Skidway Campground

Star3.87
18 reviews
Skidway Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

Official Website
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Skidway Campground
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15 per night for single-unit campsites, and $5/night for an extra vehicle.
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

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What Campers Say

3.87

Mixed Reviews

Based on 18 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

"Reviews highlight the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere, while some note challenges like weeds around the potable water pump and occasional litter. Seasonal closures are mentioned from past years, but the site is currently open."

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Campground Map

Skidway Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Skidway Campground

Skidway Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Driving directionsFrom Townsend, MT, take US Rt. 12 east 21.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign (mile marker 22) onto gravel road and go 0.6 miles to another campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
The road to the campground is gravel, with parking aprons made of grass and gravel. Some potholes are present but manageable. "Road in wasn't too bad, just a few potholes" (User Review, Dylan).
Nearby places
Townsend - 21 miles, approximately 30 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Townsend, MT, 21 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel at the Conoco gas station at the intersection of US Rts. 287 and 12.

Best Time to Camp at Skidway Campground

Experience the full drama of mountain weather at Skidway, where crystalline winter snows give way to wildflower-filled springs and sun-drenched summers. While winter brings a hushed blanket of snow and crisp, freezing temperatures, summer transforms the campground into a comfortable retreat with pleasantly warm days reaching 78°F. The notably dry mountain air - what locals call 'dry humidity' - makes even the warmest afternoons feel refreshing, perfect for afternoon hikes or evening campfires under star-filled skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews highlight wildlife viewing and scenic beauty; peak season for wildlife/photos.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quaking aspens imply strong fall color displays; scenic mountain views persist.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflower displays in the grassy meadows; pleasant but variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Nov–Apr; winter use and facilities are not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open May 1 through October 30.

About Skidway Campground

Perched near the summit of Deep Creek Canyon, Skidway Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat where towering Douglas firs and quaking aspens frame your wilderness escape. Two thoughtfully designed camping loops wind through this high-country haven, where grassy meadows open to reveal breathtaking mountain vistas. As one recent visitor noted, 'Great views. Only one other campsite occupied' - a testament to the peaceful solitude awaiting those who venture to this hidden gem. Whether you're casting a line in nearby streams or exploring canyon trails, Skidway provides the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventures.
Skidway Campground offers rustic camping with 12 combined campsites. Accommodations include tent camping and small RVs, with no group camping or cabin lodging available.
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Stay Limit
Camping stays are limited to 14 days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include hiking and fishing opportunities near the campground, though trails and fishing spots are not explicitly detailed. Wildlife viewing is noted as a seasonal highlight, particularly in summer.
HikingNearby hiking opportunities exist, but specific trails are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
FishingFishing opportunities are available near Deep Creek Canyon, though sources do not specify fish species or locations.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted as a seasonal highlight: "Grassy meadows throughout campground suggest a wildflower display in the spring and good wildlife viewing during the summer."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; practicing safe food storage techniques is mandatory.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Skidway Campground

Reviews

3.9
18 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Skidway Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere, while some note challenges like weeds around the potable water pump and occasional litter. Seasonal closures are mentioned from past years, but the site is currently open.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's scenic views and peaceful environment: "Sites are far enough apart you aren't on top of each other," "Great views," and "Clean and quiet."
Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include weeds around the potable water pump and occasional litter: "It's too bad that people can't take care of it and clean up after themselves."
Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Practice safe food storage techniques as it is bear country. Bring potable water since none is available on-site, and prepare for limited amenities.
Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews are typically from summer months, highlighting wildlife viewing and scenic beauty. User reviews from colder months or off-season periods note closures and reduced accessibility.
Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilet was as clean as could be expected." "Set far back and up the mountain. Road in wasn't too bad, just a few potholes." "Sites are far enough apart you aren't on top of each other."
Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews mention specific site numbers.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available, aligning with the mention of wheelchair-friendly features.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not addressed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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