Richardson Campground

4.14

9 reviews

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open and close dates...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

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

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

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.

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

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See something outdated or incorrect?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

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 9 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Richardson Campground

46.5408, -110.7306

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

null

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Hiking, creek ambiance, and stargazing available in summer; bugs reported as a downside.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Mountain fall likely pleasant for hiking and solitude; lodgepole pines less fall color but still scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers snowmelt and trails reopening; potential mud and variable access from snowmelt.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter blankets forest in snow but access can be challenging; limited winter recreation noted.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 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

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.

HikingScenic hiking trails are accessible from the campground. Exact trail lengths, difficulty levels, and trail conditions are not specified.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears 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.

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.

Weather at Richardson Campground

Reviews

4.1

9 reviews

Satisfactory

Richardson Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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