Island Campground

🏞️ **Introduction / Overview**

Nestled in the sweeping, open landscapes of Central Montana's "Hi-Line," the **Island Campground**, often referred to as the **Island Recreation Area**, is the premier destination for water recreation at **Lake Elwell**, the vast reservoir created by the **Tiber Dam**. While the setting is rugged and surrounded by flat plains and coulees, the campground itself serves as a vital hub for anglers, boaters, and RV enthusiasts seeking the best amenities in the area. This unique spot—a gorgeous chunk of land that juts out into the lake—is a beautiful exception to Montana’s often mountainous terrain, offering a unique lakeside experience.

The campground is known for its comprehensive services tailored to both short-term visitors and those staying for the maximum limit of 14 days. It is managed to provide functional and reliable facilities, including essential RV hookups, making it a very popular location. While one past review mentioned "Way too many RV's," this simply underscores the campground's immense popularity and its function as the most feature-rich base camp for enjoying the expansive waters of Lake Elwell, one of Montana's largest and most productive fishing lakes.

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

The Island Campground is located near **Chester, MT 59522**, situated in Liberty County. It is specifically located at the **Tiber Dam** and **Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir)** recreation area, a key piece of infrastructure built by the Bureau of Reclamation on the Marias River.

Accessibility is straightforward via a combination of highways and county roads:

• **From Chester:** Travelers typically take Highway 223 south for about 9-10 miles, then follow a series of county roads (like 4400 Road S and S Tiber Road) to reach the recreation area. The route is well-known to locals.
• **Distance from Major Cities:** It is conveniently located for those traveling across Central Montana: approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes from **Great Falls, MT**.

The setting is remote but not isolated, providing the sense of Big Sky Country tranquility while keeping you close to the main recreational action. Its location is the ideal launch point for all water-based activities on the 20 square miles of Lake Elwell.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

The Island Area Campground is one of the more developed recreation sites around Tiber Reservoir, offering a significant list of services vital to modern campers and RVers.

• **RV and Trailer Sites:** The area features dedicated **trailer sites** and **RV hookups**, often including **electricity**. These established sites are the primary draw for many visitors, offering necessary conveniences.
• **Water and Restrooms:** The campground provides access to **water** and **public restrooms**, including **handicapped-accessible restrooms**.
• **Showers:** A major convenience highlight is the presence of **showers** on-site, a significant plus for boondocking-heavy areas of Montana.
• **RV Dump Station:** An essential service for extended stays, an **RV dump station** is available within the Island Area to ensure compliance with clean camping practices.
• **Trash Removal:** The facility provides **trash dumpsters** and removal services, helping campers adhere to a reasonable 'pack-it-in/pack-it-out' policy for all but heavy trash.
• **Group Camping:** Designated areas for **group camping** are available, making it suitable for larger family or organized outings.
• **Pets Allowed:** The campground is **pet-friendly**, though all domestic animals must be physically constrained or kept in an enclosure, and cleanup is required.

⭐ **Features / Highlights**

The highlights of the Island Campground are intrinsically linked to its role as the central hub for the fantastic water and outdoor recreation available at Lake Elwell (Tiber Dam).

• **Tiber Marina Proximity:** The nearby **Ru's Tiber Marina** is a key feature, offering crucial amenities that supplement the campground, including **food, gas, oil, water, showers (as an alternate), bait, tackle, and other marina operations**, making it easy to stock up.
• **Premier Boating Access:** A **boat launch** is provided directly within the Island Area, ensuring quick and easy access to Lake Elwell for all types of watercraft.
• **Exceptional Fishing:** Lake Elwell is renowned across Montana for its **walleye, northern pike, and perch fishing**, positioning the campground perfectly for serious anglers.
• **Water-Based Activities:** The area is a hub for **swimming, boating, and water skiing** during the warmer months, offering ample space on the reservoir for all activities.
• **Stargazing and Scenery:** Situated in the vast, open spaces of the Hi-Line, the Island Area is excellent for **stargazing**, offering incredible dark skies and a unique chunk of land that juts into the water for scenic views.
• **Full Suite of Amenities:** The combination of **RV hookups, showers, and a dump station** in a single location makes it one of the most practical and comfortable base camps in the vast Tiber Dam Recreation Area.

📞 **Contact Information**

Island Campground (Island Area Recreation Area) is part of the Tiber Dam recreation management zone, often overseen by the Bureau of Reclamation. For detailed information on reservations, current conditions, and rules, it is best to contact the relevant managing office.

Address: Located at Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir), near Chester, MT 59522, USA

Marias-Milk Rivers Division Office (Bureau of Reclamation): (406) 759-5077

Tiber Marina (for supplementary services): Contact information should be verified seasonally, but is generally available through local tourism offices.

✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

For any Montanan looking to capitalize on the exceptional fishing and boating opportunities of Lake Elwell, **Island Campground** is undeniably the **most convenient and amenity-rich base camp** in the area. Despite the popularity leading to many RVs, this is precisely where the action and the best services are located.

It is the ultimate choice because:

• **Best Recreational Access:** The inclusion of a **boat launch** and the close proximity to the **Tiber Marina (gas, food, bait)** streamlines your ability to enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating on one of Montana’s largest reservoirs.
• **Comfort and Utility:** It offers the highest level of essential amenities available in the area, including crucial **RV hookups, water, and showers**, providing a comfortable experience that minimizes the need for extensive boondocking preparations.
• **Value for Location:** You gain direct, easy access to premier **Walleye and Northern Pike fishing** in a stunning, high-plains environment, making the campground's popularity a feature, not a drawback.

If your Montana adventure centers around your boat and a desire for reliable, full-service camping near the water, make Island Campground at Tiber Dam your first choice.