Overview
📋 About This Campground
Bannack State Park preserves Montana's first territorial capital and the 1862 gold discovery site. Over 50 original buildings in a National Historic Landmark ghost town. Two primitive campgrounds with hike/bike sites. Annual Bannack Days (3rd weekend July), Living History Weekend (September), and Ghost Walks (October). Dredge Pond freezes January–March for ice skating.
⛺ Campsite availability subject to change. Verify reservation status directly with
Recreation.gov or the managing agency before travel. PeakScout provides this information for planning purposes only and does not guarantee availability.
Planning
🗓️ Best Time to Visit — Montana
🌡️ Best Time to Visit
June – September
Shoulder: May, October
📍 Current Conditions
June
Standard season conditions
Montana camping season peaks July–August at lower elevations; Beartooth/Absaroka routes open late June.
Always check road conditions with the managing agency before planning a trip, especially for high-elevation destinations.
On-Site Facilities
🛠️ Amenities & Facilities
• Ghost town access (50+ original buildings)
• Visitor center
• Primitive campgrounds
• Hike/bike sites
• Grasshopper Creek frontage
• Ice skating (winter, Dredge Pond)
Directions
🗺️ Getting There
No power in park — self-sufficient. Bear safety: Food storage orders in effect. Events: Bannack Days (3rd Sat July), Living History (Sep), Ghost Walks (Oct). Nearest full services: Dillon. Contact: FWP Region 3 (406) 542-5500. Data confidence: MEDIUM.
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Questions Answered
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a campsite at Bannack State Park in Montana?
Bannack State Park offers online reservations via Recreation.gov at https://montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com. The campground has 29 sites, 29 of which are reservable. Reservations typically open 6 months ahead — book as early as possible for peak season.
What is the fee per night at Bannack State Park?
The nightly fee at Bannack State Park is $24 per vehicle site, out of approximately 29 total sites. Fees may be higher for premium sites (lakeside, equestrian, etc.). Maximum stay is 14 nights. Payment methods vary — many USFS and BLM sites use self-pay stations.
When is Bannack State Park open? What are the seasonal access dates?
Bannack State Park Verify current access status with MT FWP before planning your trip.
What are the fire restrictions at Bannack State Park in Montana?
Fire restrictions apply at Bannack State Park — verify current restrictions with MT FWP before starting any campfire, charcoal grill, or flame. Restrictions are most common June–September during peak fire season. Check
NIFC Predictive Services for current fire danger levels in the Southwest Montana area.
Can I bring my RV or trailer to Bannack State Park?
Yes — Bannack State Park accommodates RVs and trailers. The campground is at 5,837 ft elevation — check access road conditions for any vehicle restrictions. No hookups are available at this campground. Maximum stay is 14 nights. Reservations are recommended for RVs during peak season.
Is there cell service at Bannack State Park?
Cell service at Bannack State Park is generally unreliable to unavailable in this area. Plan accordingly — download offline maps, notify someone of your itinerary, and carry a personal locator beacon if venturing further into the backcountry. No Wi-Fi is available at this campground.
What amenities are available at Bannack State Park?
Bannack State Park offers the following amenities: Ghost town access (50+ original buildings), Visitor center, Primitive campgrounds, Hike/bike sites, Grasshopper Creek frontage, Ice skating (winter, Dredge Pond). RVs are accommodated. 29 sites total. Amenities may vary by individual site — verify with the managing agency.
What is the best time to camp at Bannack State Park in Montana?
Bannack State Park is best visited May through October. Shoulder season (May, October) offers fewer crowds and lower fees. Peak season (June–August) has the warmest weather and most reliable access, but campsites fill fast — especially on weekends. Fall colors in Montana are stunning in September–October at mid-elevations.
Are there bear safety requirements at Bannack State Park?
Bannack State Park is not in a designated bear area, but Montana has active bear populations in many regions. Carry bear spray as a precaution, store food properly, and never leave food or trash unattended. Food storage rules may still apply — verify with the managing agency.
What nearby trails can I access from Bannack State Park?
Bannack State Park provides access to hiking, fishing, and scenic drives in Southwest Montana. Check with the local ranger station or BLM office for current trail conditions and any access restrictions. Several popular destinations are within a short drive.