Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Frenchtown Pond State Park adventure.
Discover Frenchtown Pond State Park's serene waters and family-friendly recreation.
Pitch your tent where the echoes of history vibrate through the ground under your feet on your next Frenchtown Pond State Park camping trip. This area, settled by French-Canadian pioneers in 1858, tells a tale of resilience and adaptation, of a people seeking refuge from political unrest in the west.
Once thriving with activity, the area is now scattered with ghostly remnants of once booming towns, each bearing silent witness to an era that has long passed. Among these deserted echoes of prosperity, the ghost town of Hellgate stands out as the first major settlement, a place that knew both the affluence of gold and fur and the rugged spirit of the frontiersmen.
The valley, once lined with timber and a testament to nature's bounty, transformed into a rugged outpost. The infamous Henry Plummer Gang frequently targeted Hellgate, adding a layer of notoriety to its reputation. As vigilantes roamed freely, meting out their version of justice, the town became a hotbed of tension and unrest.
Yet, amidst the chaos, trade thrived, weaving a curious thread of camels transporting goods between Hellgate and what is now Missoula. As the pendulum of fortune swung, the populace packed up almost overnight, heading south to the economically stable Missoula, which soon claimed the county seat from Hellgate in 1865.
Camping near Frenchtown Pond State Park isn't just about an outdoor adventure. It's an opportunity to explore a vivid tapestry of history, to walk in the footsteps of those who shaped this land, and to immerse oneself in the saga of survival and transformation that is the legacy of Hellgate.
The best time to visit Frenchtown Pond State Park is during the warm summer months, from May to August, when the park is open from 9am to 9pm and all activities are in full swing. The off-season offers a quieter visit, with gate hours from October to April being 9am to 5pm.