Rock Garden is a primitive boat camp on the Smith River, located approximately 6.8 miles downstream from the Camp Baker put-in. Access is exclusively by non-motorized watercraft — rafts, canoes, kayaks, or drift boats — as part of the mandatory permitted float on the 59-mile stretch between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. A lottery permit is required to use this stretch of river, with applications accepted January 1 through February 15 each year and launches permitted April 1 through August 15. No toilet facilities are provided at the camp; all human waste must be packed out using agency-approved hard-sided portable toilets. Rock Garden is one of 27 designated boat camps with 52 campsites along the river corridor, which passes through a mix of FWP, National Forest, DNRC, and leased private lands. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed. Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at SmithRiver@mt.gov or 406-454-5861 (in-season) for permit and registration information.
Open Apr through Aug
Phone: 406-454-5840 (August 16-February 28); 406-454-5861 (March 2-August 15, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. MT)
Rock Garden is located 6.8 miles from Camp Baker and is rated as a good first night campsite option.
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.
Rock Garden is a primitive boat camp on the Smith River, located approximately 6.8 miles downstream from the Camp Baker put-in. Access is exclusively by non-motorized watercraft — rafts, canoes, kayaks, or drift boats — as part of the mandatory permitted float on the 59-mile stretch between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. A lottery permit is required to use this stretch of river, with applications accepted January 1 through February 15 each year and launches permitted April 1 through August 15. No toilet facilities are provided at the camp; all human waste must be packed out using agency-approved hard-sided portable toilets. Rock Garden is one of 27 designated boat camps with 52 campsites along the river corridor, which passes through a mix of FWP, National Forest, DNRC, and leased private lands. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed. Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at SmithRiver@mt.gov or 406-454-5861 (in-season) for permit and registration information.
Open Apr through Aug
Phone: 406-454-5840 (August 16-February 28); 406-454-5861 (March 2-August 15, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. MT)
Rock Garden is located 6.8 miles from Camp Baker and is rated as a good first night campsite option.
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.