Black Canyon Campground
01 reviewP.O. Box 7458, Fort Smith, MT, 59035, USA
Black Canyon Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Recreation use fees vary by activity and reservation method, with fees ranging from $3 for in-person reservations to $8 for online reservations. Details can be found on the facility pages.
About this campground
Venture into the heart of untamed wilderness at Black Canyon Campground, where adventure begins with a boat journey across pristine waters. This remote sanctuary within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers 17 intimate tent sites carved into dramatic canyon walls, accessible only to those willing to leave the roads behind. Here, the modern world fades away as you dock your boat and step into a landscape shaped by millennia of wind and water, where towering cliffs embrace a peaceful shoreline camping experience unlike any other.
Black Canyon Campground caters exclusively to tent campers and is accessible only by boat.
Historical SignificanceBlack Canyon Campground stands as a testament to America's commitment to preserving extraordinary landscapes for future generations. As part of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, this protected wilderness safeguards not only spectacular geological formations but also critical wildlife habitat and corridors. The area represents decades of conservation efforts, ensuring that the raw beauty and ecological integrity of these ancient canyons remain intact for adventurers seeking authentic connections with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsBlack Canyon rewards visitors with remarkably clear skies nearly 70% of the time, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and sunset photography against the canyon walls. Gentle breezes averaging 7.67 mph keep summer days comfortable, while minimal precipitation (less than 8% chance) means your outdoor plans rarely face interruption. Winter transforms this wilderness into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering around 35°F during the day and dipping to a crisp 16°F at night—ideal for those seeking solitude and the stark beauty of frozen canyon landscapes.
ElevationNestled at the water's edge where canyon walls rise dramatically from the reservoir, Black Canyon Campground occupies a unique position in this vertical landscape. While specific elevation data awaits confirmation, campers experience the full grandeur of the canyon's vertical relief, from waterline camps to towering cliff faces that create an intimate, sheltered atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle lap of water against ancient stone, surrounded by soaring canyon walls painted in layers of geological time. Black Canyon Campground immerses you in a dramatic landscape where sheer cliffs plunge into deep blue waters, creating hidden coves and secret beaches accessible only by boat. Eagles soar overhead while bighorn sheep navigate impossible-looking ledges, and each sunset transforms the canyon into a natural amphitheater of color and shadow.
Geological RegionBlack Canyon Campground showcases the powerful forces that sculpted the Bighorn Canyon over millions of years. Here, ancient limestone and dolomite formations tell the story of prehistoric seas, while the Bighorn River's relentless carving reveals layer upon layer of Earth's history. This water-dominated ecosystem creates a unique microclimate within the canyon walls, supporting diverse plant and animal communities adapted to life at the intersection of desert, mountain, and aquatic environments.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeAll 17 sites appear to be standard tent sites.
Sites PrivacyNo information on site privacy is available.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo recommendations for individual campsites provided.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not ranked or detailed.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown number of guests per tent site.
Groups
There is no information about designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo information on campground layout is provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year; docks available seasonally (Memorial Day - Labor Day).
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable in advance. Walk-up or first-come-first-served policies apply.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-serve as reservations are not allowed.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, with additional fees for late cancellations or no-shows. Late cancellations for individual campsites may forfeit the first night's fee if canceled after 12:00am local time the day before check-in. Details are specified in the facility's rules on Recreation.gov.
Activities you can enjoy
While specific activities at Black Canyon Campground are not detailed in the source, it is part of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, which generally offers opportunities for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Boating
The campground is accessible only by boat, and it is located five lake miles from the Ok-A-Beh boat ramp, suggesting boating activities are central to accessing the area.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The boat-in nature of the campground implies potential for water sports such as kayaking or canoeing, though specifics are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies provided.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsAggressive bear activity is noted as a significant hazard. Campers are advised to store food properly and follow bear safety guidelines.
Active alertsClosure notice since 8/30/22 due to aggressive bear activity.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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 located in Fort Smith, MT.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day is peak season for docks.
Trash and recyclingNo details on trash or recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is surrounded by water and is accessible only by boat, making it ideal for water-based recreation.
Common complaintsClosure due to bear activity is a recurring issue.
HostNo campground host information available.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 7458, Fort Smith, MT, 59035, USA
Driving directionsBlack Canyon Campground directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/bica/planyourvisit/black-canyon.htm.
Access is boat-in only and located five lake miles from the Ok-A-Beh boat ramp. Seasonal docks are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Nearby places
Fort Smith, MT is the closest city.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in Fort Smith, MT.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Black Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Black Canyon Campground as somewhat hidden and less visited. However, no significant details are provided beyond this.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is noted for its secluded location by at least one user: 'Great campground kind of hidden.'
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No user complaints are explicitly detailed, though the current closure due to bear activity suggests previous issues with food storage.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are derived from the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Great campground kind of hidden.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews targeting specific sites within the campground are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews discuss experiences related to pets.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025