166 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Alberton, Montana provides a mix of dispersed camping and established campgrounds along the Clark Fork River corridor. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping offers free primitive sites just minutes from Interstate 90, while developed options like River Edge Resort and Big Pine Campground provide more amenities for both tent and RV campers. The area serves as a convenient stopover for travelers on I-90 and attracts visitors seeking fishing access and proximity to the Lolo National Forest.
Road access varies widely throughout the region, with most dispersed sites requiring little clearance but offering minimal facilities. Petty Creek Road sites are located about 5 minutes off the highway, making them accessible for most vehicles including those pulling trailers. The area experiences typical Montana mountain weather patterns with hot summers and cold winters, with most campgrounds open from May through September. Fire restrictions are common during late summer months. Cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas, especially along Petty Creek Road where "service is spotty, verizon and at&t had only 1 bar," according to one camper's experience.
The Clark Fork River provides a scenic backdrop for many camping areas, with fishing access sites doubling as camping areas. Alberton's riverside campsites offer excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and enjoying Montana's natural beauty. River Edge Resort receives consistent praise for its riverfront location despite proximity to the highway and occasional train noise. Multiple reviewers highlighted the Petty Creek dispersed area for its privacy and ease of access. A recent visitor noted, "Beautiful spot a little ways south down petty creek road, stayed here one night after rock climbing at Alberton. Fire rings and accessible by car." For RV campers, sites with hookups are limited to established campgrounds like River Edge Resort, which offers full hookups, while tent campers have more flexibility with primitive options throughout the surrounding national forest lands.
"Beautiful spot a little ways south down petty creek road, stayed here one night after rock climbing at Alberton. Fire rings and accessible by cat"
"3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."
"Wonderful little campground located just south of Whitefish Montana on highway 93. This KOA has a lot to offer from cabins to RV parking and several tent camping locations."
"our site was nice and tucked off in the trees on the edge, but near the showers. they also provide free breakfast in the morning. newish washers/dryers were great too since we were starting a two week"
"Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer. We wish we would have stayed a few more nights."
"The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do. The laundry and bathhouse was very nice and clean. 2.00 per load to wash."
"Driving through Montana heading to a friends house. we were not in a hurry and wanted camp and fish on the way. Picked up an out of state fishing license and ouch."
"A little off the beaten path, this small camp/recreation area is quaint and quiet. My husband and I spent a night in the spot closest to the Big Pine (the area namesake)."
"Great friendly and clean place to stay in Missoula Montana!"
"This KOA is conveniently located for a quick overnight stop. We were passing through Montana and needed a full hookup site to rest and recharge before another long day of driving."
from $75 - $192 / night
Check Availability"Highway is close by as well, so you will hear some traffic noise. A train occasionally runs slowly across the river. Campground nicley maintained. But, the lawnmower is out there everyday!!!"
"Close to interstate but noise not too bad. Free laundry was a bonus."
from $31 - $47 / night
Check Availability"We were in a site along the outside, and our site was rather short, it fit our 174BH, but there was not much room to spare and we had to back it all the way in. "
"Large dog play area, and hiking trails Close to the interstate, but road noise isn’t bad."
from $40 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around. Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close."
"7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities. Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Conveniently only 4 miles down a well maintained road and positioned next to the river, this campground has vault toilets and bear boxes. It’s very nice!"
"The drive-in was pretty fun. A dirt/gravel road with a sheer cliff on one side. Wouldn’t want to do that in the winter! I don’t think anyone’s mentioned it in the reviews so I want to."
"It is very close to the highway which makes it easily accessible for a one night stop while driving through. With a senior access pass I was able to pay half price ( $7.50 as opposed to $15 (."
"Campground is located behind the rest stop. Run by the USDA campground is well maintained. Free firewood in June 2025. 15.00 night rate. $10.00 just to use dump station if your not camping."
from $15 / night
Check Availability
GuideAt loop four it is first come first served and we found a great level spot with sunshine for our solar and Starlink. Turns out to be free after Labor Day otherwise it’s $20 or $10 with the senior pass. Clean bathrooms nice stroll to the beautiful lake. The forest is somewhat open because of a large fire in 2017, which is left a lot of of old stumps, but we do not mind because we like the sunshine.
GuideNice campground with ask necessary amenities. Hotsprings are across the road and cost $18 for adult. Tent site is $32 a night. Hwy12 is a bit busy but not bad. I was hoping to be nestled in the forest a bit more but this is nice for a night.
