Willow Creek Reservoir Campground

For Montanans who cherish the combination of spectacular reservoir recreation and the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountain Front, Willow Creek Reservoir Campground is a destination that truly delivers. Located in the heart of Central Montana, near the historic town of Augusta, this site offers a perfect blend of high-quality fishing, essential camping amenities, and breathtaking scenery. Managed as a Fishing Access Site (FAS) by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Willow Creek Reservoir is a testament to the state's dedication to preserving public access to pristine natural waters. The setting is classically Montanan: wide-open skies meet rolling hills, with the dramatic, craggy peaks of the Rockies rising majestically in the distance.

This campground and recreational area is far more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s an aquatic playground built around a large body of water renowned for its consistent fishing. The reservoir itself spans approximately 1,530 surface acres, providing ample space for all types of watercraft, from motorboats to kayaks and paddleboards. It’s a preferred spot for both casual campers and serious anglers looking to target species like Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon. The relatively moderate elevation of around 4,153 feet makes it an accessible, comfortable place to camp through the summer months, offering a much-needed retreat from the valley heat. The experience at Willow Creek Reservoir is about freedom—the freedom to cast a line at sunrise, the freedom to hike the surrounding hills, and the freedom to watch the incredible light show of a Montana sunset over the water. For local users, it represents a commitment to accessible, rewarding outdoor recreation in an iconic setting.

Willow Creek Reservoir Campground is strategically positioned in a truly iconic Montana landscape, situated in the area often referred to as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain Front. The campground's location places it approximately seven miles northwest of the charming town of Augusta, Montana, accessible via Gibson Reservoir Road and other local roads that traverse the rolling prairie landscape. This positioning offers stunning, unobstructed views of the foothills giving way to the towering mountains, making every moment spent here feel distinctly Montanan.

Access to the site involves traveling on a partially unpaved route, which is typical for remote Fishing Access Sites. Visitors should be prepared for gravel road sections that may be washboarded, particularly the several miles leading to the main camping area. While the road is generally passable for most vehicles, including RVs and larger trailers (up to 38 feet in length), a slower, cautious approach is always recommended to ensure a smooth arrival. The convenience of the location lies in its proximity to the resources of Augusta, while still maintaining the feeling of being miles away from civilization. The provided GPS coordinates, in the form of a Plus Code (GHW5+XP), confirm its position near Split Rock Junction, which aligns perfectly with the FWP designation in the area. This blend of proximity to local communities and immersion in the natural world makes Willow Creek Reservoir a convenient and highly rewarding escape for residents of the region.

As a well-maintained Fishing Access Site, Willow Creek Reservoir Campground focuses on providing the essential services needed for a comfortable lakeside camping experience while keeping the focus squarely on recreation and conservation.

• Designated Campsites: The site accommodates a mix of RV, trailer, and tent camping. While generally primitive, many sites feature a flat pad suitable for parking or setting up a tent.

• Toilets: Clean, vault-style toilets (outhouses) are available throughout the campground area, essential for maintaining hygiene in a busy recreation spot.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each designated campsite is typically equipped with a sturdy picnic table and an established fire ring or grate for safe, controlled campfires (always subject to local fire restrictions).

• Camping Shelters: Some areas of the FAS may include simple camping shelters or shade structures, offering respite from the intense Montana sun.

• Boat Launch Facility: A concrete boat ramp is provided, ensuring easy and safe access to the reservoir for motorboats, fishing boats, and non-motorized crafts like kayaks and canoes.

• Fee Structure: A nightly camping fee is required, with a significant discount offered to individuals who possess a valid Montana fishing license, promoting participation in the state’s recreational programs.

The features of Willow Creek Reservoir Campground are centered around its incredible aquatic environment and its location at the foot of one of Montana’s most dramatic mountain ranges.

• Exceptional Lake Fishing: The reservoir is widely regarded for its excellent fishing, regularly stocked with and supporting populations of Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon, providing a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.

• Direct Water Access: The site offers easy, direct access to the water, allowing for swimming (unsupervised), non-motorized boating, and general water-based recreation right from your campsite.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The entire area is rich in wildlife. Being near the Rocky Mountain Front and the Sun River Wildlife Management Area, campers frequently spot various bird species, including ospreys nesting nearby, as well as deer, elk, and other local fauna.

• Stunning Scenic Views: The visual appeal is a major highlight. The reservoir’s waters reflect the distant Rocky Mountain Front, creating picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets that showcase Montana’s famous 'Big Sky.'

• Irrigation Drawdown Dynamics: As an irrigation reservoir, water levels fluctuate seasonally. This characteristic is a feature of the experience, offering varied shoreline access for exploring or fishing at different times of the year.

• Camping Flexibility: The area is noted for having both designated, fee-based sites and options for dispersed camping around the lake (where permitted), providing flexibility for campers seeking different levels of privacy and amenity.

For the most current information regarding camping conditions, fees, fishing regulations, and water levels at this Montana FWP site, please use the following contact details:

• Campground Name: Willow Creek Reservoir Campground

• Address: GHW5+XP, Split Rock Junction, MT 59436, USA (Note: This is a Plus Code, or general geographic marker, for the area near Augusta, Montana.)

• Phone: (406) 454-5853

• Mobile Phone: +1 406-454-5853

This phone number, with its local 406 area code, connects you to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office responsible for managing the region, ensuring you receive the most reliable updates on seasonal changes and restrictions before your visit. Always call ahead to confirm the 7-day or 14-day maximum stay limit and any current fire bans in the area.

Choosing Willow Creek Reservoir Campground is choosing a piece of authentic Central Montana outdoor life. What makes this site particularly worth your time and trip is its unparalleled focus on accessible, quality water recreation. Unlike many dry, mountainous campgrounds, Willow Creek puts a prime fishing and boating reservoir literally steps away from your sleeping bag. For the devoted Montana angler, the discounted camping rate with a fishing license is a clear incentive, making it an affordable, high-value destination. The consistent stocking of Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon means the odds are always in your favor for a successful day on the water.

Beyond the fishing, the location provides an essential contrast. You get the vast, quiet expanse of the reservoir and the open prairie for incredible stargazing and bird watching, but with the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountain Front a short drive away. This scenic combination provides a unique duality for activities: you can spend one day trolling for fish on the lake and the next day hiking or exploring the rugged foothills.

Finally, the site's operation as an FWP Fishing Access Site means it is intentionally kept basic but well-maintained, promoting a genuinely rustic experience without the commercial distractions of private parks. The amenities are simple—toilets, boat launch, fire pits—but they are exactly what a true Montanan needs for an enjoyable week of camping, ensuring the focus remains on the family, the fire, and the fantastic views. If you are looking for a reliable, no-frills, fish-centric campsite with a world-class view that captures the spirit of the Big Sky, Willow Creek Reservoir Campground is the obvious choice.