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BLM Camping

Strawberry Hill Recreation Area (SRMA)


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

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency, oversees and maintains hundreds of diverse camping destinations all over the country. In addition to being beautiful natural areas where visitors can enjoy BLM camping, BLM sites feature a variety of ecosystems, landmarks, and opportunities for recreational activities. Because there are so many inviting and peaceful campgrounds in areas administered by the agency, BLM camping is a popular hobby for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.

The Strawberry Hill Recreation Area (SRMA), located in eastern Montana, is a scenic natural area protected by the BLM. Located just a few miles east of Miles City, MT, the site covers 4,248 acres of sage, grasslands, ponderosa pine trees, and amazing rock formations. People regularly visit the recreation area to hike, check out the local wildlife, and forge connections with nature through primitive camping.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Strawberry Hill Loop

The Strawberry Hill Loop is a scenic dirt path that will take you through the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area. Whether you hike or run it, the trail offers the perfect way to experience the BLM site. Most of the area is open, so when the elevation rises, you're treated with excellent views of the surrounding land. The trail doesn't usually see too many visitors, so you're likely to have a quiet, peaceful experience when you visit.

Length: 3.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Gunners Ridge Trail

The Gunners Ridge Trail is an out-and-back trail located in Makoshika State Park near Glendive, MT. The trail isn't particularly difficult to traverse, but there is one short section in which you'll encounter a steep elevation gain. The Gunners Ridge Trail, which should only take around an hour to complete, offers unforgettable views and a beautiful setting. The trail offers plenty of solitude, and you may want to consider bringing a picnic lunch along with you.

Length: 1.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Ponderosa Trail

Another worthwhile hiking trail near Glendive is the Ponderosa Trail. The short loop trail, which is manageable for hikers of all ability and fitness levels, is the perfect trail when you're on a tight schedule. Whether you're walking or mountain biking, you should be able to finish the entire loop in under an hour. The trail features pretty views of the surrounding scenery, including fields of blooming wildflowers during spring and summer. You can bring your pups with you on the trail, but they'll need to remain leashed.

Length: 1.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

The powerful Yellowstone River flows right through nearby Miles City, and its waters are inhabited by a variety of fish species. Anglers who visit the river to cast their lines are regularly rewarded with large catfish, pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, and occasionally even brown trout. Visitors often do their fishing in the river from rafts, rowboats, and even motorized boats. Others take their kayaks, canoes, or tubes out on the water recreationally. Some simply use the river to cool off on a hot day by going for a refreshing swim.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Although the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area does offer the possibility of spotting cool animals like antelope, mountain goats, grizzly bears, black bears, bobcats, and many more, the area's real treat is its bird-watching. The unique and diverse ecosystems are inhabited by over 400 avian species. Some of the fascinating birds you may see soaring gracefully overhead include song sparrow, upland sandpiper, Swainson's hawk, Brewer's blackbird, grasshopper sparrow, and even the beautiful snowy owl.

Picnicking

While there may not be any shelters, facilities, or picnic tables found at the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area BLM site, there are certainly numerous places for a lovely picnic. The area boasts many small bodies of water; for the most peaceful experience, you may consider bringing a blanket or portable chairs down near one of them.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

You're free to enjoy BLM RV camping while visiting the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area, but there are no services. Despite the lack of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area, nearby Miles City features several reputable RV parks with various amenities and hookups. One quality option is Big Sky Camp and RV Park, which features 25 campsites with full hookups available for $45 per night.

Free Camping Campground Icon

For those who wish to stay overnight within the boundaries of the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area, Bureau of Land Management free camping is the primary option. You're free to set up your primitive campsite anywhere in the area. The farther you travel from the highway that runs through the BLM site, the more solitude you'll find for your makeshift campsite. Alternatively, if you stay near the highway, you'll have more convenient access to the nearby towns if you need to make a supply run.

RV Rentals Near Strawberry Hill Recreation Area (SRMA) Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Strawberry Hill Recreation Area (SRMA) BLM trip

Make sure to bring more than enough food and water for the duration of your visit. At times, typically during summer, the area places restrictions on having fires, so make sure you check to see if any are in effect. If you camp in the area, pack up all of your food and supplies tightly in case of bears. If you want to be extra safe, bringing along some bear spray also wouldn't hurt. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

The BLM needs your help in keeping the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area clean, healthy, and open to the public. To do your part, do whatever you can to minimize your impact on the land. There aren't any dumpsters at the site, so you'll need to take your garbage with you on your way out. To help preserve the local ecosystem, please keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter and avoid disturbing anything in nature. Keep your campfires small and camp exclusively on durable land.

Leave No Trace
Location

Strawberry Hill Recreation Area (SRMA) Location

To reach the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area from Miles City, head northeast on Valley Drive E for about 1.6 miles and then turn right onto I-94BL E. Continue for roughly 5.7 miles, and you'll reach the BLM site, which will be on your left.

Ready to visit Strawberry Hill Recreation Area (SRMA)? 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.