James Kipp Campground

Star4.33
34 reviews
920 Northeast Main, Lewistown, MT, 59457, USA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

2,277 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open annually from A...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
James Kipp Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$12 per night recreation use fee. RV waste dump fee is $10.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
1(406) 538-1900BLM_MT_Central_DO@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 34 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

cell service

"Overall, James Kipp Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, secluded and scenic location, and suitability for fishing and stargazing. However, the lack of cell phone service and potable water were noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

920 Northeast Main, Lewistown, MT, 59457, USA

James Kipp Campground

920 Northeast Main, Lewistown, MT, 59457, USA

Driving directionsThe entrance is located south of the Missouri River off of US 191.
Access is straightforward and south of the Missouri River off of US 191. No challenging terrain or seasonal closures are noted in authoritative sources.
Nearby places
Lewistown, MT (null miles, travel time not specified)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Lewistown, MT, though specific locations are not listed.

Best Time to Camp at James Kipp Campground

The rhythm of seasons brings dramatic changes to this riverside sanctuary. Early spring and late fall visitors should pack warm layers as freezing temperatures paint frost on morning canvas tents. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise with typically dry conditions and crystalline blue skies that stretch endlessly above the breaks. While summer offers the most predictable weather, adventurous souls visiting during shoulder seasons might encounter nature's surprises—from refreshing rain showers to delicate dustings of snow that transform the rugged landscape into a wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Open in summer; boating, fishing and shaded sites are peak-season draws.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through fall; cooler temps, solitude and excellent stargazing remain attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 1; early spring can be cold/frosty though boating and fishing resume.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Dec 1–Apr 1; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to December 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open annually from April 1 to December 1.
  • Current Alerts: Potable water systems are currently shut down.

About James Kipp Campground

Nestled along the legendary Missouri River within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, James Kipp Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of America's most pristine waterways. This peaceful riverside retreat welcomes travelers on a first-come, first-serve basis with 34 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own fire ring and picnic table for memorable evenings under the stars. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including well-maintained vault toilets, convenient trash disposal, and an RV waste dump station (available for a $10 fee). While the campground accommodates impressive RVs up to 40 feet in length, the experience here is refreshingly unplugged—no electrical hookups means more time connecting with nature and less time tethered to devices.
The campground offers basic amenities and is geared towards primitive camping, RV camping, and tent camping.
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Stay Limit
14-day limit.

Amenities available

Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and enjoying pristine dark skies for stargazing.
FishingFishing is popular in the area. One review noted: "Most users of the campsite are in the area to hunt and fish, and I hear the sport is exceptional."
BoatingThe site is popular for launching watercraft, and a user noted that the boat ramp is close by: "Boat ramp is nice and close."
Wildlife viewingThe area is remote and offers opportunities to observe wildlife, but no specific wildlife species were mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell service for miles; visitors should plan accordingly. Potable water systems are shut down, which may affect usability for some campers.
Active AlertsPotable water systems are currently shut down.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at James Kipp Campground

Reviews

4.3
34 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
James Kipp Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, James Kipp Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, secluded and scenic location, and suitability for fishing and stargazing. However, the lack of cell phone service and potable water were noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the campground’s pristine dark skies, clean facilities, proximity to the Missouri River, and suitability for fishing and boating.
Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of cell phone service and potable water were common drawbacks mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to plan for the absence of cell service and potable water. Bring your own drinking water, and prepare for a primitive camping experience.
Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from April 1 to December 1. Fishing and boating are popular in warmer months, and the dark skies are a year-round attraction. Water for the RV dump typically becomes...
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Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The campground was clean and so were the bathrooms." 2. "No hookups, but trees in most spaces. It is close to the river and there are vault toilets." 3. "Most users of the campsite are in the...
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Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers were reviewed in detail.
Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically mentioned accessibility features.
Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews discussed pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 34 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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