East Creek Campground
02 reviews420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725
East Creek Campground
$0.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
There is currently no fee ($0.00) for single-site use of this campground; however, there is a $50.00 fee for use of the group site.
About this campground
Tucked away in Montana's rugged backcountry, East Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate campground features four first-come, first-served sites perfectly suited for tent camping or small trailers up to 16 feet. Here, you'll trade cell phone signals for star-filled skies and the gentle whisper of East Creek flowing nearby. The primitive setting rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas and the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in our connected world.
East Creek Campground is a primitive site, offering minimal facilities. It is suited for tent and small-trailer camping, and group use is also supported at a separate site.
Weather and SeasonsEast Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. From June through September, fresh mountain water flows freely for campers, and the high country comes alive with wildflowers and wildlife. As autumn arrives, the landscape erupts in golden aspens before winter blankets the area in pristine snow. Note that Forest Service Road 3930 remains unplowed during winter months, creating a backcountry paradise for those equipped for snow camping. Summer visitors enjoy crisp, comfortable days perfect for hiking, while winter adventurers must prepare for frigid temperatures and deep snowpack.
ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet above sea level, East Creek Campground sits in Montana's alpine zone where the air is crisp, the nights are cool even in summer, and the mountain views stretch endlessly across the horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 7,000 feet in the heart of the Montana mountains, East Creek Campground serves as your gateway to untamed wilderness. The dramatic Lima Peaks, locally cherished as the Branham Peaks, dominate the skyline with their jagged silhouettes and snow-dusted summits. This high-elevation sanctuary within Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest surrounds you with dense conifer forests, alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, and the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies stretching as far as the eye can see.
Geological RegionSet within the spectacular high-elevation terrain of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, East Creek Campground rests among ancient mountain peaks shaped by millennia of geological forces, where the Continental Divide's rugged backbone creates a landscape of stunning alpine beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. The campground may not be suitable for campers with significant mobility limitations due to its primitive nature.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for tents or small trailers with a maximum trailer length of 16 feet.
Sites PrivacyAs this is a primitive site with only four camping units, privacy is likely high, though not explicitly detailed.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16 days
Groups
The group site requires a $50 fee for use.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through September, weather dependent.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served for all sites; no specific details on site fill patterns.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
East Creek Campground offers limited but meaningful outdoor activities. The primary activity explicitly mentioned in the sources is hiking. Campers often comment on the serene, unplugged atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Hiking
Hiking is available. Specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo cell phone service, bear activity requiring proper food storage, and limited winter road access.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are at the Dillon Ranger District, located at 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725. Phone: 406-683-3900.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service at the campground, so campers must follow a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Common complaintsWater is only available seasonally (June-September) and areas of the campground have been impacted by major forest management efforts due to insect damage and aging trees.
HostUser review mentions helpful and friendly hosts.
Campground Map
420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725
Driving directionsFrom Dillon take Interstate 15 south for about 48 miles to Lima. Turn North on Frontage Road for 0.8 mile. Take Forest Road 179 west for 7 miles. Turn south 0.5 miles on Forest Road 3929 for 0.5 miles, then southeast on Forest Road 3930 and continue 1.5 miles to the campground.
FS RD 3930 is not plowed during winter months.Nearby places
Dillon (approx. 48 miles, travel time varies), Lima (approx. 7 miles off the interstate).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Lima, MT or Dillon, MT. No specific stores mentioned.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
East Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful, unplugged nature of East Creek Campground, as well as its well-maintained facilities. The natural beauty and serenity are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great little campground." Campers enjoyed the helpful and friendly hosts, well-maintained facilities, and the opportunity to disconnect in a beautiful natural setting.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted that the upper part of the campground felt 'a little bare' due to recent forest management efforts, and the seasonal unavailability of water in certain areas was mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend visiting to enjoy the views and peaceful atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned enjoying the nearby Lima Peaks and Branham Peaks.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Facilities like water are only available seasonally (June through September), which impacts user experience. Campers generally find the area more appealing during this period.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great place to camp to enjoy the Lima Peaks or also known as The Branham Peaks." "The upper part of the campground has had some major forest management done because of insect damage and age of the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground features only four sites, and no specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025