Outdoors

Reserve your Montana campsites now!

Posted: Mar 14, 2013 11:39 AM by MTN News

HELENA - It's never too early to start thinking about the warmer and longer days of summer in Montana.

It's already time to make your campsite reservations to make sure you get your favorite spot for the 2013 camping season, according to Montana State Parks officials. You can book your spot online or by calling 1-855-922-6768.

"We're looking forward to a great summer season, state parks offer some of the best camping areas in Montana," said Chas Van Genderen, Administrator for Montana State Parks. "The campsite reservation program has been a great success because you can book in advance and have a spot waiting."

More than 500 campsites per day can be reserved in 20 of Montana's 54 state parks, 12 of which have electrical hookups. There are also several yurts, cabins and tipis available.

The campsite reservation season runs from the third Friday in May to the third Sunday in September, and you save your spot up to nine months in advance.

Montana State Parks officials report they saw over 10,000 campsite reservations last year, with the top spots being Tongue River Reservoir State Park, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Big Arm State Park and Cooney State Park.

Basic campsite costs are $15 per night for residents and $23 per night for non-residents during the peak spring/summer season. It also costs another $10 to reserve a campsite online or by phone. Montana seniors citizens and residents with disabilities are to phone the call center for accommodations and special rates, according to a news release.

Each park holds back about 25% of their campsites outside of the reservation program, for traditional first-come, first served camping visits. All campsites are open for first-come, first served camping starting on Wednesday, May 1, with reservations starting on Friday, May 17.

Campsite can be reserved at the following parks

Bannack
Beavertail Hill
Big Arm
Black Sandy
Brush Lake
Cooney
Finley Point
Hell Creek
Lake Mary Ronan
Lewis & Clark Caverns
Logan
Makoshika
Missouri Headwaters
Placid Lake
Salmon Lake
Thompson Falls
Tongue River Reservoir
Wayfarers
West Shore
Whitefish Lake.