Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground

Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground, located on State Hwy 238, Lewistown, MT 59457, USA, offers a very accessible and budget-friendly camping experience for those searching for "camping near me" in central Montana. Situated next to the picturesque East Fork Reservoir, this campground provides a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in fishing and boating.

The campground is described as "very nice" and "nestled next to East Fork Reservoir," offering a scenic backdrop for campers. It features a dozen or so campsites, indicating a relatively intimate setting where campers have room to spread out. The surrounding landscape consists of "pretty wide open grassland type camping," with some sites offering small conifers, providing limited but some shade. Hills around the lake offer opportunities for hiking, enhancing the natural appeal. The presence of the reservoir is a significant environmental feature, providing water views and opportunities for aquatic activities. The road to the campground, even for larger rigs, is reported to be good, making it easily accessible. The overall environment is quiet and peaceful, away from urban disturbances, making it ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature.

Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground offers essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience, particularly given its affordable price point. Each of the "dozen or so campsites" is equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, which are standard for most developed campgrounds, allowing for meal preparation and evening campfires. Drinking water is readily available from a faucet near the campground vault toilet, making it convenient for campers. The presence of "pit toilets" (also known as vault toilets) provides basic restroom facilities. For water-based activities, a boat dock offers easy access to East Fork Reservoir, which operates under a "no wake rule," ensuring a calm environment for boating and fishing. The reservoir is known for fishing, with opportunities to catch pike, trout, and perch, as noted by a past visitor. This makes the campground particularly attractive to anglers.

Security is also a notable aspect, with the area being "well patrolled by the local sheriff/police departments," which can provide peace of mind for campers. While electricity hookups are not available, and cell coverage can be spotty (Verizon 2G/3G mentioned, T-Mobile one bar but no service), the campground caters to those who are comfortable with a more rustic experience. Larger rigs, including Class A RVs, can be accommodated, with some parking available in areas near restrooms or a gazebo. Stay is limited to 14 nights, suggesting it's intended for recreational use rather than long-term residency.

The primary promotional aspect of Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground is its affordability. At a reported cost of "$10 per day" for RVs and trailers, and "$5 for tents," it is frequently highlighted as a "fantastic bargain" and a "deal!" This makes it highly attractive for budget-conscious travelers and local residents seeking an inexpensive getaway. Its proximity to Lewistown, about 12-13 miles away, is also a key selling point, as it provides convenient access to supplies, including grocery stores (like Albertsons), laundromats, and an RV dump station (available for $5 at Mountain Acres RV in town). The promotion emphasizes its suitability for those looking for a "nice quiet location to camp" that is still within a short driving distance of town amenities. The combination of beautiful lakeside views, fishing opportunities, and a low nightly rate makes it a compelling choice for "camping near me" searches.

Customer reviews for Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground offer a mixed but informative perspective. One highly positive review praises it as a "very nice campground" and a "fantastic bargain" at $10 per day, highlighting the picnic tables, fire pits, fishing access, drinking water, boat dock, and pit toilets. The visible presence of law enforcement patrolling the area is also noted as a positive. This review painted a clear picture of a well-maintained and value-driven campground.

Conversely, another review expresses significant dissatisfaction regarding a recent change in pricing policy: "I gave one stare because now they make Montana residence have to pay all because of out of staters coming in with their destructive ways and trying to live there. Montana residence should not have to pay for the fault of them out of state road crews." This review indicates a shift from a potentially free or heavily subsidized rate for Montana residents to a paid model for all, seemingly due to issues with out-of-state visitors. While the previous information suggests a flat fee of $10 for RVs and $5 for tents, this comment points to a strong local sentiment about the impact of increased visitation on park access and costs. It's crucial for prospective campers, especially Montana residents, to verify current fee structures as they may have recently changed or be subject to different rates based on residency, or there could be a strong perception of a negative change. The positive reviews for cleanliness are reinforced by comments about "toilets were clean" and "Beautiful campsites that are well maintained." However, some mention "crazy mosquitos!" during certain times of the year, and an occasional issue with permanent residents or individuals treating the campground as their backyard, which can detract from the experience for transient campers.

In summary, Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground near Lewistown, MT, offers a compelling option for those seeking affordable and scenic "camping near me." Its location on East Fork Reservoir provides excellent opportunities for fishing and boating (no wake), complemented by basic but functional amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water, and pit toilets. The generally peaceful environment and local law enforcement patrols contribute to a pleasant stay. While it offers a fantastic value, potential visitors, particularly Montana residents, should be aware of possible recent changes in fee structures and be prepared for potential mosquito activity. Despite some nuanced concerns raised in reviews, the campground generally stands out as a well-regarded and economical choice for enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of central Montana.

Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground

State Hwy 238, Lewistown, MT 59457, USA