We stayed at Itch-Kep-Pe last year for a week and stopped here for an overnight again a couple weeks ago on our way to Idaho. Here’s what this park is all about.
Itch-Kep-Pe Park is managed and maintained by the City of Columbus, MT. It is free to stay for up to 10 days, but donations are greatly appreciated.
How to get there
Traveling east or west on I-90, take the only exit into town and head south past the truck stop. At the T intersection, turn right, drive about 3 blocks, then turn left onto Highway 78. Cross the railroad tracks and follow the highway to the edge of town and right before you cross the bridge over the river, turn left into the park.
Amenities
Itch-Kep-Pe Park has 30 campsites that can accommodate any size tent, trailer, or RV. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There is a restroom building in the middle of the campground, and you can also get water from the spigots on the outside of the building. A boat ramp is located on the southeast end of the park for small boats and canoes/kayaks.
Outside of the park, there is a dump station located on the north side of the Cenex station just up the road, which is available for a small fee during business hours. You can also drive back to the other side of I-90 to Mountain Range RV Park to dump tanks and fill water.
If you need to do laundry, there is a small laundromat located behind the Conoco station and Git’s Big Sky Motel on E Pike Ave (you would have driven by them on your way to the park).
What to do
Fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are available from the river access in the park. Downtown Columbus is a decent walk away (we walked into town a couple times during our last stay) or an easy drive, where you can visit a few small shops and a grocery store. During our last visit to Columbus we were able to catch a small farmer’s market as well.
Itch-Kep-Pe Park is a great place to stay for a free night or several nights. We strongly recommend you leave a donation if you stay here so we can all enjoy it for many years to come.
Have you stayed at Itch-Kep-Pe Park? What did you think? We’d love to hear from you! Please drop a comment below, email us at alicia@simplejoyfuljourney.com, find us on Facebook and Pinterest @simplejoyfuljourney, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page before you go! Have a great week!