Mortimer Gulch Campground

🌲 Introduction / Overview

For Montanans who cherish the rugged beauty and deep solitude of the Rocky Mountain Front, Mortimer Gulch Campground stands out as a prime destination. Tucked into the towering forests of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, this campground offers a classic, woodsy camping experience far removed from city life. Located near the stunning Gibson Reservoir, Mortimer Gulch is your direct gateway to some of Central Montana's most beautiful landscapes and premier outdoor recreation.

This National Forest campground provides a beautiful, serene environment, perfect for the nature enthusiast. It sits at a refreshing elevation of 5,000 feet, where the air is crisp and the forest—a mix of towering Douglas firs in the upper loop and rustling aspens in the lower—provides a peaceful canopy. With 26 to 27 secluded campsites spread across two distinct loops, the campground is large enough to feel active but small enough to remain quiet and intimate. It’s important to note that this is bear country; the forest service requires all visitors to practice mandatory proper food storage in provided lockers to ensure the safety of both campers and local wildlife. Mortimer Gulch is the ideal spot to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of the Montana wilderness.

📍 Location and Accessibility

Mortimer Gulch Campground is technically situated with the general address of J65J+V4, Stoner Place, MT 59422, USA, placing it geographically in the remote area managed by the Rocky Mountain Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Its closest main access town is Augusta, MT, though some maps may associate its area with Clancy due to the broader forest management area. The campground is nestled close to the Gibson Reservoir and the North Fork of the Sun River.

Reaching this secluded spot requires a dedicated drive, primarily following the Sun Canyon Road (Forest Route 108/Road 208) west and north from Augusta. The drive involves a mix of paved and dirt/gravel roads, leading deep into the forest. Visitors driving RVs or trailers should be aware that the maximum recommended trailer length is 35 feet. Furthermore, while a boat ramp is located only about a half mile away, reaching the cement boat ramp is highly recommended to be done with a 4WD vehicle due to the road conditions in that immediate area. The nearest emergency services are located in Augusta, approximately 40 minutes away, highlighting the remote nature of the location.

🛠️ Services Offered

As a developed but rustic Forest Service site, Mortimer Gulch Campground offers essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining a true wilderness feel.

• Campsites: 26 to 27 individual campsites designed for tents and small to medium RVs/trailers (max 35 ft recommended).
• Drinking Water: Potable water is provided at the campground.
• Restrooms: Handicapped accessible vault/pit toilets are available throughout the campground.
• Campsite Amenities: Each campsite is furnished with picnic tables and established fire pits with grills.
• Food Storage: Mandatory bear-resistant food lockers are provided at the campsites due to the active bear presence in the area.
• Recreation Access: The campground features a trailhead for foot and horse access into the surrounding forest and towards the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
• Boating Access: A boat launch is located 0.5 miles from the main campground area, providing easy access to Gibson Reservoir.
• Waste Management: The campground operates under a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy for all trash, meaning campers must remove all refuse from the site when they leave.
• Fees & Stay Limit: A small nightly fee is required, and the maximum stay limit is 14 days.

✨ Features / Highlights

Mortimer Gulch is valued not only for its quiet atmosphere but also for the extensive recreational activities it enables, making it a powerful base camp for adventure in the Rocky Mountain Front.

• Gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness: The campground features foot and horse access trails that lead out directly toward the boundaries of the renowned Bob Marshall Wilderness, appealing to serious backpackers and equestrians.
• Exceptional Fishing: Located near Gibson Reservoir and the North Fork of the Sun River, the area offers outstanding opportunities for rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout fishing.
• Stargazing and Wildlife: The high elevation and remote location offer incredibly dark skies for prime stargazing. The heavily forested terrain is also excellent for wildlife viewing, including the potential to spot elk and deer.
• Varied Forest Setting: The distinct environments of the two loops—Douglas fir in the upper loop and aspens in the lower—offer varied scenery, making the campground beautiful year-round, especially during the spectacular golden colors of autumn.
• Motorized and Non-Motorized Boating: With an accessible boat ramp nearby, visitors can enjoy a full range of water activities, including motorized and non-motorized boating on the large Gibson Reservoir.
• High-Elevation Hiking: Numerous trails are available for day hikes and offer challenging paths into the higher elevations and rugged landscapes of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

📞 Contact Information

Mortimer Gulch Campground is managed by the Rocky Mountain Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

General Address:

J65J+V4, Stoner Place, MT 59422, USA

Mailing Address (Associated Town):

PO Box 340, Augusta, MT 59422

Rocky Mountain Ranger District Office Phone Numbers (for reservations, road conditions, and local information):

(406) 466-5341

(406) 466-2237 (Fax)

Local Emergency Services:

Dial 911

🎯 What is Worth Choosing Mortimer Gulch Campground

Mortimer Gulch Campground is worth choosing for the discerning Montanan seeking a true National Forest escape with convenient access to a major recreational reservoir. You should choose this campground if your primary goal is multi-day recreation on or near the Continental Divide. Its location is uniquely positioned as a base camp for everything from fishing for native trout in the North Fork of the Sun River and Gibson Reservoir to embarking on serious backcountry expeditions into the legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness via the associated trails.

The combination of necessary amenities (potable water, restrooms, picnic tables) with a genuinely primitive and secluded forest setting strikes the perfect balance for campers who want comfort without crowds. Furthermore, the mandatory food storage policy reflects a commitment to responsible, long-term coexistence with Montana’s wildlife, making it a safe choice for families and seasoned adventurers alike. If you’re ready to trade pavement for pine needles and city lights for star trails, Mortimer Gulch offers an authentic and enriching Big Sky camping experience.