Skidway Campground
3.878 reviewsSkidway Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana
Skidway Campground
$10.00 - $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
$15 per night for single-unit campsites, and $5/night for an extra vehicle.
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About this campground
Perched near the summit of Deep Creek Canyon, Skidway Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat where towering Douglas firs and quaking aspens frame your wilderness escape. Two thoughtfully designed camping loops wind through this high-country haven, where grassy meadows open to reveal breathtaking mountain vistas. As one recent visitor noted, 'Great views. Only one other campsite occupied' - a testament to the peaceful solitude awaiting those who venture to this hidden gem. Whether you're casting a line in nearby streams or exploring canyon trails, Skidway provides the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventures.
Skidway Campground offers rustic camping with 12 combined campsites. Accommodations include tent camping and small RVs, with no group camping or cabin lodging available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of mountain weather at Skidway, where crystalline winter snows give way to wildflower-filled springs and sun-drenched summers. While winter brings a hushed blanket of snow and crisp, freezing temperatures, summer transforms the campground into a comfortable retreat with pleasantly warm days reaching 78°F. The notably dry mountain air - what locals call 'dry humidity' - makes even the warmest afternoons feel refreshing, perfect for afternoon hikes or evening campfires under star-filled skies.
ElevationAt 5,500 feet above sea level, Skidway Campground sits in that sweet spot of mountain elevation - high enough to escape summer's heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. This elevation brings cooler nights, clearer skies, and that distinctive mountain air that makes every breath feel refreshing.
Natural Features and SceneryNature puts on a spectacular show at Skidway, where ancient Douglas firs stand sentinel alongside groves of shimmering aspens that dance in the mountain breeze. Spring paints the grassy meadows with vibrant wildflower displays, while summer brings exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities - keep your camera ready for deer, elk, and a variety of mountain birds. As visitor Dylan enthusiastically shared, 'The sites are well marked, and the views from this campground are beautiful.' Each campsite offers its own window into this mountain wonderland, where ridgelines frame distant peaks and meadows invite exploration.
Geological RegionSkidway Campground crowns the upper reaches of Deep Creek Canyon, a dramatic landscape sculpted by millennia of natural forces. The campground's position atop the canyon provides a unique vantage point where mountain ridges converge, creating a natural amphitheater of stone and forest. Mature Douglas firs and aspens have claimed the slopes, their roots anchored in ancient soils, while open meadows reveal the underlying geology - a testament to the powerful forces that shaped these mountains. From here, panoramic views stretch across the surrounding peaks, offering glimpses into the greater mountain range beyond.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeThe parking aprons are grass and gravel, suggesting standard-sized sites suitable for small trailers up to 16 feet.
Sites Privacy"Sites are far enough apart you aren't on top of each other," according to a user review. Some sites are open while others are secluded, providing a mix of options.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping stays are limited to 14 days.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is composed of two loops along ridges. "Sites are far enough apart you aren't on top of each other" (User Review, Janice Serfass).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through October 30.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites first-come, first-served as reservations are not available. "Campground closed" and "Campground closed but beautiful trail available" noted in reviews from 2018, indicating possible temporary closures.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities include hiking and fishing opportunities near the campground, though trails and fishing spots are not explicitly detailed. Wildlife viewing is noted as a seasonal highlight, particularly in summer.
Hiking
Nearby hiking opportunities exist, but specific trails are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available near Deep Creek Canyon, though sources do not specify fish species or locations.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as a seasonal highlight: "Grassy meadows throughout campground suggest a wildflower display in the spring and good wildlife viewing during the summer."Winter Activities
None mentioned. Snowfall and freezing conditions are common in winter, making camping challenging.Water Sports
None mentioned. Skidway Campground does not support water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed with adherence to safe practices.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; practicing safe food storage techniques is mandatory.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 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
Closest emergency services are located in Townsend, MT, which has a Conoco gas station offering an RV waste station and potable water for a fee.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresNone; potable water is available via a hand pump located in the lower loop.
Common complaintsSome reviews noted cleanliness issues: "It's too bad that people can't take care of it and clean up after themselves" (User Review, Marcus Stauduhar). Other reviews mentioned temporary closures: "Campground closed" (User Review, Alex Larsen).
Campground Map
Skidway Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana
Driving directionsFrom Townsend, MT, take US Rt. 12 east 21.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign (mile marker 22) onto gravel road and go 0.6 miles to another campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
The road to the campground is gravel, with parking aprons made of grass and gravel. Some potholes are present but manageable. "Road in wasn't too bad, just a few potholes" (User Review, Dylan).Nearby places
Townsend - 21 miles, approximately 30 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Townsend, MT, 21 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel at the Conoco gas station at the intersection of US Rts. 287 and 12.
Camper Reviews
3.9
8 reviews
Skidway Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere, while some note challenges like weeds around the potable water pump and occasional litter. Seasonal closures are mentioned from past years, but the site is currently open.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground's scenic views and peaceful environment: "Sites are far enough apart you aren't on top of each other," "Great views," and "Clean and quiet."
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include weeds around the potable water pump and occasional litter: "It's too bad that people can't take care of it and clean up after themselves."
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Practice safe food storage techniques as it is bear country. Bring potable water since none is available on-site, and prepare for limited amenities.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive reviews are typically from summer months, highlighting wildlife viewing and scenic beauty. User reviews from colder months or off-season periods note closures and reduced accessibility.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Vault toilet was as clean as could be expected." "Set far back and up the mountain. Road in wasn't too bad, just a few potholes." "Sites are far enough apart you aren't on top of each other."
Based on 8 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews mention specific site numbers.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets are available, aligning with the mention of wheelchair-friendly features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not addressed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025