Best Places To Go Camping In Montana

In this camping area, you can find not only cabins but also parking spots, picnic tables, fire pits and a whole variety of stunning hiking trails and swimming holes. This campground is the full package for convenient and peaceful camping… the campground Goldilocks was looking for, if she was looking for campgrounds in Montana. Holland Lake Campground packs in the amenities without packing in the campers.

Montana is waiting for you, so do not hesitate when it comes to staking your tent in this fantastic state and taking advantage of all of the wonder within. Monatana is one of the few locations that offer terrain for just about everyone. Whether you are craving the wide open skies of the plains, dense forest, or rugged mountains, you are sure to find your dream camping location in this state.

Missouri Headwaters State Park

No cost camping is available at Billy Garret Memorial Bridge Access and Upper Twin Creek Access; keep in mind that the free camping is considered dispersed and requires setting up a no-trace campground. Free camping is located within Montana’s National Forests. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is known for a mammoth limestone cavern; over 40 campsite options are available for RV and tent campers.

A mix of grass, sagebrush lowlands, and shaded groves, the park also offers camping in designated areas. Covering the Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Area and a portion of the Scapegoat Wilderness Area, the National Forest is a little slice of paradise for naturalists and photographers. Another charming destination located at the doorsteps of Glacier National Park is the Whitefish Resort Moutain which is home to a shimmering lake, lofty peaks, stunning trails, and a quirky downtown area. There are a few different locations in this area by the lake – RV PARK, then campground, then another campground that is more like a parking lot for vans.

At an elevation of 4,800 feet beneath a canopy of cottonwood, aspen, juniper, Lodgepole pine and Douglas fir, this campground is an ideal setti… The Selway River flows through portions of north-central Idaho within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The Selway is unique because it is the only river in the United States that received instant inclusion as a wild river, in both the National Wilderness Preservation System and the Wild and Scenic … Astride the Continental Divide in southwest Montana, the 3.3-million-acre Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is the nation’s undiscovered jewel. Across the dozen or so mountain ranges that are in the forest, there’s a variety of recreational opportunity. Located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation east of Glacier National Park, this spot draws anglers from across the country and from Canada.

What People Are Saying About Yellowstone Grizzly Rv Park & Cabins

Just north of Jackson Hole, you can peek at the Rocky Mountains and see plenty of wildlife and lakes. It’s also located next to the National Elk Refuge, where you can spot hundreds of elk, depending on when you go. You can stay at one of the six campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park, but Signal Mountain in particular has the best reviews. Campgrounds are currently open, and most facilities are open with restrictions, although the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, exhibits, and a few other venues are currently closed. The national forest service in Montana also offers dispersed camping separate from designated camping sites.

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More In Montana

Visit Ross Creek, a preserve of ancient Western Red Cedar Trees or Libby Dam, the Kootenai River and Kootenai Falls, the largest undammed falls in Montana. You can also camp in its many campgrounds and enjoy an abundance of skiing options. One of the most amazing views can be had by taking a stroll across the swinging bridge that sits above the falls. The stunning caves are lined with stalagmites, helictites, stalactites and columns that are viewed under the glow of electric lights – they also make for a naturally cool respite from the hot summer sun. Guided tours are available between May 1 and September 30, and the park also features campgrounds, cabin rentals, hiking trails, a visitor center, picnic areas and an amphitheater. Missouri Headwaters State Park features 17 reservable campsites near hiking trails and numerous water activities, including fishing and swimming.

Since it’s fairly close to the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge, campers will often see birds, buffalo, elk, and other small wild game. The lake is a great place to fish for walleye, smallmouth bass, paddlefish, salmon, and lake trout. Another terrific National forest to check out in Montana is Gallatin. You will like camping outdoors spaces and pay attention to the different animals throughout your expeditions.

While there are some paid campgrounds within BLM boundaries, these are typically not free. Boondocking on these public lands must be away from the developed campgrounds to be considered dispersed. Make sure to follow posted signs and obey the time frames allotted for camping.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

There are 13 developed campgrounds and more than 1,000 sites so you can stay and bask in the beautiful views of glaciers. Hikers can also enjoy 700 miles of trails through forests, meadows, and mountains. Opening dates for Glacier National Park’s campgrounds have not yet been determined. Montana is the fourth largest state in the U.S. at just over 147,000 square miles, yet its home to only slightly more than a million people. If you’re one of the fortunate who’ll be traveling to Montana, consider some of these very best places during your visit. The most popular outdoor camping place in all of Montana lies in Fort Smith, called Bighorn Canyon.

In northwest Montana near the city of Libby, this first-come, first-served campground is on the banks of Bull Lake with 18 sites available. The spacious, wooded campsites cater to tents and smaller RVs, with no hook-ups available. Apgar, on the west side of the park, is the largest campground in Glacier. It’s also one of the most popular, with all 194 sites filling regularly between June and August. The campground accommodates tents and RVs, and nearly all sites are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Five group sites at Apgar Campground can be reserved ahead of time.

Perhaps the biggest bucket-list place to camp is Glacier National Park, with 13 campgrounds to choose from. The campgrounds showcase the many glistening features that make Glacier an international camping destination. There are an array of campsites located in this vicinity.

Russell Gates—a popular rafting put-in and take-out—lays on the charm with a fantastic view, plenty of shade trees, wide-river fishing and lots of deer. Part of what makes Western Montana’s great outdoors so great is the abundance of explore-worthy, off-the-beaten-path public lands. Admittedly, we’re a little obsessed with visiting the lesser-known gems of Glacier Country, where crowds are light or non-existent and the adventure is always one of discovery. “We had a blast camping here and we went when it was 15 degrees out.

With plenty of RV hookups, tent sites, hiking trails, and a boat launch, it has everything you need for an off-the-grid getaway. Relax in the quiet Clark Fork Valley among old-growth pine, and explore the Thompson Falls Trail along the scenic Clark Fork River. The park also features a family fishing pond, camping and bird-watching. Overall the campgrounds are well maintained and the bathrooms were always well-stocked. It is a popular campground for families, with kiddos riding bikes and running around.” —The Dyrt camper Shawna C. Can a state’s most popular campground also be a hidden gem?

Where To Stay

Everyone who loves nature has to go to Yosemite National Park at some point in their lives, especially for a good camping trip. Nearly 95% of the park is designated wilderness, and there are 13 popular campgrounds scattered throughout the park, as well as backcountry camping for people who really want to rough it. Currently, only the Upper Pines campground is open, and the park requires reservations for entry, even for day use. Basin Campground is located 7 miles west of Red Lodge, Montana, along Forest Road 2071, which is paved all the way to the campground. The area is a popular location for hiking, backpacking and fishing. The campground offers several single-family sites, three of which are accessible.

Jim & Marys Rv Park

After that time period, you must move your campsite at least five miles away and not return to your original site for at least seven days. Very remote campground with no amenities, just park and enjoy the scenery. Close spaces in the trees, but you sit on the shores of one of the most glorious lakes in the area.” — The Dyrt Camper Carmen H. This pet-friendly, barebones campground is situated on an alpaca ranch and caters to backcountry campers with their own tent and gear. The spacious sites are ideal for groups and big families.