Grapevine Campground
00 reviewGrapevine Campground
$9.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
$18 per night fee; 50% discount for holders of Senior Passes. Payment can only be made via cash or check, payable to Crow Tribe of Indians.
About this campground
Nestled on the pristine north shore of Afterbay Lake, Grapevine Campground serves as your gateway to the stunning Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Fort Smith, Montana. This welcoming year-round retreat accommodates both RV enthusiasts and tent campers with thoughtfully arranged sites, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables for memorable outdoor dining under Montana's vast skies. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground comes alive with friendly camp hosts, regular trash collection, and enchanting evening campfire programs that bring families together. While the campground maintains a rustic charm without RV hookups, convenient drinking water and a nearby RV dump station ensure comfort during your stay. Vault toilets are strategically placed throughout the grounds for easy access.
Grapevine Campground accommodates both RVs and tent campers. It is a limited development campground.
Historical SignificanceWhile Grapevine Campground itself stands as a modern recreation facility, it serves as your basecamp for exploring the remarkable Native American heritage and natural history that permeates the greater Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The surrounding landscape whispers stories of ancient peoples and geological wonders waiting to be discovered during your stay.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Montana's refreshing dry climate at Grapevine, where moderate temperatures create ideal camping conditions throughout much of the year. Summer transforms the campground into a bustling outdoor paradise from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when warm days invite swimming, hiking, and stargazing. Even winter maintains its allure here, with occasional snow dustings that transform the canyon landscape into a serene wonderland while keeping the campground accessible for hardy adventurers seeking solitude and crisp mountain air.
ElevationSpecific elevation information is not currently available for this location.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on distinctive gravel terrain that characterizes this unique ecosystem, Grapevine Campground offers front-row seats to nature's amphitheater. The shimmering waters of Afterbay Lake stretch before you, reflecting the dramatic canyon walls that rise majestically from the shoreline. This diverse landscape supports an impressive array of flora and fauna, from hardy desert plants clinging to rocky outcrops to wildlife that calls these canyons home, creating endless opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Geological RegionGrapevine Campground occupies a spectacular position along Afterbay Lake's north shore, deep within the geological marvel of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This remarkable landscape showcases millions of years of Earth's history written in stone, where ancient limestone cliffs plunge into crystal-clear waters. The surrounding terrain encompasses a fascinating mosaic of canyon ecosystems, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife habitats that support everything from bighorn sheep to golden eagles, making every sunrise and sunset a potential wildlife viewing opportunity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is fully handicapped accessible, with all sites and restrooms designed for ease of access. The terrain is gravel.
Sites SizeThe sites are designed for RVs and tents, with back-in RV parking. Specific dimensions are not available.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not detailed in the source materials.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites close to the lake are recommended for scenic views.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers for highly-rated campsites are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly provided.
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Campsite occupancy may not exceed 14 cumulative days within a 28-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The maximum allowable guests per site is not explicitly provided.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutGravel layout featuring RV back-in sites and tent sites. No pull-through sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Seasonal trash collection and camp host facilities available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. No reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available. Specific cancellation policy does not apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grapevine Campground offers activities centered around its lakeside location. While specific recreational opportunities are not extensively detailed, the proximity to Afterbay Lake suggests potential for water-based activities.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Check locally, dependent on conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters and seasonal weather challenges such as snow.
Active alertsNone documented.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.5 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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be found near Fort Smith, MT. Specific locations were not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available seasonally from May to October. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is located along the north shore of Afterbay Lake.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints documented.
HostSeasonal camp host available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTake 313 through the town of Fort Smith, MT. Follow the brown and white direction signs. Turn right on Rte 12 and drive across the Afterbay dam. Continue on Rte 12 for approximately 1.6 miles. Turn left into Grapevine Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads (Route 313 and Route 12). Roads are generally in good condition, but seasonal factors (e.g., snow) may impact accessibility.Nearby places
Fort Smith, MT (~1.6 miles
~5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are accessible at Yellowtail Market in Fort Smith, MT.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Grapevine Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews available for Grapevine Campground at this time.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025