Blacks Pond Campground
01 reviewBlacks Pond 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 Fee varies by location. Specific details for Blacks Pond Campground are unclear.
About this campground
Tucked away in the Ashland Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest, Blacks Pond Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem features just two secluded campsites, creating an exclusive backcountry experience for those lucky enough to claim a spot on a first-come, first-served basis. Perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature, this rustic campground provides a rare opportunity to have an entire corner of the forest practically to yourself.
Blacks Pond Campground offers camping on a very small scale, with only two campsites available. The type of accommodations is basic, with no reservations.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Blacks Pond remains quietly tucked away like the campground itself, this pristine pocket of the Custer Gallatin National Forest continues to write its own story through each visitor who discovers its tranquil shores.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the raw beauty of Montana's dynamic weather patterns at Blacks Pond, where crisp mountain air greets you year-round. Expect temperatures ranging from invigorating morning lows of 17°F to comfortable afternoon highs reaching 38°F during shoulder seasons. The area enjoys predominantly clear, dry conditions punctuated by moderate mountain breezes that whisper through the pines. While occasional snow dustings add a magical touch to the landscape, precipitation remains refreshingly light, ensuring plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration under Montana's expansive skies.
ElevationNestled at an elevation that captures the essence of Montana's varied topography, Blacks Pond sits at the perfect vantage point where prairie meets forest, offering campers a unique perspective on the state's diverse ecosystems.
Natural Features and SceneryBlacks Pond Campground captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, where the serene waters of the pond reflect the surrounding landscape like nature's own mirror. This picturesque setting showcases the dramatic transition zone where Montana's sweeping prairies give way to dense forest groves, creating a rich tapestry of ecosystems that support diverse wildlife and offer endless photographic opportunities. The interplay of open meadows and towering trees provides both expansive views and intimate forest moments.
Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Ashland Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest, Blacks Pond occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where ancient prairie grasslands merge seamlessly with montane forests. This unique positioning showcases Montana's incredible geological diversity, from weathered sedimentary formations to volcanic remnants that tell the story of millions of years of Earth's evolution. The surrounding terrain bears witness to the powerful forces that shaped the Northern Rockies, creating the dramatic landscapes that make this region a geological wonderland for curious campers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAn accessible toilet is explicitly mentioned in the campground's description.
Sites SizeTwo campsites are available, but specific dimensions or size categorizations (e.g., large, small) are not mentioned.
Sites PrivacyDetails about the level of privacy at the campsites are not provided.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific recommendations for choosing sites due to limited campground size.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite is highlighted as better than others.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time specified.
Check-out
No official check-out time specified.
Stay Limit
The campground does not provide explicit information about the stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific information on the number of guests allowed.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned as being available at Blacks Pond Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains only two campsites, layout details are not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal openings and closures are not explicitly mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsBlacks Pond Campground does not use reservation platforms; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites at Blacks Pond Campground are walk-up sites.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is used; campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities are not explicitly detailed in the source material for Blacks Pond Campground.
Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not described for this campground.Water Sports
There are no mentions of water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned, though campers should adhere to general Forest Service fire safety rules.
- Quiet hours are No mention of quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include lack of trash pickup and firewood provision, as well as exposure to weather changes given the remote location.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.2 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
Ashland District Office, Hwy 212, Ashland, MT, 59003 (406) 784-2344
Good to know
Peak season datesThe campground does not specify peak season dates.
Trash and recycling"Trash Pickup: No" clearly indicates that there are no trash facilities on-site, and campers must pack out all trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Blacks Pond, providing potential access to water-related activities.
Common complaints"No trash pickup."
HostNo information about campground hosts.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ashland, MT travel east on Hwy 212 0.75 miles to Birney Turnoff (Tongue River Road). Turn right and travel 8 miles south to the O'Dell Creek Turnoff. Turn left on O'Dell Creek Road and travel 7 miles to the intersection of Forest Road 4021 and Forest Road 4131. Turn right on Forest Road 4021 and travel 0.5 miles to Blacks Pond.
The campground can be accessed via paved roads for the initial portion (Hwy 212 and Tongue River Road), but transitions to unpaved roads (O'Dell Creek Road and Forest Road 4021). These roads require navigation skills and may pose challenges during inclement weather or seasonal conditions.Nearby places
Ashland, MT - Approximately 15.25 miles and roughly 20-25 minutes of travel time depending on road conditions.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely available in Ashland, MT, approximately 15.25 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Blacks Pond Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Blacks Pond Campground are minimal and provide very limited insight. One review notes, "Blacks pond campground pretty," with no additional context.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
There are no detailed positive highlights in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
There are no specific complaints mentioned about the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
User-provided tips or recommendations are not available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Blacks pond campground pretty." (Jason Monson, 2021)
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The campground only has two sites, and no reviews are specific to an individual campsite.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided by users.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews address pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025