Riverside Campground (Mt)
4.586 reviews10 Hungry Horse Rd, Hungry Horse, MT, USA
Riverside Campground (Mt)
$16.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$32.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee ranges from $16 per night for a standard nonelectric campsite to $32 for group nonelectric sites during peak season. Additional $5 fee per night applies for a second vehicle.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Hungry Horse Reservoir, Riverside Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's wilderness with just three carefully spaced sites. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for water enthusiasts and mountain explorers alike, where mornings begin with mist rising off the reservoir and evenings end with alpenglow painting the surrounding peaks. Whether you're launching your boat for a day of fishing, setting off on scenic hiking trails, or simply soaking in the tranquility of this remote mountain setting, Riverside delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience. The campground features two double occupancy sites ideal for families or friends traveling together, plus one single site for those seeking solitude—all available by reservation to ensure your mountain retreat is secured.
Riverside Campground offers three campsites suitable for RVs and tents. There are no group, cabin, or luxury camping options available.
Historical SignificanceThe mighty Hungry Horse Dam stands as a testament to American engineering prowess and the transformation of the West. This colossal structure doesn't just generate power—it tells the story of post-World War II ambition, when the nation turned its attention to harnessing the raw power of its rivers. The reservoir that now provides recreation for thousands was born from the need to control devastating floods and power growing communities. Today, visitors can witness this marriage of human ingenuity and natural beauty, where the historic dam continues its vital role in flood control and clean energy production while creating one of Montana's most spectacular recreational playgrounds.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of Montana's mountain climate at Riverside, where each season paints the landscape in dramatically different hues. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water activities and cool, star-filled nights that demand a cozy campfire. The typically dry conditions during peak season create ideal camping weather, though mountain thunderstorms can roll through with spectacular displays. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons, and the surrounding forests burst into golden displays. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, blanketing the landscape in pristine white and offering a completely different perspective of this mountain paradise for those hardy enough to venture out.
ElevationPerched high in the embrace of the Rocky Mountains, Riverside Campground sits at an elevation that puts you closer to the clouds than the valleys below. This lofty position means crisp, clean mountain air fills your lungs with every breath, and the thin atmosphere creates those impossibly blue skies that make Montana famous. The high-altitude setting provides natural air conditioning during summer months and creates perfect conditions for spectacular stargazing, where the Milky Way stretches across the night sky with breathtaking clarity.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath taken away by the sheer magnificence of Riverside's setting. The campground enjoys front-row seats to one of nature's most spectacular theaters, where the deep blue waters of Hungry Horse Reservoir stretch for miles, framed by towering Rocky Mountain peaks that pierce the sky. Dense forests of pine and fir cascade down the mountainsides to meet the water's edge, creating a rich tapestry of green that shifts with the light throughout the day. The impressive dam—ranking as the 10th highest in the United States—adds a dramatic architectural element to this natural canvas, its concrete face contrasting beautifully with the wild landscape that surrounds it.
Geological RegionRiverside Campground occupies a front-row seat in one of North America's most dramatic geological showcases. The towering Rocky Mountain peaks that surround Hungry Horse Reservoir tell an ancient story written in stone—of continental collisions, glacial carving, and millions of years of patient erosion. The reservoir itself fills a valley sculpted by ice age glaciers, its depths now concealing what was once a river canyon. This remarkable landscape combines the raw power of geological forces with human engineering, where the massive dam harnesses the same waters that once carved these valleys. The result is a stunning tableau where visitors can witness both the patient work of geological time and the ambitious scope of human achievement, all while enjoying world-class recreation in this mountain paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. The campground itself has gravel roads and parking spurs, which may affect mobility for some visitors.
Sites SizeThe campground offers three overnight sites: 2 double-occupancy and 1 single-occupancy.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information is provided regarding the privacy level of the campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites based on occupancy needs: Campsite 02 and Campsite 03 have been praised in reviews for scenic appeal and quality.
Best CampsitesUser reviews specifically mention Campsite 02 ('Love it') and Campsite 03 ('Excellent place').
