Trapper Springs
All Trapper Springs campsites are first-come, first-served until further notice. The group pavilion remains reservable online. Normal operations run May 1 through September 15 with reservations available via Recreation.gov, and September 16 through April 30 as first-come, first-served.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
From Recreation.gov
**ALL** Trapper Springs campsites are First-Come First-Served until futher notice. The group pavilion may still be reserved online.
About
Trapper Springs Campground sits along the lower Madison River in southwest Montana, managed by the BLM Dillon Field Office. The campground offers 15 campsites with vault toilets, drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables. Sites accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet with back-in gravel driveways. The day-use area includes a large pavilion with parking for 20 vehicles, available for group reservations at $50/day. The Madison River is well known for its robust trout fishery, making this an ideal base for anglers. The lower Madison is also a popular destination for non-angling floaters and tubers during warm summer months. While there is no boat launch on-site, Warm Springs boat launch and Black's Ford Fishing Access Site are nearby. The day-use area features a wheelchair-accessible trail to the river. Nearby attractions include Bear Trap Canyon unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area and Norris Hot Springs. Groups larger than 15 require organized group permits. Firewood is available for purchase at nearby Red Mountain Campground; collection on BLM lands is prohibited.
Directions
From Bozeman: Head west on MT Hwy 84 (Norris Road) for 20.5 miles. Turn left (south) at South Bear Trap Canyon Road before crossing the Madison River. From Norris: Head east on MT Hwy 84 for 8 miles, turn right (south) at South Bear Trap Canyon Road after crossing the Madison River.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $20 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 683-8000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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