Questionable Length Restrictions in Blodgett Canyon, Montana

Blodgett Canyon’s Version of El Capitan.

Blodgett Canyon is referred to by many as Montana’s little Yosemite. Being a fan of unique geological formations, this was a “must do” stop during our recent RV travels through the area with friends.

I obtained coordinates for the trailhead from Google Earth and noticed what appeared to be a campground at the mouth of the canyon. A quick search revealed that there was indeed a forest service campground adjoining the trail head.

Additional research brought me to the National Forest website. The campground states, “Blodgett Campground consists of five campsites, one walk-in site, plus 1 host site, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.” Perfect, a campground right next to the trailhead would provide a convenient base camp for exploring the area and everything it can offer.

Best of all, however, the campground is free. If you have been following my blog through the years, you know I am a big fan of free. However, only five campsites meant the odds of our group obtaining a site were not good. So, to increase our chances, we left late on a Sunday at the end of August just after school started.

As we turned off Hwy 93 in Hamilton, I was hoping to find spaces available. My hopes were quickly dashed when a sign said no trailers over 22 feet in length. Regardless of what the sign said, I decided to forge ahead to see if we had any options. Upon arriving, not only were the roads and sites able to obtain truck and trailer combinations up to 60 feet in length, but three sites were open.

Stressing over space availability and length restrictions is just another adventure in RVing.

What has your experience been with campground length restrictions? Please share in the comments section below.

Dave Helgeson

Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.