About Holter Dam Campground
Overview Holter Dam Recreation Area Located immediately below Holter Lake Dam, this stretch of the Missouri River is recognized as a premier Blue-Ribbon fishery, drawing anglers nationwide for its exceptional rainbow and brown trout fishing. The area is also popular for camping, river floating, fly fishing, picnicking, walking, scenic viewing, and wildlife observation.Holter Dam provides:Camping & Day-Use: 17 campsites, picnic shelters, shade structures, and accessible shoreline fishing areas.Boating Access: A 2-lane concrete boat ramp with adjacent parking.Visitor Services: Information kiosk, fee station, potable water system, garbage collection, and lawn with night lighting.Facilities: Concrete vaulted latrines, picnic tables, and grills.Trails & Scenic Access: Walking paths and viewing areas along the river.Recreation This stretch of the Missouri River is recognized as a premier Blue-Ribbon fishery, drawing anglers nationwide in search of rainbow and brown trout. In addition to world-class fishing, visitors enjoy camping, river floating, picnicking, wildlife observation, and scenic viewing along the shoreline. While there are only a few short walking paths at the site itself, multiple fishing access sites and hunting areas nearby provide additional opportunities to experience Montana’s outdoors. Recreation in the Holter Dam area is varied and abundant.Facilities The 17 campsites accommodate RVs, camper trailers, and tents, with amenities designed for comfort and convenience. Facilities include a parking lot, a two-lane concrete boat ramp, concrete vaulted latrines, picnic tables, grills, shade structures, and picnic shelters. Visitors will also find an information kiosk, fee station, accessible shoreline fishing areas, potable water, garbage collection, a maintained lawn, and night lighting.Reservations are required and must be made in advance, as Holter Dam is a popular destination and sites fill quickly during peak season. Reservations can be made online at Rec
How to Get There
From Great Falls, Montana take Interstate-15 South towards Helena. Take exit 234 to Craig. Turn left heading to Craig and cross the Missouri River. Come to a "T" and then take a right on Recreation Road. Travel approximately 5 miles. After crossing the Missouri River/steel bridge, turn left onto Holter Dam Road. Continue 2 miles to Holter Lake Campground. The Campground will be on your left. From Helena, Montana take Interstate-15 north towards Great Falls. Take exit 226 to Wolf Creek. Turn right towards Recreation Road and cross the railroad tracks. Turn left onto Recreation Road. Before crossing the Missouri River/steel bridge, turn right onto Holter Dam Road. Continue 2 miles to Holter Lake Campground. The Campground will be on your left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Holter Dam Campground
Heading to Holter Dam Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Holter Dam Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Holter Dam Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10180083) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Holter Dam Campground?
From Great Falls, Montana take Interstate-15 South towards Helena. Take exit 234 to Craig. Turn left heading to Craig and cross the Missouri River. Come to a "T" and then take a right on Recreation Road. Travel approximately 5 miles. After crossing the Missouri River/steel bridge, turn left onto Holter Dam Road. Continue 2 miles to Holter Lake Campground. The Campground will be on your left. From …
How do I contact Holter Dam Campground?
You can reach the park at email: cmcgrath@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
