RV Dump Stations In Clinton, Montana
46.7691° N, 113.7126° W
Quick Overview
Clinton, Montana is a small unincorporated community on I-90 about 20 to 25 miles east of Missoula, and it punches well above its size as a basecamp for fishing and public-land recreation. We count several dump stations in the area, with the most dependable being Bearmouth Chalet RV Park at Exit 138, which has a dump station, big-rig pull-throughs, and 15/30/50-amp electric and water. Beavertail Hill State Park adds electric sites right on the Clark Fork River, and the surrounding national forest and BLM lands offer extensive free dispersed camping.
The draw here is water and history. Rock Creek, south of Exit 126, is one of Montana premier blue-ribbon trout streams, with a famous salmonfly hatch in mid-June that fills the local sites. The Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers add miles more trout water and scenic floating. History buffs can visit Garnet Ghost Town, the best-preserved gold-mining ghost town in the state, reachable only via the MT-200 approach in a smaller vehicle. Beavertail Hill State Park puts you right on the Clark Fork for easy float and trout access.
Plan for a rural, off-grid experience. Clinton itself has virtually no commercial services, so stock fuel, propane, and groceries in Missoula before arriving. The side roads are the catch: Rock Creek Road and the Garnet approach turn narrow and rough quickly, so keep big rigs on I-90 and MT-200 and explore the canyons by tow vehicle. Summers are warm with cool nights, winters demand full winterization, and cell service drops out fast once you leave the interstate, so download offline maps.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Clinton
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All Dump Stations Near Clinton
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekstroms Stage Station Campground | 4.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| KOA - Missoula KOA Campground / El Mar KOA Campground | 17.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Mountain West Co-Op - Cenex | 18.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Square Dance Center and Campground | 20.1 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Free |
| Good Time Camping & RV Park | 22.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Rest Stop | 22.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rest Area - Camp Utmost | 22.9 mi | 5.0 | Dump Station | Free |
| Exxon Town Pump | 23.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Jellystone Park | 23.7 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Outpost Campground | 24.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
Ekstroms Stage Station Campground
4.2 miKOA - Missoula KOA Campground / El Mar KOA Campground
17.9 miMountain West Co-Op - Cenex
18.1 miSquare Dance Center and Campground
20.1 miGood Time Camping & RV Park
22.5 miRest Stop
22.8 miRest Area - Camp Utmost
22.9 miExxon Town Pump
23.7 miJellystone Park
23.7 miOutpost Campground
24.4 miTraveling to Clinton by RV
Clinton sits right on I-90 about 20 to 25 miles east of Missoula, served by Exits 126 and 138, so it is an easy interstate stop. MT-200 branches northwest and follows the scenic Blackfoot River toward the Garnet area. Montana legal limits are 8.5 feet wide, 14 feet tall, and 70 feet combined, and the main highways handle big rigs without trouble. The complications are all on the side roads: Rock Creek Road south of Exit 126 becomes narrow and rough within a few miles, and the Garnet approach must use MT-200 near mile markers 22 and 23, never Bear Gulch Road.
Because Clinton has almost no services, treat Missoula as your supply hub. Fill fuel, propane, and groceries there, or in Drummond about 25 miles east, before heading into the back country, since there is no fuel on Rock Creek Road or the Garnet route. Bretz RV and Marine in Missoula handles repairs. Park the big rig at Bearmouth Chalet near Exit 138 or Beavertail Hill State Park on the Clark Fork, then explore the canyons, rivers, and ghost town in a smaller vehicle to avoid the rough side roads.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Clinton, Montana, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Clinton
Clinton is friendly to a range of budgets. Free dispersed camping on the Lolo National Forest and BLM land around Garnet costs nothing for self-contained rigs, with the standard 14-day limit. Beavertail Hill State Park offers affordable electric sites on the Clark Fork, and Bearmouth Chalet RV Park sits in a moderate range for its full hookups and dump station. There is no premium resort pricing out here, so your nightly costs stay reasonable however you camp.
