Thain Creek Campground
Currently closed for the season. The campground typically opens in May and operates through mid-fall, with exact dates varying based on snowfall conditions. Water systems are not yet operational. All sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Camping limited to 16 consecutive days.
Winter Storm Watch issued October 8 at 11:48PM MDT until October 11 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Heavy wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches below 5000 feet and between 6 and 12 inches possible above 5000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Helena Valley, and Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, especially over mountain passes. Back country conditions may be very dangerous. Wet snow and gusty winds may down trees limbs and power lines. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A snow band may develop across portions of Central Montana leading to locally higher snowfall rates and amounts.
Red Flag Warning issued October 8 at 11:13PM MDT until October 9 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* AFFECTED AREA...Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 13 percent. * TEMPERATURES...Up to 81. * IMPACTS... Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Containment of any ongoing or new fires may be very difficult. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
About
Thain Creek Campground occupies a scenic location in the Highwood Mountains, an isolated mountain range rising from the plains of central Montana within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. As the only developed campground in the Highwoods, it provides a base for exploring this less-visited area. The 19 campsites are available first-come, first-served with no reservation system. The campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets with at least one ADA-accessible facility, and potable water during the warmer months when the system is operational. Each site includes a fire ring or grill and a picnic table. One site can accommodate trailers up to 40 feet, though the access roads are dirt and gravel. A food storage order is in effect from March 1 through December 1 to prevent bear conflicts. Leashed dogs are welcome but horses are prohibited in the campground. The nearby Windy Mountain trailhead offers a 6-mile loop with panoramic views, and additional hiking is available along Briggs Creek and from the North Fork Highwood Creek Trailhead. All Highwood trails close seasonally by September 1 or October 15.
Directions
From Great Falls, go east on US 89 for 6 miles, east 13 miles on MT-228, 16 miles east on County Road 121, then 2 miles east on Forest Road 8840. The latter roads are dirt and gravel.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 449-5201 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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