Holter Dam Campground | Montana
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 Recreation.gov.
Natural Features
Every campsite offers views of the Missouri River and the surrounding mountains. Poplar and green ash trees are scattered throughout the campground and day-use area, providing welcome shade during the height of summer. The setting lies within a shrub-steppe landscape dominated by sagebrush and bunchgrasses, offering a true sense of Montana’s open spaces.
Wildlife is abundant in the area. Bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons are often seen along the shoreline, while mule deer, bighorn sheep, and other native species roam the nearby hillsides. The reservoir’s clear waters provide excellent opportunities to observe waterfowl and enjoy the region’s natural beauty year-round.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (406) 233-1093 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
Holter Dam Campground is conveniently located between Helena and Great Falls, making it an excellent basecamp for both outdoor recreation and cultural exploration.
On Holter Lake:
- Log Gulch Campground & Day-Use Area – A large BLM-managed site on the west shore, with developed campsites, group picnic shelters, boat ramps, and a swim beach.
- Departure Point – A smaller 4 site campground with direct access to the lake and beach.
- Holter Lake Campground – Located upstream of Holter Dam, offering lakefront campsites, a swimming beach, and a boat ramp.
- Fishing & Boating – Holter Lake is popular for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, walleye, and perch, with multiple boat ramps providing access.
- Wildlife & Birdwatching – The lake attracts pelicans, bald eagles, ospreys, and waterfowl, while bighorn sheep and mule deer are often seen on surrounding cliffs.
South to Helena (about 45 minutes):
- Montana State Capitol – Tour the historic seat of Montana’s government.
- Last Chance Gulch & Reeder’s Alley – Explore Helena’s vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and gold rush history.
- Cathedral of St. Helena – A striking neo-Gothic cathedral dominating the skyline.
- Mount Helena City Pa
Photos
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
View images of accessibility features in a new window.
This campground includes a day-use area with a boat launch. Parking for the day-use area, in the southern part of the site, is in a large, packed-gravel lot. Though there are no designated accessible spaces, the surface of the lot should be suitable for people using mobility devices.
In addition, parking is available at each of the 17 campsites. The parking is on gravel except at accessible campsite 7, which has two accessible spaces on concrete.
A shaded information kiosk sits on a concrete pad next to the day-use lot, and there is a fee station on a paved surface near the entrance to the campground, to the north.
Erosion may cause a lip at the entrance of the single vault toilet in the day-use area. The other, double vault toilet is located next to accessible campsite 7 and can be reached by a concrete sidewalk. There is no drinking water at this site.
Campsite 7 has a shade shelter that sits on concrete and covers a picnic table with an extended end to accommodate wheelchair users. This site also has an accessible fire pit with a grill attachment.
Cell phone reception at this site is generally available, but it comes and goes at times. A Wi-Fi signal can sometimes be picked up near the pump house near the campsites, though it can be easier to make calls from the parking lots.
Descriptions and photos uploaded October 2026. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
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.
Fees
Each RV/trailer/tent costs $20 with a max of two of any combination per site. Day Use is $5 per vehicle per day or $50 for annual pass.