Kings Hill Campground

If you live in Montana and the call of the high country wilderness is strong, you know that the best adventures start with the perfect basecamp. Kings Hill Campground is exactly that: a premier seasonal destination situated near the very top of Kings Hill Pass in the spectacular Little Belt Mountains. Located within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, this is mountain camping at its finest, offering both a cool-air respite from the summer heat and immediate access to a phenomenal year-round recreation area.

Perched at an impressive elevation of approximately 8,000 feet, Kings Hill is one of the highest developed campgrounds in the Little Belt Mountains. It serves as a vital hub for local outdoor enthusiasts—from those seeking solitude and quiet reflection, as one camper noted, to adrenaline junkies looking to hit the expansive network of nearby trails. The sites are nestled among thick conifers, providing a genuine forest feel and offering much-needed shade, although recent forest management work has opened up some areas to welcome the morning sun.

Locals appreciate the campground for its simplicity and strategic location. With a focus on the essentials—clean vault toilets and reliable water—it’s the ideal spot to disconnect without being totally unprepared. As local reviews confirm, this campground is valued for its quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and the promise of abundant Montana wildlife. It’s the starting line for your next big mountain adventure, summer or winter.

---

### Introduction / Overview

Kings Hill Campground is a small, developed National Forest campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Situated near the summit of Kings Hill Pass on the Kings Hill Scenic Byway (US Highway 89), the campground typically offers 16 to 18 campsites, making it an intimate setting for campers. Its high elevation and location within the Lewis and Clark National Forest guarantee breathtaking alpine scenery and a cooler climate, which is a major draw during the warmer months. The campground generally operates seasonally, typically opening mid-to-late June and closing in the fall around the end of September, due to the heavy snowfall common at this elevation.

The purpose of Kings Hill Campground is to provide a well-maintained, yet rustic, launchpad for the extensive recreational opportunities found in the surrounding Little Belt Mountains. It is highly popular among both tent campers and those with smaller RVs/trailers (sites can accommodate vehicles up to approximately 35 feet), operating primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should be prepared for typical mountain weather and the presence of wildlife, including bears, necessitating proper food storage practices.

---

### Location and Accessibility

Kings Hill Campground is conveniently located directly off a major, well-maintained highway, US-89, also known as the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. Its proximity to this major north-south corridor makes it relatively easy to find, yet its setting among the trees provides a sense of mountain seclusion.

Address: US-89, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA (Note: While the address links to Great Falls, the physical location is approximately 75 miles southeast of the city, near the pass summit, and closer to the small community of Neihart).

The campground sits near the top of Kings Hill Pass. Traveling on US-89, you will find the entrance sign at the top of the pass, requiring a short turn-off. While the proximity to the highway offers easy accessibility, campers should be aware of some potential road noise, though the dense conifer forest helps mitigate this.

---

### Services Offered

Kings Hill Campground is a developed National Forest site offering basic, clean amenities designed for a comfortable yet traditional camping experience.

• Potable Water: Reliable cold well water taps are available within the campground for drinking and cooking purposes.
• Vault Toilets: Clean, well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are conveniently located throughout the site, as praised in local customer reviews.
• Campsite Equipment: Each of the 16-18 individual campsites includes a sturdy picnic table, an established metal fire ring for campfires, and a BBQ grill grate.
• Trailer/RV Accessibility: Sites are suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, with a maximum trailer length accommodated around 35 feet.
• Trash Management (Pack-In, Pack-Out): The campground adheres to a strict "Pack it in, Pack it out" policy; no trash collection service is provided, requiring campers to pack out all refuse to maintain the pristine environment.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted on-site but must be kept on a leash at all times.

---

### Features / Highlights

Kings Hill Campground is best known for its exceptional location, serving as a gateway to the best of the Little Belt Mountains recreation.

• High-Altitude Location: Located at 8,000 feet elevation, it is the highest developed campground in the area, offering crisp air and cooler temperatures, which is a major benefit during hot Montana summers.
• Mountain Biking Hub: The campground is a primary access point for the vast Kings Hill West and Kings Hill East mountain bike trail network, making it a must-visit for regional cyclists.
• Year-Round Recreation: Directly adjacent to the Showdown Winter Recreation Area and close to the Silver Crest Nordic Trails, this site transforms into a base for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling during the winter season.
• Porphyry Peak Lookout: Visitors can drive up to the manned Porphyry Peak fire lookout tower for unparalleled panoramic views of the Lewis and Clark National Forest and the surrounding Little Belt Mountains (visitors may go up if staff is available).
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: The campground’s operating policy means that local users who arrive early can secure a spacious, quiet site, often finding a sense of solitude even during peak season, as noted in customer feedback.
• Wildlife Viewing: Its high-elevation, forested setting makes it an excellent area for wildlife viewing, with sightings of deer and other animals being common, contributing to the true Montana camping experience.

---

### Contact Information

Kings Hill Campground is managed by the Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Address: US-89, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA

Phone: (406) 791-7700 (General Forest Service Information Line - always best to contact the Belt Creek Ranger District Office for the most current, localized conditions and opening/closing dates).

Mobile Phone: +1 406-791-7700

---

### What is Worth Choosing

Kings Hill Campground is absolutely worth choosing for local Montanans who want to combine a rustic camping experience with premium, high-altitude outdoor recreation. You should choose this site if your primary goal is to be immediately next to an extensive network of trails for mountain biking, hiking, or ATVing in the summer, or if you plan to utilize the fantastic winter sports opportunities at Showdown Ski Area or Silver Crest. Its location on the Kings Hill Scenic Byway makes it a highly accessible mountain retreat.

The fact that it offers essential, clean facilities—potable water, picnic tables, and well-kept vault toilets—while maintaining a primitive feel (first-come, first-served, and no trash service) is a key selling point. The campground provides the rugged isolation many seek in Montana, confirmed by the review mentioning the joy of "No other campers around" and the chance to observe "lots of wildlife," all while having the convenience of a maintained highway and essential water source nearby. For those who consider a high mountain pass to be their personal playground, Kings Hill Campground is the definitive year-round basecamp.