Blackmore Campground

For many Montanans, the ideal camping trip is one that combines a sense of spontaneity with access to some of the state’s most stunning natural attractions. Blackmore Campground, nestled in the picturesque Hyalite Canyon just south of Bozeman, is a prime example of this. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a perfect destination for those who prefer to embark on a last-minute adventure. Unlike campgrounds that require reservations months in advance, Blackmore provides a welcoming option for campers who value flexibility and the thrill of finding a spot in a beautiful, rustic setting. It’s a no-frills, authentic camping experience, designed for those who want to be immersed in the wilderness without being too far from the amenities of town. The campground's location near a creek and a popular trailhead makes it a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

The reviews from real customers provide an honest and insightful look into the Blackmore Campground experience. One reviewer highlights the camp's accessibility, stating, "We didn’t have reservations but this one is first come first serve." This confirms the key policy that makes it so appealing to spontaneous travelers. They also noted the varied site sizes, with some accommodating a 24-foot travel trailer while others are only "tent" sized, providing a useful expectation for potential visitors. The review also praises the presence of a "vaulted toilet and trash" but notes the absence of "potable water," a crucial detail for campers to be aware of. Another review humorously recounts a close encounter with nature, waking up to "what were clearly bear claw marks on the tree right outside our tent," a moment of a true Montana experience that adds to the camp’s rustic and wild appeal.

Blackmore Campground is a place where you can truly connect with the outdoors. It is a "good for kids" destination, offering a safe environment for families to explore and learn. The wheelchair-accessible parking lot demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that more people can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. This article will delve into the details of what makes Blackmore Campground a worthwhile choice for local users, highlighting its prime location, essential services, and the unique features that define a stay in this genuine Montana wilderness setting.

Blackmore Campground is located on FS 6953 in the Hyalite Canyon area near Bozeman, MT 59718, USA. This address places it within the vast Custer Gallatin National Forest, roughly 18 miles south of Bozeman. The drive to the campground is a beautiful one, winding through the mountains on Hyalite Canyon Road (FS 62). The road is well-maintained and provides easy access for most vehicles, though it is not a paved campground itself, as noted in a review. Its strategic location is a major benefit for campers, as it provides a sense of being deep in the wilderness while still being a relatively short and convenient drive from the services and attractions of Bozeman.

The campground’s accessibility is particularly noteworthy. It is situated just "a half mile from the reservoir" and "right across the street from Blackmore trail head." This proximity to major recreational areas makes it an ideal base camp. Campers can easily walk or drive to Hyalite Reservoir for fishing, paddling, or picnicking, and the direct access to the Blackmore Trailhead makes it a dream for hikers. The trail itself leads to the scenic Blackmore Lake and offers stunning views of Mount Blackmore. The on-site parking at each campsite adds to the convenience, allowing campers to securely park their vehicles right at their spot.

While the camp itself is located on a Forest Service road that can have some traffic, it maintains a quiet, rustic feel. The aural experience of the "creek running along the back of the campsite," as mentioned in a review, adds to the serene atmosphere. The lack of cell service is also a feature of its location, providing a true opportunity to disconnect and escape from the constant demands of the digital world. This combination of convenient access and a secluded, rustic environment is a key part of the Blackmore Campground experience.

Blackmore Campground offers a simple but essential set of services that cater to the needs of its first-come, first-served clientele. The amenities are rustic and functional, providing what is needed for a comfortable stay without unnecessary frills.

• Public Restroom: The campground features a public restroom, which is a major convenience for campers. The restrooms are well-maintained, as noted by a reviewer, and are typically of the vault or pit toilet variety. This provides a clean and essential facility for all campers.

• Tent Sites: The campground is primarily designed for tent camping, with sites that can also accommodate smaller RVs and travel trailers, though not all sites are large enough for bigger rigs. This focus on traditional camping creates an environment that is well-suited for those who prefer to sleep in a tent and be closer to nature.

• On-site Parking: Dedicated on-site parking at each campsite makes for a convenient and stress-free arrival and setup process. It allows campers to park their vehicle directly at their site, which is especially useful for unloading gear and keeping it secure.

• Basic Campsite Provisions: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit. These two essential amenities provide a clean surface for preparing meals and a safe place for a campfire, which is a crucial part of the camping experience, particularly on a chilly Montana evening.

• Trash and Recycling: While not always present at primitive sites, Blackmore Campground has a trash service, which is a significant convenience. As one review noted, there are also recycling facilities and bear boxes, showing a commitment to environmental responsibility and camper safety.

The features and highlights of Blackmore Campground are what make it a particularly appealing choice for a wide range of campers, from seasoned veterans to families with young kids.

• First-Come, First-Served: This is the most significant feature of the campground. In a region where many popular spots require reservations months in advance, Blackmore offers the flexibility to simply show up and find a spot. This is perfect for local Montanans who want to head out on a spontaneous weekend trip without extensive planning.

• Wheelchair Accessible Parking: The presence of a "Wheelchair accessible parking lot" and a number of accessible facilities makes the campground more inclusive. It allows people with mobility challenges to enjoy the beauty of Hyalite Canyon, which is a rare and commendable feature for a rustic campground.

• Proximity to Hyalite Reservoir: The campground's location a short half-mile from the reservoir is a major highlight. It offers easy access to a variety of water activities, including fishing, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The creek running alongside the camp provides a serene soundtrack and additional opportunities for stream fishing.

• Direct Trail Access: Being "right across the street from Blackmore trail head" is a huge bonus for hikers. It means you can literally walk from your campsite to one of the most popular trails in the area, which leads to stunning views and the beautiful Blackmore Lake. This convenience is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Wildlife and Natural Environment: The review that mentions the bear claw marks on a tree highlights the authentic wilderness experience that the campground provides. While this may be intimidating to some, for many, it is a reminder of the wild nature of Montana. The campground is in a beautiful, forested setting that provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, from squirrels and birds to larger animals.

For inquiries and general information about Blackmore Campground, the best resource is the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Address: Fs 6953, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA

Phone: (406) 522-2520 (Bozeman Ranger District)

What is worth choosing about Blackmore Campground is its perfect balance of authentic wilderness camping and convenient access to key attractions. The first-come, first-served policy is a refreshing change in a world dominated by advance reservations, making it a great option for a spontaneous Montana escape. The camp’s rustic charm is enhanced by its basic but clean amenities, including vault toilets and trash services, and the fact that each site has a picnic table and fire pit. The positive reviews that highlight the cleanliness of the facilities and the peaceful atmosphere are a testament to the quality of the experience.

The location is the star of the show. Being a short walk from Hyalite Reservoir and directly across from the Blackmore Trailhead means that you have immediate access to a wide range of activities without having to drive. This makes it an ideal base camp for exploring one of Montana's most scenic canyons. The sense of solitude, the sound of the creek, and the potential for wildlife sightings all contribute to a genuine outdoor experience. The wheelchair accessibility features are a commendable effort to make the beauty of the outdoors available to all. For Montanans who want a true mountain getaway that is both flexible and filled with opportunities for adventure, Blackmore Campground is an excellent and highly recommended choice.

Blackmore Campground

Fs 6953, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA