Bannack preserves over 50 structures from Montana’s first territorial capital, where Vigilante justice ruled and fortunes were made in Grasshopper Creek’s placer gold. The campground sits among cottonwoods below the ghost town, with basic sites and vault toilets but no hookups or showers. Most overlanders wander the boardwalks at dusk when the buildings cast long shadows across Main Street.
The 25-mile gravel approach from Dillon follows the Beaverhead River valley — washboard in places but manageable for any vehicle. Open year-round but water is shut off October through April. The town comes alive during Living History weekends in summer when volunteers demonstrate period skills.
Ghost town camping where the Vigilantes rode
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Bannack, Montana Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Nearest town | Dillon, MT |
| Miles from pavement | 25 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 28 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $12.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |