James Kipp Campground
4.328 reviews920 Northeast Main, Lewistown, MT, 59457, USA
James Kipp Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
$12 per night recreation use fee. RV waste dump fee is $10.
About this campground
Nestled along the legendary Missouri River within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, James Kipp Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of America's most pristine waterways. This peaceful riverside retreat welcomes travelers on a first-come, first-serve basis with 34 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own fire ring and picnic table for memorable evenings under the stars. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including well-maintained vault toilets, convenient trash disposal, and an RV waste dump station (available for a $10 fee). While the campground accommodates impressive RVs up to 40 feet in length, the experience here is refreshingly unplugged—no electrical hookups means more time connecting with nature and less time tethered to devices.
The campground offers basic amenities and is geared towards primitive camping, RV camping, and tent camping.
Historical SignificanceJames Kipp Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the storied Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, where the echoes of Lewis and Clark's epic journey still resonate across the water. This stretch of the Missouri River remains remarkably unchanged since the Corps of Discovery paddled these waters over two centuries ago. Today's visitors follow in the footsteps of countless adventurers, from Native American tribes who called these breaks home to fur traders and pioneers who navigated this vital waterway. The campground continues this legacy of exploration, offering modern adventurers premier access to world-class fishing waters and hunting grounds that have sustained communities for generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythm of seasons brings dramatic changes to this riverside sanctuary. Early spring and late fall visitors should pack warm layers as freezing temperatures paint frost on morning canvas tents. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise with typically dry conditions and crystalline blue skies that stretch endlessly above the breaks. While summer offers the most predictable weather, adventurous souls visiting during shoulder seasons might encounter nature's surprises—from refreshing rain showers to delicate dustings of snow that transform the rugged landscape into a wonderland.
ElevationThe campground rests at river level, where the mighty Missouri has carved its timeless path through the ancient landscape of the breaks.
Natural Features and SceneryMature cottonwoods and willows create a natural canopy over most campsites, offering blessed shade during hot summer days while framing spectacular views of the Missouri River. This river valley oasis provides a striking contrast to the rugged breaks that rise dramatically from the water's edge. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into an astronomer's dream—the absence of light pollution reveals a cosmic tapestry of stars, planets, and the ethereal glow of the Milky Way stretching across the vast Montana sky. The gentle murmur of the Missouri provides a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor adventures.
Geological RegionJames Kipp Campground occupies a privileged position within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, where millions of years of geological history unfold before your eyes. The Missouri River has sculpted this remarkable landscape, creating a dramatic tableau of eroded badlands, towering sandstone cliffs, and verdant river bottoms. This unique river valley ecosystem supports diverse wildlife and offers visitors an intimate glimpse into one of the last remaining sections of the Missouri River that flows as nature intended—wild, free, and magnificently untamed.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials or reviews.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate trailers or RVs up to 40 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as protected and secluded, situated in a valley next to the river. One review mentioned: "Nice protected campground in the valley next to the river."
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the river provide better access to amenities like the boat ramp. Shade is available in most spaces.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers are not provided, but shaded sites near the river with proximity to the boat ramp are appreciated by reviewers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
14-day limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information unavailable.
Groups
No specific group camping details were mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are distributed across a valley near the Missouri River, providing shade and proximity to the water. RVs up to 40 feet can be accommodated.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually from April 1 to December 1.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms as sites are first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-serve.
Cancellation PolicyCampsites are strictly first-come, first-serve. No reservations or cancellation policies are applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and enjoying pristine dark skies for stargazing.
Fishing
Fishing is popular in the area. One review noted: "Most users of the campsite are in the area to hunt and fish, and I hear the sport is exceptional."Boating
The site is popular for launching watercraft, and a user noted that the boat ramp is close by: "Boat ramp is nice and close."Wildlife viewing
The area is remote and offers opportunities to observe wildlife, but no specific wildlife species were mentioned.Winter Activities
No winter recreation activities mentioned.Water Sports
The focus is on boating, but no other water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding were explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted using designated fire rings. Ample deadwood is available for firewood within the campground.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsNo cell service for miles; visitors should plan accordingly. Potable water systems are shut down, which may affect usability for some campers.
Active alertsPotable water systems are currently shut down.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4 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
Emergency services can be accessed in Lewistown, MT, though specific facilities are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to December 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available for camper use.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Missouri River. "Bel emplacement près de la rivière Missouri avec un petit sentier pour la longer." - User Review. The boat ramp is noted for its convenience.
Common complaintsPotable water systems being unavailable is often noted. "No hookups" and "no cell service for miles" may be inconveniences for some.
HostNull
Campground Map
920 Northeast Main, Lewistown, MT, 59457, USA
Driving directionsThe entrance is located south of the Missouri River off of US 191.
Access is straightforward and south of the Missouri River off of US 191. No challenging terrain or seasonal closures are noted in authoritative sources.Nearby places
Lewistown, MT (null miles, travel time not specified)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Lewistown, MT, though specific locations are not listed.
Camper Reviews
4.3
8 reviews
James Kipp Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, James Kipp Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, secluded and scenic location, and suitability for fishing and stargazing. However, the lack of cell phone service and potable water were noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlighted the campground’s pristine dark skies, clean facilities, proximity to the Missouri River, and suitability for fishing and boating.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of cell phone service and potable water were common drawbacks mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to plan for the absence of cell service and potable water. Bring your own drinking water, and prepare for a primitive camping experience.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from April 1 to December 1. Fishing and boating are popular in warmer months, and the dark skies are a year-round attraction. Water for the RV dump typically becomes...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "The campground was clean and so were the bathrooms." 2. "No hookups, but trees in most spaces. It is close to the river and there are vault toilets." 3. "Most users of the campsite are in the...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers were reviewed in detail.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically mentioned accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews discussed pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025