Benchmark Campground

Star4.73
13 reviews

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

Official Website
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Benchmark Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight Use: $10 per night for a single campsite. Additional vehicle charges are $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioussites

"User reviews generally praise the campground's spacious, shaded sites and proximity to trails leading to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. However, some users point out that the campground can become crowded during peak times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Benchmark Campground

47.4858, -112.8808

Driving directionsFrom Augusta, go west on Forest Road 235 about 30 miles. Alternatively: In Augusta, MT, take County Rt. 435 for 0.3 miles to Fishing Access, Bean Lake sign (Eberl St.). Turn right onto Eberl St. (which becomes Laurel St. almost immediately and then Forest Rt. 235) and go 14.7 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left (following Benchmark sign) and go 15.4 miles to Benchmark campground sign. Turn left and go 0.3 miles to campground.
The majority of the drive (approximately 30 miles) to Benchmark Campground is on dirt roads. User reviews note that larger RVs and trailers have been able to access the area, although the roads are unpaved. "Nice roomy wooded sites... 30 miles of nice dirt road. We had no problem taking our 30 ft 5th wheel to the campground."
Nearby places
Augusta, Montana: Approximately 30 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies should be obtained in Augusta, Montana, approximately 30 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Benchmark Campground

Experience the perfect camping climate at Benchmark, where crisp mountain air and dry conditions create ideal outdoor adventures from late spring through early fall. Summer days invite exploration under sunny skies, while cool evenings are perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into gold against clear blue skies. Winter transforms this highland paradise into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and deep snowpack closing the campground but opening opportunities for backcountry winter enthusiasts.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Ideal summer climate; busiest season with best trail and wilderness access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Nov 30; golden aspens and crisp air make fall attractive though services reduce after Labor Day.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens in late spring with wildflowers; good early-season hiking though full services start later.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for the bulk of winter; not a winter destination.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through November 30. No services are provided between Labor Day and November 30.

About Benchmark Campground

Escape to Benchmark Campground, a hidden gem nestled 30 miles west of Augusta, Montana, where 25 thoughtfully placed campsites await adventure seekers and horse enthusiasts alike. Open from the first wildflowers of late spring through the golden days of early fall, this scenic retreat serves as your gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountain Front. The journey here rewards travelers with one of Montana's most spectacular drives, winding through landscapes that shift from rolling plains to towering peaks.
Benchmark Campground is designed for a mix of uses, including equestrian camping and standard campsites for tents and RVs.
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Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, and access to hiking trails that lead to the Scapegoat Wilderness.
HikingThe Straight Creek Trail #212 is a 15.2-mile trail accessible from the campground, providing connections to a network of trails in the Scapegoat Wilderness. Suitable for both horseback riding and foot travel.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are known to frequent the area, requiring strict adherence to food storage guidelines. The drive into the campground includes long stretches of dirt roads, which can be challenging in inclement weather.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Benchmark Campground

Reviews

4.7
13 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Benchmark Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground's spacious, shaded sites and proximity to trails leading to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. However, some users point out that the campground can become crowded during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the secluded and quiet nature of the campground, its spacious sites, and the availability of clean vault toilets. Proximity to the Bob Marshall Wilderness is also frequently praised.
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note the lack of potable water, the crowded conditions during peak times, and confusion about the number of campsites available for different uses.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as potable water is not provided. Be prepared for a 30-mile drive on dirt roads to reach the campground. Follow mandatory food storage regulations due to bears.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months. After Labor Day, services are reduced, but the campground remains open until November 30, weather permitting.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is an awesome campground, close to trail to Bob Marshall wilderness, works fine if you are self-contained." - Gary McLeod. "Nice roomy wooded sites ... Clean well-stocked pit toilets." - Lisa...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in user reviews, but equestrian sites are noted as being distinct from standard sites.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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