Grapevine Campground

⛰️ Introduction / Overview: Your Rustic Gateway to Bighorn Country

For Montana residents seeking an authentic, less-developed camping experience with immediate access to some of the state’s most spectacular waters and dramatic landscapes, Grapevine Campground in Fort Smith, MT, is a prime destination. This campground is situated near the shores of Afterbay Lake, a key feature of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and is managed under a Commercial Use Agreement by the Crow Tribe of Indians.

Grapevine offers a traditional, non-utility camping environment—a welcome change for those who prefer quiet solitude over crowded RV resorts. It is open year-round, accommodating both tent campers and self-contained RVs up to 40 feet in a beautiful, rugged setting. While it provides essential rustic amenities, such as vault toilets and fire rings, it is crucial for Montanans to plan for a self-sufficient stay, as hookups are not available. This focus on primitive, yet well-maintained, facilities ensures the site retains its wild, remote feel, perfectly complementing the stunning natural backdrop of the Bighorn Country.

📍 Location and Accessibility

Grapevine Campground is located in the southeastern corner of Montana, near the Wyoming border, placing it in an area renowned for its unique geological formations and world-class trout fishing.

Campground Address:
Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA

The site is specifically located on the north shore of Afterbay Lake, the body of water created by the Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River.

• Access: Getting there is simple: take Route 313 through the small town of Fort Smith, follow the National Park Service (NPS) brown and white directional signs, turn onto Route 12, and cross the Afterbay Dam. The turn-off for the campground is clearly marked approximately 1.6 miles past the dam.
• Regional Proximity: The campground is an excellent starting point for exploring the entire Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The town of Fort Smith itself is nearby, offering a few amenities and being a hub for fishing outfitters and guides catering to the Bighorn River.
• Major Centers: Grapevine Campground is approximately a one-hour drive southeast of Billings, MT, making it a viable weekend escape for residents of the state’s largest city.

🛠️ Services Offered (Rustic and Essential)

Grapevine Campground is defined by its rustic amenities, designed to support basic camping while minimizing impact on the beautiful surrounding landscape. There are 14 designated sites, suitable for both RVs and tents.

• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any of the individual campsites. Campers must be self-sufficient.
• Sanitation: Accessible Vault Toilets are available year-round. There are no shower facilities.
• Water: Potable water is available seasonally (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day) but is not at the individual sites; campers may need to fill containers from a communal spigot or utilize the nearby Afterbay Campground facilities.
• Campground Essentials: Every site is handicapped accessible (though the surface is gravel), includes a fire ring, and a picnic table.
• Safety and Waste: Bear-resistant food lockers are provided year-round, and trash collection is available seasonally (May–October).
• RV Services: An RV dump station is conveniently located across the dam near the NPS Headquarters building/Afterbay Campground for camper use.
• Fees: The fee is typically $18 per night, with a 50% discount for Senior and Access Pass holders. Payments are cash or check only, payable to the Crow Tribe of Indians.

⭐ Features and Highlights of the Grapevine Experience

The true value of Grapevine Campground lies in the unique experiences offered by its location within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, making it a standout for Montana outdoor enthusiasts.

• World-Class Fishing Base: The campground sits directly on the Afterbay Lake, providing easy access to the Bighorn River, which is internationally recognized for its exceptional catch-and-release trout fishing. It is a perfect spot for anglers to set up a quick and convenient camp.
• Gateway to Bighorn Canyon: Campers are minutes away from the stunning geological features of the Bighorn Canyon, offering access to numerous hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities to see wildlife, including Bighorn Sheep and Wild Horses.
• Water-Side Tranquility: Located on the north shore of the lake, the campsite provides peaceful waterfront views and easy access for non-motorized boating, though campers should use extreme caution when accessing the water's edge.
• Dark Sky Experience: Due to the remote location and lack of major urban light pollution, the campground offers superb opportunities for stargazing and enjoying the immense scale of the Montana night sky.
• Authentic Montana Camping: This site is ideal for those who prefer dry camping and a true immersion in nature, complete with the necessary precautions like bear-proof food storage.

📞 Contact Information

Reservations and general inquiries for Grapevine Campground are managed locally under an agreement with the Crow Tribe of Indians, making local phone contact the preferred method for confirmation, particularly regarding site availability and current conditions (like water status).

• Reservations/Park Contact (Yellowtail Market during operating hours): (406) 666-2333
• After-Hours Contact: (406) 679-2435
• Physical Address: Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA (Routes 12 and 313 in the Bighorn Canyon NRA)

✨ What is Worth Choosing Grapevine Campground

For Montanans, Grapevine Campground is worth choosing because it delivers an unbeatable combination of remoteness, scenery, and specialized recreation at an affordable price point.

It is the definitive choice for the serious angler or those who value quiet, undeveloped parkland. The location, right on the Afterbay Lake and next to the Bighorn River, offers a world-class fishing opportunity mere minutes from your campsite, a convenience rarely matched.

Furthermore, its classification as a non-utility campground ensures a low-density, high-quality outdoor experience that respects the natural integrity of the Bighorn Canyon area. By choosing Grapevine, campers commit to a self-reliant adventure amidst Montana's most rugged beauty, supporting a local operation while gaining access to some of the finest scenery and fishing in the entire Rocky Mountain region.