Cottonwood Camp

Cottonwood Camp sits under a stand of cottonwood trees on twenty-two acres of lawn near Fort Smith, Montana, within walking distance of the Bighorn River. The property mixes cabins with full kitchens and private baths alongside 16x20 canvas-wall glamping tents, each with a private fire pit, BBQ grill and pellet stove. Surrounding fields and marshes open onto views of the Bighorn and Pryor mountains, and the Bighorn's first thirteen miles of trout water run right past the camp.

The setup leans toward anglers but works for groups, couples and families who want a base camp rather than a wilderness retreat. A fly shop on site rents drift boats, arranges shuttles and guided trips, and runs a fly school for anyone looking to sharpen their cast. Beyond fishing, there's a fly-fishing-themed golf course, archery, horseshoes, calf roping and a community fire pit where guests gather in the evening. Two bath houses with showers and a coin laundry round out the practical side.

It's not off-grid and there's no hot tub, but waterfront access is a defining feature, and trail access and fire pits are included with the stay. Pets aren't allowed. Office hours run early morning, roughly 7:30 to 9:00 most days (9:30 on Tuesdays), which lines up with the camp's daily guided fishing starts on the porch at 7am.

Booking runs through Cloudbeds via the camp's website, where cabins and tents can be checked for availability by date. Given the location near the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield, it's worth planning extra days for sightseeing beyond the river.