Two popular campgrounds within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument are scheduled to reopen on April 1, signaling the beginning of the spring recreation season.
According to an article by NBC Montana, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that James Kipp Recreation Area and Coal Banks Landing Campground will be the first to open after winter closures.
James Kipp Recreation Area is located in central Montana, where U.S. Highway 191 intersects with the Upper Missouri River valley.
The site offers 34 campsites without hookups, suitable for trailers and RVs up to 40 feet. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, trash disposal, and an RV waste dump station. Campsites are not reservable and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Coal Banks Landing Campground serves as a launch point for many river expeditions along the Upper Missouri.
The campground provides 20 campsites, also first-come, first-served. A new boat ramp, constructed in fall 2024, is now available to improve river access.
Located at the upriver end of the campground, the ramp accommodates both motorized jet boats and canoes. The previous ramp remains accessible for non-motorized watercraft.
According to Monument Manager Becky Cooper, BLM staff worked extensively to prepare the facilities following winter conditions.
Provided the weather remains stable, all major amenities at both sites should be accessible when the campgrounds open in April.
The updated infrastructure addresses ongoing sediment buildup that had reduced water flow at the original boat ramp.
With the new construction, boaters launching at Coal Banks Landing can more easily reach the scenic White Cliffs area of the monument.
Recreational users are reminded that river conditions remain cold and swift in early spring. All boaters are urged to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets and follow all watercraft regulations within the monument to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The reopening of these campgrounds supports continued access to one of Montana’s premier outdoor recreation areas.
For the outdoor recreation and campground industry, the early season availability of these sites extends the tourism window and encourages increased engagement with river-based activities, benefiting both regional economies and conservation efforts.
