Howrey Island Recreation Area (SRMA)
RV Guide
Introduction
If you've got adventure on your mind, consider a visit to Montana's Howrey Island Recreation Area. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing RV getaway.
Howrey Island Recreation Area is located near Miles City, Montana. This Bureau of Land Management property is comprised of 592 acres in total and rests along the banks of the famed Yellowstone River. A property that permits dispersed camping, there are few amenities provided on the grounds, and campers are asked to take all waste materials with them when their vacation stay is done.
Howrey Island Recreation Area is alive with a diverse array of plant life including such varieties as wheatgrass, green-needle grass, and many different shrubs. The Yellowstone River provides ample water supply to support such tree species as cottonwood, green ash, and willows.
An active wildlife habitat, there are many different birds that frequent the grounds of Howrey Island Recreation Area. Those who like viewing birds in their native environment will enjoy the sights of such creatures as the American White Pelican, the Spotted Sandpiper, the Hairy Woodpecker, and the Western Wood Peewee to name only a few.
There are many interesting outdoor activities for families to enjoy at this remote recreational area. These include hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. For families looking to enjoy some RV or tent camping, they can take advantage of the dispersed camping on the grounds or visit one of the area campgrounds found in nearbyMiles City.
For an idyllic vacation in the heart of the Montana wilderness, you won't want to miss out on a trip to Howrey Island Recreation Area. It's an amazing place for your next RV stay.
RV Rentals in Howrey Island Recreation Area (SRMA)
Transportation
Driving
Howrey Island Recreation Area is easily located outside the small town of Hysham, Montana. To reach the park, travelers can follow Exit 67 from Highway I-94 W or I-94 E. Continue through town, passing over the set of railroad tracks. The sign for Howrey Island Recreation Area will be found just past the tracks on the right. The tracks are preceded by a small crossing known as Myers Bridge which traverses the Yellowstone River.
During bouts of excessive rain, flooding can occur, causing sections of the road to be closed to protect the wildlife that is indigenous to the region. The park itself is easy to access directly on foot if needed.
Parking
There is a small parking lot at the entrance to the park where travelers can safely leave their vehicles during a visit to Howrey Island Recreation Area.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Howrey Island Recreation Area due to its remote location.
Campgrounds and parking in Howrey Island Recreation Area (SRMA)
Campsites in Howrey Island Recreation Area (SRMA)
Reservations camping
Miles City KOA Campground
Miles City KOA Campground sits between the Tongue and Yellowstone Rivers. This camping facility is ideally situated, offering easy access to many of the most popular attractions in the region.
Miles City KOA is open year-round for both RV and tent camping. Reservations are required. The facility is large enough to accommodate RVs and trailers up to 100 feet in total length.
Among the on-site amenities are full power hookups, Wifi, cable TV, a pool, a dog park, a pavilion, and bike rentals. Firewood can be purchased on the grounds.
Dogs are permitted on the premises but must remain leashed at all times.
Tongue River Reservoir State Park Campground
Tongue River Reservoir State Park Campground is open from May 1st through September 30th yearly for RV and tent camping. Reservations are recommended for this popular camping facility.
Found on the grounds is a 12-mile reservoir that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the best outdoor recreation in the state.
There are 40 sites in total. RVs of up to 65 feet can be accommodated on the premises.
The on-site amenities include power hookups, picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water, toilets, and a waste disposal station.
Pets may join their owners on the premises but must remain leashed at all times.
First-come first-served
Howrey Island Campground
Howrey Island Campground is a Bureau of Land Management property that offers dispersed camping for RV and tent campers to enjoy. Housed on the same premises as the public park and popular trail, there is much to do at this beloved camping facility.
There are two sites provided for RV use. Stays are restricted to a maximum of 14 days. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
There are no amenities provided on the grounds. Campers must bring drinking water with them for their use.
The most popular activities at this camping facility include hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
A boat launch is housed on the premises for the public to use.
Seasonal activities in Howrey Island Recreation Area (SRMA)
In-Season
Range Rider's Museum
Range Riders Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Miles City. The museum itself consists of a vast space that has been dedicated to local artifacts that span the gamut from area fossil discoveries to memorabilia from very recent history.
Among the most popular exhibits found on the grounds include artifacts from early Native American inhabitants, pioneers, and soldiers. Proudly on display are several items which trace their roots to General Custer, the important historical figure for whom the museum's county is named.
Range Riders Museum is open from April through October each year. Other times of the year, tours can be arranged by phoning or emailing the museum office.
Pirogue Island State Park
Pirogue Island State Park is a wonderful place for families to enjoy some of the finest recreation the state has to offer. Nestled along the banks of the Yellowstone River, this BLM managed facility is an excellent spot for enjoying such beloved outdoor activities as fishing, boating, or swimming.
The property is a haven for many types of wildlife including many varieties of water birds and bald eagles. Mule deer and whitetail deer also frequent the grounds.
Though the premises does not offer many cleared hiking trails, there is ample ground for exploration. The elevation rises to 2,371 feet in total.
There are nearly three miles of marked trails that feature signs providing information about the history of the region.
Camping is not permitted on the grounds at Pirogue Island State Park.
WaterWorks Art Museum
WaterWorks Art Museum, a public building that was founded in 1977, is situated within a public recreational area that offers incredible views of the Yellowstone River. The museum takes its name from the premises it resides upon, the former WaterWorks which once provided the water supply for Miles City for a period of 60 years.
The museum strives to provide exhibits that encourage the preservation of artwork in the visual arts and humanities realms. Educational exhibits are housed on the grounds throughout the year, and the museum also features several permanent art collections.
Off-Season
Bonfield Fishing Access Site
For families that enjoy fishing. a trip to Bonfield Fishing Access Site will not disappoint. Whether you prefer camping from the shore or from a boat on the Yellowstone River, this body of water is well-stocked with fish that are ripe for catching.
Though primarily a day-use facility, tent camping is permitted; however, families must make note that only rustic style camping conditions are available on the grounds. The on-site amenities include a boat launch and vault toilets.
The most popular activities at Bonfield Fishing Access Site include boating, picnicking, fishing, and hunting.
The bridge leading to this site is quite narrow, so it is not recommended for RVs.
Calypso Trail
Hiking is a popular activity for most families on vacation, and the Calypso Trail, a BLM-managed property, will not disappoint those looking to hit the open road on foot. The trail itself is quite rustic and measures nearly six miles in length. Travel along this route leads to Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area, another interesting spot to explore. The landscape along the path consists of badlands which were the result of high wind and water, eroding the earth to form unique topographical features such as bridges, spires, and arches.
Travel through this trail is best done on foot or in a vehicle equipped with four-wheel-drive. When the ground is wet, the path is too muddy to navigate, and an alternate date should be selected for a visit.
The road is named for a former railroad station found on the premises.
There are many fun things to do on the Calypso Trail including hiking, cycling, hunting, photography, horseback riding, and the viewing of wildlife.
Johnson Reservoir
No trip to Howrey Island Recreation Area is complete without stopping by the Johnson Reservoir. A site designed primarily for day-use, Johnson Reservoir is a popular fishing locale for those that enjoy angling.
Johnson Reservoir is a manmade body of water that sits 20 miles outside the town of West Glendive. Fishing aficionados praise its plentiful opportunities for both angling and flyfishing.
A fishing license is required for enjoying a day of angling in Montana waters.
