Dayboard Nine Campground

For Montanans who measure the quality of a camping trip by its solitude and stunning scenery, **Dayboard Nine Campground** represents a true hidden gem. Located within the magnificent **Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA)**, this unique destination is nestled deep in the North District of Bighorn Lake, near Fort Smith. This is not a drive-in park for RVs; it is an exclusive, **boat-in-only** sanctuary for tent campers, paddlers, and anglers seeking to immerse themselves in one of the state's most visually dramatic landscapes.

Dayboard Nine takes its name from the navigational marker—Dayboard 9—near which it is located, approximately nine miles south of the Ok-A-Beh Marina. Its restricted access is its greatest asset, ensuring that the sheer, towering canyon walls and the expansive, clear waters of Bighorn Lake are preserved for the few dedicated adventurers who make the journey. The atmosphere is one of rugged tranquility, where the quiet is broken only by the lapping of water and the calls of local wildlife.

With only a handful of primitive sites available, Dayboard Nine Campground fulfills the Montana ideal of **first-come, first-served** wilderness access. Visitors here are typically self-reliant outdoor enthusiasts who cherish the opportunity to sleep under the remote, dark skies of the Bighorn area. The camping is primitive, but the experience is anything but basic, offering an unparalleled closeness to the geologic wonders of the canyon that define this spectacular part of Montana.

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Dayboard Nine Campground is situated within the Montana North District of the **Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area**. The address is designated as being near **Fort Smith, Montana**. This places it in the southeastern corner of the state, south of Hardin and directly on Bighorn Lake.

Crucially, **vehicular access is not possible**. Dayboard Nine is officially designated as a **waterway campground**. This means the only way to reach the site is by boat, kayak, or canoe, traveling along Bighorn Lake. The primary launch point for Montanans is the **Ok-A-Beh Marina**, located near the Yellowtail Dam and Fort Smith.

The journey from Ok-A-Beh is approximately **nine miles by water**. This boat trip is itself a highlight, taking visitors past towering cliffs and through the expansive, pristine lake. Montanans often make this part of a multi-day paddling or boating loop that includes other waterway campsites in the canyon.

• **Primary Access:** By **motorized boat, kayak, or canoe** launched from the Ok-A-Beh Marina.
• **Starting Point (Montana Side):** Ok-A-Beh Marina is the launch point, accessible from Fort Smith. The drive from major cities like Billings is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.
• **Navigation:** Campers navigate the lake southward, watching for the official Dayboard 9 marker. Boaters must be mindful of changing weather conditions and the potential for waves on the large lake.

This secluded access makes the trip an adventure in itself, perfectly suited for the experienced Montana recreationist prepared for a remote, self-supported outing.

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As a primitive, boat-in campground managed by the National Park Service (NPS), Dayboard Nine provides essential infrastructure to facilitate wilderness camping while preserving the natural environment. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, as there are **no modern hookups or potable water**.

• **Campsites:** The site features **six designated campsites**, which are first-come, first-served. The sites are primitive and primarily intended for **tent camping**.
• **Essential Site Furnishings:** Each campsite includes a **picnic table** and a durable **fire ring** for cooking and warmth, allowing for a designated, low-impact camp area.
• **Bear Safety:** Crucial for safety in Montana's wilderness, each site is equipped with a **bear-proof food storage locker** (bear box) for securing all food, trash, and scented items.
• **Toilet Facilities:** During the **summer season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day)**, the site features a **floating comfort station (restroom)**, providing a crucial sanitary facility that is docked nearby. This service is removed outside the summer season.
• **Mooring:** A **courtesy dock or floating dock** is installed during the summer season to safely tie up boats, kayaks, and canoes. There is also a **grassy area for landing non-motorized boats**.
• **Fee Structure:** Consistent with other primitive waterway campsites in the North District, Dayboard Nine Campground is typically **free of charge** (or included with park entrance fees), making it an economical option for the serious paddler.

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The highlights of Dayboard Nine are the natural, unspoiled features that draw Montanans to the backcountry. The canyon itself is the main attraction, offering experiences unavailable at drive-in locations:

• **Dramatic Canyon Scenery:** The campground is situated amidst the magnificent **1,000-foot-tall canyon walls** of Bighorn Canyon, providing an unforgettable backdrop and immediate access to one of the most scenic stretches of Bighorn Lake.
• **Unparalleled Water Access:** Being **boat-in only** provides an advantage for anglers and paddlers, placing them directly on the water to enjoy **fishing, kayaking, and secluded swimming** in the lake's fingers and coves. Bighorn Lake is known for diverse fishing opportunities.
• **Stargazing Excellence:** The remote location, far from city lights, is highly recommended for **stargazing**, offering an incredibly dark sky that is a cherished feature of Montana's wilderness areas.
• **Crow Indian Reservation Proximity:** The North District of BICA lies partially on the Crow Indian Reservation. While Dayboard Nine is a federally managed site, the surrounding area is rich in **local history and cultural significance**, adding an educational dimension to the trip.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The remote setting provides excellent opportunities for **wildlife viewing**, including bighorn sheep, wild horses, and a wide array of birdlife along the canyon's edge.
• **First-Come, First-Served Access:** The lack of a reservation system maintains the **spontaneous, adventurous spirit** of Montana camping, allowing groups to explore the waterways and claim their prize when they arrive.

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As a primitive, federally managed site, all communication and official information should be directed to the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area management. The most accurate contact is for the park's central information office:

Dayboard Nine Campground (Bighorn Canyon NRA)

Address: Bighorn Lake, Near Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA (Accessible via water only)

Park Information Phone (Likely BICA Visitor Center): (307) 568-5406 (This is a commonly listed contact for the BICA area)

Recommendation: Montanans planning to boat-in should always contact the BICA visitor center prior to departure to check for **current lake levels, fire restrictions, and weather advisories**, which can significantly impact safety and accessibility on the water.

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Choosing **Dayboard Nine Campground** is choosing a level of **exclusivity and unspoiled beauty** that few other Montana campsites can offer. It is the perfect choice for the Montanan adventurer who already owns or rents a watercraft and values remote, primitive camping above all else. This destination is worth choosing for three compelling reasons:

First, the **boat-in only access** is the ultimate barrier against crowds and traffic, guaranteeing a **solitude and peace** essential for a restorative wilderness retreat. You are sharing this spectacular canyon with a very select few.

Second, the **stunning natural features**—the soaring cliffs, the clear lake waters, and the excellent stargazing—provide a powerful, unforgettable experience. This is dramatic, rugged Montana scenery at its best, which no photograph can fully capture.

Finally, the primitive setup (picnic tables, bear boxes, fire rings) ensures a **low-impact, authentic camping experience**. Dayboard Nine forces self-reliance, which is a hallmark of the true Montana outdoor spirit. For the experienced paddler or boater seeking a weekend of fishing, paddling, and contemplation beneath the grand Bighorn Canyon walls, Dayboard Nine Campground is an unparalleled choice.

It is the quintessential Montana waterway camping adventure.

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