Potosi Campground And Picnic Area
4.6015 reviewsPotosi Campground And Picnic Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for this campground.
About this campground
Tucked into the eastern slopes of the majestic Tobacco Root Mountains, Potosi Campground offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience where the soothing sounds of South Willow Creek create nature's soundtrack. This intimate mountain retreat features 15 thoughtfully positioned campsites beneath a canopy of towering conifers, complemented by a scenic picnic area perfect for afternoon gatherings. Modern vault toilets provide convenience while preserving the site's natural character. As you explore this pristine habitat shared with local black bears, proper food storage becomes part of the adventure—secure bear boxes help protect both wildlife and visitors. With a carry-in, carry-out philosophy, Potosi maintains its untouched beauty, inviting campers to leave only footprints in this mountain sanctuary.
The campground offers primitive-style camping. There are 15 designated campsites, but additional dispersed camping sites are available along the creek. RV camping is not supported due to narrow and rocky roads, and parking aprons are dirt. Tent camping and primitive camping are the primary options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather at Potosi keeps visitors on their toes with its dynamic personality throughout the seasons. Summer brings pleasantly warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though mountain breezes ensure refreshingly cool evenings. Spring and fall transform the campground into a landscape of dramatic contrasts, where morning frost can give way to afternoon sunshine, and unexpected snow flurries may dust the peaks even in late May. Winter wraps the entire area in a crystalline blanket, creating a serene wonderland for the most adventurous souls. Pack layers and prepare for Mother Nature's full repertoire—she performs all her acts here with enthusiasm.
ElevationPerched at 6,200 feet above sea level, Potosi Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air feels crisp and pure. This elevation brings a refreshing coolness that provides welcome relief from summer heat, though evenings can turn surprisingly brisk even in July. The thin mountain air enhances the brilliance of starlit nights, while mornings often greet campers with a delicate frost that sparkles like diamonds on pine needles before melting into dew.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient pines and firs create cathedral-like groves, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. South Willow Creek meanders through the heart of the campground, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over smooth stones while providing a natural gathering place for wildlife and a peaceful soundtrack for campers. The Tobacco Root Mountains rise dramatically to the west, their rugged peaks painted in ever-changing hues as the sun arcs across Montana's big sky. This pristine ecosystem supports a rich tapestry of mountain flora and fauna, from delicate wildflowers carpeting sunny meadows to the majestic wildlife that calls these forests home.
Geological RegionThe campground rests in the embrace of the Tobacco Root Mountains' eastern foothills, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. South Willow Creek has carved its course through the heart of the camp over millennia, creating a riparian corridor that serves as a lifeline for the surrounding ecosystem. These mountains, part of the greater Rocky Mountain chain, showcase the raw power of tectonic uplift and erosion, with exposed rock faces telling stories millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets and other accessibility features are not available.
Sites SizeTrailer lengths exceeding 22 feet are discouraged.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as heavily wooded, providing privacy between sites. "There's a creek that runs through there so you don't really hear your neighbors."
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites along the creek may provide added natural ambiance and a buffer from neighboring campers.
Best CampsitesUser reviews did not specify specific sites as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops (upper and lower). Most sites are at a 90-degree angle to the road. Parking aprons are dirt.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually from late May to mid-October, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations. First-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. Sites fill up quickly, especially on weekends and peak seasons.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby hot springs. The Potosi Cut-Off Trail No. 303 offers 3.1 miles of hiking for foot, horse, motor, and mountain bikes. The creek provides opportunities for fishing. Users also mention the hot springs frequently, describing them as a 'must-see' though not 'super hot.'
Hiking
Potosi Cut-Off Trail No. 303 is 3.1 miles long and supports activities like hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Reviewers describe it as a great trail for day hikes.Fishing
Fishing is available in South Willow Creek, which runs through the campground. No specific details about fish species or fishing quality are provided.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on Potosi Cut-Off Trail No. 303, which is 3.1 miles long.Wildlife viewing
Reviewers mention the area as a beautiful spot surrounded by mountains and along the creek. Wildlife viewing may be possible in this heavily wooded area.Winter Activities
The campground may receive snowfall during winter and spring, as mentioned in user reviews, making it suitable for winter recreational activities.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed at the designated fire rings at campsites. Visitors must adhere to any local fire bans.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, and visitors must use proper food storage techniques. The road to the campground is dirt, narrow, and rough, which may be challenging for some vehicles.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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
Madison Ranger District, Contact: 406-682-4253. Address: 5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather dependent.
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage services. Visitors must pack out what they pack in.
Proximity to water featuresSouth Willow Creek runs through the campground, and there is an undeveloped hot spring within walking distance.
Common complaints"The road is awful getting into the area, I mean awful," one user mentioned, highlighting the rough condition of the access road. Another frequent complaint is that drinking water is not consistently available.
HostThe district ranger or host lives at the entrance to the south loop and enforces rules, which is appreciated by rule-abiding campers.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Harrison, travel west on Pony Road for about 7 miles. At Pony, take South Willow Creek Road south for 10 miles. Follow the signs to the campground.
Road access to the campground includes dirt and narrow places on Willow Creek Road. The interior campground road is narrow, rough, and rocky. It is recommended that trailers not exceed 22' in length.Nearby places
Harrison (approximately 7 miles), Pony (approximately 10 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.6
15 reviews
Potosi Campground And Picnic Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, celebrating the campground's beautiful location, free access, and natural hot springs. Many comments highlight its primitive nature and peaceful environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers consistently praise the campground's free access, natural hot springs, and privacy due to the wooded setting and creek. They describe it as a 'hidden gem' and 'a great place to spread out...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback primarily concerns the poor condition of the dirt road leading to the campground. Some reviewers describe it as 'awful' and 'patchwork of dirt road potholes.' One reviewer also...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing maps since there is no internet or cell service and packing out trash due to the lack of garbage services. A reviewer suggested visiting the hot spring near the campground...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter visitors noted snowfall and the need for warm clothing since the campground and surrounding hot springs can be cold. Reviewers who visited in warmer months praised the lush surroundings and...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Lovely little hot spring with a fence surrounding it. Just about a quarter mile hike from the parking lot/campground." "Sites with table and fire ring fill up quickly." "Beautiful campground in...
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Site-Specific Reviews
One user highlighted that sites with tables and fire rings fill up quickly, but additional dispersed sites are available along the creek. Another mentioned that the district ranger enforces rules at...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are mentioned.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025