How much does camping cost at Hay Canyon Campground?

Camping fees at Hay Canyon Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Hay Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hay Canyon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served basis for all campsites; no mention of fill patterns.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hay Canyon Campground before I book?

Yes! Hay Canyon Campground has 6 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 Hay Canyon Campground?

Hay Canyon Campground is open Open year-round.. 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 Hay Canyon Campground?

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

How many campsites does Hay Canyon Campground have?

Hay Canyon Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hay Canyon Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Hay Canyon Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hay Canyon Campground?

Hay Canyon Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hay Canyon Campground?

Popular activities at Hay Canyon Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hay Canyon Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hay Canyon Campground?

Fire policies at Hay Canyon Campground: Campfire rules are not explicitly mentioned, but visitors should adhere to general safety and fire regulations in forested areas.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.38

8 reviews

Top 23% in MTSpring

Featured in:Beach Camping Montana

Quick Facts

5,276 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,276 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hay Canyon Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee structure is simple, with a flat rate of $10 per night.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hay Canyon Campground

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Campground Map

Hay Canyon Campground

46.7989, -110.3003

Nearby places

Hobson - approximately 20 miles northeast

Utica - approximately 17 miles northeast

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in Utica or Hobson, as the campground itself does not offer these amenities.

Driving directionsAt Hobson, on US Highway 87, turn into town and follow Montana Highway 239 to Utica. At Utica, turn left onto county road (gravel). Travel 17 miles southwest to campground.

The campground is accessed by gravel roads that stretch for 17 miles after turning off Montana Highway 239 at Utica. The road conditions may present challenges for some vehicles. It is noted that the maximum recommended trailer length is 30 feet.

Weather at Hay Canyon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hay Canyon Campground

Summer is most reliable: daytime highs run 60–80°F, nights drop into the 40s–50s. Afternoon thunderstorms happen, so keep plans flexible. Winter brings mid-20s temperatures and snow cover, restricting access but rewarding those equipped for cold-weather camping. Spring sees occasional snow flurries and cold mornings. Autumn frosts arrive early at this elevation. Pack layers year-round.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is 'most reliable' with 60–80°F days; best season per description.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Hay Canyon Campground

Hay Canyon Campground sits at 5,276 feet in Lewis and Clark National Forest, a seven-site campground along the South Fork Judith River near Utica, Montana. The sites accommodate trailers up to 30 feet and run $10 per night with 24-hour access. No potable water on-site. The setting is genuinely remote: expect forest quiet, river sounds, and minimal crowds outside holiday weekends.

This campground primarily supports tent camping and limited RV camping due to its small size and trailer restrictions. Group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping options are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is most reliable: daytime highs run 60–80°F, nights drop into the 40s–50s. Afternoon thunderstorms happen, so keep plans flexible. Winter brings mid-20s temperatures and snow cover, restricting access but rewarding those equipped for cold-weather camping. Spring sees occasional snow flurries and cold mornings. Autumn frosts arrive early at this elevation. Pack layers year-round.

ElevationNestled in the mountainous terrain of Lewis and Clark National Forest, Hay Canyon sits at an elevation that delivers crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures, offering relief from summer heat while providing that distinctive high-country atmosphere that mountain lovers seek.

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork Judith River has carved this canyon over millennia, creating terrain that supports dense coniferous forest and seasonal wildflowers. Towering evergreens dominate the canopy. Deer and black bears move through the area. The river itself runs clear enough for trout fishing. Morning mist is common in the canyon, and afternoons bring filtered light through the pines and firs.

Geological RegionHay Canyon exemplifies the rugged beauty of Montana's Lewis and Clark National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved dramatic landscapes now clothed in dense coniferous forests. The South Fork Judith River has spent millennia shaping this canyon, creating a diverse habitat that supports everything from towering evergreens to delicate wildflowers, while wildlife ranging from deer to black bears call these forests home.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy views of the South Fork of the Judith River and the surrounding forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of additional lodging accommodations such as a lodge or hotel at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

24 hours open

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

16 days maximum

Groups

There are no group camping options mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSeven sites accessed by gravel road. Sites handle trailers up to 30 feet.

Reservation PlatformsThere are no platforms for advance reservations as sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis for all campsites; no mention of fill patterns.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is detailed in the source material.

AccessibilityRestrooms are available. No other specific accessibility features have been described.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesIt is recommended to bring sufficient water as there is no potable water available. Campers should also plan for bear-safe food storage.

Amenities available

No water year round

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and ATV trail usage. While it is close to the South Fork of the Judith River, there is no detailed description of other recreational activities.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bears may frequent the area." Campers must use approved food storage containers and exercise caution.

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

Fire PolicyCampfire rules are not explicitly mentioned, but visitors should adhere to general safety and fire regulations in forested areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals and police stations, would be located in nearby towns such as Hobson or Lewistown.

Water FeaturesClose proximity to the South Fork of the Judith River, providing fishing opportunities.

Camp HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.

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

3.4

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hay Canyon Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

There are no user reviews provided in the source material.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

User feedback is unavailable.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

User complaints are not documented.

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews address specific sites or areas within the campground.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No tips or recommendations from prior campers are included.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

There are no reviews to identify seasonal trends.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are included.

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no user reviews discussing accessibility.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews discuss pet policies or their experiences with pets at the campground.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and ATV riders who can self-supply water and don't need a reservation will find this fits the bill. Summer highs stay in the 60s-80s, nights cool into the 40s, and the river runs clear for trout fishing.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling your own for every site, every night. First-come-first-served with only 7 spots means holiday weekends are a gamble, and Lewistown is your nearest real emergency resource.

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Campgrounds

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Hay Canyon Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Hay Canyon Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Hay Canyon Campground is located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. There are 7 campsites near fishing access to the South Fork of the Judith River and scenic ATV trails.  Restrooms are provided. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 30 feet. Please limit your stay to 16 days.Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.