Overview
Holter Lake Campground is situated on the picturesque Holter Lake in west central Montana. The site is located approximately 45 north of Helena, Montana along the Missouri River. The area offers stunning views of Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area. Gates of the Mountain is in close proximity of the campground which is accessible via a watercraft. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you’re into fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, boating, water skiing or all of the above; all of these activities are in close proximity to Holter Lake Campground. There is surely an activity for everyone!
Recreation
Holter Lake Campground offers excellent recreational opportunities. Activities in the area include: camping, boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing water skiing, hiking, scenic/wildlife photography, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. Holter Lake Campground has a small beach area, picnic areas, and a ramada/pavilion with power and lights. (The ramada use is first-come, first-served). There are vault toilets located in convenient locations throughout the area. There are trails within the general vicinity, as well as multiple fishing access sites and hunting access points. The recreation opportunities in the area are truly boundless.
Facilities
Holter Lake Campground offers several amenities that will make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Holter Lake Campground is a 52-site campground that has spacious and level gravel parking pads that accomodates RVs, camper trailers and tents. 42 sites will take RVs and all sites accomodate tents. There are 9 tent only sites. 49 of the campsites have the capability of accomodating up to 2 RVs or tents per site. Each RV or tent is considered a camping unit and must pay accordingly. Holter Lake Campground is open year-round. However, fees are only collected from May 1st to Columbus Day. There are 7-day camping stay limits at Holter Lake Campground. Of the 52 sites, 33 sites are reservation only within Loop A. The remaining sites are first-come, first-served and the tent only sites (44-52) are within the first-come, first-serve regulation.
Holter lake Campground features a large concrete boat launch with a courtesy dock as well as day-use and overnight dock slips for those camping in the campground. The docks are first-come, first-served with no assigned slips. A fish cleaning station is available near the entrance/booth at Holter Lake Campground. There is potable water provided throughout the campground and day-use areas, as well as garbage dumpsters. There are no hook-ups available. The reservation loop and tent area sites contain a fire ring with a grill grate in addition to a picnic table. There are also picnic tables and benches along the lake to take in the views.
Natural Features
Every campsite has a view of the lake and mountains. The campground and day-use area has poplar and green ash trees throughout the campground which provide shade during the height of the summer. The site is situated in a shrub-steppe landscape, mostly comprised of sage brush and bunch grasses. The campground is surrounded by sparsely wooded hills.
Nearby Attractions
Holter Lake Campground is located in a prime location to get out and recreate outdoors. There is access to public lands where multiple recreation opportunities and experiences are available. The campground is adjacent to the Missouri River, which was also the historical travel corridor for The Lewis and Clark Trail. Holter Lake Campground is situated between Helena and Great Falls.
In Helena, there are great restaurants, museums, the capitol building, old mining settlements, Last Chance Gulch, Reeder’s Alley and a vibrant downtown area. In or near Great Falls, there is the First People’s Buffalo Jump and Interpretive Center, Charlie Russell museum, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Giant Springs Fish Hatchery and State Park, Tower Rock State Park and the Continental Divide Trail is nearby.
Nearby Activities
- Boating
- Historic & cultural site
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
- Day use area
- Swimming site
- Information site
- Photography
- Paddling
- Swimming
- Mountain biking
- Paddle boating
- Water activities
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Birding
- Water access
- Jet skiing
- Water skiing
- Scenic drive
- Rafting
- Ice fishing
Gallery
Directions
From Great Falls, Montana take Interstate-15 South towards Helena. Take exit 234 to Craig. Turn left heading to Craig and cross river. Will come to a “T” and then take a right on Recreation Road. Travel approximately 5 miles. Before crossing the river/steel bridge, turn left onto Beartooth Road. Continue 2.3 miles to Holter Lake Campground. The Campground will be on your right.
From Helena, Montana take Interstate-15 north towards Great Falls. Take exit 226 to Wolf Creek. Turn right towards Recreation Road and cross the railroad tracks. Turn left onto Recreation Road. After crossing the river/steel bridge, turn right onto Beartooth Road. Continue 2.3 miles to Holter Lake Campground. The Campground will be on your right.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 46° 59′ 43.9327″ N
Longitude 112° 0′ 42.9776″ W