How much does camping cost at Gold Rush Campground?

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

Is Gold Rush Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Gold Rush Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations available.

What is the best time to visit Gold Rush Campground?

Gold Rush Campground is open Open year-round, snow dependent. Restrooms open in April.. 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 Gold Rush Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Gold Rush Campground?

Fire policies at Gold Rush Campground: Campfires are allowed, with fire rings provided at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Gold Rush Campground have?

Gold Rush Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Gold Rush Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Gold Rush Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Gold Rush Campground?

Gold Rush Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Gold Rush Campground?

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

Gold Rush Campground

3.25

12 reviews

Gold Rush Campground, Lolo National Forest

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana

Quick Facts

3,553 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,553 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Gold Rush Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for camping at this site, making it entirely free for visitors.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Gold Rush Campground, Lolo National Forest

Gold Rush Campground

Gold Rush Campground, Lolo National Forest

Nearby places

Thompson Falls (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Thompson Falls provides the nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Driving directionsFrom Thompson Falls, travel west on the Prospect Creek Road for 2 miles. Turn left (east) on the Cherry Creek Road. Turn right (south) on the Dry Creek Road #352 for 6 miles. Campground is on the right (west) side close to the 6-mile marker.

The campground is accessible by gravel roads, and requires a 12-mile drive from Thompson Falls. Seasonal snow conditions may affect access during the winter.

Weather at Gold Rush Campground

Current alert: Restrooms remain closed until April; seasonal snow conditions may limit accessibility.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Rush Campground

Fall is the best window here. Late September through early October brings daytime highs in the 40s to 60s and nights in the 20s to 30s. Aspens and larches in nearby draws turn gold, and the mosquitoes finally die off after a brutal summer. Trails stay accessible, crowds thin out except on weekends, and the creek noise is pleasant without the insect hum. Summer is warm but comes with dense mosquito and fly populations. The creek breeds them aggressively. Spring sees heavy snowmelt and early-season bugs. Winter access is limited when snow closes forest roads.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall cited as best window: cooler temps and nearby aspens/larches turn gold.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, snow dependent. Restrooms open in April.

About Gold Rush Campground

Gold Rush Campground sits in a narrow canyon in Lolo National Forest, about 20 miles from Thompson Falls. Six primitive sites line a small creek at 3,553 feet elevation, tucked into dense forest. No reservations, no water on-site, and sites fill early on weekends.

Gold Rush Campground offers primitive camping with sites that are small and limited in number. There are no designated RV or group camping facilities.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the best window here. Late September through early October brings daytime highs in the 40s to 60s and nights in the 20s to 30s. Aspens and larches in nearby draws turn gold, and the mosquitoes finally die off after a brutal summer. Trails stay accessible, crowds thin out except on weekends, and the creek noise is pleasant without the insect hum. Summer is warm but comes with dense mosquito and fly populations. The creek breeds them aggressively. Spring sees heavy snowmelt and early-season bugs. Winter access is limited when snow closes forest roads.

ElevationNestled in the depths of a mountain canyon, the campground sits at an elevation that provides a perfect microclimate, sheltered from harsh winds while maintaining the crisp, clean air that makes mountain camping so refreshing.

Natural Features and SceneryThe canyon walls rise sharply from the creek bottom, carved by centuries of water erosion. Dense stands of pine, fir, and spruce crowd the narrow floor, with bushes and undergrowth filling gaps between trees. The small stream runs year-round, loud enough to hear from most sites. Trails lead from camp into the surrounding national forest. The forest canopy is thick overhead. Site spacing is tight, so you'll see and hear neighbors, though vegetation provides some screening depending on where you land.

Geological RegionCarved by centuries of flowing water, this narrow canyon in the heart of Lolo National Forest showcases the raw power of nature's sculptural abilities. The campground rests on the canyon floor where ancient geological forces and persistent stream erosion have created a perfect pocket of wilderness, surrounded by the vast expanse of one of Montana's most pristine national forests.

Scenic ViewsViews include the surrounding forest and the small creek running behind some sites, offering a serene environment.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix small sites scattered along the creek in a linear arrangement. Tent pads are limited in size. Sites are close enough that you'll share the space acoustically with neighbors.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations available.

Site SizeSites are described as very small with limited space for tent pads.

PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy. Some reviews mention privacy due to bushes and trees, while others highlight the proximity of sites to each other.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors who prefer privacy may opt for sites near the creek, though these may have higher mosquito levels.

Best CampsitesSites near the creek get more privacy from the vegetation but also concentrate mosquitoes. Trade-off depends on whether you prioritize seclusion or sleep.

Amenities available

No overnight use.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Gold Rush Campground are centered around day hiking. A hiking trail is available nearby. There is no mention of other recreational opportunities such as fishing or swimming.

Hiking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews and official details highlight mosquito density and other insects (flies, deer flies) due to the nearby creek. Snow conditions in winter may pose a hazard for access.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Gold Rush Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Gold Rush Campground has mixed reviews from visitors. Some appreciate the seclusion and the presence of a creek, while others criticize the small site sizes, abundant mosquitos, and lack of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained campground, lots of trees and bushes providing privacy, small creek nearby for ambiance.

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Very small sites with limited tent pad space, mosquito and fly presence due to the creek, sites close together, and a 12-mile drive primarily on gravel.

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Mixed reviews on site size and layout. Jilla L mentions that the campground has only 6 sites and highlights privacy provided by trees and bushes. SH criticizes the sites for being very small and...

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Come prepared for mosquitos and flies. Arrive early due to limited sites (6 total) and lack of reservations. Note that there is no potable water available on-site.

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitos and flies are mentioned frequently during warmer months. Winter or early spring may offer a more comfortable experience but with limited amenities (e.g., restrooms closed until April).

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very very small sites, and limited tent pads." - SH "This campground only has 6 sites, but lots of trees and bushes for privacy." - Jilla L "One of my favorite campgrounds near the Idaho border....

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall tent campers who can arrive early on a weekday will find a quiet, well-maintained canyon site with good creek noise and thinning crowds. Late September and October hit the sweet spot before winter closes the forest roads.

Skip if

Summer visits mean serious mosquito and deer fly pressure straight off the creek. Sites are also tight enough that large tents or groups expecting space will feel squeezed, and there's no potable water on-site.

Nearby Campgrounds

Gold Rush Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Gold Rush Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Gold Rush Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gold Rush Campground

Planning Tips

About Gold Rush Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Gold Rush Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gold Rush Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews