Hooper Park Campground

For Montanans traveling through or exploring the scenic Blackfoot Valley, Hooper Park Campground in Lincoln offers a refreshingly convenient and budget-friendly option for an overnight stay or a longer base camp. As a city-owned, multi-purpose park, Hooper Park provides more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a hub of community activity nestled at the edge of town, yet still offering a sense of connection to Montana's natural beauty. While it’s important to manage expectations for a city park campground, its undeniable advantages, including affordability and key amenities, make it a valuable resource for locals on the go. This article will delve into what makes Hooper Park Campground a practical and appealing choice for Montanans, from its accessible location and services to its unique features and overall suitability for a range of travelers.

Hooper Park Campground strikes a unique balance between urban convenience and a natural setting. It’s "located at the edge of town and set back about 300ft from the highway," making it easy to find and access while minimizing direct road noise. The reviews from real customers paint a clear picture: the "good" aspects are certainly appealing. At "$10 a night for a camp site with a picnic bench and fire ring" for basic sites, and "$20 for a basic site, $30 for one with electricity," it is undeniably "cheap and convenient." A significant highlight, especially for those who appreciate comfort after a day of adventuring, is the availability of "hot showers" and "clean bathrooms." These are often welcome luxuries in more remote Montana campgrounds.

However, as with many places that balance affordability and accessibility, there are "bad" elements to consider. Some campers have noted "trash in fire ring," "50+ cigarette butts littering the entire camp site," and "random trash and junk sitting around," which suggests that cleanliness can be inconsistent, particularly at the beginning of the season, as one review states, "They had just opened, so I'm assuming the trash will be cleaned up soon." This highlights the importance of the seasonal host and regular maintenance. Furthermore, being close to town means "Huge stadium lights shining at the camp all night" and potential for "Loud campers partying." For many Montanans, a bit of noise and light pollution might be a trade-off for the convenience and price. The advice to "bring earplugs, eye mask, and a trash bag" is practical for maximizing enjoyment. Despite these potential drawbacks, the "friendly and helpful" host and the overall assessment that the "campground is clean" suggest a commitment to providing a good experience. Plus, the delightful presence of "deer come walking right through the site" adds a touch of Montana wilderness charm, even in a city park setting. Hooper Park is typically open seasonally, from May through October.

Hooper Park Campground is strategically located in Lincoln, Montana, at the address Lincoln, MT 59639, USA. Situated just off Highway 200, it benefits from excellent accessibility, making it an easy stop for those traveling through the central part of the state. Lincoln itself is nestled in the beautiful Blackfoot Valley, surrounded by national forests, including the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, providing a stunning natural backdrop. The campground’s elevation is approximately 4,544 feet (or sometimes listed as 5,500 feet), offering a pleasant climate during the warmer months.

The "edge of town" location means that while campers are immersed in a park setting, they are also within comfortable walking distance to local amenities. This is a significant advantage for those who might need to resupply groceries, grab a meal at a local restaurant, or access other services without having to drive. The proximity to Highway 200 ensures straightforward navigation for both RVs and tent campers. For Montanans, this means a convenient stop whether heading east towards Great Falls or west towards Missoula, or exploring the vast recreational opportunities of the surrounding wilderness, including the renowned Scapegoat Wilderness Area. The ease of access makes it a popular choice for quick weekend trips or as a launching point for longer adventures into the Montana backcountry.

• Campsites: Hooper Park Campground offers approximately 20-30 campsites, with options for both electric and non-electric hookups. There are 8 sites with 50-Amp electric for $30 per night (electric only, no water or sewer at the site), and the remaining sites are non-electric for $20 per night. Tent sites are typically $10 per night.

• Restrooms: Clean bathrooms with running water are available, a notable amenity for a campground of this type.

• Hot Showers: A significant highlight is the availability of hot showers (one for men, one for women), a highly appreciated feature for campers.

• Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are available in the park, with at least one confirmed potable water hydrant. Some other spigots may be labeled as non-potable.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.

• Fire Rings: Fire rings are provided at each campsite for campfires, though guests should always check for current fire restrictions.

• Playground: A small playground is on-site, making it suitable for families with children.

• Skate Park: The park complex includes a skate park, offering recreational opportunities beyond traditional camping.

• Baseball/Softball Fields: Two fields are available for sports and recreational activities.

• Community Garden: The park also features a community garden.

• Seasonal Host: A seasonal host is often on-site to assist campers and answer questions.

• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted for individual sites.

• Pavilion: A pavilion is available for day-use and can be reserved in advance for larger gatherings.

• Affordable Pricing: One of the most attractive features is the low nightly rate, making it a very economical choice for travelers, particularly for basic tent and RV sites.

• Hot Showers and Clean Bathrooms: The availability of hot showers is a major highlight, setting it apart from many primitive campgrounds and significantly enhancing the camping experience. Clean restrooms are also consistently noted.

• Convenient Location: Situated at the edge of Lincoln, the campground offers easy access to the town's amenities (restaurants, shops) and local attractions, as well as being well-positioned for onward travel on Highway 200.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a playground, skate park, and sports fields, Hooper Park provides entertainment options for children and families beyond just the campsite.

• Wildlife Sightings: Despite being a city park, deer are known to "come walking right through the site," offering delightful wildlife viewing opportunities right from your campsite.

• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the vast outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding Blackfoot Valley, including hiking, fishing, and access to the Scapegoat Wilderness Area.

• Seasonal Operation with Host: The seasonal operation (May to October) ensures conditions are generally favorable, and the presence of a camp host provides added security and assistance.

• Mix of Camping Types: Accommodates both tent campers and RVs, including sites with electric hookups, catering to a diverse range of camping preferences.

Address: Lincoln, MT 59639, USA

For specific inquiries regarding Hooper Park Campground, including current conditions, availability, or to inquire about the pavilion reservation, the best contact is typically through the Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce or the local Lincoln municipal offices, as it is a county/city-owned park. One source provides a phone number for more information: (406) 447-8313. It is always recommended to verify this information and contact them directly for the most up-to-date details, especially considering the seasonal nature of the campground and the reviews mentioning previous phone number issues.

For Montanans, Hooper Park Campground in Lincoln is a highly practical and appealing option, especially for those who prioritize convenience and affordability without sacrificing essential comforts. Its "cheap" rates for campsites, coupled with the valuable amenities of "hot showers" and "clean bathrooms," make it an excellent value proposition, particularly for families or budget-conscious travelers. This campground perfectly suits locals looking for a quick and easy getaway, or a convenient stop on a longer road trip across our expansive state.

The "edge of town" location is a significant advantage, providing easy access to Lincoln's local businesses for supplies or a meal, while still offering a peaceful, set-back environment away from the main highway. The presence of a playground, skate park, and sports fields within Hooper Park broadens its appeal for families, offering activities to keep everyone entertained. Even with the mentioned "stadium lights" and occasional "loud campers," for many Montanans, these are minor trade-offs for the convenience of hot showers and a very affordable rate. The ability to witness "deer come walking right through the site" adds a touch of authentic Montana charm, even in this semi-urban setting. Hooper Park serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the vast outdoor opportunities of the Blackfoot Valley and the nearby Scapegoat Wilderness, making it a valuable and well-utilized resource for those of us who call Montana home. It's a testament to practical camping that still provides a genuine connection to the Big Sky Country.