Springs Campground provides standard nonelectric campsites and a reservable group shelter. There are 15 campsites, including accessible ones, making it suitable for both RVs and tent camping. However, the area is described as open sage with minimal privacy or shade.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Standard check-in time is likely consistent with federal guidelines, which may be around 2 PM.
Check-out
Standard check-out time is likely consistent with federal guidelines, which may be around 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to the Madison River, which is famous for trout fishing and is a popular spot for tubing during summer. Other activities include camping, day use, and picnicking. As one user noted, 'If you like to river raft this is the place to go.' Wildlife viewing opportunities are also highlighted by some, with one review describing the area as 'perfect for kids and families' with 'prime access to the lower Madison and wildlife viewing.'
FishingThe Madison River is well-known for its robust trout fishery. Fishing is highlighted as a major recreational activity.
SwimmingThe Madison River offers opportunities for water-based activities such as tubing, which is particularly popular during warm summer months. However, no specific mention of designated swimming areas is made.
BoatingBoating activities, including non-motorized options, are accessible at nearby launch sites. However, there is no boat launch on-site at the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity, with one review mentioning 'prime access to the lower Madison and wildlife viewing.'
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrong winds noted in reviews may pose difficulties for campers using tents. Wildlife may be present given the ecological region.
Active AlertsFire bans may be active during dry seasons, and drinking water availability was recently inconsistent as noted by reviews.

Weather at Trapper Springs (Mt)

Reviews

4.3
38 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Trapper Springs (Mt) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally appreciate the clean facilities, proximity to the Madison River, and spacious sites. However, some criticisms include the lack of privacy, minimal shade, and water availability issues in recent years.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, spacious campsites, good access to the Madison River for fishing and tubing, and a peaceful environment with minimal traffic.
Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of shade and privacy, noise from nearby roads, and intermittent availability of drinking water. One review from June 2023 specifically noted, 'The water has not been turned on in over a year.'
Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra shade or canopies to mitigate the lack of natural shade. Ensure your tent stakes are securely fastened as strong winds can dislodge them, as noted by one reviewer: 'The wind gets wild...
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Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is favored for river-based activities like tubing and fishing. However, several users noted the lack of shade during the hotter months.
Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great area to visit, river is fantastic with lots of rafting and fly fishing.' - Greg S. 2. 'Campground is open sage, no privacy.' - Happy Wanderer. 3. 'Vault toilets were very clean.' - Becky...
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Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3 was noted for limited space due to large rocks, making it less suitable for multiple tents. Site #6 had issues with water availability. Site #5 was described as quiet and enjoyable despite...
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Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and ADA trails are available; however, no specific user feedback on accessibility features was found.
Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews related to pets were found.
Based on 38 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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