Benchmark Campground
05 reviewsBenchmark Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Overnight Use: $10 per night for a single campsite. Additional vehicle charges are $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites only (occupied by the passholder). Payment must be made in cash or check.
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About this campground
Escape to Benchmark Campground, a hidden gem nestled 30 miles west of Augusta, Montana, where 25 thoughtfully placed campsites await adventure seekers and horse enthusiasts alike. Open from the first wildflowers of late spring through the golden days of early fall, this scenic retreat serves as your gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountain Front. The journey here rewards travelers with one of Montana's most spectacular drives, winding through landscapes that shift from rolling plains to towering peaks.
Benchmark Campground is designed for a mix of uses, including equestrian camping and standard campsites for tents and RVs.
Historical SignificanceStep into the footsteps of pioneers at Benchmark, where historic trails lead toward the legendary Scapegoat Wilderness. This rugged landscape tells the story of early settlers who gazed upon these same peaks, wondering what lay beyond the endless prairie stretching before them. Their courage and determination echo through these mountains, inspiring modern adventurers to embrace the same spirit of exploration that drove those pioneering souls to face seemingly insurmountable challenges in pursuit of their dreams.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect camping climate at Benchmark, where crisp mountain air and dry conditions create ideal outdoor adventures from late spring through early fall. Summer days invite exploration under sunny skies, while cool evenings are perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into gold against clear blue skies. Winter transforms this highland paradise into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and deep snowpack closing the campground but opening opportunities for backcountry winter enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched at 5,300 feet above sea level, Benchmark Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during summer months. This elevated position places you in the heart of the Rocky Mountain Front's dramatic landscape, where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath connects you to the pristine wilderness that surrounds this high-country haven.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural cathedral of towering conifers and shimmering aspens at 5,300 feet, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy creating an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow. The campground's tranquil forest setting frames breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountain Front's jagged peaks, while serving as your launching point for adventures into the nearby Scapegoat Wilderness. This harmonious blend of intimate forest camping and grand mountain panoramas creates an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor escape.
Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic geology of the Rocky Mountain Front, where Benchmark Campground sits proudly within the legendary Sawtooth Range at 5,300 feet elevation. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's architectural prowess, where ancient geological forces thrust limestone peaks skyward, creating the distinctive sawtooth profile that gives the range its name. The surrounding mixed forest of conifers and aspens tells the story of elevation and climate, creating diverse ecosystems that change with every gain in altitude.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is provided. Vault toilets are noted as not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeThe campsites have spacious parking aprons suitable for RVs or tow vehicles with horse trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced and offer privacy due to the wooded surroundings.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEquestrian campers should consider sites with feeding troughs. RV users have noted spacious parking aprons.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.
Groups
No specific group sites are identified in the materials provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into three loops, with two loops featuring feeding troughs for horses. Sites are spacious and generally well-shaded.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through November 30. No services are provided between Labor Day and November 30.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations accepted. Walk-up only.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, and access to hiking trails that lead to the Scapegoat Wilderness.
Hiking
The Straight Creek Trail #212 is a 15.2-mile trail accessible from the campground, providing connections to a network of trails in the Scapegoat Wilderness. Suitable for both horseback riding and foot travel.Winter Activities
The campground is open until November 30, weather permitting, but no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No water sports are supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Follow fire danger warnings as posted. No specific fire policies provided.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are known to frequent the area, requiring strict adherence to food storage guidelines. The drive into the campground includes long stretches of dirt roads, which can be challenging in inclement weather.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Nearest emergency services are unavailable in the provided data. Suggest verifying with local ranger offices or nearest town (Augusta).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground is pack-it-in, pack-it-out, with no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Common complaintsComplaints include occasional crowding and the lack of potable water on-site.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Augusta, go west on Forest Road 235 about 30 miles. Alternatively: In Augusta, MT, take County Rt. 435 for 0.3 miles to Fishing Access, Bean Lake sign (Eberl St.). Turn right onto Eberl St. (which becomes Laurel St. almost immediately and then Forest Rt. 235) and go 14.7 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left (following Benchmark sign) and go 15.4 miles to Benchmark campground sign. Turn left and go 0.3 miles to campground.
The majority of the drive (approximately 30 miles) to Benchmark Campground is on dirt roads. User reviews note that larger RVs and trailers have been able to access the area, although the roads are unpaved. "Nice roomy wooded sites... 30 miles of nice dirt road. We had no problem taking our 30 ft 5th wheel to the campground."Nearby places
Augusta, Montana: Approximately 30 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies should be obtained in Augusta, Montana, approximately 30 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Benchmark Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground's spacious, shaded sites and proximity to trails leading to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. However, some users point out that the campground can become crowded during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlight the secluded and quiet nature of the campground, its spacious sites, and the availability of clean vault toilets. Proximity to the Bob Marshall Wilderness is also frequently praised.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users note the lack of potable water, the crowded conditions during peak times, and confusion about the number of campsites available for different uses.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as potable water is not provided. Be prepared for a 30-mile drive on dirt roads to reach the campground. Follow mandatory food storage regulations due to bears.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer months. After Labor Day, services are reduced, but the campground remains open until November 30, weather permitting.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This is an awesome campground, close to trail to Bob Marshall wilderness, works fine if you are self-contained." - Gary McLeod. "Nice roomy wooded sites ... Clean well-stocked pit toilets." - Lisa...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in user reviews, but equestrian sites are noted as being distinct from standard sites.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025