Gold Rush Campground

Star3.90
12 reviews
Gold Rush Campground, Lolo National Forest

Quick Facts

3,553 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website
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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.
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

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What Campers Say

3.90

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanwell-maintained

Some mention

small

"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."

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Campground Map

Gold Rush Campground, Lolo National Forest

Gold Rush Campground

Gold Rush Campground, Lolo National Forest

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.
Nearby places
Thompson Falls (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Thompson Falls provides the nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Rush Campground

Each season paints Gold Rush Campground with its own distinct palette. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for streamside relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the canyon transforms into a tapestry of colors. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the adventurous, though access may be limited during heavy snowfall. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt, making every visit a unique experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm days and cool nights noted, but mosquitos and flies are frequent in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn described positively with cooler nights; foliage and quiet implied.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Early spring may be comfortable; restrooms reopen in April but some amenities limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but snow-dependent; limited amenities and restrooms closed until April.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, snow dependent. Restrooms open in April.
  • Current Alerts: Restrooms remain closed until April; seasonal snow conditions may limit accessibility.

About Gold Rush Campground

Tucked away in a secluded canyon where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral overhead, Gold Rush Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's wilderness. This hidden gem provides the perfect blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, where campers can fall asleep to the gentle murmur of the nearby stream and wake to birdsong echoing through the forest canopy.
Gold Rush Campground offers primitive camping with sites that are small and limited in number. There are no designated RV or group camping facilities.
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Open 24 hours/day

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
HikingA day-hike trail is available nearby the campground, although there are no further details on trail length or difficulty.
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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.
Active AlertsRestrooms remain closed until April; seasonal snow conditions may limit accessibility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Gold Rush Campground

Reviews

3.9
12 reviews
Mixed 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

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....
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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...
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Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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