Holiday Spring Campground
03 reviewsHoliday Spring 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 based on location and activity, starting from $3 for in-person transactions to $8 when reserved online through the app.
About this campground
Tucked away in the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Holiday Spring Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's rugged wilderness. This hidden gem features just three secluded campsites, perfect for those seeking solitude and a genuine back-to-nature experience. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this rustic retreat strips camping down to its essentials—no trash service or provided firewood means you'll practice true Leave No Trace ethics. During autumn, the campground transforms into a basecamp for hunting enthusiasts, while the generous 10-day stay limit allows visitors to truly unwind and explore the surrounding wilderness at their own pace.
Holiday Spring Campground offers a primitive camping experience. There are no reservations, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is most popular during hunting season due to its simplicity and proximity to game lands.
Historical SignificanceWhile Holiday Spring Campground may not boast documented historical landmarks or ancient cultural sites, its significance lies in the timeless tradition of wilderness camping that it preserves. This modest campground represents the enduring American spirit of exploration and self-reliance, offering modern adventurers the same simple pleasures that have drawn people to Montana's forests for generations.
Weather and SeasonsHoliday Spring experiences the dramatic seasonal shifts characteristic of Montana's high country. Winter arrives with a crystalline clarity, bringing cold, dry conditions that transform the landscape into a pristine wonderland. During colder months, visitors can expect minimal precipitation and occasional dustings of snow up to an inch deep, creating a delicate white blanket across the forest floor. Brisk winds, reaching up to 24 mph, whistle through the valley, carrying the crisp scent of pine and reminding campers to pack extra layers. The dry climate means clear night skies perfect for stargazing, though temperatures demand proper cold-weather gear.
ElevationNestled in a serene valley embraced by the surrounding forest, Holiday Spring Campground sits at an elevation that provides a perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere. The valley location creates a natural amphitheater of towering trees and protective ridgelines, offering shelter from the elements while maintaining easy access to higher elevation adventures and scenic vistas that characterize the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Natural Features and SceneryHoliday Spring tells a powerful story of nature's resilience. The surrounding forest bears the marks of past wildfires, creating a landscape that's both haunting and hopeful. Where flames once danced, new growth emerges between charred sentinels, painting a living portrait of regeneration. This unique environment has become a haven for various bird species that thrive in the recovering ecosystem, filling the valley with their songs. While the fire-touched scenery may differ from picture-perfect postcards, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness nature's remarkable ability to heal and renew itself—a profound reminder of the forest's eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Holiday Spring occupies a landscape shaped by millennia of geological forces and more recent natural events. The campground's valley setting showcases the region's characteristic forested terrain, where ancient geological processes carved out protective hollows and ridgelines. The area's recent fire history has added another layer to this geological story, creating a dynamic landscape where the forces of nature continue to sculpt and reshape the environment, offering campers a front-row seat to the ongoing evolution of Montana's wild spaces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground has only 3 campsites. Sizes of the campsites are not described.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details for the campsites are not mentioned.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTwo campsites have metal fire pits, which may make them preferable. Arriving early on weekends or holidays during the summer months is recommended to secure a spot.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
10-day stay limit
Groups
No group camping-specific information provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has three individual sites, two with fire pits and one without.
Reservation PlatformsThis campground does not take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-served. It may fill up during weekends and holidays in the summer months; arriving early in the afternoon is advised.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is most notably frequented by hunters during hunting season. There is limited mention of recreational activities, suggesting that the site may not be ideal for activity-focused camping. Birdwatching opportunities are highlighted in one review, with "lots of bird species in and across the valley abutting campsites."
Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching is noted as an activity, with one user commenting on the presence of "lots of bird species in and across the valley abutting campsites."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Two campsites have metal fire pits. Firewood is not provided, and users should bring their own supplies.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include fire scars, muddy conditions during certain seasons, and cattle that may wander into the campground.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 is located at Box 168, Hwy 212, Ashland, MT 59003, and can be contacted at (406) 784-2344. Additional emergency services are likely available in Ashland.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash pickup services are provided. Campers are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresThere is a spring downhill north of the campground (Holiday Spring) that provides clean water, as noted by one reviewer.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the burned scenery from past forest fires, cattle intrusions leading to cow pies, and muddy conditions during wet seasons.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ashland, MT, travel 5 miles east on US 212. Turn left on East Fork Otter Creek Road and go 12 miles northeast. Turn right on Forest Road 4777 and campground will be on your left.
The campground is accessible via US 212 and East Fork Otter Creek Road, which transitions to Forest Road 4777. The drive includes paved and gravel roads. It is likely manageable for most vehicles but can become challenging during adverse weather conditions.Nearby places
Ashland, MT (approximately 5 miles east – about 10 minutes of driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for fuel, groceries, and camping essentials are likely available in Ashland, MT, approximately 5 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Holiday Spring Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Holiday Spring Campground has mixed reviews from users, with an average sentiment score of 4.0 for campers. Positive aspects include its simple, quiet atmosphere and its suitability for hunters. However, some users raised concerns about the lack of water, the presence of cow droppings, and the aftermath of forest fires in the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the clean and maintained vault toilet, the peaceful environment, and the abundance of bird species around the area. The campground's proximity to hunting lands was also noted as a...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints were about the lack of drinking water and trash pickup, the presence of cow droppings due to cattle breaching the fence, and the damage caused by forest fires, which have...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and firewood. Arriving early in the afternoon, especially during weekends and holidays, is suggested to secure a spot. One reviewer mentioned encountering...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is heavily used during hunting season, and reviews during this time are more focused on its utility for hunters rather than recreational campers. Off-season, the site is quieter but...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "A place to call home while hunting for mule deer. Has a few camp sites that are heavily used during hunting season. A maintained toilet is at site." – Don Czeczok
2. "As advertised, no water....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has 3 campsites, two of which have metal fire pits. One site has no fire pit. User reviews indicate all sites are used heavily during hunting season.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mentioning pet policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025