The bigger budget line is supplies, since everything comes from Missoula. Fuel up there to avoid running low in an area with no back-country stations, and stock groceries and propane at once to limit return trips. A Montana fishing license is an easy add for Rock Creek and the Clark Fork, and Garnet Ghost Town charges only a small per-person day-use fee. Overall, Clinton is an affordable place to enjoy world-class trout water and Montana scenery, especially if you lean on the free public-land sites.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Clinton
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Best Time to Visit Clinton by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
15F - 33F
Crowds: Low
Cold with regular sub-freezing temperatures and about 44 snow days a year. Full winterization is required and most campgrounds close. Watch for black ice on MT-200 along the Blackfoot. A season for passing through, not lingering.
Spring
Mar - May
30F - 58F
Crowds: Low
Cool and unsettled, with snow possible into May at elevation. Rivers run high with snowmelt. Campgrounds begin opening around Memorial Day, so call ahead. A quiet shoulder season before the summer fishing crowds arrive.
Summer
Jun - Aug
46F - 82F
Crowds: High
Warm days and cool nights with low humidity, the best season here. The Rock Creek salmonfly hatch in mid-June draws anglers and fills Bearmouth Chalet. Bring layers for chilly mornings and watch for wildfire smoke in late summer.
Fall
Sep - Oct
33F - 59F
Crowds: Medium
Excellent and underrated, with good fishing and gold-colored larch by mid-October. Days are crisp and crowds thin out after Labor Day. Most campgrounds close by the end of October, so confirm openings late in the season.
Explore the Clinton Area
Stock up before you arrive. Clinton has virtually no commercial services, so fill fuel, propane, and groceries in Missoula 20 to 25 miles west. Bearmouth Chalet RV Park at Exit 138 is the only full-service RV option nearby and the most reliable place to dump, but it books up during the mid-June salmonfly hatch, so reserve early.
Respect the side roads. Rock Creek Road becomes narrow and rough within a few miles, so large rigs should not push deep, and Garnet Ghost Town should only be approached via MT-200, never Bear Gulch Road from I-90. Leave the big rig at camp and explore the canyons and ghost town in a tow vehicle for a far less stressful day.
Prepare for the conditions. Summer nights drop into the mid-40s even in July, so pack warm bedding. Cell service is spotty in the side canyons, so download offline maps before heading up Rock Creek or toward Garnet. The Blackfoot River corridor along MT-200 is less crowded than Rock Creek during the peak hatch if you want more elbow room.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Clinton
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Clinton, Montana?
The go-to is Bearmouth Chalet RV Park at I-90 Exit 138, which has a dump station along with big-rig friendly pull-through sites and 15/30/50-amp electric and water. We count several dump stations around Clinton, but commercial services here are thin, so the RV park is your most dependable bet. Beavertail Hill State Park on the Clark Fork River also offers electric sites seasonally. If you are passing through, plan to dump at Bearmouth, since the next reliable services are back in Missoula about 20 to 25 miles west. Call ahead during the June salmonfly hatch when the park fills.
Are there free camping options near Clinton?
Yes, and they are excellent. Clinton is surrounded by public land, with extensive dispersed camping on the Lolo National Forest in the Rock Creek area and on BLM land near Garnet. These free sites carry the standard 14-day limit and offer no hookups, so come fully self-contained. The Peninsula dispersed area has about 12 sites along the Clark Fork with fire rings. Be aware that Rock Creek Road turns narrow and rough quickly, so large rigs should not push deep, and the Garnet approach is only suitable via MT-200, never Bear Gulch Road. Cell service is spotty, so download offline maps.
Is Rock Creek good for fishing?
Rock Creek is one of Montana premier blue-ribbon trout streams and a genuine destination for fly anglers. The famous salmonfly hatch in mid-June brings explosive dry-fly fishing and a wave of visitors, so book early if you want a site then. Access is south of I-90 Exit 126, but the road becomes narrow and rough, so park larger rigs at Bearmouth or Beavertail Hill and fish from a smaller vehicle. The nearby Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers add miles more water for trout and scenic floating. A Montana fishing license is required and easy to pick up in Missoula.
What is Garnet Ghost Town and can I visit by RV?
Garnet is Montana best-preserved ghost town, an 1860s gold-mining camp managed by the BLM about 30 miles from Missoula. It is a fascinating stop with standing buildings and a small day-use fee. The critical thing for RVers is the approach: you must use the MT-200 route, turning near mile markers 22 and 23, because Bear Gulch Road from I-90 is steep, narrow, and not suitable for RVs. Vehicle access runs roughly May through mid-December. We suggest leaving the rig at camp and driving up in a tow vehicle, since the final stretch is rough mountain road.
