Hay Canyon Campground
00 reviewHay Canyon 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 fee structure is simple, with a flat rate of $10 per night.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Lewis and Clark National Forest, Hay Canyon Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and adventure. This intimate campground features seven peaceful sites where the sounds of the South Fork Judith River provide a natural soundtrack to your stay. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters, exploring miles of ATV trails that wind through the forest, or simply savoring the tranquility of this year-round retreat, Hay Canyon delivers an escape from the everyday. While the campground embraces its rustic character—there's no potable water on-site—it compensates with 24-hour access and the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that's increasingly rare to find.
This campground primarily supports tent camping and limited RV camping due to its small size and trailer restrictions. Group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping options are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceWhile Hay Canyon's recorded history may be modest, its location within the Lewis and Clark National Forest connects it to the broader legacy of American exploration and the enduring spirit of the wilderness that has drawn adventurers to these lands for generations.
Weather and SeasonsHay Canyon transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the campground in snow, with temperatures dipping to the mid-20s Fahrenheit, creating a pristine wonderland for hardy cold-weather campers. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens amid occasional snow flurries and crisp mornings. Summer brings the campground to life with comfortable temperatures reaching the high 70s, blessed by low humidity and crystal-clear skies that showcase spectacular stargazing opportunities. Autumn paints the forest in brilliant colors before the first frost signals winter's approach, reminding visitors to pack layers for those chilly mountain evenings.
ElevationNestled in the mountainous terrain of Lewis and Clark National Forest, Hay Canyon sits at an elevation that delivers crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures, offering relief from summer heat while providing that distinctive high-country atmosphere that mountain lovers seek.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground serves as your gateway to the diverse ecosystem of Lewis and Clark National Forest, where towering pines and firs create a verdant canopy overhead. The South Fork of the Judith River meanders nearby, its clear waters supporting native trout and providing a refreshing focal point for camp activities. Morning mist often drifts through the canyon, while afternoons bring dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy, creating an ever-changing tableau of natural beauty.
Geological RegionHay Canyon exemplifies the rugged beauty of Montana's Lewis and Clark National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved dramatic landscapes now clothed in dense coniferous forests. The South Fork Judith River has spent millennia shaping this canyon, creating a diverse habitat that supports everything from towering evergreens to delicate wildflowers, while wildlife ranging from deer to black bears call these forests home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityRestrooms are available. No other specific accessibility features have been described.
Sites SizeCampsites can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIt is recommended to bring sufficient water as there is no potable water available. Campers should also plan for bear-safe food storage.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are highlighted as the best or most popular.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
24 hours open
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
16 days maximum
Groups
There are no group camping options mentioned.
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 7 campsites accessible via gravel roads, with no further details about the layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsThere are no platforms for advance reservations as sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis for all campsites; no mention of fill patterns.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is detailed in the source material.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and ATV trail usage. While it is close to the South Fork of the Judith River, there is no detailed description of other recreational activities.
Fishing
Fishing access is available near the South Fork of the Judith River, but there are no specific details about fish types or fishing conditions.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities is provided.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rules are not explicitly mentioned, but visitors should adhere to general safety and fire regulations in forested areas.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazards"Bears may frequent the area." Campers must use approved food storage containers and exercise caution.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.3 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
Emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, would be located in nearby towns such as Hobson or Lewistown.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no information on trash and recycling facilities provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to the South Fork of the Judith River, providing fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints or issues are not mentioned in the materials.
HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsAt Hobson, on US Highway 87, turn into town and follow Montana Highway 239 to Utica. At Utica, turn left onto county road (gravel). Travel 17 miles southwest to campground.
The campground is accessed by gravel roads that stretch for 17 miles after turning off Montana Highway 239 at Utica. The road conditions may present challenges for some vehicles. It is noted that the maximum recommended trailer length is 30 feet.Nearby places
Hobson - approximately 20 miles northeast
Utica - approximately 17 miles northeast
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in Utica or Hobson, as the campground itself does not offer these amenities.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Hay Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided in the source material.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
User feedback is unavailable.
Common Concerns
User complaints are not documented.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations from prior campers are included.
Seasonal Insights
There are no reviews to identify seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are included.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews address specific sites or areas within the campground.
Accessibility Features
There are no user reviews discussing accessibility.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user reviews discuss pet policies or their experiences with pets at the campground.
Last updated August 10, 2025