GuideThere is about 8 spots with some of them not good for tents. No spots good for hammocks. But if you are sleeping in your car it will be great.
GuideReally nice, has a camp host. 26 spots many vault toilets. Trees for hammock camping.
GuidePaved area with picnic tables. Vault toilet.
LegendWe chose this KOA for its proximity to downtown Missoula. There is an REI right around the corner. It is a very large campground but empty in early September. Our space is an “extra parking” space so nobody would be next to us if it were busy. Feels older but has the tent camping, cabins, pools, hot tubs one expects from a KOA Holiday. Bathrooms dated but clean. A bit smelly due to poor ventilation.
GuideNice little spot on the lower creek side. Clean toilet. Roadside noise quiets doe at night.
ScoutNice to be in the Forest, this spot has some reasonable privacy and a nice view out the back of the van of forest
TravelerNew Management is excellent. Fire rings, clean bathroom, laundry, frisbee golf, river access.
Dispersed camping options near Alberton, Montana range from riverside spots to forested retreats in the Lolo National Forest. The area sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-90°F during peak season. Fall campers should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing by late September, with first snow often arriving in October.
Fishing access points: Several camping areas serve as entry points to the Clark Fork River. At Big Pine Campground, campers can enjoy riverside recreation. "Not a ton of sites, but they're right on the creek and nice and flat," notes a visitor, adding that "there is a pit toilet" but "the only water source is from the stream."
Hiking nearby: Campers staying at Quartz Flats Campground can access forest trails. One camper mentioned, "You can take the path to the river and just sit in the water to cool off," making it ideal for hot summer days. The area includes easy access to multiple forest service roads for additional hiking opportunities.
Hot springs exploration: The Lolo Hot Springs commercial resort is within driving distance of several campgrounds. A camper at Lolo Creek Campground shared that it's "only a short drive further down the road to Lolo Hot Springs" and "sites are shaded and well spread apart," providing a good base for hot springs visitors.
Privacy in dispersed areas: Away from developed campgrounds, Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping offers secluded sites. "Great quiet spot next to the road. Not much traffic, we slept great in our car and felt very safe," wrote one camper. Another noted, "What a great spot! 3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway."
Riverside views: Many campers praise the waterfront settings available. At River Edge Resort, "Amazing views and surprisingly quiet for being right off the highway," according to one review. The campground features "beautiful view of river and mountainside," despite proximity to transportation corridors.
Flexible site options: Camping spots near Alberton offer various accommodation styles. At Petty Creek Road, one camper observed, "There look to be 4 spots. I used the one right by the road turn off. There was another person who had a travel trailer in another." This flexibility accommodates different camping setups from tents to medium-sized trailers.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather patterns can change rapidly. "The trees were gorgeous. Not bad for a free spot," noted a camper at Petty Creek Road, but bring appropriate gear as temperatures drop significantly at night even in summer.
Fire restrictions: Late summer typically brings fire danger. A camper at Kreis Pond Campground mentioned, "Both had fire rings but we were in a fire restriction," so check current fire regulations before planning campfires.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. A visitor to Kreis Pond warned, "Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road," while another camper never reached their destination because "my GPS couldn't figure out how to get me there without going on private property."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Alberton?
Alberton offers several excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping is a beautiful spot located just south of town, popular with rock climbers and featuring established fire rings. Another great option is Muchwater Recreation Area, which provides river access and spots that can accommodate RVs and group camping. Both locations offer a more rustic, natural camping experience close to Alberton. For those looking for established campgrounds nearby, River Edge Resort and Kreis Pond Campground are within easy driving distance.
What amenities are available at Alberton camping areas?
Camping areas around Alberton offer varying levels of amenities. Lolo Hot Springs Campground provides 30-amp electric hookups with water, fire pits, picnic tables, and an on-site dump station. It also features cabins and tent sites with a natural woodland feel. Beavertail Hill State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes from Missoula, offers scenic riverside camping with hiking trails and fishing access. For more primitive camping, dispersed sites typically provide basic fire rings but no utilities, toilets, or water sources, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Alberton?
The optimal camping season in Alberton runs from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer (June-August) offers warm days perfect for river activities, though this is also the busiest period. Chief Looking Glass Campground provides relaxing riverside spots during this peak season, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Early fall brings spectacular colors and fewer crowds, while Quartz Flat Campground remains accessible and spacious even during busier times. Winter camping is challenging due to snow and cold temperatures, with many facilities closing seasonally. Always check current conditions before planning your trip.
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