Thain Creek Campground

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.