Coulter Campground
Open and operating 24 hours daily. Drinking water from the hand pump becomes available around mid-May. A December windstorm has created hazards across the forest with downed trees on trails.
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
Coulter Campground offers a secluded camping experience accessible only by boat on the east side of Upper Holter Lake. The 5 boat-in sites sit within a scenic river canyon adjacent to the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing in a remote setting. Boat access is available from the Gates of the Mountains Boat Club or from the Holter Dam area. A scenic river trail connects the campground to Meriwether Picnic Site approximately 1 mile north, which has wilderness access and boat docks. The lake offers fishing for trout and walleye from shore or motorized boat. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets and seasonal drinking water from a hand pump. No fees are required. Due to the boat-in access, usage is typically light.
Directions
From Helena, take I-15 north to the Gates of the Mountains or Wolf Creek exits. Boat access only from the Gates of the Mountains Boat Club or the Holter Dam area.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 449-5201 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
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