Departure Point campground
Departure Point
Reservations are accepted at Departure Point camping area, allowing visitors to secure a spot in advance. This is particularly recommended during peak seasons when the campground tends to fill up quickly. It is advisable to check availability and make reservations to ensure a stress-free camping trip.
The best time to visit Departure Point camping area is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and favorable for outdoor activities. Campers can expect pleasant temperatures and beautiful vistas during this time of year. However, it is essential to note that the campground may experience high visitor traffic during peak months, so planning ahead is recommended.
While camping at Departure Point, visitors can explore various points of interest in the surrounding areas, such as hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic viewpoints. It is crucial to be cautious of wildlife encounters, as Montana is home to diverse wildlife, including bears. Campers should follow proper safety guidelines, such as storing food securely and keeping a safe distance from wildlife, to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
What's on-site at Departure Point
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Departure Point, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Log Gulch | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Holter Lake State Rec Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Holter Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Holter Dam | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Beartooth Landing | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Departure Point -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri River Bl Holter Dam Nr Wolf Cr Mt | 3,110 cfs | → |
| Little Prickly Pear Cr At Wolf Cr Mt | 88 cfs | → |
| Missouri River Bl Hauser Lake Nr Helena Mt | 3,230 cfs | → |
| Dearborn River Near Craig Mt | 326 cfs | → |
| Missouri River At Cascade Mt | 3,750 cfs | → |
| Tenmile Creek Near Helena Mt | 34 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Departure Point -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Helena 5.8 Ne | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Helena 2.0 Nnw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Helena Ap Asos | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nevada Ridge | 14.0 in | -1.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Nevada Ridge | 15.0 in | -1.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Copper Bottom | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Holter Lake Recreation Area
- Wilderness Gates Of The Mountains
- Black Sandy State Park
- Tower Rock State Park
- Womens Park
- Cruse Park
Boat launches
- Log Gulch Boat Ramp
- Holter Lake Boat Ramp
- Beartooth Road Lewis And Clark County
- Holter Dam Boat Ramp
- Hauser Dam Road Helena Valley Northeast
- White Sandy Boat Ramp
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Departure Point as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Departure Point
Can I make reservations at Departure Point?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Departure Point?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Departure Point.