Over the past couple of months entries we have been adventuring and boondocking our way across western Montana. In the “Owls & Cows” entry a couple of weeks ago I mentioned a FAS (Fishing Access Sites) complete with a low cost campground. FAS provide public access to bodies of water under the jurisdiction of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) across the state. Best of all for RVers is that many FAS offer free or low cost camping ($7 with a Montana fishing license, $12 without – senior discounts too!). Most camping locations feature vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings.
The Fishing Access Sites Field Guide has information on over 300 FWP fishing access sites on lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers and streams in Montana. The guide is available in a print directory*, as a downloadable pdf or eBook. You may also use their website to search for access sites by; Fishing Access Sites by Name, Nearest City/Town, Fishing Access Sites by Lake, Fishing Access Sites by Stream or With ANY of four ADA Accessibility Levels. Clicking on a site will provide a picture of the sites, if camping is permitted along with rates, a link to a map, location, length of stay allowed, coordinates and other useful information. The guide makes finding a campsite quick and easy. Even if you are not an angler, FAS campgrounds are conveniently located across the state and make a great base camp for any RV based adventure. If you carry a copy of the Montana State Gazetteer by DeLorme, you will also find the FAS called out with a circle with an internal arrow which will help to pinpoint them on your route. While FAS are not boondocking (my favorite kind of campsite) they are the next best thing.
Waterfront camping for free or low cost in the beautiful state of Montana, just another adventure in RVing!
Note: Campsites at a Fishing Access Site (FAS) are only available on a first come basis. FAS campsites are not the same as campsites at a Montana State Park.
*Available at Fish Wildlife Parks regional offices and sporting good outlets.
Shirley Layne says
how long can a camper and truck stay in a fishing access campground?