Matthews Recreation Area (SRMA)
Matthews Recreation Area is accessed by gravel road and features picnic tables, grills, and a covered dining area. The Yellowstone River can be accessed by canoe or kayak; however, no improved boat launch facilities are present. Fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing are frequent activities at this site. Overnight camping is permitted. This is a "Pack In, Pack Out" area and all garbage must be removed. No fireworks are allowed. Be mindful of seasonal and area fire restrictions.
Individuals or organizations wishing to use the site for group activities may be required to get a Special Recreation Permit. This depends on the type of activity planned, the number of participants and the duration of use. Do yourself and your guests a favor and contact the field office beforehand to check for other scheduled events or calendaring conflicts. BLM staff need some lead time to prepare the paperwork if a permit is needed. For event-scheduling details, contact us at (406) 233-2800.
Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, standing grills, covered picnic area, interpretive kiosk, accessible fishing platform, and cement walking path. While there are no dumpsters, there are a few city-maintained garbage bins on site. Please remove your own garbage and do not leave any trash outside of the designated bins.
Please call the local BLM Office for current recreation site conditions and restrictions
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Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
Primitive, non-dispersed camping is available in the Matthews Recreation Area—primarily in the parking areas and near the restroom. As these are primitive sites, accessibility might be a challenge for some users.
Running water is not available at this site. A camp host may be present onsite. Cell phone coverage is moderate to strong, depending on your provider.
Matthews Recreation Area has 2 parking areas, with a kiosk containing safety and site information located between them. The first parking area off Tusler Road is partially paved and is accessible. The paved and unpaved areas can each hold 2-3 cars or 2 campers. A concrete trail leads from the parking lot to an accessible fishing platform that can fit 2-3 wheelchairs or scooters. It is 4 to 5 feet wide with a fence barrier. The trail also leads to a primitive, dirt boat ramp that is primarily used as a put-in for rafts.
The other parking area, in the southern part of the recreation area, is hard-packed natural surface and can fit 6 or 7 cars or several campers. It is near the accessible gender-specific double vault toilet.
In the center of the site is a pavilion shade shelter that can be reached from either parking lot on concrete pathways. It is closer to the southern parking area. There are 4 accessible picnic tables under the shade structure and 6 or 7 additional picnic tables next to it, 1 or 2 of which are accessible. Additional picnic tables are scattered along the concrete pathways, including 1 accessible concrete table by the vault toilet.
A large accessible group grill and accessible fire pits are located next to the pavilion. Additional fire pits and grills can be found near the other picnic tables, but these are not designed to be accessible.
NOTE: Descriptions and photos uploaded January 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Travel 9 miles northeast of Miles City on Valley Drive East. At the sign for Matthews Recreation Area, turn left (Tusler Road) and go across the railroad tracks. Follow the road and take a left at the BLM Matthews Recreation Area sign.