How much does camping cost at Richardson Campground?

Camping fees at Richardson Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Richardson Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Richardson Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available.

What is the best time to visit Richardson Campground?

Richardson Campground is open Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions.. 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 Richardson Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Richardson Campground?

Fire policies at Richardson Campground: Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Richardson Campground have?

Richardson Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Richardson Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Richardson Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Richardson Campground?

Richardson Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Richardson Campground?

Popular activities at Richardson Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Richardson Campground

3.22

9 reviews

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open and close dates...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open and close dates...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Richardson Campground

46.5408, -110.7306

Nearby places

White Sulphur Springs (7 miles east on US Highway 12)

Nearby supplies

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Weather at Richardson Campground

Current alert: Road can become impassable, and water is not currently available. Snowfall variability affects opening and closing dates.

Best Time to Camp at Richardson Campground

Summer provides the most reliable access and comfortable conditions for hiking and camping. Daytime temperatures reach 65–80°F, while nights drop to 35–50°F at this elevation. Creeks run lower than in spring but still flow through late summer. Montana's wildfire season can bring closures or fire restrictions during mid to late summer, so check conditions before heading out. Winter access becomes difficult as snow accumulates, limiting the campground primarily to warm-weather use.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps 65–80°F; best access and comfortable conditions for hiking/camping.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions.

About Richardson Campground

Richardson Campground sits at 5,500 feet in the Castle Mountains of Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, offering three primitive tent sites in a lodgepole pine forest above Richardson Creek. The small size guarantees solitude during summer months, when temperatures range from highs of 65–80°F to lows of 35–50°F. The campground includes vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. Dogs are welcome.

Richardson Campground caters primarily to primitive camping enthusiasts. It is suitable for tents and small trailers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer provides the most reliable access and comfortable conditions for hiking and camping. Daytime temperatures reach 65–80°F, while nights drop to 35–50°F at this elevation. Creeks run lower than in spring but still flow through late summer. Montana's wildfire season can bring closures or fire restrictions during mid to late summer, so check conditions before heading out. Winter access becomes difficult as snow accumulates, limiting the campground primarily to warm-weather use.

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 SceneryLodgepole pines cover the hillside where the campground sits, a forest shaped by fire and regrowth cycles common to Montana's mid-elevation ranges. Richardson Creek runs near the sites, providing both scenic value and a reliable water feature even in mid-summer when flows drop from spring peaks. The Castle Mountains form the broader backdrop, a volcanic landscape sculpted by millions of years of erosion into hidden valleys and ridges. Reviewers mention the scenic quality and call out good spots for photography near the creek.

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.

Scenic ViewsForested views and proximity to Richardson Creek provide a scenic ambiance.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at this campground; the focus is on primitive camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available.

AccessibilityCampground includes at least one handicap-accessible vault toilet.

Site SizeNo specific information is available on the size of campsites.

PrivacyNo specific information is available regarding the level of privacy at campsites.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present in the region; proper food storage is mandatory to prevent encounters.

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 to store unattended food and attractants properly due to bear activity. Food Storage Order in place from March 1st to December 1st.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.2

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Richardson Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 9 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 9 reviews

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 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are not available as only general campground feedback is provided.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro 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 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal trends, but potential users should note snowfall can impact campground accessibility.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper 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 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-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 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Photographers and hikers who want a free, uncrowded Montana forest camp will find this hard to beat. Three sites means almost no competition, the creek draws good light, and bear lockers are already on-site so storage is sorted.

Skip if

No potable water on-site, road conditions can make access impossible without warning, and reviewers flag real bug pressure plus noticeable road noise from nearby traffic. Comfort campers will want more infrastructure.

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Campgrounds

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Richardson Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

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

Overview

Richardson Campground is located in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in the Castle Mountains. At an elevation of 5,500 feet, the campground encompasses 8 acres. It is located in a lodgepole pine forest on a hillside. There are 3 campsites provided with restrooms. Richardson Creek is located nearby, and scenic hiking trails are accessible from the campground. Pets are welcome. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 16 feet. All campgrounds on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available. Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location.  A food storage order is in effect from March 1st to December 1st to prevent human-bear conflicts on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Store all unattended food and attractants properly. Please see Food Storage Order for specifics. Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions. Please call the local district office or check our website. Leashed dogs are welcome. Horses are not allowed in campgrounds. Motorized OHVs must stay on the campground road. The campgrounds include access to potable water during the warmer months, and all have at least one handicap accessible vault toilet. Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill, and a picnic table. Even if water is unavailable, campground fees are still required.