Mortimer Gulch Campground
04 reviewsMortimer Gulch Campground, Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana
Mortimer Gulch Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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 camping costs $15 per single site per night, with an additional $5 fee per extra vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single unit fees only. Fees must be paid in cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Mortimer Gulch Campground beckons adventurers with 26 secluded campsites spread across two distinct loops. The upper loop, embraced by towering Douglas firs, creates a cathedral-like canopy overhead, while the lower loop dances beneath rustling aspens that paint the landscape gold each autumn. This pristine pack-in, pack-out wilderness retreat sits near the sparkling waters of Gibson Reservoir, where the North Fork of the Sun River carves its ancient path through the Montana landscape. As you settle into your campsite, remember that you're sharing this magnificent territory with native black bears—proper food storage in provided lockers is essential to preserve both your safety and the natural behavior of these majestic creatures.
Mortimer Gulch Campground exclusively offers standard campsites without designated areas for RVs or tents. There are no cabins or group camping options.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific campground remains unwritten, the surrounding Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest carries the legacy of the famous expedition that gave it its name, where intrepid explorers first documented this remarkable landscape for the young nation.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Mortimer Gulch into a dramatically different wonderland. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, with temperatures that crystallize your breath and create a hushed, magical atmosphere perfect for those seeking true solitude. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers burst through the warming soil while summer arrives with gentle warmth ideal for hiking, fishing, and stargazing under Montana's legendary big sky. Autumn brings a spectacular show as aspens turn brilliant gold against evergreen firs, though shorter days and crisp evenings remind visitors to pack layers for comfort.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet where the air grows thin and crisp, Mortimer Gulch offers visitors a true mountain experience. This elevation gifts campers with refreshingly cool summer nights and spectacular vistas, though newcomers to altitude should take time to acclimate, staying hydrated and pacing themselves as they explore. The thin mountain air makes stars appear closer and more brilliant, creating unforgettable nights around the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryMortimer Gulch serves as your gateway to one of Montana's most spectacular natural theaters. The campground's two distinct ecosystems—the shadowy, moss-carpeted Douglas fir groves and the light-dappled aspen stands—create diverse habitats teeming with wildlife. Gibson Reservoir stretches before you like a sapphire mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks and offering excellent trout fishing opportunities. Just beyond, the legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex beckons with over a million acres of untouched backcountry, where grizzlies roam and eagles soar. The North Fork of the Sun River provides a constant mountain melody, its clear waters rushing over ancient stones worn smooth by centuries of flow.
Geological RegionMortimer Gulch rests within the dramatic geological tapestry of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, where ancient tectonic forces sculpted the Rocky Mountain Front into its current majesty. The campground showcases Montana's ecological diversity through its dual forest personalities—the resilient Douglas firs that have weathered countless mountain storms in the upper loop, and the delicate aspens that quake with the slightest breeze in the lower loop. This remarkable confluence of ecosystems, carved by the persistent flow of the North Fork Sun River and shaped by millennia of natural forces, creates a landscape where the raw power of wilderness meets accessible outdoor recreation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available.
Sites SizeThe campground features large campsites, according to user reviews.
Sites PrivacyMany sites are described as private and quiet by users.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesInformation not provided
Best CampsitesInformation not provided
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not provided
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into two loops—upper loop (Douglas fir dominant) and lower loop (Aspen dominant).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through November 30, weather dependent. No services are available from Labor Day through November 30.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served, no reservations accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mortimer Gulch Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The area features trails suitable for day hikes and provides access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Fishing opportunities are plentiful, especially for rainbow and cutthroat trout in Gibson Reservoir and the North Fork of the Sun River.
Hiking
The campground offers access to two trails: Mortimer Gulch #252 (7 miles) and North Fork of the Sun #201 (17.5 miles). Both are suitable for foot and horse travel and lead into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.Fishing
The area is popular for fishing rainbow and cutthroat trout in the nearby reservoir and river.Boating
Boating is possible in Gibson Reservoir, but only for 4WD tow vehicles due to the primitive boat ramp 0.5 miles away.Winter Activities
Seasonal activities beyond the summer months are limited due to weather and lack of services.Water Sports
Power boating and non-powered boating such as canoeing or kayaking are supported on Gibson Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire danger warnings apply; specific guidelines for campfires are enforced.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is frequent; mandatory food storage is required. Roads leading to the campground include unpaved segments, posing challenges for some vehicles.
Active alertsNo current alerts reported.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Augusta, Montana, approximately 40 minutes away by car.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Trash and recyclingThe campground adheres to a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning visitors must take their trash with them.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Gibson Reservoir and North Fork of the Sun River. A primitive boat ramp is available 0.5 miles away, accessible only to 4WD vehicles.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of potable water and vault toilets as the only restroom option.
HostInformation not provided
Campground Map
Mortimer Gulch Campground, Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana
Driving directionsIn Augusta, MT, take Manix St. west (toward Gibson Reservoir) 3.7 miles to Gibson Reservoir sign. At this intersection, turn right and go 21.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground. NOTE: At some point, Manix St. turns into Forest Rt. 108. At the intersection, the road turns into dirt for 15 miles, then becomes paved for 6.8 miles to the campground.
Road access requires traveling approximately 15 miles on unpaved Forest Rt. 108 and an additional 6.8 miles on paved roads. Recommended vehicles include those suitable for rugged terrain, especially for accessing the boat ramp.Nearby places
Augusta: approximately 26 miles, 40-minute drive
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including gas and groceries, are in Augusta, Montana, approximately 26 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Mortimer Gulch Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, clean vault toilets, and large, private campsites. The proximity to Gibson Reservoir and trails for hiking are appreciated. However, the unpaved access road is noted as a challenge.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, quiet and private campsites, and proximity to hiking trails and Gibson Reservoir.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users find the access road difficult to navigate due to its unpaved and remote nature. The lack of potable water is also a drawback.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water and food containers due to bears and the lack of potable water. A 4WD vehicle is suggested to access the boat ramp.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer months, the campground is quiet and ideal for fishing and hiking. However, services are unavailable beyond Labor Day until the seasonal closure at the end of November.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Vault toilets were clean, many sites large and private, and only a few other campers. Quiet." - User Review, July 2020
"Campground with many large campsites with a fire pit and community bathrooms."...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
The availability of wheelchair-friendly toilets adds accessibility, but no other features were reviewed.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically mention pets.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025