FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Payola Reservoir

Teigen, Montana · Petroleum County · Facility

Payola Reservoir is a great area to spend the day and relax. Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks stocks the reservoir with both large mouth bass and yellow perch. This BLM site has both fire pits and picnic tables under a cabana.

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
47.11728, -108.45985
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Payola Reservoir

Payola Reservoir is a great area to spend the day and relax. Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks stocks the reservoir with both large mouth bass and yellow perch. This BLM site has both fire pits and picnic tables under a cabana.

How to Get There

Beginning at the intersection of Highways 200 and 87, travel east approximately 21 miles to Winnett. Once in Winnett turn north onto Cemetery Road and drive northwest for 8 miles. Follow the BLM signs to Payola Reservoir.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Payola Reservoir

Heading to Payola Reservoir? 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 Payola Reservoir?

No central reservation system listed for Payola Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/261809) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Payola Reservoir?

Beginning at the intersection of Highways 200 and 87, travel east approximately 21 miles to Winnett. Once in Winnett turn north onto Cemetery Road and drive northwest for 8 miles. Follow the BLM signs to Payola Reservoir.

How do I contact Payola Reservoir?

You can reach the park at phone: 1(406)538-1900 or email: BLM_MT_Central_DO@blm.gov.

Guides & rankings

More on Montana parks & hiking

View all posts →
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Montana, Ranked

Montana's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Montana's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Montana trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team5 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Montana

Ten gentle, well-marked Montana trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Montana

Montana's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Montana

Federal parks and recreation areas in Montana ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Montana: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Montana's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min