What highway access does Clinton have?
Clinton sits right on I-90 about 20 to 25 miles east of Missoula, with Exits 126 and 138 serving the area, so it is an easy interstate stop. MT-200 branches northwest from the interstate and follows the scenic Blackfoot River. Montana legal limits are 8.5 feet wide, 14 feet tall, and 70 feet combined length. The catch is the side roads: Rock Creek Road south of Exit 126 becomes narrow and rough quickly, and the Garnet approach must use MT-200, not Bear Gulch Road. Stick to the interstate and main highways with a big rig and scout side canyons by car.
When is the best time to RV in Clinton, Montana?
Late May through early October is the window, with July and August the peak. Summer brings warm days, cool nights, and low humidity, ideal for fishing and floating, though nights drop into the mid-40s even in July, so pack warm bedding. Mid-June is special for the Rock Creek salmonfly hatch but books up fast. Fall is excellent and underrated, with good fishing and golden larch by mid-October. Avoid winter unless you are fully winterized, since sub-freezing temperatures are regular and most campgrounds close. Spring is cool and quiet with snowmelt-swollen rivers.
Where do I get fuel and supplies near Clinton?
Plan ahead, because Clinton itself has virtually no commercial services. Fill fuel, propane, and groceries in Missoula about 20 to 25 miles west, or in Drummond roughly 25 miles east. There is no fuel on Rock Creek Road or the Garnet approach, so top off before heading into the back country. Missoula has everything: Walmart, Costco, propane at CHS Mountain West and U-Haul, and Bretz RV and Marine for repairs and RV propane. We strongly recommend stocking everything in Missoula before you arrive, since the area around Clinton is rural and the side roads have no services at all.
Is Bearmouth Chalet RV Park a good option?
For full hookups near Clinton, it is the only real game in town and a solid one. Bearmouth Chalet RV Park sits at I-90 Exit 138 with about 46 sites offering 15/30/50-amp electric and water, big-rig friendly pull-throughs, and a dump station, open roughly May through October. There are no sewer hookups at the sites, but the dump station covers you. It books up during the mid-June salmonfly hatch on Rock Creek, so reserve early if you are timing a fishing trip. For an easy, full-service interstate stop with mountain scenery, it is hard to beat in this stretch of Montana.
Can big rigs handle the roads around Clinton?
On the interstate and main highways, yes, but the side roads demand caution. I-90 and MT-200 are fine for big rigs within Montana legal limits of 8.5 feet wide and 70 feet combined. The trouble starts on the back roads: Rock Creek Road south of Exit 126 becomes narrow and rough within a few miles and is not recommended for trailers or motorhomes beyond the start, and Bear Gulch Road to Garnet is not for RVs at all. Park the big rig at Bearmouth Chalet or Beavertail Hill State Park and explore the canyons and ghost town in a smaller vehicle.
What is Beavertail Hill State Park like?
Beavertail Hill State Park is a pleasant, affordable spot on the Clark Fork River with 24 electric sites, open from Memorial Day through October 31. It gives you direct access to the Clark Fork, a classic Montana trout river with brown and rainbow trout and easy floating, making it a favorite for anglers who want to be on the water. The setting is quiet and scenic, a good middle option between Bearmouth full hookups and free dispersed camping. Reserve through the Montana state parks system, especially for summer weekends, by calling 1-855-922-6768 ahead of your trip.
Is there cell service around Clinton?
Coverage is unreliable once you leave the I-90 corridor. Cell service is spotty in the side canyons, including much of Rock Creek and the Garnet area, so you cannot count on a signal for navigation or emergencies in the back country. We strongly recommend downloading offline maps before you head up Rock Creek Road or toward Garnet Ghost Town, and letting someone know your plans. Along the interstate and at Bearmouth Chalet near Exit 138 you will generally have service, but treat the surrounding public lands as off-grid and prepare accordingly with paper maps and extra supplies.
What should I plan for weather-wise?
Mountain weather here swings hard even in summer. Daytime highs reach the low 80s in July, but nights routinely drop into the mid-40s, so bring layers and warm bedding regardless of season. Winters are genuinely cold with regular sub-freezing temperatures and around 44 snow days a year, requiring full winterization. Black ice forms on MT-200 along the river. Late summer can bring wildfire smoke that affects air quality and views. Spring and fall are cool, with snow possible into May at elevation. Pack for a wide range and check forecasts before heading into the higher canyons.
