Road Agent Campground

For Montanans with a love for history and a desire for peaceful, immersive camping, Road Agent Campground offers a truly unique experience. Tucked away in a serene grove of cottonwood trees along the gentle flow of Grasshopper Creek, this quiet campground is not just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a direct gateway to the past. As part of Bannack State Park, Montana's best-preserved ghost town and its first territorial capital, Road Agent Campground provides an unparalleled opportunity to camp where history comes alive.

Imagine spending your days exploring the vacant buildings and rich history of a 1860s gold-rush boomtown, then returning to a peaceful campsite where the only sounds are the rustle of leaves and the murmuring creek. This campground strikes a perfect balance between accessibility to a major historical attraction and the quiet solitude that many Montana campers crave. Its tranquil atmosphere, even during busier times, makes it a cherished spot for those seeking a genuine escape.

Road Agent Campground is particularly appealing to locals across Montana who appreciate the state's rugged heritage and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a keen angler, or simply looking for a quiet place to unwind, this campground offers a memorable and enriching experience. It's a place where ghost stories around the campfire take on a whole new meaning, and every corner holds a piece of Montana's fascinating past.

Road Agent Campground is ideally located within Bannack State Park, just outside the town of Dillon, Montana. The official address for Bannack State Park is 721 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT 59725, USA. The campground itself is nestled along Grasshopper Creek, offering a picturesque setting that complements the historical significance of the park.

Access to Bannack State Park and, by extension, Road Agent Campground, is straightforward. From Dillon, Montanans can take I-15 south to exit #59 (Highway 278 exit), then drive west on Highway 278 for 17 miles. A turn south onto Bannack Road for about four miles will lead directly to the park entrance. The roads within the park and to the campground are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy access for various vehicle types, including RVs and trailers. Reviewers specifically note that, unlike its counterpart, Vigilante Campground, Road Agent is less steep, making it more accessible for different setups.

One of the most significant aspects of Road Agent Campground's location is its proximity to the Bannack ghost town. Campers can enjoy the convenience of being within easy walking distance of the preserved 1860s buildings, allowing for extensive exploration of Montana's gold rush history right from their campsite. This seamless blend of natural beauty and historical immersion makes it an exceptionally convenient and rewarding destination for Montana locals.

Road Agent Campground offers a set of essential services designed to provide a comfortable yet rustic camping experience, fitting with its state park setting.

• Eight designated campsites available for both tent camping and RVs/trailers.
• Each campsite includes a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Iron fire rings and grills are provided at each site for campfires and cooking (note: open fires are allowed only in established rings; always check for current fire restrictions).
• Potable water is available at the campground (typically seasonal).
• Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (pit toilets) are accessible within the campground.
• Some basic rules include a maximum capacity of eight people per single campsite and allowing one camping unit (tent, motor home, trailer, etc.) per site.
• Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.
• Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
• Camping fees apply ($24/night as of May 2023), with varying rates for Montana residents and non-residents.
• Road Agent Campground operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis for all 8 of its sites.

• Nestled in a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees along Grasshopper Creek, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
• Known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and escaping noise.
• Within easy walking distance of the historic Bannack ghost town, allowing for convenient exploration of Montana's first territorial capital.
• Provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Montana's gold rush history, with historical buildings and interpretive displays.
• Opportunities for fishing in Grasshopper Creek, which is home to brown, brook, and rainbow trout.
• Excellent for nature watching, with abundant bird species including warblers, woodpeckers, and bluebirds.
• Offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and minimal light pollution.
• Hiking trails are available, including the 1.5-mile Bannack State Park Trail loop through the ghost town and the 3.5-mile Beaverhead River Trail.
• Swimming is possible in Grasshopper Creek during warmer months.
• Biking is permitted on designated trails within the park.
• Maintained by knowledgeable Bannack State Park staff.
• Particularly appealing for off-season camping, where it tends to be less crowded.

Address: Dillon, MT 59725, USA (specifically, Bannack State Park, 721 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT 59725)

Phone: 406-834-3413 (This is the direct phone number for Bannack State Park).

Email: bannackstatepark@mt.gov

For general inquiries, current conditions, or specific questions about Road Agent Campground or Bannack State Park, Montanans are encouraged to contact the park directly. Please note that while some sites at Bannack State Park may be reservable through the Montana FWP reservation system (1-855-922-6768), Road Agent Campground specifically operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis for all its 8 sites. It's always a good idea to check the Montana FWP website for Bannack State Park for the most up-to-date information on fees, availability, and park alerts before your visit.

For Montanans, Road Agent Campground offers a truly distinctive and deeply enriching camping experience that perfectly blends the state's natural beauty with its storied past. Its location within Bannack State Park, the best-preserved ghost town and Montana’s first territorial capital, makes it an unparalleled destination for locals seeking an authentic connection to their state's history.

The primary appeal for Montana residents lies in the campground's unique dual offering: a peaceful, quiet retreat nestled among cottonwood trees by Grasshopper Creek, combined with immediate, walkable access to a living history lesson. This is not just a campsite; it's a portal to the 1860s gold rush era, allowing you to explore historic buildings and imagine life as it once was, then return to the tranquility of your site. This historical immersion, especially during events like "Bannack Days" reenactments, provides a profound sense of place that resonates deeply with Montanans.

Furthermore, Road Agent Campground provides an accessible and affordable option for a wide range of campers. Its suitability for both tents and RVs, coupled with generally easy access roads, means that more locals can experience this gem. The peaceful atmosphere, even when other campgrounds might be bustling, ensures a genuinely relaxing stay. The simple amenities like clean pit toilets and picnic tables, along with the availability of potable water, provide necessary comforts while maintaining a rustic feel.

Beyond the historical aspects, the natural surroundings offer ample opportunities for classic Montana outdoor activities. Fishing in Grasshopper Creek, birdwatching, hiking the park's trails, and enjoying incredible stargazing away from city lights all contribute to a comprehensive outdoor experience. Road Agent Campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a destination where history, nature, and tranquility converge, making it an ideal and cherished spot for Montanans to explore, learn, and relax in their own backyard.

Road Agent Campground

Dillon, MT 59725, USA