Afterbay North Campground

For Montana residents and visitors alike, **Afterbay Campground** is a revered destination, serving as the essential basecamp for exploring the northern end of the spectacular **Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA)**. Strategically located near Fort Smith, this campground provides an accessible and comfortable entry point to an area famous for its immense geological beauty and, most notably, **world-class trout fishing**. It sits adjacent to the Afterbay Lake and provides direct access to the renowned Bighorn River, which runs downstream from the Yellowtail Dam.

Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the campground is widely praised for its **clean facilities** and high state of maintenance—a fact consistently highlighted by local users. It is designed to accommodate both **RVs and tents** across its site offerings, and importantly, it is **open all year**, making it a reliable option regardless of the season. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere, noting that it is **"not crowded"** and always **"super clean and well maintained."** Unlike many remote Montana campgrounds, Afterbay offers a blend of rustic charm with essential amenities, including utility hookups at some sites and clean restrooms, making it a highly attractive option for a comfortable, fishing-focused getaway in Southeast Montana.

**Afterbay Campground** is optimally situated near the small community of **Fort Smith, Montana 59035**, on the northern edge of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The general location is along **Route 12** (often referred to as State Highway 313 in the area).

Accessibility is excellent for all vehicle types, including large RVs and trailers.

• **Driving Directions:** From Billings, Montana, travelers take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, then turn onto State Highway 313 through St. Xavier to Fort Smith. The campground is located just past the NPS Headquarters building and the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center.
• **Local Access:** The camp is positioned near the **south shore of Afterbay Lake**, which offers a boat ramp for quick water access. Its proximity to Fort Smith provides easy access to local outfitters, fly shops, and limited markets for essential supplies.
• **Site Access:** The campground features **back-in sites** designed for easy use by RVs and trailers. While some sites are nestled in areas with trees, the overall terrain is generally open, providing good maneuverability.
• **Proximity to Key Features:** The campground's location is its greatest asset, placing campers **moments away from the Bighorn River**, which is famous for its trout population, offering direct access for fishing and floating.

Afterbay Campground provides essential and elevated services, making it a "limited development campground" that still offers significant comfort, especially for RVers. Note that site details can vary between the full utility RV loop and the non-utility/tent area.

• **RV Utility Hookups:** Approximately **22 of the 27 sites** offer **electric and water hookups** (likely 30- and 50-amp availability) for a fee (typically around $35 per night), catering to modern RV camping needs.
• **Tent & Non-Utility Sites:** Dedicated sites are available for **tent camping** and non-utility RVs for a lower fee (around $18 per night), all of which include a **fire ring and picnic table**.
• **Potable Water:** **Drinking water** is available at the campground, either seasonally or year-round, which is a major convenience in this region.
• **Dump Station:** An **RV dump station** is accessible, typically located seasonally across the road near the Headquarters building, providing essential service for self-contained RVs.
• **Restroom Facilities:** The campground provides **composting vault toilets** that are noted for being clean and well-maintained. The campground currently **does not feature shower facilities**.
• **Food Storage:** **Bear-proof food storage lockers** are provided year-round at the sites, which are mandatory for safely storing food and scented items in this bear-aware environment.
• **Community Features:** Amenities include an **amphitheater** (seasonal use), **trash/recycling collection** (seasonal), and a **camp host** on site during the peak season.
• **Accessibility:** All sites, including the restrooms, are noted for being **handicapped accessible**.

The draw of Afterbay Campground extends beyond its clean facilities; its main highlights are rooted in its prime location and excellent environmental quality, earning it top ratings from outdoor enthusiasts.

• **World-Class Trout Fishing Access:** This is the ultimate highlight. The campground is the closest, most convenient launch point for **fly fishing on the Bighorn River**, which is consistently rated as one of the best trout rivers in the United States, containing an extraordinary population of **8,000 to 11,000 trout per mile** in the stretch below the dam.
• **On-Water Recreation:** The campground features a **fishing dock** and a **boat ramp** nearby on the Afterbay Lake, providing easy access for kayaking, canoeing, and boating on the calmer waters of the lake.
• **Cleanliness and Maintenance:** Visitors rave about the **"super clean"** nature of the entire camp and facilities. This commitment to maintenance, managed by the NPS, guarantees a pleasant stay and is a key reason for its high ratings.
• **Year-Round Operation:** Being **open all year** makes it highly valuable for Montana anglers who prefer the quiet solitude and excellent cold-weather fishing opportunities available outside the peak summer season.
• **Affordable Utility Camping:** The availability of **electric and water hookups** at a competitive fee (relative to private RV parks) provides a comfortable option for RVers who still want to stay within the National Recreation Area.
• **Wildlife and Scenic Views:** The terrain features open spaces with **views of the canyon and surrounding water bodies**. The area is also known for sightings of Montana wildlife, including **bighorn sheep, elk, and wild horses** within the larger BICA.

Afterbay Campground is managed by the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA). Inquiries about reservations, fees, and current conditions should be directed to the NPS office.

**Address:** Rte 12, Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA (Near NPS Headquarters Building)

**Phone (Bighorn Canyon NPS Office):** (307) 548-5406

**Mobile Phone (Alternative Contact for NPS Office):** +1 307-548-5406

For Montanans, especially those who prioritize **fishing and immaculate facilities**, **Afterbay Campground** is the definitive choice in the Bighorn Canyon region. It is worth choosing because it provides the **most direct and convenient access to world-class fly fishing** on the Bighorn River, allowing you to go from coffee to casting in minutes.

Unlike more remote campgrounds in the area, Afterbay offers the rare combination of being in a stunning National Recreation Area while still providing **essential utilities** (electric/water hookups) at a very fair price. The campground's reputation for being **"super clean and well maintained"** ensures a hassle-free, comfortable experience, a significant advantage whether you're staying in an RV or a tent. Its year-round operation caters to the passionate Montana angler in any season. Choosing Afterbay means securing a high-quality, convenient, and perfectly positioned base camp for maximizing your time exploring the incredible Bighorn Canyon landscape and casting a line into one of the nation's most productive trout streams.