What should I know before visiting Clinton, Montana?
Treat Clinton as a gateway to public-land recreation rather than a service town. Stock fuel, propane, and groceries in Missoula before you arrive, because Clinton has almost nothing. Match your rig to the roads: keep big coaches on I-90 and MT-200, and use Bearmouth Chalet or Beavertail Hill as a base while exploring Rock Creek, the Clark Fork, and Garnet Ghost Town by smaller vehicle. Reserve early around the mid-June salmonfly hatch. Download offline maps for the canyons, pack layers for cold nights, and you have a superb fishing-and-scenery basecamp just off the interstate.
Where can I dump my RV tanks in Clinton, Montana?
The go-to is Bearmouth Chalet RV Park at I-90 Exit 138, which has a dump station along with big-rig friendly pull-through sites and 15/30/50-amp electric and water. We count {{stationCount}} dump stations around Clinton, but commercial services here are thin, so the RV park is your most dependable bet. Beavertail Hill State Park on the Clark Fork River also offers electric sites seasonally. If you are passing through, plan to dump at Bearmouth, since the next reliable services are back in Missoula about 20 to 25 miles west. Call ahead during the June salmonfly hatch when the park fills.
Are there free camping options near Clinton?
Yes, and they are excellent. Clinton is surrounded by public land, with extensive dispersed camping on the Lolo National Forest in the Rock Creek area and on BLM land near Garnet. These free sites carry the standard 14-day limit and offer no hookups, so come fully self-contained. The Peninsula dispersed area has about 12 sites along the Clark Fork with fire rings. Be aware that Rock Creek Road turns narrow and rough quickly, so large rigs should not push deep, and the Garnet approach is only suitable via MT-200, never Bear Gulch Road. Cell service is spotty, so download offline maps.
Is Rock Creek good for fishing?
Rock Creek is one of Montana premier blue-ribbon trout streams and a genuine destination for fly anglers. The famous salmonfly hatch in mid-June brings explosive dry-fly fishing and a wave of visitors, so book early if you want a site then. Access is south of I-90 Exit 126, but the road becomes narrow and rough, so park larger rigs at Bearmouth or Beavertail Hill and fish from a smaller vehicle. The nearby Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers add miles more water for trout and scenic floating. A Montana fishing license is required and easy to pick up in Missoula.
What is Garnet Ghost Town and can I visit by RV?
Garnet is Montana best-preserved ghost town, an 1860s gold-mining camp managed by the BLM about 30 miles from Missoula. It is a fascinating stop with standing buildings and a small day-use fee. The critical thing for RVers is the approach: you must use the MT-200 route, turning near mile markers 22 and 23, because Bear Gulch Road from I-90 is steep, narrow, and not suitable for RVs. Vehicle access runs roughly May through mid-December. We suggest leaving the rig at camp and driving up in a tow vehicle, since the final stretch is rough mountain road.
What highway access does Clinton have?
Clinton sits right on I-90 about 20 to 25 miles east of Missoula, with Exits 126 and 138 serving the area, so it is an easy interstate stop. MT-200 branches northwest from the interstate and follows the scenic Blackfoot River. Montana legal limits are 8.5 feet wide, 14 feet tall, and 70 feet combined length. The catch is the side roads: Rock Creek Road south of Exit 126 becomes narrow and rough quickly, and the Garnet approach must use MT-200, not Bear Gulch Road. Stick to the interstate and main highways with a big rig and scout side canyons by car.
When is the best time to RV in Clinton, Montana?
Late May through early October is the window, with July and August the peak. Summer brings warm days, cool nights, and low humidity, ideal for fishing and floating, though nights drop into the mid-40s even in July, so pack warm bedding. Mid-June is special for the Rock Creek salmonfly hatch but books up fast. Fall is excellent and underrated, with good fishing and golden larch by mid-October. Avoid winter unless you are fully winterized, since sub-freezing temperatures are regular and most campgrounds close. Spring is cool and quiet with snowmelt-swollen rivers.
Where do I get fuel and supplies near Clinton?
