FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Blacks Pond Campground

Birney, Montana · Rosebud County · Campground

A campground on the Ashland Ranger District. Camp sites: 2Accessible Facilities:Toilet Trash Pickup: NoFirewood: NoNo Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.Information:Ashland District OfficeBox 168, Hwy 212Ashland, MT 59003(406) 784-2344

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45.34917, -106.28625
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About Blacks Pond Campground

A campground on the Ashland Ranger District. Camp sites: 2Accessible Facilities:Toilet Trash Pickup: NoFirewood: NoNo Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.Information:Ashland District OfficeBox 168, Hwy 212Ashland, MT 59003(406) 784-2344

How to Get There

From Ashland, MT travel east on Hwy 212 0.75 miles to Birney Turnoff (Tongue River Road). Turn right and travel 8 miles south to the O'Dell Creek Turnoff. Turn left on O'Dell Creek Road and travel 7 miles to the intersection of Forest Road 4021 and Forest Road 4131. Turn right on Forest Road 4021 and travel 0.5 miles to Blacks Pond.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Blacks Pond Campground

Heading to Blacks Pond Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Blacks Pond Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Blacks Pond Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/239886) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Blacks Pond Campground?

From Ashland, MT travel east on Hwy 212 0.75 miles to Birney Turnoff (Tongue River Road). Turn right and travel 8 miles south to the O'Dell Creek Turnoff. Turn left on O'Dell Creek Road and travel 7 miles to the intersection of Forest Road 4021 and Forest Road 4131. Turn right on Forest Road 4021 and travel 0.5 miles to Blacks Pond.

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