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
- 16 consecutive nights per visit
- maximum 32 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Up to double occupancy for two sites
- one single occupancy site available.
Groups
There are no group camping sites at Riverside Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground comprises 3 sites (2 double occupancy, 1 single occupancy). Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 23, 2025 - September 14, 2025
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or over the phone at 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityIf a site is not available for online reservation, it may be available as a first-come, first-served site.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations within 4 days of arrival may be considered for a refund of campground fees, minus the first night's fee. No refunds for no-shows. Changes to reservation dates outside the original stay incur a $10 fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Hungry Horse Reservoir is a focal point for water-based activities.
Hiking
Hiking is available in the surrounding area, although no specific trails are detailed in the source material.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Hungry Horse Reservoir. Anglers can catch various fish, including cutthroat trout.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the Hungry Horse Reservoir, but no specific details about designated swimming areas or safety measures are provided.Boating
A concrete boat ramp is available within the campground, making boating a popular activity on the 27,750-acre Hungry Horse Reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned as an available activity but no specific details about species or recommended viewing areas are provided.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Boating is supported via the concrete boat ramp, and fishing is a key activity, but other non-motorized water sports are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within provided grills and fire rings. Visitors are encouraged to obtain local firewood to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 11:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and lack of garbage disposal facilities. User reviews highlight the inconvenience of handling waste ('we ended up throwing it out in several different trash cans in Kalispell. It was a pain!').
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency contacts include nearby Murray Bay Campground host (no specific address for other emergency services provided).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 14, 2025
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service at the campground. Visitors are required to pack out all trash. User reviews highlight the inconvenience of this, with one stating, 'No trash disposal so it was impossible for us to haul all of our garbage from several days back home to Wisconsin.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly along Hungry Horse Reservoir, offering water access for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Common complaintsUser complaints often mention the road conditions ('washboard dusty road'), the absence of garbage services ('no trash disposal'), and the lack of water fill stations at the campground itself.
HostAn on-site host is available at nearby Murray Bay Campground to assist with questions and provide information.
Campground Map
10 Hungry Horse Rd, Hungry Horse, MT, USA
Driving directionsFrom Martin City, Montana, turn off Highway 2 and continue on the main road through the town heading south. This road becomes the East Side Reservoir Road and is paved for the first 3 miles. Continue for about 20 miles to the campground.
Roads are paved for the first 3 miles and then transition to gravel for approximately 20 miles, making the drive dusty and washboarded, as noted by one user review ('the 21-mile drive on a washboard dusty road made the trip not a second visit'). Seasonal closures or extreme weather are not explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Martin City (approximately 20 miles), West Glacier (31 miles southwest), Kalispell (null distance provided)
Nearby supplies
Drinking water available approximately 1 mile south at Murray Bay Campground (via hand pumps). No garbage disposal is provided at Riverside Campground, as noted by multiple user reviews, requiring visitors to take their waste to Kalispell or other areas.
Camper Reviews
4.6
6 reviews
Riverside Campground (Mt) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present mixed feedback. While some visitors praise the serene and small-scale nature of the campground, others express dissatisfaction with its remote location and lack of amenities like trash disposal.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes comments on the friendly campground host and the peaceful environment. For example, one user noted, 'Second time there. Excellent place. Host Judy was the best.'
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of trash disposal and difficulties with the long, rough access road. One user stated, 'The 21-mile drive on a washboard dusty road made the trip not a second visit.'
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should bring their own trash bags for garbage and plan for a long drive on gravel roads to access the campground.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends in user reviews are mentioned.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Second time there. Excellent place. Host Judy was the best.' 2. 'No trash disposal so it was impossible for us to haul all of our garbage.' 3. 'The 21-mile drive on a washboard dusty road made...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Campsite 01: 'The host was nice but the 21-mile drive on a washboard dusty road made the trip not a second visit.' 2. Campsite 02: 'Beautiful small campground. No trash disposal.' 3. Campsite 03:...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility beyond the mention of accessible vault toilets.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025