Plan ahead, because Clinton itself has virtually no commercial services. Fill fuel, propane, and groceries in Missoula about 20 to 25 miles west, or in Drummond roughly 25 miles east. There is no fuel on Rock Creek Road or the Garnet approach, so top off before heading into the back country. Missoula has everything: Walmart, Costco, propane at CHS Mountain West and U-Haul, and Bretz RV and Marine for repairs and RV propane. We strongly recommend stocking everything in Missoula before you arrive, since the area around Clinton is rural and the side roads have no services at all.
Is Bearmouth Chalet RV Park a good option?
For full hookups near Clinton, it is the only real game in town and a solid one. Bearmouth Chalet RV Park sits at I-90 Exit 138 with about 46 sites offering 15/30/50-amp electric and water, big-rig friendly pull-throughs, and a dump station, open roughly May through October. There are no sewer hookups at the sites, but the dump station covers you. It books up during the mid-June salmonfly hatch on Rock Creek, so reserve early if you are timing a fishing trip. For an easy, full-service interstate stop with mountain scenery, it is hard to beat in this stretch of Montana.
Can big rigs handle the roads around Clinton?
On the interstate and main highways, yes, but the side roads demand caution. I-90 and MT-200 are fine for big rigs within Montana legal limits of 8.5 feet wide and 70 feet combined. The trouble starts on the back roads: Rock Creek Road south of Exit 126 becomes narrow and rough within a few miles and is not recommended for trailers or motorhomes beyond the start, and Bear Gulch Road to Garnet is not for RVs at all. Park the big rig at Bearmouth Chalet or Beavertail Hill State Park and explore the canyons and ghost town in a smaller vehicle.
What is Beavertail Hill State Park like?
Beavertail Hill State Park is a pleasant, affordable spot on the Clark Fork River with 24 electric sites, open from Memorial Day through October 31. It gives you direct access to the Clark Fork, a classic Montana trout river with brown and rainbow trout and easy floating, making it a favorite for anglers who want to be on the water. The setting is quiet and scenic, a good middle option between Bearmouth full hookups and free dispersed camping. Reserve through the Montana state parks system, especially for summer weekends, by calling 1-855-922-6768 ahead of your trip.
Is there cell service around Clinton?
Coverage is unreliable once you leave the I-90 corridor. Cell service is spotty in the side canyons, including much of Rock Creek and the Garnet area, so you cannot count on a signal for navigation or emergencies in the back country. We strongly recommend downloading offline maps before you head up Rock Creek Road or toward Garnet Ghost Town, and letting someone know your plans. Along the interstate and at Bearmouth Chalet near Exit 138 you will generally have service, but treat the surrounding public lands as off-grid and prepare accordingly with paper maps and extra supplies.
What should I plan for weather-wise?
Mountain weather here swings hard even in summer. Daytime highs reach the low 80s in July, but nights routinely drop into the mid-40s, so bring layers and warm bedding regardless of season. Winters are genuinely cold with regular sub-freezing temperatures and around 44 snow days a year, requiring full winterization. Black ice forms on MT-200 along the river. Late summer can bring wildfire smoke that affects air quality and views. Spring and fall are cool, with snow possible into May at elevation. Pack for a wide range and check forecasts before heading into the higher canyons.
What should I know before visiting Clinton, Montana?
Treat Clinton as a gateway to public-land recreation rather than a service town. Stock fuel, propane, and groceries in Missoula before you arrive, because Clinton has almost nothing. Match your rig to the roads: keep big coaches on I-90 and MT-200, and use Bearmouth Chalet or Beavertail Hill as a base while exploring Rock Creek, the Clark Fork, and Garnet Ghost Town by smaller vehicle. Reserve early around the mid-June salmonfly hatch. Download offline maps for the canyons, pack layers for cold nights, and you have a superb fishing-and-scenery basecamp just off the interstate.
Are there free dump stations in Clinton?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Clinton.
All Dump Stations Near Clinton (18)
RV Dump StationsEkstroms Stage Station Campground
RV Dump StationsMountain West Co-Op - Cenex
RV Dump StationsKOA - Missoula KOA Campground / El Mar KOA Campground
RV Dump StationsRest Stop
RV Dump StationsRest Area - Camp Utmost
RV Dump StationsSquare Dance Center and Campground
RV Dump StationsJellystone Park
RV Dump Stations





