Bighorn Campground
00 reviewBighorn 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
A $10 fee is charged per site starting May 9, with a limit of 2 vehicles per site.
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About this campground
Nestled deep within the dramatic Rock Creek drainage, Bighorn Campground offers an escape into one of Montana's most spectacular canyon landscapes. Towering old-growth Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their ancient branches whispering stories of centuries past. The legendary Rock Creek—a fly fisher's paradise—rushes alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters teeming with native trout. Fresh from 2024 renovations, Bighorn now features modernized vault toilets, thoughtfully designed campsites complete with sturdy fire rings and picnic tables, and newly graded access roads that make your journey into this wilderness sanctuary smooth and welcoming.
Bighorn Campground offers a primitive camping experience that is open year-round. The site does not accommodate trailers, motorhomes, or tow vehicles due to road conditions.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Bighorn Campground may be recent, the land itself tells an ancient story through its towering old-growth forest and the timeless flow of Rock Creek carving through solid canyon walls.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Bighorn Campground with its own dramatic palette. Winter transforms the canyon into a hushed wonderland where temperatures dip into the teens and pristine snow blankets the forest floor. Come summer, warm days reaching the mid-80s invite endless outdoor adventures under brilliantly clear mountain skies. Spring awakens the canyon with gentle rains and cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings, while autumn arrives in a blaze of golden light and crisp air that makes every breath feel like pure mountain magic.
ElevationPerched within the mountainous terrain of the Rock Creek drainage, Bighorn Campground occupies that sweet spot where canyon walls rise dramatically around you and the air carries just enough mountain freshness to invigorate your senses. The rugged topography creates a natural amphitheater that shelters campers while offering stunning vertical landscapes.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient Ponderosa Pines stretch skyward, their cinnamon-colored bark glowing in the filtered sunlight. Majestic Douglas Firs add their evergreen elegance to this old-growth tapestry, creating a canopy that shelters wildlife and campers alike. The star of the show, Rock Creek, dances through the canyon with the energy of a blue-ribbon trout stream, its pools and riffles promising world-class fishing and endless streamside exploration. The rugged canyon walls frame every view, reminding visitors they've found something special—a place where nature's raw beauty remains wonderfully untamed.
Geological RegionBighorn Campground sits at the heart of the Rock Creek drainage, where eons of geological forces have carved a rugged canyon that showcases nature's sculptural prowess. This dramatic landscape, cloaked in pristine old-growth forest of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir, represents one of the region's finest examples of intact mountain ecosystem, where ancient trees stand sentinel over a canyon that continues to evolve with each passing season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeNot explicitly mentioned in the source material.
Sites PrivacyNot detailed in the source material.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDue to narrow and rough access roads, small vehicles are recommended for easier navigation.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are identified as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limits mentioned
Guests Allowed Per Site
Alimit of 2 vehicles per site is indicated.
Groups
Group camping specifics are not mentioned in the source material.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo detailed layout description is provided. Campsites are likely arranged to maximize proximity to Rock Creek and forest scenery.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, weather-dependent. However, no amenities are available from October through April.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are taken, as the campground is strictly first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is entirely first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed as the campground operates first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bighorn Campground provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy fishing, hunting, and shooting activities. Rock Creek, a popular fishing destination, is located across the road from the campground, making it an ideal spot for anglers.
Fishing
"Bighorn Campground is located across the road from Rock Creek, a popular fishing destination." Rock Creek is renowned for its 'blue ribbon trout stream,' offering excellent fishing opportunities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, though the campground is open year-round, weather dependent.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the source material.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed as indicated by the availability of fire rings at campsites.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (necessitating bear safety and food storage), rugged terrain, and seasonal snow or poor road conditions.
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned, but road and weather conditions may impact accessibility.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Missoula, 20 miles east, has hospital and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10 through October, correlating with availability of amenities.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source material.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is located directly adjacent to Rock Creek, a popular fishing destination.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Campground Map
Driving directionsOn Interstate 90, 20 miles east of Missoula, take Rock Creek exit #126 onto Rock Creek road. Drive 33 miles south on Rock Creek Road #102. Trailers, motorhomes and tow vehicles are not recommended due to the narrow and rough road.
The campground is accessible year-round, weather dependent. Road access is challenging, with narrow, rough roads unsuitable for trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles. Reconstruction work was completed recently to improve drainage and access roads.Nearby places
Missoula, 20 miles east (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Missoula, 20 miles east, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Bighorn Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not available in the provided source materials, limiting insights into camper experiences.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Not applicable; no user reviews were provided.
Common Concerns
Not applicable; no user reviews were provided.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Not applicable; no user reviews were provided.
Seasonal Insights
Weather data suggests that summer months offer the most favorable camping conditions, though seasonal reviews are not provided.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users were available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews were mentioned in the source material.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or information specific to pet policies or pet-friendliness were provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025