Outdoor Adventures in White Sulphur Springs, Montana
Your field guide to hiking, fishing, skiing, and exploring the mountains of Meagher County
White Sulphur Springs is more than hot pools and Main Street charm — it’s a basecamp for some of Montana’s wildest outdoor experiences. Surrounded by the Castle, Little Belt, and Big Belt Mountains, the town offers year-round access to trails, rivers, lakes, and snowy slopes.
This guide pulls together the best outdoor activities so you can plan your adventure with confidence.
Planning your trip? Start with our Complete Visitor Guide for everything to eat, stay, and do in town.
Hiking & Trails Near White Sulphur Springs
Skidway Campground Loop
Distance: 3.7 miles (loop)
Elevation gain: 610 ft
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: A forested loop near Townsend with gentle climbs and views of the Big Belt Mountains. Dog-friendly.
→ Get Directions
Mount Edith
Distance: 8.1 miles (out & back)
Elevation gain: 2,391 ft
Time: 5–5.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Highlights: A challenging trek to a 9,439 ft peak near Ringling with panoramic views. Best July–September.
→ Get Directions
Edith Baldy Basin Trail
Distance: 20.4 miles (out & back)
Elevation gain: 3,763 ft
Time: 10–11 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Highlights: A long wilderness hike with alpine lakes and solitude. Popular for backpacking, camping, and birding.
→ Get Directions
Elk Peak
Distance: 14 miles (out & back)
Elevation gain: 2,654 ft
Time: 7–7.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Highlights: Rugged trail near Martinsdale with sweeping ridgeline views and a true Montana backcountry feel.
→ Get Directions
Kings Hill Pass Trail
Distance: 5.9 miles (loop)
Elevation gain: 1,827 ft
Time: 3.5–4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Highlights: A year-round loop near Kings Hill Pass. Good for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, with dense forests and open ridges.
→ Get Directions
Pro Tip: After a day on the trails, unwind downtown — see our Where to Eat guide for cozy cafés and hearty dinners.
Fishing & Boating
Smith River
The Smith River is considered the crown jewel of Montana floats — a 59-mile canyon trip between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge with towering limestone cliffs, wildlife, and world-class trout fishing. Because it’s so special, a permit is required to float, awarded by lottery each January–February.
Even if you don’t draw a permit, the Smith River corridor is still worth experiencing: Montana’s Stream Access Law allows shoreline fishing below the high-water mark, and nearby access sites provide opportunities to cast for trout or simply enjoy the views.
A full Smith River Fishing & Float Guide is coming soon.
Camp Baker (Smith River Put-In)
Coordinates: 46.799572, -111.18027
Directions: 17 miles west of White Sulphur Springs on Hwy 360, then 9.6 miles north on Smith River Road. → Get Directions
Details: Mandatory launch site for Smith River permits. Facilities include toilets, camping, and ranger check-in.
Eden Bridge (Smith River Take-Out)
Coordinates: 47.236084, -111.38985
Directions: 8 miles south of Ulm on Secondary Road 330. → Get Directions
Details: Standard take-out for the 59-mile Smith River float. Facilities include toilets.
Plan your cast: Read our Fishing in White Sulphur Springs guide for gear tips, seasons, and maps.
Fishing Access Sites
Newlan Creek Reservoir
Coordinates: 46.64273, -110.93724
Directions: 12 miles north of White Sulphur Springs. → Get Directions
Fort Logan (North Fork Smith River)
Coordinates: 46.7451369, -111.1740108
Directions: 17 miles west of White Sulphur Springs, then 2 miles north on Smith River Rd. → Get Directions
Martinsdale Reservoir FAS (Lake Sutherlin)
Coordinates: 46.45061, -110.28213
Directions: 1 mile east of Martinsdale on County Rd. → Get Directions
Always check Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for current water levels and site updates.
Winter Sports
Showdown Montana (alpine skiing & snowboarding)
Montana’s oldest, woman-owned ski area sits about 35 minutes south of White Sulphur Springs on US-89. Expect a laid-back vibe, short lines, and consistent snowfall.
Plan your day: Snow report & mountain cams
What’s open: Grooming report & trail status
Tickets & rentals: Lift tickets • Season passes • Rentals (reserve online)
Family perks: $10 4th & 5th Grader season pass
Tip: Showdown generally operates Wednesday–Sunday plus Monday holidays. On powder days, check the grooming report the morning you go.
Silver Crest Trails (Nordic skiing & snowshoeing)
Located at Kings Hill Recreation Area (just north of the pass), Silver Crest offers ~12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails plus 2 miles of dedicated snowshoe routes, warming huts, and occasional moonlight ski nights.
