Double Falls Campground

🌲 Introduction / Overview of Double Falls Campground

For Montana residents who appreciate the quiet beauty of a small, rustic, and secluded campground, Double Falls Campground near Augusta offers a perfect escape. Nestled within the expansive Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, this modest facility is a hidden gem, characterized by its creekside location and direct, walkable access to a truly majestic natural attraction: the Double Falls waterfall.

Unlike larger, amenity-rich campgrounds, Double Falls is designed for the self-sufficient camper. It features only a handful of sites (reportedly four to six total), ensuring a high degree of privacy and a tranquil atmosphere. The setting is deeply forested, sitting along the banks of Ford Creek, which provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your camping experience. One visitor noted that they visited on a Saturday in August and found no one else camping, underscoring the potential for solitude in this beautiful, remote area.

Campers here are trading modern conveniences for unbeatable scenery and an authentic immersion into the Rocky Mountain Front. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing preparation and a readiness to embrace a simple, peaceful stay.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility for Montanans

Double Falls Campground is situated in a beautiful, remote location within the Lewis and Clark National Forest, near Augusta, MT (59410, USA). Its accessibility is a key factor that determines its rustic nature and user base.

• Remote Forest Road Access: The drive involves navigating unpaved Forest Roads in the high country near the Benchmark area. As multiple reviews suggest, the entrance can be steep and potentially rough or muddy, especially after rain. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, and large RVs or trailers are advised against.
• Creekside Setting: The campground is located directly along the banks of Ford Creek, just a short distance below the Double Falls. This creates a highly scenic environment but also contributes to the rugged terrain of the sites.
• Seasonal Operation: Like many high-elevation Montana campgrounds, Double Falls operates seasonally, usually open from late spring through fall, dictated by snow and weather conditions.
• Proximity to Recreation: Its location places it conveniently near the vast network of trails leading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, making it an excellent base camp for day trips and longer backcountry expeditions.

💧 Services Offered

Double Falls Campground provides a primitive level of service, focusing only on the basic necessities required for a low-impact stay in the National Forest. Visitors must be prepared for self-sufficiency.

• Campsites: Approximately 4 to 6 designated sites are available. Each includes a designated fire ring and a picnic table. The sites vary in size and privacy, with at least one described as "very private and awesome."
• Sanitation: Vault toilets are provided. One review mentioned that reaching the bathroom requires a short hike from some sites, confirming the dispersed nature of the facility.
• Water: Reports on water availability are mixed, which is common for rustic sites. One review mentioned "water" being available for a $10 fee, but another stated there is "no potable water" and that the site is primitive. Campers should always bring their own potable water supply or be prepared to treat water drawn from Ford Creek.
• Fees: A modest nightly fee (reported as **$10/night**) may be charged, payable at an iron ranger (fee station) on a first-come, first-served basis.
• No Hookups or Refuse: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. All visitors must adhere to "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" principles, removing all trash and waste upon departure.

🏞️ Features / Highlights

The core features that draw Montanans to Double Falls Campground are its natural amenities and deep seclusion.

• The Double Falls: This is the undeniable star attraction. The scenic waterfalls are accessible via a very short hike from the campground area. They are described as "amazing" and "beautiful," offering a spectacular visual reward for the minimal effort required.
• Creekside Views: Virtually all sites offer a creekside view or are located just steps from Ford Creek. This provides a wonderfully relaxing ambiance and access for cooling off or fishing (local regulations permitting).
• Privacy and Seclusion: With only a few sites, and at least one being highly private, the campground offers a peaceful alternative to busier National Forest facilities. The small size helps maintain a strong sense of solitude, even during peak season.
• Nature Immersion: This is a truly wild spot. The surrounding area is heavily forested, offering shade and a genuine backcountry feel. Visitors must be prepared for the natural elements, including potential flies and evidence of local wildlife (such as the cow pies mentioned in a review—a reminder of Montana's open grazing land).
• Hiking Base: The campground serves as a great, quiet starting point for exploring the trails around the falls and further into the larger Lewis and Clark National Forest recreation areas.

📞 Contact Information

Since Double Falls Campground is a small, primitive, first-come, first-served facility managed by the U.S. Forest Service, specific site-level information is best obtained through the local Ranger District.

Address: Augusta, MT 59410, USA (Located in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest)

Phone: (406) 562-3247

Mobile Phone: +1 406-562-3247

Managing Office: Rocky Mountain Ranger District (This general contact number covers the area near Augusta).

⭐ What is Worth Choosing at Double Falls Campground

For the knowledgeable Montana camper, Double Falls Campground is worth choosing specifically for its unrivaled combination of seclusion and natural spectacle. The low traffic and first-come, first-served policy mean that when you secure one of the few sites, you are guaranteed a high degree of privacy right on the creek.

The main selling point is the effortless access to the beautiful Double Falls. Unlike other trails that require long, strenuous hikes to reach a waterfall, the falls here are practically in your backyard. This makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway where the priority is unwinding by the water and enjoying some authentic, rustic Montana beauty without the crowds or congestion of larger facilities. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a simple tent camping experience where the scenery does all the talking.