Beavertail Hill Campground

For Montanans who cherish the convenience of accessible outdoor recreation combined with the serene beauty of our state's landscapes, Beavertail Hill Campground offers an ideal escape. As a well-regarded Montana State Park, it provides a comfortable and engaging environment for campers, whether you're bringing an RV, pitching a tent, or trying a unique tipi rental. Nestled alongside the famous Clark Fork River, this campground is a perfect blend of natural tranquility and thoughtful amenities, making it a favorite for locals seeking a refreshing getaway without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Montana's vast wilderness and abundant recreational opportunities are a source of immense pride for those of us who call this state home. Beavertail Hill Campground perfectly encapsulates this spirit, offering a welcoming space where families, solo adventurers, and groups can connect with nature and create lasting memories. This article will delve into what makes Beavertail Hill Campground a premier destination for local residents, exploring its advantageous location, the comprehensive services and unique features it proudly offers, and ultimately, why it stands out as an excellent choice for your next Montana adventure. From its remarkably clean facilities and friendly camp hosts to its direct river access and scenic nature trail, prepare to discover why Beavertail Hill is a beloved gem in Big Sky Country.

Beavertail Hill Campground is ideally situated at 29895 Bonita Station Rd, Clinton, MT 59825, USA. This location places it approximately 26 miles southeast of Missoula, making it a very convenient drive for residents from Missoula and the surrounding areas. Its proximity to Interstate 90, just a quarter-mile south of Exit 130, ensures straightforward and easy access for all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers (though there is a 28-foot limit for RVs and trailers).

The campground's strategic position along the Clark Fork River is a significant highlight, offering half a mile of river frontage. This makes it an excellent base for various water-based activities. Despite its closeness to the interstate, many visitors report that highway noise is surprisingly minimal, especially once settled into their campsites. For Montanans traveling across the state, Beavertail Hill serves as an excellent overnight stop or a destination for a longer stay, providing a taste of Montana's natural beauty without requiring extensive travel into remote areas. The ease of accessibility, combined with the picturesque riverside setting, makes this campground a highly practical and appealing choice for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Beavertail Hill Campground, as a well-maintained Montana State Park, offers a commendable range of services designed to enhance comfort and enjoyment for its visitors.

• Developed Campsites: The park features 24 developed campsites, suitable for both tent camping and RVs/trailers up to 28 feet in length. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
• Tipi Rentals: For a unique and memorable experience, Beavertail Hill offers two Sioux-style tipi rentals. These 18-foot canvas tipis can comfortably sleep 6-8 people and come with indoor-outdoor carpeting, a picnic table, and a fire grill outside. They offer a distinct alternative to traditional camping units.
• Flush Toilets: A standout amenity, the campground boasts clean and well-maintained flushable toilets, a welcome comfort compared to primitive vault toilets found in many other campgrounds.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water for their needs.
• Electrical Hookups: Many campsites offer electric hookups (30 and 50 amp), catering to RV and trailer campers who require power. There is an additional fee for electricity.
• Camp Host: A friendly and knowledgeable camp host is on-site, providing assistance, information about the area, and ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.
• Trash Removal: Trash cans are provided for convenient waste disposal, contributing to the cleanliness of the park.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase, making it easy for campers to enjoy a campfire without having to bring their own supply.
• Interpretive Programs: During the summer season, the park often hosts seasonal interpretive programs in its amphitheater, offering educational insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Beavertail Hill Campground, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them, allowing furry family members to join the adventure. Note: Pets are typically not allowed inside the tipi rentals.

Beavertail Hill Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for outdoor recreation in Montana.

• Clark Fork River Frontage: With half a mile of frontage on the Clark Fork River, the park offers excellent opportunities for fishing and non-motorized floating (carry-in only for boats). This direct river access is a major draw for anglers and paddlers.
• Scenic Nature Trail: A beautiful 1.6-mile (or approximately one-hour walking) nature trail encircles the campground. This well-maintained trail winds through a thick canopy of cottonwood trees and provides a pleasant opportunity for a leisurely stroll, bird watching, and appreciating the local flora and fauna. It's also noted as being ADA accessible.
• Proximity to Beavertail Pond: Just a short distance from the campground, a small lake called Beavertail Pond offers additional opportunities for paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking.
• Excellent Cell Service: Unlike many remote Montana campgrounds, Beavertail Hill has reliable cell phone service (specifically noted for Verizon), allowing campers to stay connected if desired.
• Friendly and Knowledgeable Camp Hosts: Positive reviews consistently highlight the friendly and helpful nature of the camp hosts, who are often knowledgeable about the area and its activities.
• Nearby Dining and Amenities: A "great little restaurant and bakery" (likely Ekstrom's Stage Station) is located just 4 miles away, offering convenient dining options. This establishment also provides an RV dump station, which is the closest one to the campground.
• Biking and Fishing Opportunities: Beyond the park, the surrounding area offers good fishing and biking opportunities, expanding the range of activities available to visitors.
• Amphitheater: The presence of an amphitheater for interpretive programs adds an educational and entertainment dimension to the camping experience, particularly during the summer months.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: The campground is consistently described as "beautiful" and "well-maintained," creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for all visitors.

For information regarding Beavertail Hill Campground, a Montana State Park, please use the following contact details. Note that there are different numbers for the park directly and for the regional office.

Address: 29895 Bonita Station Rd, Clinton, MT 59825, USA

Park Phone (Seasonal: May 1 - September 30): (406) 825-2007

Mobile Phone (Park Direct): +1 406-825-2007

Montana FWP Region 2 Headquarters (Year-round main office): (406) 542-5561

Reservations for campsites and tipi rentals can typically be made through the Montana State Parks reservation system, often via ReserveAmerica or similar platforms. It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially during peak season, as Beavertail Hill is one of Montana's busiest state parks. For the most up-to-date information on fees (which vary by resident/non-resident, site type, and season, generally $18-$34 for campsites, $30-$42 for tipis), current operating dates (typically May 1 - October 31 for summer season camping), and any specific alerts or fire restrictions, checking the official Montana FWP State Parks website (fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/beavertail-hill) or calling the park directly is advisable.

In conclusion, Beavertail Hill Campground stands as an exceptional and highly suitable destination for locals throughout Montana seeking a convenient, comfortable, and engaging outdoor experience. Its prime location near Clinton, with effortless access from Interstate 90 and direct frontage on the scenic Clark Fork River, makes it an incredibly practical choice for both quick getaways and longer family vacations. For Montanans, this means less time spent traveling and more time enjoying the natural beauty that defines our state.

The campground's impressive array of services and features, from its remarkably clean flush toilets and available electrical hookups to its unique tipi rentals and friendly camp hosts, ensures a comfortable stay for a variety of camping preferences. What truly makes Beavertail Hill ideal for local users is its abundant recreational opportunities right at its doorstep: excellent fishing and floating on the Clark Fork, a beautiful nature trail for leisurely walks, and proximity to other local attractions like Beavertail Pond for paddleboarding and nearby dining options. The reliable cell service is an added convenience for those who wish to stay connected. By choosing Beavertail Hill Campground, Montanans can easily embrace the spirit of their home state, support a valuable state park, and create cherished memories in a setting that perfectly blends natural beauty with accessible amenities. It’s more than just a place to camp; it’s a vibrant hub for outdoor adventure and relaxation in Big Sky Country.

Beavertail Hill Campground

29895 Bonita Station Rd, Clinton, MT 59825, USA