Mortimer Gulch Campground

4.56

11 reviews

Mortimer Gulch Campground, Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mortimer Gulch Campground

$5.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping costs $15 per single site per night, with an additional $5 fee per extra vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

USFS

Provider

NullNull

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikingsites

"User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, clean vault toilets, and large, private campsites. The proximity to Gibson Reservoir and trails for hiking are appreciated. However, the unpaved access road is noted as a challenge."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mortimer Gulch Campground, Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Mortimer Gulch Campground

Mortimer Gulch Campground, Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Driving directionsIn Augusta, MT, take Manix St. west (toward Gibson Reservoir) 3.7 miles to Gibson Reservoir sign. At this intersection, turn right and go 21.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground. NOTE: At some point, Manix St. turns into Forest Rt. 108. At the intersection, the road turns into dirt for 15 miles, then becomes paved for 6.8 miles to the campground.

Road access requires traveling approximately 15 miles on unpaved Forest Rt. 108 and an additional 6.8 miles on paved roads. Recommended vehicles include those suitable for rugged terrain, especially for accessing the boat ramp.

Nearby places

Augusta: approximately 26 miles, 40-minute drive

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including gas and groceries, are in Augusta, Montana, approximately 26 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Mortimer Gulch Campground

Each season transforms Mortimer Gulch into a dramatically different wonderland. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, with temperatures that crystallize your breath and create a hushed, magical atmosphere perfect for those seeking true solitude. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers burst through the warming soil while summer arrives with gentle warmth ideal for hiking, fishing, and stargazing under Montana's legendary big sky. Autumn brings a spectacular show as aspens turn brilliant gold against evergreen firs, though shorter days and crisp evenings remind visitors to pack layers for comfort.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day; summer noted as ideal for fishing and hiking.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens turn gold and site is open through Nov 30, though services limited after Labor Day.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open beginning Memorial Day weekend; spring (Mar–May) mostly closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site closed Dec–Apr; winter access and services not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through November 30, weather dependent. No services are available from Labor Day through November 30.
Current Alerts: No current alerts reported.

About Mortimer Gulch Campground

Nestled in the heart of Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Mortimer Gulch Campground beckons adventurers with 26 secluded campsites spread across two distinct loops. The upper loop, embraced by towering Douglas firs, creates a cathedral-like canopy overhead, while the lower loop dances beneath rustling aspens that paint the landscape gold each autumn. This pristine pack-in, pack-out wilderness retreat sits near the sparkling waters of Gibson Reservoir, where the North Fork of the Sun River carves its ancient path through the Montana landscape. As you settle into your campsite, remember that you're sharing this magnificent territory with native black bears—proper food storage in provided lockers is essential to preserve both your safety and the natural behavior of these majestic creatures.

Mortimer Gulch Campground exclusively offers standard campsites without designated areas for RVs or tents. There are no cabins or group camping options.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific campground remains unwritten, the surrounding Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest carries the legacy of the famous expedition that gave it its name, where intrepid explorers first documented this remarkable landscape for the young nation.

Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Mortimer Gulch into a dramatically different wonderland. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, with temperatures that crystallize your breath and create a hushed, magical atmosphere perfect for those seeking true solitude. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers burst through the warming soil while summer arrives with gentle warmth ideal for hiking, fishing, and stargazing under Montana's legendary big sky. Autumn brings a spectacular show as aspens turn brilliant gold against evergreen firs, though shorter days and crisp evenings remind visitors to pack layers for comfort.

ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet where the air grows thin and crisp, Mortimer Gulch offers visitors a true mountain experience. This elevation gifts campers with refreshingly cool summer nights and spectacular vistas, though newcomers to altitude should take time to acclimate, staying hydrated and pacing themselves as they explore. The thin mountain air makes stars appear closer and more brilliant, creating unforgettable nights around the campfire.

Natural Features and SceneryMortimer Gulch serves as your gateway to one of Montana's most spectacular natural theaters. The campground's two distinct ecosystems—the shadowy, moss-carpeted Douglas fir groves and the light-dappled aspen stands—create diverse habitats teeming with wildlife. Gibson Reservoir stretches before you like a sapphire mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks and offering excellent trout fishing opportunities. Just beyond, the legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex beckons with over a million acres of untouched backcountry, where grizzlies roam and eagles soar. The North Fork of the Sun River provides a constant mountain melody, its clear waters rushing over ancient stones worn smooth by centuries of flow.

Geological RegionMortimer Gulch rests within the dramatic geological tapestry of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, where ancient tectonic forces sculpted the Rocky Mountain Front into its current majesty. The campground showcases Montana's ecological diversity through its dual forest personalities—the resilient Douglas firs that have weathered countless mountain storms in the upper loop, and the delicate aspens that quake with the slightest breeze in the lower loop. This remarkable confluence of ecosystems, carved by the persistent flow of the North Fork Sun River and shaped by millennia of natural forces, creates a landscape where the raw power of wilderness meets accessible outdoor recreation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into two loops—upper loop (Douglas fir dominant) and lower loop (Aspen dominant).

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served, no reservations accepted.

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available.

Site SizeThe campground features large campsites, according to user reviews.

PrivacyMany sites are described as private and quiet by users.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesInformation not provided

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mortimer Gulch Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The area features trails suitable for day hikes and provides access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Fishing opportunities are plentiful, especially for rainbow and cutthroat trout in Gibson Reservoir and the North Fork of the Sun River.

HikingThe campground offers access to two trails: Mortimer Gulch #252 (7 miles) and North Fork of the Sun #201 (17.5 miles). Both are suitable for foot and horse travel and lead into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

FishingThe area is popular for fishing rainbow and cutthroat trout in the nearby reservoir and river.

BoatingBoating is possible in Gibson Reservoir, but only for 4WD tow vehicles due to the primitive boat ramp 0.5 miles away.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is frequent; mandatory food storage is required. Roads leading to the campground include unpaved segments, posing challenges for some vehicles.

Active AlertsNo current alerts reported.

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

Food Storage RequiredMandatory food storage is required due to bear activity, although no specific storage locker fees are mentioned.

Fire PolicyFire danger warnings apply; specific guidelines for campfires are enforced.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Augusta, Montana, approximately 40 minutes away by car.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground adheres to a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning visitors must take their trash with them.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near Gibson Reservoir and North Fork of the Sun River. A primitive boat ramp is available 0.5 miles away, accessible only to 4WD vehicles.

Camp HostInformation not provided

Weather at Mortimer Gulch Campground

Reviews

4.6

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Mortimer Gulch Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, clean vault toilets, and large, private campsites. The proximity to Gibson Reservoir and trails for hiking are appreciated. However, the unpaved access road is noted as a challenge.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, quiet and private campsites, and proximity to hiking trails and Gibson Reservoir.

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users find the access road difficult to navigate due to its unpaved and remote nature. The lack of potable water is also a drawback.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water and food containers due to bears and the lack of potable water. A 4WD vehicle is suggested to access the boat ramp.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer months, the campground is quiet and ideal for fishing and hiking. However, services are unavailable beyond Labor Day until the seasonal closure at the end of November.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were clean, many sites large and private, and only a few other campers. Quiet." - User Review, July 2020 "Campground with many large campsites with a fire pit and community bathrooms."...

Based on 11 reviews