Tobacco River Campground
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Actively managed Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter access is weather-dependent. No reservations required. This is a free, pack-in/pack-out campground with no potable water.
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
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
Tobacco River Campground is a small, free primitive campground nestled along the Tobacco River in the Kootenai National Forest. Located approximately 5 miles west of Eureka via Pidgeon Bridge Road 7277, it offers 6 campsites each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The gravel access roads can accommodate RVs up to 20 feet in length. Amenities are minimal but functional, consisting of a single vault toilet and an undeveloped boat ramp suitable for small packable watercraft. There is no potable water on site, so campers must bring their own supply. This is a pack-in, pack-out campground, meaning all trash must be carried out. Food storage requirements are in effect per the Kootenai National Forest Food Storage Order. The campground is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, though it is actively managed only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter access depends on weather and road conditions. The quiet riverside location makes it a good base for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the solitude of northwest Montana.
Directions
From Eureka, Montana, head west approximately 5 miles on Pidgeon Bridge Road (Forest Road 7277). The access and campground roads are gravel.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 296-2536 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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