Thain Creek Campground
4.3718 reviewsThain Creek Campground, Highwood Mountains, Montana
Quick Facts
4,700 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from Memorial D...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
4,700 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from Memorial D...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsThain Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites cost $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites physically occupied by the pass...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.37
Recommended
Based on 18 reviews
35 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietpeacefulcleanhiking
"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and scenic setting, clean vault toilets, and well-maintained facilities. Some users express dissatisfaction with the rough and rocky road leading to the campground, and others report closures that were not clearly communicated."
Fees & Passes at Thain Creek Campground
$10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location.
Cancellation: Campsites cannot be reserved; payment and presence are required to hold a site.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Thain Creek Campground
From the wildflower blooms of May through the golden aspens of mid-November, Thain Creek welcomes adventurers to experience the Highwood's ever-changing moods. Mountain weather here dances between sun-drenched afternoons and refreshing evening breezes, creating that perfect camping climate. Seasoned visitors recommend checking road conditions before arrival, as the winding access road transforms into an adventure of its own when mountain rains fall or early snows dust the landscape—adding an authentic backcountry feel to your journey.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May to mid-fall, exact dates vary with snow conditions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day weekend through November 15, subject to snow conditions.
About Thain Creek Campground
Discover your mountain sanctuary at Thain Creek Campground, the exclusive gateway to camping in the majestic Highwood Mountains. Perched gracefully on a hillside above the babbling waters of Thain Creek, this hidden gem offers 20 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each a private retreat beneath a canopy of whispering lodgepole pines and shimmering aspens. Whether you're gathering around your fire ring under starlit skies or enjoying morning coffee at your picnic table while listening to the creek's gentle melody, you'll find the perfect blend of rustic charm and natural comfort in this peaceful mountain haven.
Thain Creek Campground accommodates various types of camping, including tent camping and RV camping with limited facilities. All campsites are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. Group camping and glamping options are not available.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the wildflower blooms of May through the golden aspens of mid-November, Thain Creek welcomes adventurers to experience the Highwood's ever-changing moods. Mountain weather here dances between sun-drenched afternoons and refreshing evening breezes, creating that perfect camping climate. Seasoned visitors recommend checking road conditions before arrival, as the winding access road transforms into an adventure of its own when mountain rains fall or early snows dust the landscape—adding an authentic backcountry feel to your journey.
ElevationAt 4,700 feet above sea level, Thain Creek Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat into nature's air-conditioned paradise. This elevated perch delivers crisp mountain mornings perfect for that first cup of camp coffee, comfortable afternoons ideal for trail adventures, and cool evenings that invite cozy campfire gatherings. The altitude creates an ideal microclimate where forest shade and mountain breezes combine to provide natural comfort throughout your stay.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry where towering lodgepole pines stand sentinel alongside groves of quaking aspens, their leaves creating nature's wind chimes. Thain Creek serves as your constant companion, its crystal-clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack to your mountain escape. Adventure beckons right from your campsite, with trails leading directly into the wilderness, including the spectacular loop trail to Windy Mountain where panoramic views reward those who venture forth. This intimate forest setting offers both shelter and wonder, where each site feels like its own private woodland retreat.
Geological RegionThe Highwood Mountains embrace Thain Creek Campground in their ancient arms, showcasing a diverse ecosystem where lodgepole pine forests give way to aspen groves, all nourished by the network of mountain creeks that have carved these valleys over millennia. This unique geological setting creates a mosaic of habitats, from dense conifer stands to open meadows, offering campers an authentic Rocky Mountain wilderness experience in one of Montana's most pristine mountain ranges.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has wheelchair-accessible vault toilets and wide, level parking aprons that are suitable for RVs.
Sites SizeThe campsites include wide, level parking aprons suitable for RVs, and some sites overlook the creek.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are spread out among trees, offering some level of privacy. "Our site had a picnic table and fire pit with a rotating griddle. The bathrooms were very close, and there was a water spout."
Total Campsites20 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates a maximum of 8 people.
Groups
No group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged on a hillside in a single loop, with wide, level parking aprons suitable for RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day weekend through November 15, subject to snow conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available. First-come, first-served only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCampsites cannot be reserved; payment and presence are required to hold a site.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Thain Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The campground's proximity to scenic trailheads and creeks makes it appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. The Windy Mountain Trail and Briggs Creek Trail are among the most notable hiking options, and fishing opportunities include catching rainbow and brook trout in nearby waters.
Hiking
Notable hiking trails include the Windy Mountain Trail #454 and Briggs Creek Trail #431, which together form a 6.5-mile loop. The trails offer scenic views of plains and distant mountains. Seasonal closures apply: all trails in the Highwoods close by September 1st or October 15th.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include rainbow and brook trout. Specific fishing locations are not detailed, but the activity is supported in nearby streams.Winter Activities
None explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
The campground does not support water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each campsite includes a fire ring or grill. Campfires are permitted within these designated areas.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep, rocky access roads and possible bear activity, necessitating proper food storage.
Weather at Thain Creek Campground
34
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 17.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services in Great Falls, approximately 30 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to mid-fall, exact dates vary with snow conditions.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates as a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, meaning campers must take their trash with them when they leave.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Thain Creek, which adds to the scenic and tranquil atmosphere of the campground.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include the poor condition of access roads; they are often described as rocky, bumpy, and poorly maintained. Some reviews also mention closures not being well-communicated.
HostCamp hosts are present and noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, although one review mentioned an unpleasant experience with a host.
Campground Map
Thain Creek Campground, Highwood Mountains, Montana
Driving directionsFrom Great Falls, go east on US 89 6 miles, east 13 miles on MT-228, then 16 miles east on County Road 121, and finally 2 miles east on Forest Road 8840. Note that County Road 121 and Forest Road 8840 are dirt and gravel roads.
Access includes paved roads initially, followed by 16 miles of dirt and gravel roads (County Road 121 and Forest Road 8840). Gravel sections are described as 'very rocky, very bumpy,' and caution is advised, especially during wet conditions.Nearby places
Great Falls (about 30 miles, approximately 1.5-hour drive depending on road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Great Falls, approximately 30 miles away. No supplies within close proximity to the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
18 reviews
Thain Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and scenic setting, clean vault toilets, and well-maintained facilities. Some users express dissatisfaction with the rough and rocky road leading to the campground, and others report closures that were not clearly communicated.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the clean vault toilets, the peaceful and quiet forest setting, and the scenic hiking trails. "Great starting point for new campers or a regular spot if you like the area....
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on the poorly maintained dirt and gravel roads leading to the campground, with some users reporting flat tires. "Be WARNED: there is a 14-mile very rocky, very bumpy dirt road...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend coming prepared for the rough dirt road by using a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle. "If traveling in from the north, take the Upper Highwood Creek road. GPS may indicate...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is more accessible during warmer months but is difficult to access during snowy conditions due to unmaintained roads. "Best to avoid in snowy months as they do not maintain the road...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground." "Stellar, realllll camping ground. Quiet and peaceful." "Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. Potable water from two faucets."
Based on 18 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 3 is noted for its proximity to a wheelchair-accessible vault toilet. Some sites overlook the creek, offering peaceful views.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
The wheelchair-accessible vault toilet at site 3 is highlighted as a positive feature. No other accessibility concerns are mentioned.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campground, and leashed dogs are welcome. No specific issues or benefits for pet owners are noted.
Based on 18 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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