Departure Point Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management Introduce
Are you searching for the perfect "camping near me" in Montana? Look no further than Departure Point Campground, a scenic destination managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Situated near the charming community of Wolf Creek, MT, this campground offers a gateway to the recreational opportunities of the region, particularly the renowned Holter Lake. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a day-trip enthusiast, Departure Point Campground provides a base to experience the natural beauty of Montana.
Location and Accessibility:
Departure Point Campground is conveniently located at Wolf Creek, MT 59648, USA. For those seeking directions or additional information, you can reach them by phone at (406) 235-4314 or their mobile number, +1 406-235-4314. While one review mentions a "narrow road" leading to the campground, it's important to note that this might be relative and dependent on the size of your vehicle. Another visitor found the "parking was good and accessibility was decent for an ice fishing sled," suggesting reasonable access to the lake area.
The Environment: Gateway to Holter Lake
The primary draw of Departure Point Campground is its proximity to Holter Lake, a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities. Holter Lake is part of the "Gates of the Mountains" area, known for its stunning scenery, including towering cliffs and clear waters. The lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings. The campground serves as an access point to this natural playground.
One visitor specifically mentioned their enjoyable experience ice fishing on Holter Lake, noting "good parking and accessibility." This highlights the campground's potential as a year-round destination, catering to different seasonal activities. Imagine spending a serene winter day on the frozen lake, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Montana.
Services and Features:
Based on the available information, Departure Point Campground appears to offer basic amenities suitable for both overnight campers and day visitors. One review mentions a fee structure of "$25.00 a night to camp or 5.00 day use." This indicates that the campground provides designated camping slots and allows for day-use access to the area, likely for activities centered around Holter Lake.
The review mentioning "Small day use 4 slots" suggests that the day-use area might have limited parking capacity. It's advisable, especially during peak seasons, to arrive early if you plan to use the day-use facilities. While the review expressed disappointment at finding "no room," this underscores the popularity of the location and the potential need to plan ahead.
Although specific details about amenities like restrooms, water sources, or picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, BLM campgrounds often offer basic facilities to ensure a comfortable outdoor experience. For detailed information about the services available at Departure Point Campground, contacting them directly at the provided phone numbers would be beneficial.
Features and Activities:
The primary feature of Departure Point Campground is its access to Holter Lake. This opens up a range of recreational activities:
- Fishing: Holter Lake is known for its diverse fish populations, attracting anglers year-round. The positive review about ice fishing suggests it's a popular activity in the winter months.
- Boating: The lake is large enough to accommodate various types of boats, from fishing boats to recreational watercraft. Enjoy cruising, waterskiing, or simply exploring the shoreline.
- Swimming: During the warmer months, Holter Lake offers opportunities for swimming and enjoying the water.
- Scenic Views: The "Gates of the Mountains" area provides breathtaking scenery, perfect for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty.
- Hiking: While not directly mentioned in relation to the campground, the surrounding area likely offers hiking trails, allowing you to further explore the landscape.
Departure Point Campground serves as a convenient basecamp for all these activities, making it an attractive option for those seeking "camping near me" with access to water-based recreation.
Promotional Information (Based on Reviews):
While there isn't specific promotional material provided, we can glean some positive aspects from the user reviews:
- Enjoyable Ice Fishing: One visitor had a positive experience ice fishing, highlighting the winter appeal of the location.
- Good Parking and Accessibility (for ice fishing): This suggests that at least for certain activities, the campground offers practical access.
However, it's also important to acknowledge the comment about the limited day-use slots, which implies the campground can be popular, and planning might be necessary.
In Conclusion: Your Local Camping Opportunity
Departure Point Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management offers a valuable "camping near me" option for local users looking to experience the beauty and recreation of the Holter Lake area. With its access to fishing, boating, and scenic views, it caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. While it's advisable to be mindful of potential limitations like the number of day-use slots, the campground provides a direct connection to the natural wonders of Montana. For a memorable outdoor getaway close to home, consider Departure Point Campground as your next destination. For the most up-to-date information on availability, amenities, and any current regulations, please contact them directly at (406) 235-4314 or +1 406-235-4314.
Departure Point Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management Photos










Departure Point Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management Location
Departure Point Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Wolf Creek, MT 59648, USA
Departure Point Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land ManagementWolf Creek
Bureau Land Management2205 Beartooth Rd
Holter Lake Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management1380 Beartooth Rd
Holter Dam Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management1390 Holter Dam Rd
Coulter CampgroundHelena
RV & Campground2985 Craig Frontage Rd
Canyon RVCascade County
Grey Sandy Campground & Store6568 Hauser Dam Rd
White Sandy Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management6563 Hauser Dam Rd
Pike Gulch CampgroundHelena
Helena North KOA Journey850 Lincoln Rd W
Helena North - KOA (formerly: Lincoln Road RV Park)850 Lincoln Rd W
Pelican Point FASCascade
Departure Point Campground - U.S. Bureau of Land Management Reviews
First time I've been on Holter for ice fishing. It was quite enjoyable. Not as much action as I would hope, but still a good time. Parking was good and accessibility was decent for a ice fishing sled.
Feb 16, 2025 · Phillip DerrickSmall day use 4 slots narrow road to get here and find out there is no room. $25.00 a night to camp or 5.00 day use.
May 14, 2024 · Valerie Jane GarskeGreat campground, not as rugged. Camper area is like a parking spot on concrete. Bathrooms available and picnic area next to water which is just down the hill.
Jul 10, 2020 · MattieMainly a day use fee $5.00 area. Fishing, picnic tables with shade. Outhouses well maintained. Also 4 campsites on upper parking area, no utilities present nightly fee $15.00 max stay 7 nights. Half price with US interagency senior card for either day use or camping.
Jun 10, 2019 · John WicklundTook the hole weekend and tried fishing camping in 2017 loved it there, deer were everywhere, everybody was catching fish left and right even my bf had a string of fish, it was the best time I have had in a long time. oh, my first night, had a salmon on my line and bf said put it in!! I said, I'm going to tire him out first, but I did what he said and lost the large salmon.😭 going back with bf this coming summer of 2020 can't what!! I'm catching that SALMON! LOL
Nov 17, 2019 · Glynis Daniel
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