Trapper Springs
The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Campsites are available for reservation for the Peak-Season times of May 1st through September 15th. All sites are first-come-first-serve from September 16th through April 30th. Trapper Springs Campground is adjacent to the lower Madison River and provides good access for camping, fishing and floating. The campground has 15 camp sites, 9 available for reservations. There is no boat launch available at this site, but there are several in the vicinity. The campground serves as a great central location to access the lower Madison River. The day use area has a large pavilion with parking for 20 vehicles.
Reservable May 1st to September 15th. First-come, first-served the rest of the year.
More like this: first-come in Montana · reservable in Montana · big rigs in Montana · pets allowed in Montana · group sites in Montana
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 15 |
| group shelter nonelectric | 1 |
Site guide
16 sites in 2 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 2 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 3 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 4 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 5 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 6 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 7 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 8 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 9 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
| 10 | A | Standard | Back-in | Gravel | Riverfront | 15 / 3 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 60 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
15 campsites, 3 accessible vault toilets, drinking water, group use pavilion, fire pits, and picnic tables. Firewood is available for purchase at Red Mountain Campground, when the volunteer campground host is present.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Bozeman; Head west on MT Hwy 84 (Norris Road). Continue on MT Hwy 84 for 20.5 miles. Turn left (south) at South Bear Trap Canyon Road. If you cross the Madison River you have just passed the turn.
| Nearest town | Dillon, Montana |
| Coordinates | 45.6068° N, 111.5681° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and cancellations
Failing to arrive on the first night of your reservation will result in a forfeiture of your reservation and your site may be made available to someone else.
Fire nearby
- PrescribedShenango Pile Rx
19 mi from the campground
- PrescribedRx Hell'S Canyon
21 mi from the campground
- PrescribedNorth Bridger Brackett Creek Pile Burning Rx
36 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Pond Doctor ↗ | 18.4 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 20.5 mi |
| RV sales & service | Valley Trailer Sales Inc ↗ | 21 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Video of Trapper Creek Campground, OR from Jenny R.
Worth a stop
Lower Madison River, Bear Trap Canyon unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area, Norris Hot Springs, Ennis
- 0.4 miCanaday Boat Launch ↗Boat launch
- 1.9 miWarm Spgs Day Use Area ↗Day use
- 9.5 miFall Creek Day Use Area ↗Day use
- 12.1 miKobayashi Beach ↗Swimming
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Historic landmarks nearby
Recreation
The Madison River is well known for its robust trout fishery. The lower Madison River is a very popular destination for non-angling floaters (tubers) during the warm summer months. Trapper Springs sits roughly half way between Warm Springs boat launch and Black's Ford Fishing Access Site.
Guidebooks for Montana
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Trapper Springs?
For part of the year. Reservable May 1st to September 15th. First-come, first-served the rest of the year.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Trapper Springs?
Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Trapper Springs have?
16 sites, including 15 standard sites without power and 1 group shelter nonelectric.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Trapper Springs?
The longest site here provides 60 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Trapper Springs?
Yes, pets are allowed at Trapper Springs. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Trapper Springs?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 3 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Trapper Springs?
The Madison River is well known for its robust trout fishery. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Trapper Springs?
Dillon, Montana. Lower Madison River, Bear Trap Canyon unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area, Norris Hot Springs, Ennis
Source: Getting there
What if Trapper Springs is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Red Mountain (0.2 mi, seasonal), Potosi Campground and Picnic Area (16.4 mi, first-come), and Spire Rock Campground (20.9 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby