Richardson Campground
03 reviewsQuick Facts
5,500 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open and close dates...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
5,500 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open and close dates...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Richardson Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are required even if water is unavailable. However, there are no clear details regarding specific campsite charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
7 Google reviews
Most mentioned
hiking
"Mixed reviews from users. Positive aspects include scenic surroundings and proximity to Richardson Creek. Concerns about bugs and traffic on nearby roads were also highlighted."
Fees & Passes at Richardson Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Richardson Campground
Richardson Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow, creating access challenges that reward the intrepid with unparalleled solitude. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens with flowing water and accessible roads. Fresh mountain water is available on-site during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. Savvy campers check current conditions before departing, as mountain weather can shift dramatically, turning sunny mornings into afternoon thunderstorms that echo through the pines.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions.
- Current Alerts: Road can become impassable, and water is not currently available. Snowfall variability affects opening and closing dates.
About Richardson Campground
Nestled within 8 acres of whispering lodgepole pines, Richardson Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat in the heart of the Castle Mountains. This hillside haven features three secluded campsites, each providing a perfect basecamp for explorers seeking solitude and natural beauty. The gentle murmur of Richardson Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while scenic trails beckon hikers to discover hidden mountain vistas. Modern restrooms ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure, though the winding mountain approach limits trailers to 16 feet or less. Please note that equestrian camping is not permitted at this location.
Richardson Campground caters primarily to primitive camping enthusiasts. It is suitable for tents and small trailers.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsRichardson Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow, creating access challenges that reward the intrepid with unparalleled solitude. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens with flowing water and accessible roads. Fresh mountain water is available on-site during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. Savvy campers check current conditions before departing, as mountain weather can shift dramatically, turning sunny mornings into afternoon thunderstorms that echo through the pines.
ElevationPerched at 5,500 feet above sea level, Richardson Campground offers that perfect mountain elevation where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and summer days remain pleasantly cool even as valleys below swelter in the heat.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground emerges from a sea of lodgepole pines that carpet the mountainside, their straight trunks creating natural cathedral columns that filter golden sunlight by day and frame starlit skies by night. Richardson Creek dances alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters offering both a refreshing respite and a gentle lullaby for campers. The hillside setting provides natural privacy between sites while offering glimpses of the surrounding Castle Mountains through breaks in the forest canopy. Well-maintained hiking trails wind from the campground into the deeper wilderness, where adventurers can discover hidden meadows, wildlife corridors, and panoramic viewpoints that showcase the rugged beauty of central Montana.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Castle Mountains of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Richardson Campground occupies a unique geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion have sculpted a landscape of hidden valleys and towering peaks. The lodgepole pine forest that dominates the hillside tells its own story of fire, renewal, and adaptation in this dynamic mountain ecosystem. This corner of the national forest offers visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of Montana's lesser-known mountain ranges, where geological forces continue to shape the land beneath your feet.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityCampground includes at least one handicap-accessible vault toilet.
Sites SizeNo specific information is available on the size of campsites.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information is available regarding the level of privacy at campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location.
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Richardson Campground is located near hiking trails and Richardson Creek, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Limited recreational activities include hiking and picnicking.
Hiking
Scenic hiking trails are accessible from the campground. Exact trail lengths, difficulty levels, and trail conditions are not specified.Winter Activities
No winter activities are highlighted in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or canoeing, are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBears are present in the region; proper food storage is mandatory to prevent encounters.
Active alertsRoad can become impassable, and water is not currently available. Snowfall variability affects opening and closing dates.
Weather at Richardson Campground
26
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresRichardson Creek flows nearby.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate buggy conditions and traffic on the road.
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Campground Map
Driving directionsTurn south near Mile Post 49 about 7 miles east of White Sulphur Springs on US Highway 12, then go 5 miles south on Forest Road 211.
The road leading to Richardson Campground can become impassable, as noted in the authoritative sources. Motorized OHVs must stay on the campground road.Nearby places
White Sulphur Springs (7 miles east on US Highway 12)
Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Richardson Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews from users. Positive aspects include scenic surroundings and proximity to Richardson Creek. Concerns about bugs and traffic on nearby roads were also highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users describe the campground as scenic, with beautiful camping spots near the river and great areas for hiking and photography. "Beautiful photo camp and hike" and "Cool spot to camp!" are some of...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted that the site can be buggy and there is significant traffic on the nearby road. "Beautiful camping by the river, but very buggy and lots of traffic on the road."
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Ensure proper food storage due to the food storage order in effect from March 1st to December 1st to prevent bear conflicts. Call the local district office to check road conditions as they can become...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal trends, but potential users should note snowfall can impact campground accessibility.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful photo camp and hike", "Cool spot to camp!", "Beautiful camping by the river, but very buggy and lots of traffic on the road."
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not available as only general campground feedback is provided.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed at the campground, and leashed dogs are explicitly allowed. User reviews do not provide additional pet-specific feedback.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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