Camping options near Acton, Montana provide access to the Yellowstone River corridor at an elevation around 3,500 feet. The area sits between the Beartooth Mountains to the south and Bull Mountains to the north, creating diverse camping experiences ranging from riverside sites to elevated terrain with panoramic views. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and August.
What to do
Fishing access: Columbus offers Itch-Kep-Pe Park with direct river access for anglers. "This is a free campsite on the river. Lots of site available but pretty busy," notes one visitor. The park includes a boat ramp and is a popular starting point for float trips.
Horseshoe games: Mountain Range RV Park maintains a recreation area with horseshoe pits and other yard games. "Nice pull through sites, clean bathrooms and showers, and a nice area with horse shoes and another toss game," according to a recent reviewer who stayed in 2024.
Scenic trails: Riverside hiking paths near Billings campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "We had a great chat with Jerad and Ivy, the CG's new owners as of November 2024. They were both welcoming and genuinely interested in feedback," mentions a visitor at Old West RV Park, adding there's "fishing access just up the road and more local exploring to do."
What campers like
River proximity: Billings KOA Holiday receives praise for its location along the Yellowstone River. One camper shares, "Our pull through spot had a great view of the mountains behind the Yellowstone River which runs behind the campground." The campground offers a trail following the riverbank.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping exists within driving distance of Acton. A camper at Itch-Kep-Pe Park notes, "Free but they do have a donation box," while another mentions, "Each site has varying types of picnic tables and fire ring and grill on it."
Cleanliness: Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground maintains well-kept facilities. "Clean and quiet. Close to interstate (pros and cons). Parking available next to tent area," writes one tent camper. Another visitor adds, "The staff were all friendly, gave us a late check out with no problem. Pretty nature walk down to the river."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks parallel Interstate 90 throughout the region, affecting some campgrounds. At Mountain Range RV Park, a camper reports, "Trains can be heard occasionally while outside but inside with our fan running we never heard them."
Site spacing: RV sites near Acton, Montana vary in proximity to neighbors. "We were the only tent campers. It was quiet and nice to have laundry," notes a Yellowstone River camper, while another mentioned, "There is little competition in the Billings area and they increased the rent and eliminated weekly rates."
Off-season limitations: Old West RV Park in Reed Point operates from April 15 to October 31, similar to many area campgrounds. While some facilities remain open year-round, reduced services should be expected during winter months, with fewer campground options available overall.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly activities. Billings KOA Holiday includes "mini-golf, pool, lodge, dog park, playground, ice cream stand and a BBQ joint," according to a visitor who notes the activities have additional fees.
Public facilities: Columbus city park provides free camping with tables and fire rings. "The campsite was free. One side was next to a golf course and the other side was the river. We pulled all the way through the campground towards the end and we were next to a beautiful meadow with trees," reports a camper at Itch-Kep-Pe Park.
Tent camping areas: For families preferring tent camping, consider site selection carefully. A recent visitor to Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground warns, "Tent camping here is not very private. You basically pitch a tent in the middle of a bunch of RVs with very little tree cover."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Most RV sites near Acton, Montana offer pull-through options for easier access. A visitor to Old West RV Park appreciated that "utility connections were thoughtfully centered on the pad, making setup a breeze."
Internet connectivity: Working remotely is possible at many locations. "We stayed 3 nights and worked from the RV while there. Very quiet park," notes a Yellowstone River camper. Another RVer at Old West RV Park reports, "We had 4 bars each on both Verizon and T-Mobile, and the CG Wi-Fi clocked in at 26.5 Mbps down and 11.9 Mbps up."
Reservation timing: Summer months see higher occupancy at all campgrounds. "We called last minute for an overnight and there was one spot left. We were welcomed and taken care of even arriving after hours," reports a Mountain Range RV Park visitor, suggesting advance booking during peak season.
