Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument campgrounds, facilities gear up for springtime visitors
LEWISTOWN, Mont. – Visitors can enjoy early springtime outdoor fun when two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and related facilities in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument reopen on Wednesday, April 1, officials with the BLM’s North Central Montana District announced, today.
Campgrounds at the James Kipp and Coal Banks Landing recreation areas will be first to emerge from winter and reopen their gates.
James Kipp Recreation Area is situated along the Upper Missouri River where U.S. Highway 191 crosses the river valley in central Montana. There are 34 no-hookup campsites that can accommodate trailers or recreational vehicles (RVs) up to 40 feet in length. Each site has a designated fire ring and picnic table. The campground is equipped with vault toilets, trash dumpsters and an RV waste dump. All sites are first-come, first-served. Monument staff note that campground improvements are still in-progress, and some sites may be missing a picnic table for the first few weeks of April.
Coal Banks Landing Campground is the starting point for many river trips within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and features 20 first-come, first-served campsites.
Other recreation sites will likely become available for visitor use by mid-May, based on seasonal road conditions affecting access, including Judith Landing Campground (opens May 15). Staff anticipate the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton, which was temporarily closed to the public because of a faulty heating system, will also reopen in mid-May.
All boaters should remember that the water is extremely cold and fast-flowing this time of year. For safety’s sake, make sure all boat occupants wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.
Operators of all types of vessels should know and follow the rules for watercraft in the Breaks, and practice safe and courteous boating, so everyone on the river can enjoy this scenic national treasure. View or download our Boaters’ Guide.
For more information, call the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 406-622-4000, or visit the monument’s webpage.
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.