Ninemile Prairie Campground

For Montanans who cherish the rugged, authentic spirit of their state, Ninemile Prairie Campground near Bonner, MT, offers a slice of the wild with both its natural charms and contemporary realities. Nestled in the scenic Greenough Valley, this campground is a testament to Montana's diverse landscapes, offering access to the renowned Blackfoot River and opportunities for wildlife viewing that are deeply ingrained in the local experience. It's a place where you can find solitude, observe nature, and engage in outdoor pursuits like fishing and hunting, depending on the season.

However, it’s important for prospective campers to arrive with a clear understanding of the evolving landscape around this area. While the campground itself is noted for its "small, quiet, remote" character, with only about three camping sites, the nearby presence of private land developments, specifically associated with The Resort at Paws Up, has introduced a new dynamic. This includes audible activity from a gun range, which some past visitors have found to be a significant detractor from the otherwise peaceful environment. Despite these modern intrusions, the area remains rich in natural resources, offering "good fishing on the next one down" (likely referring to a different stretch of the Blackfoot River) and abundant opportunities to spot "lots of deer and elk depending on time of year." Ninemile Prairie Campground is a spot for those who appreciate direct access to Montana's natural gifts, even with the understanding that not all wild spaces remain entirely untouched by human activity.

Ninemile Prairie Campground is located near Bonner, MT 59823, USA. This places it within the picturesque Greenough Valley, a region of Western Montana celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife populations, and the iconic Blackfoot River flowing through it. While "near Bonner" provides a general reference, the campground is often described as "well off the beaten path (MT Hwy 200)," suggesting a more remote and less-trafficked approach than some other popular destinations in the area.

Accessing Ninemile Prairie Campground typically involves navigating unpaved or less-maintained roads once you turn off the main highway, contributing to its secluded feel. Its distance from major thoroughfares helps maintain its "quiet" and "rarely full" nature. The coordinates provided for the campground, 46.94400034 N, 113.50400097 W, pinpoint its specific location, confirming its placement within a less developed part of the valley. Driving times to the campground from various Montana cities highlight its regional accessibility for locals: approximately 1 hour from Missoula, just over 2 hours from Helena, and a bit longer from Great Falls and Bozeman. This makes it a feasible weekend getaway or a short trip for many Montanans.

Despite its perceived remoteness, its location along the Blackfoot River Corridor means it benefits from the river's extensive network of access points and surrounding public lands, offering opportunities for float-in access as well. While the "trail down to the Blackfoot is steep" from the campsite itself, the river's presence is a defining feature. For Montanans, the blend of relative accessibility from population centers and its genuinely secluded setting makes Ninemile Prairie Campground an intriguing option for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience, even with the awareness of nearby private land developments and associated activities.

• Basic Campsites: The campground typically offers a limited number of basic, primitive campsites (around 3), providing a more intimate and less crowded camping experience.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is likely equipped with a picnic table for convenient meal preparation and outdoor dining.

• Toilets: Basic toilet facilities are provided, likely in the form of pit toilets or outhouses, to manage human waste in a wilderness setting.

• Fires Allowed (with restrictions): Campfires are generally permitted in designated fire rings, though visitors must always "check for the fire restrictions" as conditions can change rapidly in Montana.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are typically allowed at the campground, but responsible pet ownership, including leash laws and waste disposal, is expected.

• Food Storage: Given its location in "bear country," it's highly probable that some form of bear-resistant food storage (e.g., bear boxes or recommendations for bear hangs) is either provided or strongly advised.

• Small, Remote, and Quiet Setting: Ninemile Prairie Campground is notably "small, quiet, remote" with only around 3 campsites. This ensures a less crowded and more intimate camping experience, appealing to those who seek solitude and a break from busy recreational areas.

• Blackfoot River Access: Situated on the Blackfoot River, the campground offers river access, although the "trail down to the Blackfoot is steep." The Blackfoot is a renowned fishery, providing "good fishing" opportunities, particularly for various trout species.

• Abundant Wildlife: The area is rich in wildlife, with "lots of deer and elk depending on time of year." This makes it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing and photography, especially for Montanans who appreciate their state's diverse fauna. Given it's "definitely bear country," sightings of black bears and grizzlies are also possible, requiring bear awareness.

• Rustic and Natural Environment: The campground provides a raw, natural camping experience. It’s "perched above" the Blackfoot River, with "quite reedy and overgrown" banks, adding to its wild, untamed charm. This appeals to campers who prefer a less manicured outdoor setting.

• Proximity to Greenough Valley Scenery: While not explicitly stated as a highlight, the campground's location in the Greenough Valley means it's surrounded by scenic beauty. Reviewers note passing "stunning ranches to get here," indicating picturesque drives.

• Awareness of Modern Realities: While a point of contention for some, the candid reviews highlight the presence of a "gun range just up the road" and audible "non-stop rifle and pistol shooting just across the road." For locals, this serves as a factual heads-up, allowing them to manage expectations and choose if this environment suits their preferences. It underscores the mixed-use landscape that sometimes exists near public recreation areas.

Address: Bonner, MT 59823, USA

While no phone numbers were explicitly provided for Ninemile Prairie Campground itself, as a public land campground often managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) or the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Montanans seeking more information should consult the official websites of these agencies. For general inquiries related to fishing access sites or state recreation areas in Montana, the Montana FWP website is an excellent resource. For Forest Service campgrounds, the relevant National Forest (likely Lolo National Forest for this area) website or a local ranger district office would be the best point of contact. This ensures access to the most up-to-date information regarding fire restrictions, site availability, and any specific regulations for the area. The address, Bonner, MT 59823, is crucial for navigation.

Ninemile Prairie Campground, located near Bonner, MT, holds a distinct appeal for Montanans who seek an authentic outdoor experience that embraces both the natural wonders and the evolving landscape of their home state. For locals, this small, remote campground offers a chance to tap into the very essence of Montana's wilderness—a place for fishing, wildlife viewing, and quiet contemplation by the Blackfoot River, all within a reasonable drive from larger population centers.

What makes it particularly suitable for Montanans is its authenticity. While some visitors have noted the presence of a nearby gun range, this transparency allows locals to set realistic expectations. Many Montanans understand and navigate the reality of shared landscapes, where recreational activities can sometimes overlap. For those who prioritize direct access to the Blackfoot River's "good fishing" and the opportunity to spot "lots of deer and elk," the trade-off for occasional background noise might be entirely acceptable, especially given the campground's overall "quiet" and "beautiful, peaceful site" attributes.

The inherent "off the beaten path" nature ensures that Ninemile Prairie Campground remains less crowded than many other Montana recreation sites. This offers a more intimate connection with the environment, allowing for genuine moments of solitude—a prized commodity for many who live in Big Sky Country. It’s a place where the grandeur of the Greenough Valley can be appreciated up close, and where the rich ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. For the prepared Montanan, accustomed to the nuances of their state's landscapes and respectful of its wildlife (especially in "definitely bear country"), Ninemile Prairie Campground offers a true, unvarnished outdoor adventure. It’s a reminder that even in areas with growing development, pockets of wild beauty persist, waiting to be discovered and cherished by those who know where to look.

Ninemile Prairie Campground

Bonner, MT 59823, USA