Kiwanis Club Campground

Introduction / Overview: A Community-Supported Camping Gem in Central Montana

For travelers traversing the wide-open spaces of Central Montana, finding a convenient, comfortable, and budget-friendly place to rest for the night can be a challenge. The Kiwanis Club Campground and Rest Area in Lewistown, Montana, stands out as a genuine community asset, maintained with care by the local Kiwanis Club. This unique location functions primarily as a highway rest area but generously offers overnight camping spots, operating on a donation-based system. This makes it an incredibly popular and valued stop for those exploring the Big Sky Country.

Unlike typical commercial RV parks, the Kiwanis Campground provides a more informal, park-like atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice for a simple overnight stop, particularly for RVs, motorhomes, and big rigs that need easy access to and from the highway. While its proximity to the road means it’s not the quietest spot, visitors frequently comment on its exceptional cleanliness and the convenience of its location. It's truly a testament to the local community's hospitality, providing a comfortable place to stay up to 10 nights (seasonal availability, typically Spring, Summer, and Fall) without a mandatory fee—though donations are highly encouraged and essential for its upkeep.

The site offers a basic but functional setup: plenty of grassy areas for tent or dry RV camping, and several covered picnic tables. While it may not feature full hook-ups for electricity or sewer, its clean facilities and welcoming environment have earned it a reputation as a trusted, friendly stopover. This commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and affordable option for travelers embodies the spirit of local Montana community service.

Location and Accessibility: Right on the Highway to Convenience

The Kiwanis Club Campground boasts a highly convenient location, specifically designed for accessibility, which is one of its major draws for travelers on US Highway 87.

The official address places it just outside the main downtown area of Lewistown, Montana: Kiwanis Rest Area, 80398 US-87, Lewistown, MT 59457, USA.

It is situated right next to a major state highway, providing effortless in-and-out access for all vehicle types, from passenger cars to large motorhomes and fifth-wheel campers. The convenience of being located directly on US-87 means minimal detours for those passing through Lewistown on a long journey. The trade-off for this convenience, as noted by some users, is that it is "right next to the road, so a little loud." However, many report that the noise level subsides significantly at night, allowing for a restful sleep. Furthermore, a massive convenience factor is its close proximity to essential supplies, with a large, full-service grocery store located directly across the highway—a feature nearly all visitors praise as extremely handy for restocking on the road.

Services Offered

The services at the Kiwanis Club Campground prioritize cleanliness and basic necessities for transient travelers. Remember that this is a rest area turned campground, not a full-service commercial RV park.

• Restrooms: Exceptionally clean and well-maintained flush toilets and sinks with running water are available in the public bathhouse.
• Water: Potable drinking water spigots (often called "frost-frees" in the camping area) are scattered throughout the grounds, providing fresh water for filling containers or small tanks. (Note: Some travelers report not seeing a large water fill station, but smaller spigots are common).
• Campsites: Informal, non-designated camping spots on a mix of gravel and grassy areas suitable for tents, RVs, and big rigs.
• Picnic Facilities: Several concrete picnic tables are available, some of which are located under sheltered pavilions, providing protection from the sun or light rain.
• Trash & Recycling: Trash receptacles and separate plastic/can recycling bins are provided, a valuable service for travelers.
• Donation Based: The site is free to use, but a donation box is present and voluntary financial contributions are vital for maintaining the facilities.
• Limit: Camping is typically limited to a maximum of 10 nights.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets this campground apart is its unique blend of public service and traveler convenience, backed by local community support.

• Unbeatable Value: Operating on a donation-only basis, it offers one of the most budget-friendly overnight options in the region, often referred to fondly by locals as the "free KOA."
• Cleanliness Commitment: Customer reviews consistently highlight the super clean bathrooms and the friendly personnel who maintain them, which is a major comfort for long-haul travelers.
• Immediate Proximity to Amenities: The convenience of having a grocery store literally across the highway (easily accessible) cannot be overstated for last-minute supply runs, fresh food, or quick coffee.
• Rest Area Convenience: Easy, pull-through access directly off US-87 with plenty of room to maneuver large RVs and trucks, making it a stress-free late-night arrival.
• Community Vibe: Although campers generally "stick to themselves," the fact that it is maintained by the local Kiwanis Club adds a friendly, community-oriented feeling to the stay.
• Grassy and Open Space: The park-like atmosphere features nice grassy areas, offering a pleasant change from sterile asphalt parking lots.

Contact Information

As a volunteer-maintained rest area and campground, there is no direct reservation line. For general information, upkeep, or to learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Lewistown, you can use the following information.

Address: Kiwanis Rest Area, 80398 US-87, Lewistown, MT 59457, USA

Phone: It is best to use a general local Kiwanis Club or City of Lewistown contact for non-emergency inquiries, as no dedicated campground phone line is publicly listed for the rest area.

What is Worth Choosing: Convenience, Cleanliness, and Community Spirit

The Kiwanis Club Campground is an excellent choice for a specific type of traveler: the one who prioritizes convenience, cleanliness, and value above all else.

It is worth choosing because it serves as an invaluable, stress-free stopover for an overnight stay in Central Montana. While you won't find the secluded nature or full electric hook-ups of a high-end destination park, you gain:

A spot where the cleanliness of the facilities is consistently rated as superb—a primary concern for any traveler.

The ability to pull in and out quickly, directly off the highway, minimizing travel disruption.

A location that puts a major grocery store literally steps away, eliminating the need to navigate town with a large rig.

The chance to support a local, volunteer-run community project through your donation, ensuring this fantastic resource remains available for future travelers.

For RVers needing a quick, reliable stop, or tent campers looking for a clean, secure place to pitch near town amenities, this campground is a highly recommended and uniquely Montanan option. Just be sure to bring earplugs if the light highway noise is a concern, and always contribute to the donation box to help the local Kiwanis Club keep this essential service running. It is the epitome of local generosity on the open road.