Trail conditions & updates: Silver Crest Trails Association blog
Trail map (GeoPDF & printable): Silver Crest Trails Association (nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service)
Snowmobiling — Kings Hill / Little Belt Mountains
Located at Kings Hill Recreation Area (just north of the pass), Silver Crest offers ~12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails plus 2 miles of dedicated snowshoe routes, warming huts, and occasional moonlight ski nights. The trails are maintained by the nonprofit Silver Crest Trails Association in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
Overview & stats: Montana Office of Tourism – Kings Hill/Little Belt Snowmobile Trail
Real-time updates & rider meetups: Kings Hill Snowmobile Riding Buddies (Facebook group)
Tip: Grooming and parking conditions change quickly—check the Facebook group or local club updates before you go.
Stay nearby: Check Where to Stay in White Sulphur Springs for cozy cabins and ski-weekend lodges.
Camping & Cabins Near White Sulphur Springs
Whether you’re rolling in with an RV, pitching a tent under Montana skies, or looking for a rustic cabin stay in the forest, White Sulphur Springs offers a mix of convenient in-town options and wild mountain escapes.
Conestoga Campground & RV Park
815 8th Ave SW, White Sulphur Springs, MT
Full-service campground right in town with RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins. Guests enjoy clean showers, laundry, a rec room, playground, pet-friendly areas, and free fiber-optic Wi-Fi. A gift shop and small store are onsite.
Overnight Use:
RV Sites: Starting at $43–48 per night
Tent Sites: Starting at $25 per night
Cabins: Starting at $70 per night (+ $30 cleaning fee)
Season of Use: May 1 – November 1
Facilities: 50/30 amp full hookups, pull-thru sites (up to 45 ft), potable water, dump station, laundry, store, pet exercise area, playground, community space, propane fire pits only (no open fires).
Notes: Membership and discounts available (limitations apply). All reservations must be paid in full at time of booking.
🌐 Conestoga Campground Website
👉 Book on Campspot
→ Get Directions
Springs Campground
1004 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, MT
Budget-friendly campground along the river with easy highway access. Popular with both RVs and tent campers.
Overnight Use: Rates vary (check onsite)
Facilities: RV water hookup, running water, shade trees, pet-friendly (dogs allowed).
Notes: Smaller and simpler than Conestoga — a convenient in-town option.
Jumping Creek Campground
US-89, 22 miles north of White Sulphur Springs (Little Belt Mountains)
At 5,800 feet elevation, this Forest Service campground has 10 sites along Sheep Creek, with opportunities to fish for brook and rainbow trout. Nearby ATV trails climb Mizpah Peak, and historic logging roads provide access into the Smoky Mountain area.
Overnight Use: $15 per night for a single unit
Season of Use: Late May – October (dependent on snowfall)
Facilities: Vault toilets (ADA accessible), picnic tables, fire rings, grills, potable water (seasonal). Accommodates trailers up to 45 ft.
Notes: First-come, first-served only. 16-day stay limit. Bear food storage order in effect March 1 – Dec 1. Horses not allowed. OHVs restricted to campground roads. Leashed dogs welcome.
Thompson Guard Station
East side of the Big Belt Mountains, ~17 miles from White Sulphur Springs
Built in the 1950s, this historic Forest Service cabin is a spacious two-room getaway with a deck, wood stove, propane lanterns, and horse corrals. The area offers nearby hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and several small lakes — one accessible by vehicle, others by trail or horseback.
Overnight Use: $50 per night for a single unit
Season of Use: April 1 – December 15
Facilities: Sleeps 6–8, deck, wood stove, propane lanterns, corrals, no running water or electricity. Vehicle access in summer; winter access requires skis/snowmobiles for last ~4 miles. Road #139 usually opens mid-June.
Notes: Rustic but scenic stay; great option for families or groups with stock animals.
Tips for Campers
Plan Ahead: Popular weekends and the Red Ants Pants Music Festival fill every site in town. Book or arrive early.
Be Bear Aware: Whether you’re in the Big Belts or Little Belts, keep food stored properly.
Fire Safety: Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure it’s completely out before leaving.
Know the Season: Forest Service campgrounds usually open late May and close by October depending on snow.
Pack for Weather: Mountain weather changes fast — bring layers, even in midsummer.
Final Word
White Sulphur Springs isn’t just a stop — it’s a basecamp for adventure. From alpine trails and hidden reservoirs to snowy slopes and the legendary Smith River, Meagher County offers a year-round mix of wild country and small-town comfort.
After your adventure:
Warm up in the Spa Hot Springs and grab dinner at Bar 47 or The Jawbone.
That’s the Montana way to end the day.
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