Blackfoot River Corridor
Open for the 2026 float season. Reservations are required and must be made by phone through the Reserve America call center at 1-855-922-6768. Sites are reservable from the third Friday in May through the third Sunday in September. Reservation dates are released in monthly rolling blocks.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
About
The Blackfoot River Corridor provides a unique wilderness camping experience along one of Montana's most celebrated rivers, immortalized in Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It." Eight designated float-in campsites are scattered between Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site and Johnsrud Fishing Access Site, each accommodating up to 10 people. Sites include River Junction, Bear Creek Flats, Clearwater, Ninemile Prairie, Corrick's River Bend, Ponderosa Flats, Goose Rock, and Clark's Cliff. This is true dispersed camping requiring complete self-sufficiency. No amenities are provided at the sites themselves. Campers must bring portable toilet systems and pack out all human waste, use fire pans and pack out ash, and employ proper food storage due to the presence of grizzly bears in the corridor. Glass containers are prohibited at all sites. The float combines excellent whitewater with outstanding scenery and wildlife. Class II-III rapids provide technical challenge, particularly at flows below 1,000 cfs. The corridor supports diverse wildlife including elk, grizzly bears, river otters, and bald eagles. Reservations are required during the season and must be made by phone through the Reserve America call center.
Directions
Launch points are accessible from Highway 200 east of Missoula. Common put-ins include Cedar Meadow, River Junction, and Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site. The corridor extends from Russell Gates downstream to Johnsrud Fishing Access Site, approximately 12-20 miles east of Bonner on Highway 200.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| BlackfootRiver@mt.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (855) 922-6768 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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