Acton

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Located in southern Montana, the Acton Recreation Area features a beautiful and diverse landscape. The site, which is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), contains Cretaceous Age upland bluffs of Eagle sandstone, badlands, ponderosa pine forests, steep drainages, and weathered shale over roughly 3,800 acres of public natural land. Visitors to the site enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and BLM camping. Just like the majority of areas administered by the BLM, the Acton Recreation Area boasts a neatly kept and affordable site where you can enjoy BLM camping. The large city of Billings, Montana is found only 18 miles south of the Acton Recreation Area, offering visitors convenient access to numerous dining, lodging, and shopping destinations.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Four Dances Trail

You'll find the Four Dances Trail within the Four Dances Natural Area near Billings. The trail, a moderately challenging loop, will take you on a 600-foot descent to the majestic Yellowstone River. Many visitors choose to run the trail, and if you do, you must be cautious while you're descending. The trail turns to slippery mud as you get near the water. You can bring your dogs to the Four Dances Trail, but they must be leashed.

Length: 3.0 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Phipps Park Trail

Another lovely hiking trail in the Billings area is the Phipps Park Trail. The popular loop trail is frequented by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. As you traverse the rocky trail's mild elevation gains, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the sparsely forested area around Phipps Park. To enjoy the trail at its very best, try to visit between May and September.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Chief Black Otter Trail

The Chief Black Otter Trail is a scenic out-and-back trail through Swords Rimrock Park. The route is smoothly paved and clearly marked, making it an excellent destination for trail running and road biking. With the trail's proximity to the urban parts of Billings, visitors will enjoy a special meeting of nature and the city. Despite the trail's year-round beauty and convenient location, it doesn't typically get very crowded. You're more than welcome to bring your pups, and they can be off leash in certain areas.

Length: 6.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

The best nearby body of water for fishing is the Yellowstone River. Located fewer than 20 miles south of the Acton Recreation Area, the river offers fantastic fly-fishing opportunities with various trout species to catch. You'll have a near-infinite number of fishing spots to choose from, whether you prefer casting your line from a boat or the riverbanks. Additionally, the Yellowstone River is perhaps the most popular body of water in the region for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.

Climbing

If you're looking to do some rock climbing near the Acton Recreation Area, head south to Billings and visit the Billings Rimrocks. The spot offers some of the best sandstone climbing in Montana. The climbing area features excellent cracks as well as several fragile face climbs. While climbing at the Billings Rimrocks, always be aware of the potential rockfall danger.

Wildlife Viewing

The local wildlife that roams the Acton Recreation Area isn't always easy to spot. Still, there are always creatures around, even if you can't see them. If you stay diligent and get a bit lucky, you might spot a badger, muskrat, coyote, skunk, or pronghorn. Most of these animals are elusive, so if you hope to observe them, you need to move quietly and remain alert.

Picnicking

If you're planning to enjoy a pleasant picnic surrounded by nature, you can use one of the picnic tables at the on-site BLM campground. The site also features cooking grills that guests can use. Of course, you're also welcome to put together your own makeshift picnic setup anywhere around the recreation area that's open to the public.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You have the option to partake in RV camping at the Acton Recreation Area. However, the on-site campground only offers two RV campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are located nearby, but many of the towns in the area contain RV parks and campgrounds with modern amenities. For example, if you travel south to the Billings area, you can stay at the Billings Village RV Park or the Billings KOA Holiday.

Free Camping

The only option for Bureau of Land Management free camping near the Acton Recreation Area is setting up your own primitive campsite. Fortunately, there's plenty of open space in the area. You can essentially camp wherever you like, provided you're all right going without any services or amenities.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Acton BLM trip

When you're planning a journey to the Acton Recreation Area, make sure that you check the weather forecast ahead of time. Not only can the temperatures reach extreme highs during the summer months, but there's also potential for heavy rains or snowfall during other seasons. If you plan on camping at the on-site campground, prepare for the possibility of all sites being occupied. Because there are only two campsites available, there's a good chance they may be taken, especially on the weekends. If possible, decide on a backup camping option ahead of time. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

For the Acton Recreation Area to remain pristine, the BLM needs visitors like you to treat the land with respect. You can do a handful of things to ensure that you aren't leaving the area in worse condition than you found it. First and foremost, avoid leaving any garbage behind when you leave. Since there may not be any trash receptacles at the site, you need to remove any trash in your vehicle when you depart. You may find things around the land that you find cool or interesting, but you must leave them as they are, undisturbed. If you encounter any local wildlife, act as a guest in their home and watch them from a safe distance. Avoid putting up your campsite on land that isn't durable or letting your campfires grow too large or impactful.

Acton Location

To reach the Acton BLM site from Billings, travel on MT-3 N for about 12.5 miles, then take a right onto Oswald Rd. Continue for 6.6 miles, and then take another right onto Heag Rd. After 2.5 more miles, the site will be on your left.

Ready to visit Acton? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.