Yorks Island

For Montanans seeking a tranquil and easily accessible camping experience where the sounds of the river soothe your soul and open spaces invite relaxation, Yorks Island Campground near Townsend, Montana, stands out as an excellent choice. This charming riverside spot offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind, providing a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty, ideal for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a longer, leisurely stay. Whether you're an avid angler, a family looking for a dog-friendly spot, or simply someone craving peace and quiet by the water, Yorks Island has something special to offer.

Situated in a picturesque setting that highlights the serene allure of Montana's landscape, Yorks Island Campground is known for its laid-back atmosphere and its immediate proximity to the water. It’s a place where the simple pleasures of outdoor life are celebrated – casting a line, watching the current flow by, or letting your furry friends run freely in a safe environment. The gentle murmur of the river provides a constant, calming backdrop, making it an ideal spot to unwind and reconnect with nature without venturing deep into the backcountry.

Positive feedback from visitors consistently praises the campground's serene ambiance and convenience. One camper enthusiastically stated, "Love Camping Here!", reflecting the general sentiment of contentment and enjoyment found at Yorks Island. Another reviewer highlighted key benefits, noting, "Not a bad place to take your dogs to run. Quiet, convenient to access. Hear the fishing is good too." These testimonials underscore the campground's appeal for those seeking a hassle-free, enjoyable outdoor experience, particularly for pet owners and fishing enthusiasts.

Yorks Island Campground boasts a highly convenient and accessible location on US-287, near Townsend, Montana, with the specific address being US-287, Townsend, MT 59644, USA. This placement makes it remarkably easy to reach for locals across various parts of Montana, eliminating the need for long, arduous drives down unpaved or remote forest service roads.

Townsend, a charming community nestled in the broad valley between the Big Belt Mountains and the Elkhorn Mountains, serves as a gateway to numerous recreational opportunities in Central Montana. Yorks Island's direct access from a major highway, US-287, means that campers can transition smoothly from paved roads directly into their peaceful riverside retreat. This ease of access is a significant advantage, particularly for those towing RVs or trailers, or for campers who prefer not to navigate challenging terrain to reach their destination.

The campground's proximity to the Missouri River is a defining feature, offering immediate access to one of Montana's most iconic waterways. This river access is a major draw for fishing enthusiasts, paddlers, and those who simply enjoy being near the water. Despite its roadside location, reviews indicate that the campground maintains a surprisingly quiet atmosphere, suggesting that the natural buffer of trees and the gentle sounds of the river effectively mitigate highway noise. This blend of easy accessibility and a tranquil environment makes Yorks Island Campground a practical and appealing choice for a wide range of Montana campers looking for a relaxed outdoor experience without the hassle of remote wilderness travel.

Yorks Island Campground, while known for its peaceful and natural setting, provides a selection of fundamental services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, particularly for those who appreciate simplicity and self-sufficiency. Based on visitor feedback and typical offerings for this type of convenient, riverside campground, the following services are generally expected:

• Campsites: Offers a variety of campsites suitable for both tents and RVs. While specific hookup details aren't widely publicized, it's common for such campgrounds to offer primitive sites and potentially some with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: A key highlight for many visitors, the campground is noted as an excellent place to "take your dogs to run." This indicates a welcoming atmosphere for pets, likely with ample space for them to enjoy the outdoors.
• River Access: Direct access to the Missouri River is a primary amenity, allowing for easy launching of small boats (like kayaks or canoes) or direct bank access for fishing.
• Restroom Facilities: While not explicitly detailed, most established campgrounds, even those emphasizing a natural experience, provide basic restroom facilities, often in the form of vault toilets. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience in this regard.
• Trash Receptacles: Although not directly mentioned, most managed campgrounds provide designated areas for trash disposal to help maintain cleanliness and adherence to environmental guidelines. However, campers are always encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Quiet Atmosphere: The campground's quiet nature is consistently highlighted, providing a serene environment where the primary "service" is tranquility and relaxation, free from excessive noise.

Yorks Island Campground distinguishes itself with several appealing features and highlights that make it a favored spot for Montana locals seeking a specific type of outdoor escape:

• Prime Riverside Location: Its most significant highlight is its direct proximity to the Missouri River. This offers immediate access for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying the calming sounds and views of the flowing water.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Reviews suggest that "the fishing is good," indicating that Yorks Island is a prime spot for anglers looking to cast a line in the productive waters of the Missouri River. This is a major draw for local fishing enthusiasts.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: A notable feature is its welcoming attitude towards pets, specifically mentioned as "a good place to take your dogs to run." This makes it an ideal destination for pet owners who want to include their furry companions in their outdoor adventures.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its convenient location off a main highway, the campground is consistently described as "quiet." This tranquility is a significant draw for those looking to relax, unwind, and escape the noise of urban life.
• Convenient Accessibility: Located directly off US-287, Yorks Island offers incredibly easy access for all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers. This convenience reduces travel stress and allows for more time enjoying the destination.
• Scenic Surroundings: While not in the high mountains, the campground is nestled in a picturesque valley setting, offering pleasant views of the river and surrounding Montana landscapes, providing a calming backdrop for your stay.
• Relaxed Vibe: The overall ambiance is one of relaxation and ease, making it perfect for campers who prioritize unwinding over intense outdoor activities.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information regarding Yorks Island Campground, the primary contact method would typically be through a landline phone. As it appears to be a smaller, perhaps privately managed or Forest Service-managed site, direct on-site presence or extensive online booking systems might vary. However, the provided phone numbers offer a direct line for communication.

Address: US-287, Townsend, MT 59644, USA

Phone: (406) 682-4253

Mobile Phone: +1 406-682-4253

It is advisable to call these numbers during standard business hours to speak with a representative who can provide current information on site availability, specific amenities, any seasonal closures, fire restrictions, or other relevant details for your visit. Given that the mobile number is identical to the landline with just a country code prefix, it likely directs to the same line. For the most up-to-date information, particularly regarding road conditions or potential changes in services, a phone call is recommended. While an online presence might exist, direct communication through the provided phone numbers often yields the most immediate and specific answers for smaller campgrounds like Yorks Island.

For Montanans, Yorks Island Campground near Townsend is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination, perfectly aligning with the local desire for convenient, quality outdoor experiences without unnecessary fuss. Its prime location directly off US-287 means that accessing this peaceful retreat is remarkably easy, making it ideal for impromptu weekend trips or quick escapes after a busy work week. This accessibility is a huge advantage, especially for those in nearby communities or anyone looking to avoid the often-challenging drives to more remote wilderness areas.

The campground’s defining features – its quiet, relaxed atmosphere and direct river access – deeply resonate with the Montanan lifestyle. Being able to "Love Camping Here!" as one reviewer put it, often comes from the simple pleasure of fishing in the Missouri River, or simply unwinding by the water's edge. For dog owners, the welcome extended to pets, allowing them to "run" and enjoy the open space, is a significant draw, ensuring that the entire family can partake in the outdoor adventure.

Yorks Island provides a refreshing alternative to larger, more crowded campgrounds, offering a sense of local charm and a genuine connection to Montana's serene natural beauty. It's a place where locals can quickly and easily find solace, enjoy their favorite riverside activities, and reconnect with nature on their own terms. Whether it’s for a productive fishing trip, a peaceful weekend with the family (including the four-legged members), or just a quiet night under the big Montana sky, Yorks Island Campground offers a perfectly balanced blend of convenience, tranquility, and authentic outdoor enjoyment right in their backyard.

Yorks Island

US-287, Townsend, MT 59644, USA