Grasshopper Campground
4.317 reviewsGrasshopper Campground, Castle Mountains, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Grasshopper Campground
$10.00 - $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
The maximum and minimum fee is $10 per night for a single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount, applicable only to the site occupied by the pass holder. Payment accepted in cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled on a peaceful hillside overlooking the babbling waters of Grasshopper Creek, this intimate 12-site campground offers a perfect escape into Montana's wilderness. While its compact size and winding access roads make it best suited for smaller RVs and trailers, Grasshopper Campground rewards visitors with tranquility and natural beauty. As autumn paints the surrounding mountains in gold and crimson, the campground becomes a favored basecamp for hunters seeking elk and deer in the backcountry.
Grasshopper Campground provides a rustic camping experience suitable for small RVs (up to 22 feet in length) and tents. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation options. Group camping and advanced bookings are unavailable.
Historical SignificanceWhile the official records may be silent on its past, this quiet corner of Montana speaks to a timeless connection between people and the land, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solace in the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and star-filled nights.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground truly shines during those perfect weeks when azure skies stretch endlessly above and daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 70°F. Spring arrives with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that rumble through the canyon, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, making access challenging but rewarding for the adventurous. Late summer and early fall offer the most reliable conditions, with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons ideal for creek-side relaxation.
ElevationPerched in the mountain terrain of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, the campground's hillside location provides natural drainage and cooling mountain breezes, though specific elevation details await discovery by curious visitors.
Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic soundtrack of Grasshopper Creek accompanies every moment of your stay, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over smooth stones just below the campground. Towering pines and firs create a natural canopy, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor. The surrounding hillsides reveal themselves through breaks in the trees, offering glimpses of the rugged Castle Mountains that define this remarkable landscape.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Castle Mountains of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Grasshopper Campground occupies a special niche where ancient geological forces carved out the creek valley below. The scenic hillside location showcases the region's characteristic rocky outcroppings and forested slopes, testament to millions of years of mountain-building that created this outdoor paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityEach site has at least one handicap-accessible vault toilet.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, according to multiple user reviews: 'Most of the sites have a good amount of space between them.'
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as offering a good level of privacy: 'Several private spots within the campground' and 'plenty of room in between each one.'
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the creek for tranquility and shade. Avoid if traveling with large RVs as the maximum trailer length is 22 feet.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest campsites near the creek are highly desirable due to the peaceful atmosphere and sound of running water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific limit mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not supported.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop with campsites spaced to provide privacy. The loop road has some potholes.
Open and Closed SeasonTypically closes in early December, but open and close dates may vary based on snowfall conditions. The food storage order is in effect from March 1 to December 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 12 campsites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grasshopper Campground primarily offers picnicking opportunities and access to nearby trails during designated seasons. The scenic location above Grasshopper Creek adds to the outdoor experience. Some user reviews highlight a peaceful atmosphere enhanced by the sound of the creek.
Winter Activities
A nearby motorcycle trail is open during winter months, from December 1 to October 15, though its suitability for winter recreation activities like snowmobiling is unclear.Water Sports
There are no mentions of non-motorized water sports at the campsite.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill. Specific fire restrictions are not mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential bear activity requires careful food storage. Some user reviews mention the presence of bugs as a downside.
Active alertsNo current alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.9 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
White Sulphur Springs, which is 11 miles away, has emergency services including ranger district office and presumably additional facilities like hospitals.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 1 to December 1 due to the food storage order. Hunters favor the campground in late fall as it is one of the last to close in the area.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located above Grasshopper Creek, which runs through the campground and is a central scenic feature.
Common complaintsUser complaints include 'gross' restrooms and the need for better maintenance. Some also noted issues with potholes within the campground loop road.
HostOne user mentions 'Al,' the camp host who has been there for 8 years and is described as 'great.'
Campground Map
Grasshopper Campground, Castle Mountains, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Driving directionsFrom White Sulphur Springs, go east about 6 miles on US 12, then south 4 miles on Forest Road 211.
The road to the campground is described as generally good, with the final stretch being 4 miles on a forest road. User reviews note that there were some potholes within the campground loop, and in one instance, the road was reported as 'very rough with huge potholes and wallows.'Nearby places
White Sulphur Springs (11 miles).
Nearby supplies
White Sulphur Springs (11 miles away) is the closest town for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
Grasshopper Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Grasshopper Campground receives praise for its tranquil setting, spacious sites, and the presence of Grasshopper Creek running through the campground. However, some campers have expressed concerns over the maintenance of facilities like restrooms and the condition of roads within the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently cited the peaceful environment ('quiet, lots of shade'), creek access ('slow moving creek that runs right through'), and site spacing ('most of the sites have a good amount of space...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include restroom cleanliness ('pretty gross,' 'need a power washer'), bugs, and road conditions ('rough with huge potholes').
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray due to noticeable insect activity. Be prepared for road conditions and consider the campsite’s first-come, first-served policy when planning.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground remains popular in hunting season as it is among the last to close in the area. During summer, high insect activity can detract from the experience. Snowfall can affect accessibility...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Quiet, lots of shade, plus a slow-moving creek that runs through the middle of the campground. Pretty awesome place.'
- 'Vault toilets that were better taken care of than many others I’ve...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user specifically praised sites near the creek ('site right by the creek, hit the snooze button'), noting the relaxing sound of the water.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews directly addressed accessibility features, but official sources confirm the presence of handicap-accessible vault toilets.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Leashed dogs are welcome, with no specific complaints or praises noted regarding pet policies or facilities.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025