Camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest

We booked online and got a super helpful email with everything we needed—directions, campground info, Wi-Fi password, rules, and even a bridge clearance warning at Exit 244(“Canyon Access”). Since our rig stands tall at 13’ 6”, we played it safe and took the Hardy exit instead. Smooth sailing right to the park! Camp hosts Jesse and Ronnie gave us a warm welcome and guided us into FHU Site 8. We did a bit of the ol’ RV shuffle to back in our 40’ 5th wheel(thanks to a small drop-off across the road), but with a few adjustments, we were in and leveled. The site was nice and long, with room to park across, and hookups were well placed—electric toward the back, water and sewer mid-site. Connectivity check: Verizon gave us 1 bar, T-Mobile 2 bars, and the campground Wi-Fi wasn’t too shabby(6.03 Mbps down/ 1.05 up). But for streaming, our T-Mobile home internet saved the day with blazing 59.4 down. The bath house and laundry area were clean and convenient, with 2 washers and 2 dryers($2 each). There’s a fenced dog area too, great for traveling pups. The real magic here is the setting—nestled in a peaceful valley that muffles I-15, this place is a nature-lover’s dream. We spotted deer casually strolling through the campground and bighorn sheep doing their thing up on the rocks. The park is spacious, beautifully laid out, and refreshingly quiet—most folks are out fishing during the day and resting easy at night. No playground means fewer kids, so if you’re looking for tranquility, this is your spot. The Missouri Inn Restaurant and Bar, right next to the campground, served one of the best cheeseburgers we've had on our travels. Just up the road in Cascade, the 486 Market was surprisingly well-stocked with reasonable prices. It also has a gas station with diesel, offers 20 lb propane cylinder exchanges, and fills propane tanks. After over 300 campgrounds in the past 7 years, Prewett Creek easily lands in our top 10. And Jesse and Ronnie? Top-tier hosts—friendly, helpful, and genuinely great people. We’ll definitely be back, and next time, we’re staying longer!

The gate was closed and does not open until May 15. I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime. Since it’s on a mountain, the amount of flat areas are limited so it’s first come first serve. I took my bike and rode the Road a little bit and found an opening with an amazing spot to put up a hammock. There are absolutely no amenities here and you’re required a shovel and bucket if you were camping pack everything out and leave no trace. You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made. There are bullet holes everywhere in signs and remnants of shells everywhere to be honest the vibe was very off almost eerie and deadening silence. I did not really enjoy the vibe, but that was me personally I’m sure you’ll enjoy this very much.

I have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years.  I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years.  I return every year to visit family.  The concrete pads are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level.  Water, sewer and electric are provided.  There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp.  A laundry and men and women's shower house is at the entrance.

The MAFB "Annex Campground" is located in a corner on base.  This is the original campground and has not been updated in over 30 years.  The gravel spaces are close together, mostly back in, and small.  Showers are available at the base gym across the road and laundry is at the off base campground.

The base doesn't have an active runway so planes are not taking off at all hours but you will hear lots of helicopters.

Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that.  There is a lot of water nearby to enjoy on the Missouri river.