Best Campgrounds in Montana

Camping in Montana offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From serene lakes to rugged mountains, there's something for everyone, whether you're a tent camper or an RV enthusiast.

What to do

• Explore Nature: Montana is home to beautiful parks like Kiwanis Park, where you can enjoy a park-like atmosphere. One camper mentioned, “Road noise disappears at night,” making it a peaceful spot for relaxation.
• Fishing and Water Activities: At Ackley Lake State Park Campground, you can fish, swim, and kayak. A visitor shared, “Good spot for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking!”
• Hiking: The James Kipp Campground offers great hiking trails. One camper noted, “We took a nice hike along the river,” highlighting the scenic views.

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and well-maintained sites. A review from Chief Joseph City Park stated, “The bathrooms are clean and have flushing toilets.”
• Wildlife Sightings: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Deadmans Basin said, “Great views! It was pretty windy the night we were there,” indicating a connection with nature.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Petrolia Reservoir offer a peaceful experience. A camper mentioned, “We woke up to cows mooing and a beautiful sunrise over the lake.”

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crystal Lake Campground, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A visitor remarked, “There is not much privacy now as every camp site can be watched by all the other campers.”
• First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. At Ackley Lake State Park, a camper noted, “They only have 26 spots, first come first serve.”
• Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Mountain Acres RV Park is open from May 1 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for parks with playgrounds and activities. Chief Joseph City Park has a five-star play area for kids, making it a great choice.
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Kiwanis Park enjoyed the park-like atmosphere, saying, “No fire rings, but a park-like atmosphere.”
• Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Ackley Lake State Park mentioned, “We stocked up on some snacks,” which is always a good idea for family trips.

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mountain Acres RV Park noted, “Sites are big,” which is helpful for larger rigs.
• Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A camper at James Kipp Campground mentioned, “There was no water available during my stay.”
• Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. One RV traveler at Deadmans Basin said, “It’s a beautiful place to stay,” encouraging exploration of the surrounding area.

Montana camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!