VFW Campground

**Introduction / Overview: Your Accessible Lakeside Base on the Hi-Line**

For Montana residents who cherish the vast, open landscapes and exceptional water recreation of the north-central region, the **VFW Campground** near Chester offers a straightforward, accessible, and highly valued camping experience. This is a public recreation site primarily known for its location on the **Tiber Reservoir**, locally called **Lake Elwell**, one of Montana's largest and most popular lakes. Unlike some remote mountain campgrounds, the VFW Campground is beloved by locals for its ease of use and its direct access to the water, making it a "go to camping spot" for families and boaters alike.

The campground is characterized as a **primitive camping area** managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, focusing on providing basic, essential infrastructure for a true outdoor experience. It's a place where the Montana prairie meets the water, surrounded by the wide-open views of the Hi-Line. Reviewers appreciate the natural comfort provided by the **"Lots of trees for shade,"** a welcome relief in the vast plains environment. While the amenities are rustic, the core appeal is the convenience of having **"Nice level parking spaces each with a table and fire pit"** right near the reservoir, providing the perfect stage for boating, fishing, and family relaxation beneath the expansive Montana sky. The site is open **all year round**, accommodating those who enjoy both warm-weather activities and cold-weather visits.

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**Location and Accessibility: Near the Iconic Tiber Dam**

The **VFW Campground** is located adjacent to **Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir)**, approximately **18 miles southwest of Chester, MT 59522, USA**. This places the campground strategically in Liberty County, providing easy access from U.S. Highway 2, the main artery of Montana's Northern Tier (or "Hi-Line").

Tiber Reservoir is formed by the **Tiber Dam** on the Marias River and is one of the largest reservoirs in Montana, boasting over 180 miles of shoreline. The campground is praised for its **close, easy access** to the lake, which is vital for visitors hauling boats or large recreational vehicles. The sites are generally described as **level**, minimizing the difficulty of setup—a key advantage for RV and trailer owners. Its location near other developed areas of the Tiber Recreation Area, such as **Tiber Marina** and **Sanford Park Campground**, means that while the VFW site itself is primitive, external amenities are not too far away, striking a good balance between solitude and practical accessibility for Montana adventurers.

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**Services Offered: Essential Primitive Lakeside Facilities**

The VFW Campground is explicitly identified as a **primitive camping** area, meaning it provides basic infrastructure while requiring campers to be largely self-sufficient. This model is common for public land managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and emphasizes low-impact recreation.

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**Features / Highlights: Lake Elwell's Diverse Recreation**

The major draw of the VFW Campground is its role as a quiet access point to the vast recreational features of Tiber Reservoir (Lake Elwell) and the unique landscape of north-central Montana.

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**Contact Information (Address, Phone)**

The VFW Campground is managed as part of the Tiber Reservoir Recreation Area by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). For the most accurate information on current conditions, regulations, and the status of nearby Tiber facilities, use the following contact information.

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**What is Worth Choosing: Accessible Lakeside Fun and Genuine Montana Character**

For the Montana resident, choosing the **VFW Campground** is a nod to a straightforward, authentic, and highly recreational experience. It is supremely worth choosing for two main reasons. First, it offers **unbeatable access and convenience to the massive Tiber Reservoir (Lake Elwell)**. The reliable, nearby **boat ramps** and **level sites** make it the go-to spot for anglers and families prioritizing time on the water, whether it's for world-class Walleye fishing or general boating fun.

Second, the campground provides a **valued sense of comfort and seclusion** beneath the shade of its trees, offering a rustic reprieve from the open Hi-Line sun. While it requires the self-sufficiency of primitive camping (bring your own water!), the trade-off is a **free, year-round camping experience** that allows you to truly disconnect and connect with the landscape. By choosing VFW, you are choosing an established, well-loved piece of Montana's recreational heritage that is simple, family-friendly, and always ready for your next lake adventure.