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.
Flash Flood Watch issued September 19 at 3:09AM MDT until September 20 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026. * WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following areas, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains and Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over recent burn scars, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Areas near recent burn scars from the summer 2026 and the Horse Gulch area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
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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