Gold Rush Campground

For Montana locals who yearn for a truly authentic, unvarnished wilderness experience without breaking the bank, Gold Rush Campground offers a unique and memorable escape. Tucked away within the magnificent Lolo National Forest near Thompson Falls, this rustic and free forest camp embodies the spirit of Big Sky Country camping. It's a place where you can disconnect from the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in the natural grandeur that defines Montana. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker, a quiet angler, or simply seeking a peaceful spot to unwind under a canopy of trees, Gold Rush Campground provides an intimate setting to create lasting memories in our beautiful state. It's known for being a "remote, state owned, off the grid campground" that truly delivers for those who appreciate such an experience.

Gold Rush Campground is located at NF-352, Thompson Falls, MT 59804, USA, placing it strategically within the vast and diverse Lolo National Forest. To reach the campground from Thompson Falls, you'll travel west on the Prospect Creek Road for approximately 2 miles. Then, turn left (east) onto the Cherry Creek Road. Finally, turn right (south) onto Dry Creek Road #352 and continue for about 6 miles. The campground will be on your right (west) side, near the 6-mile marker. This journey takes you through forested terrain and into a narrow canyon bottom, promising a scenic approach. While the campground is in a somewhat remote location, the forest service roads leading to it are generally navigable, though they are unpaved in sections. The maximum recommended trailer length is 20 feet, making it suitable for tent campers and smaller RVs or travel trailers. Its secluded nature ensures a quiet experience, away from the more crowded tourist hubs, yet it remains accessible enough for a day trip or weekend getaway from many parts of Northwest Montana. The closest town for supplies and services is Thompson Falls.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Gold Rush Campground offers 7 individual campsites, providing a cozy and intimate camping experience.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each campsite, allowing for enjoyable campfires (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available for visitor convenience. Please note that the restroom typically closes from November 1st, reopening in April.
• No Potable Water: It is critical for all campers to be aware that Gold Rush Campground DOES NOT provide drinking water. Visitors must bring their entire water supply for all consumption, cooking, and cleaning needs.
• No Fee: A significant highlight for budget-conscious locals, Gold Rush Campground is a free campsite.
• First-Come, First-Served: Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken. This allows for spontaneous trips but also suggests arriving earlier, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground, meaning campers are responsible for taking all their trash and waste with them when they leave to preserve the natural environment.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted within the campground but must be kept on a leash.

Features / Highlights:

• Secluded and Shady Forest Setting: The campground is nestled in a shady, forested canyon bottom along East Fork Dry Creek. This provides ample shade, which is particularly welcome during hot Montana summers, and contributes to a "great little camp in canyon bottom" feel.
• Access to Gold Rush Trailhead: Gold Rush Campground serves as the trailhead for Gold Rush Trail Number 562, a steep 5-mile trail that climbs from 3500 feet to 5100 feet. This offers challenging and rewarding hiking opportunities for adventurous campers.
• Light Usage: The campground generally experiences "light" usage, meaning you have a good chance of finding solitude and possibly even "get the place to yourself," as noted by one reviewer.
• Nearby Stream: A small creek (East Fork Dry Creek) runs through the campground. While some reviews note it's not ideal for wading and can attract mosquitoes, its presence adds to the rustic charm and provides a natural soundscape.
• Proximity to Thompson Falls: Despite its rustic feel, the campground is only about 8 miles from the town of Thompson Falls, allowing for relatively easy access to supplies if needed.
• Year-Round Access (Snow Dependent): The campground is open year-long, providing opportunities for winter recreation, though access may be limited by snow, as roads are not plowed.
• True Off-the-Grid Experience: For Montanans who appreciate genuine "off the grid" camping, Gold Rush Campground delivers. It offers a raw, unfiltered wilderness experience away from modern conveniences.

Contact Information:

Address: NF-352, Thompson Falls, MT 59804, USA

Phone: (406) 826-3821

For the most current conditions, specific road information, or fire restrictions, it is highly recommended to contact the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest using the provided phone number before your visit. As a first-come, first-served camp, direct reservations are not possible, but the Ranger District can provide invaluable insights into what to expect.

Conclusion: Why Gold Rush Campground is Suitable for Locals

For Montana locals, Gold Rush Campground offers a camping experience that truly aligns with our state’s rugged and independent spirit. This isn't a crowded RV park; it's a genuine wilderness retreat designed for those who appreciate simplicity and the raw beauty of the Lolo National Forest. The fact that it's a free, first-come, first-served site makes it incredibly appealing for spontaneous getaways, allowing Montanans to hit the road and find a peaceful spot whenever the call of the wild strikes.

The "shady forest" setting and the intimate number of sites contribute to a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. While some may find the sites "very small" or note the presence of "mosquitoes," these are often characteristics of genuine forest camping, and many seasoned Montanans are well-prepared for such conditions. For those who "love rustic, backwoods, off-the-beaten-road sites," Gold Rush Campground is indeed that "spot" that feels like a true discovery.

The direct access to the Gold Rush Trail Number 562 is a significant draw for local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking challenging and rewarding treks within our national forests. It provides an immediate pathway into the scenic landscape, allowing for deep immersion in nature. The light usage ensures that you'll likely find the solitude you seek, a rare commodity in many popular campgrounds.

Gold Rush Campground is a testament to the fact that some of the best experiences are found off the beaten path. It encourages self-reliance, respect for nature, and an appreciation for the simple joys of camping in a pristine environment. For Montana locals looking for an affordable, authentic, and truly immersive forest camping experience, where the emphasis is on quiet enjoyment and direct access to wilderness adventures, Gold Rush Campground is an ideal and highly recommended choice for your next exploration of our incredible state.

Gold Rush Campground

NF-352, Thompson Falls, MT 59804, USA