Clark Canyon was our first wild camping experience. We had stayed at Mackay Reservoir in Mackay, Idaho with power only but Clark Canyon was the first time to be off the pavement and no hookups. We had spent time in a campground in Dillon and looked around to find a great spot to boondock. We moved over on Monday morning and got set up. We were all alone and the views across the reservoir were spectacular. We walked and climbed the hills around us and hiked around the north end of the reservoir. This is high desert and no trees. The breeze over the water made hot days comfortable. Lewis and Clark had passed through this part of Montana. There are historical markers throughout the whole area. We saw pronghorn antelope as we hiked by several herds grazing on the hillside near our campsite. Clark Canyon is a BLM area and there are several camping areas available for free camping up to 14 days. You can be in the front areas close to the damn where there are more people or further back with fewer people. There are pit toilets and a well with a hand pump for the camper’s common use. Some areas have shelters for tent campers. It can be very windy. There is a small campground with full hookup.
Off-the-grid camping is freedom. Our 5th wheel is just over 40 feet. The big issue is turning around. The unit goes forward with ease, however, turning around takes a large space. We always need to know where we are going. Our F350 4 wheel drive blazes the trail well. We have gone off-road and have seen the backcountry up close. During our time here, we explored the area following the Lewis and Clark trail taking us on gravel roads across the miles of open land with cattle and scrub. No trees.
We drove out to Bannack State park. Bannack is a ghost town in the middle of nowhere. The old building and main street were interesting and we were able to walk through many of the buildings. There was a great view as we hiked up to the top of the hill looking over the town and surrounding area. It was well worth our time.
The city of Dillon is the county seat of Beaverhead County Montana. It is a nice small city with pretty much anything you would need. It is a college town with the University of Montana Western. The Chamber of Commerce was helpful and gave us information on hiking and other things to see.
High Desert is such a contrast from the semi-tropical area where we spend half the year.
