CAMP EXPERIENCE

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18 Acres of Big Sky Bliss

Your Montana adventure basecamp matters!  Our competition will paint you into a rigid box.  Cottonwood Camp provides unparalleled activities + amenities throughout our hallowed grounds.  Our surroundings set the stage - 360 degree views of the Pryor & Bighorn mountains, adjacent to 300 acres of Bighorn Canyon Nat'l Rec Area Land.  Our passion for creating memorable experiences fuels our legacy. 

Steps from your home away from home you'll find:

  • Cornhole
    • Safer than throwing hand grenades 
    •  
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3 MILE FLY & TACKLE

Our shop is the premier resource for any angler keen on catching fish on the Bighorn.  Our expansive line of flies, tackle and gear is centered around success on the Bighorn.  We only partner with industry leaders such as Sage, R.L., Simms, Scientific Angler because quality matters on the water when you expect success every time you wet a line. 

Our fly selections contain specialized patters that have been developed with decades of experience on the Bighorn.  Our staff is filled with experienced anglers who are passionate about talking all things fishing - tackle, technique, hatches, fly patterns, and beyond.

Bighorn Buzz - Daily from 7am-10am

Our Fly Shop porch is the place to be each morning.  We supply the coffee and conversation about what's been working and what to expect.  No better way to start the day than to talk a little Bighorn River shop with our team of expert fishing guides and fellow guests.  

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Services

Guided Trips
Drift Boats
Classes
Shuttles
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ADD ONs

Cottonwood Camp lives by two universal truths:

  • Each Montana adventure is different 
  • Attention to detail matters

Our services can be tailored to exactly what You need! Not the guy next to you or the ankle bitter behind you.  Our team is passionate about delivering a one of a kind experience so ask and you shall receive.  Common requests are reflected below but our abilities are limitless!  Submit a custom request form and put us to the test. 

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Add Ons

Food & Beverage Packages
Airport Transfer
Concierge Services
All Inclusive Adventures
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TRIP PLANNER

When the Big Sky is the limit it is easy to get overwhelmed.  Talk to our team today and let us plan your much deserved Montana adventure today.  Put us to the test and we guarantee you'll walk away fulfilled!

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Fun On And Off The River

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Battle of Little Bighorn

bighorn lake (Large)

Bighorn Lake

Devil's Canyon overlook at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Ar

Bighorn Canyon National Rec. Area

Aerial View of Downtown Casper, Wyoming at Dusk on Christmas Day

Downtown Billings

horseback riding in mountains

Hiking & Horseback

Mint-bar-sign-2

Sheridan, WY

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get your fishing license

weather report

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Fort Smith, US
5:22 pm, October 14, 2026
8°F
clear sky
66 %
1040 mb
8 mph
Wind Gust: 0 mph
Clouds: 0%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:58 am
Sunset: 6:04 pm
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getting here

Click here or see below for directions from the nearest popular cities. 

From Billings, MT

Fort Smith is located approximately 90 miles South East of Billings, Montana. From the Billings Logan International Airport, drive east on Interstate 94 then exit on to I-90 south to Hardin. Take the first Hardin exit and turn right, veering right where the road forks, and driving straight through the four-way stop. This is Hwy 313. Follow Hwy 313 and the signs to Bighorn Canyon Recreation Area 20 miles to St. Xavier and turn left. In approximately 16 miles take a right just past mile marker 38. Cross the irrigation Canal and turn left. Cottonwood Camp is located ahead.

From Sheridan, WY

Approximately 50 miles north of Sheridan Wyoming, turn left off I-90 at the Lodge Grass exit. Go through the town. About 4-5 miles out of town, at the top of a hill, you will see the sign indicating the right turn to Fort Smith. This road ends at 313. Turn left at 313. In approximately 14 miles take a right just past mile marker 38. Cross the irrigation Canal and turn left. Cottonwood Camp is located ahead.

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What To Bring

Besides your fishing, boating, or camping gear, the two items you need to pick up prior to your arrival are food and beverages. All cabins have kitchenettes and grills. The camping area has fire pits and grills.

Food

The availability of groceries is limited in Fort Smith. There is a small grocery/convenience store, but fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish are usually not available. If you plan to do your own cooking while at Cottonwood Camp, you should stop at the large grocery store in Hardin, and pick up what you will need for your stay.

Beer, Wine, Etc.

We know that beer and fishing go hand-in-hand, so we want to make sure that you're fully prepared. The Bighorn River flows through the Crow Indian Reservation, where the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages need to be purchased prior to your arrival, so be sure to get what you need for your stay.