Camping

There is plenty of beautiful camp sites surrounding the Ovando area. Although they all provide beautiful scenery, none of them provide electricity or “flushy” toilets. Clean vaulted toilets are usually the norm:

• Henry Morgan: Pretty scenery, fishing, parking and camping along the North Fork of the Blackfoot River. Take the gravel Helmville-Ovando Road east outside of Ovando. It is only 4 miles out, past the “dump” and before the bridge over the North Fork. Look for the Henry Morgan fishing access sign.
• Monture Creek - Lower: Lovely scenery along the meandering Monture Creek, just before it empties into the Big Blackfoot, with large secluded camping spots. This is near where Meriwether Lewis camped with his group on his return trip without Clark on July 6th, 1805. Take Highway 200 west approximately 5 miles to Monture Creek fishing access. There are parking spots and camping right off the highway, or follow the road back for more seclusion, and better fishing.

• Monture Creek - Upper: Beautiful timbered scenery amongst old growth forest near the boundary of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. From the west Ovando exit, cross Highway 200 right onto Monture Creek Road. Continue up for about 15 minutes. The bridge will cross over the Creek and parking and camping are available.

  
  Monture Creek

• River Junction: Fishing, parking and camping on the Blackfoot River at the confluence of the North Fork of the Blackfoot, in beautiful scenery within canyon walls. Road is not maintained, especially towards the end so the 8 miles to it are rough on vehicles. Large recreational vehicles are NOT recommended. Take Highway 200 west 5.5 miles to River Junction fishing access sign. Continue south across the bridge and follow signs to River Junction; taking a left at the first ‘Y’.

• Russell Gates: Wide Blackfoot River fishing in open areas, with camping and parking accessibility. Also a top spot to put in or take out your rafts. Take Highway 200 west approximately 9 miles. Pull into the Russell Gates fishing access area.

  
  Russell Gates

• Clearwater River: They call it Clearwater because it is. Camping, fishing and parking easy to find. The camp sites are spacious. Take Highway 200 west approximately thirteen miles, and a little past “Stoney’s” gas station and home of the giant bull at Highway 83. At bridge crossing the Clearwater, on your right, enter the parking area and campground. OR…. Take Highway 83 north a mile or so and take a left at Henry’s Lake fishing access. Continue on the road past the lake where it ends at the creek and plenty of camp spots.
• Browns Lake: Big Open Prairie Lake with stocked fish, some huge! Camping area is located on the west end near the boat launch. There is little shade there, and the wind can really blow, but if you are into boat fishing and relaxation, this is a grand place.
• Coopers Lake: Timbered lakeside tent camping with boat ramp and fishing access at close to 5,000 foot elevation. Limited parking so RV’s and trailers could have a rough time. Take highway 200 east about 8 miles to Coopers Lake Road on your left, past North Fork of the Blackfoot crossing.

• Upsata Lake: Only five camp sites are available here along this tiny lake but the view is worth it if you can find a spot. With the rise of the Rockies and the entrance to the Bob Marshall Wilderness as your northern view, and the rolling prairies to your south, it is a pretty spot. As there is a Guest Ranch next door the traffic on the road can be frustrating during high summer. Take Highway 200 west to mile marker 38, take a right on Woodworth Road, at the Blackfoot Game Range. Continue up the dirt road for about 4 miles to the ‘T’ intersection. Continue to your right following the signs. Lake and campground will be on your left.

  
  Upsata Lake