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.

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.

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.

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 Park – Trails lead to panoramic views of the Helena Valley.

• Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum – A colorful retreat in Jefferson City.

• Great Northern Carousel & ExplorationWorks – Family-friendly attractions in the heart of the city.

• Montana Historical Society Museum – Exhibits showcasing Montana’s history and culture.

North to Great Falls (about 1 hour):

• Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center – Immersive exhibits tracing the Corps of Discovery’s journey.

• C.M. Russell Museum – Celebrating the art and legacy of famed Western painter Charles M. Russell.

• Giant Springs State Park & Fish Hatchery – Home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the world.

• River’s Edge Trail – Miles of paved pathways along the Missouri River, with access to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

• First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park – One of North America’s largest buffalo jump sites, with an interpretive center.

• Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art – Regional art museum in a historic building.

• The Five Falls of the Missouri River – Black Eagle, Rainbow, Crooked, Big Falls, and Colter Falls, accessible from overlooks and trails.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Check-in is 2:00pm and Check-out is 11:00am. ALL SITES RESERVATION ONLY 

• Stay limit is 14 consecutive days and 14 days within a 28-day time period. 

• Campsites are limited to no more than 2 RVs or 2 tents or a combination of 1 RV or 1 tent. Each RV or tent is considered a camping unit, and each camping unit costs $20.

• There is no black or grey water dump on site. 

• No hook-ups are available. Potable water is available throughout the campground to fill containers. 

• Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 7:00am. There is no power available on-site for campers.

• Caution: While it is uncommon to sight a bear in the area, it is possible. Bears, racoons, ravens, seagulls, magpies, and other animals will get into your food if not properly stored. Please be prepared to store your food either in your locked vehicle, RV, trailer, or bear-proof container while camping. 

• Prairie rattlesnakes and bull snakes inhabit this area. Be cautious of where you step or reach. 

• Please watch for ticks and black widow spiders. Both are very common in the area. Black widow bites, while not usually deadly, can be extremely painful and have caused local necrosis of the associated tissues and severe illness.

• If you plan to bring a watercraft with you, please remember to always Clean, Drain, Dry and Inspect your craft for Aquatic Invasive Species. 

• Weather can change drastically in this area. Be prepared for any type of weather event. 

• Stock animals are not allowed in this facility. 

• ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles must be street-legal. All drivers must be licensed. 

• Discounts are only available for those carrying a Senior or Access National Park Pass. You must have your pass with you. 

Available Activities

• Boating - Boating
• Birding - Birding
• Camping - Camping
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating
• Paddle Boating - Paddle Boating
• Rafting - Rafting
• River Trips - River Trips
• Water Activities - Water Activities
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p>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.  </p> <p>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. </p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Reservation Cancellations & Changes </p> <p>• Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). </p> <p>Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window </p> <p>• Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. </p> <p>The recreation.gov cancellation policy can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies </p>

Contact Information

Rental Options

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