Best Campgrounds near Arlee, MT

The Jocko Valley surrounding Arlee, Montana features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within the Flathead Indian Reservation and nearby national forest lands. Jocko Hollow Campground, located directly in Arlee, accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with full hookups and basic amenities. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional options like Gray Wolf Peak Casino's free RV parking area or the more developed facilities at Jim & Mary's RV Park and Missoula KOA Holiday to the south. The region sits at the northern edge of the Missoula Valley, with camping areas nestled between the Mission Mountains to the east and the Rattlesnake Mountains to the west.

Camping permits and regulations vary significantly across the area due to the mix of tribal lands, national forest, and private campgrounds. The Flathead Indian Reservation requires recreation permits for non-tribal members, available online or at local retailers. According to camper reviews, "The train noise is not as bad as previous posts and actually looks pretty cool chugging along the mountain side," notes one visitor to a nearby RV park. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping options. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions and occasional precipitation. Fire restrictions are common during late summer months.

Fishing access sites near Arlee receive positive reviews for their proximity to quality trout streams. Several campers mention the spacious sites and mountain views as highlights of their stays. Wildlife sightings, including deer, moose, and various bird species, are frequently reported in campground reviews. Visitors note that sites farther from Highway 93 provide better noise insulation from passing traffic. Amenities vary widely, from primitive vault toilets at fishing access sites to full-service RV parks with showers, laundry facilities, and camp stores. Campers seeking solitude often prefer the smaller, less developed sites along forest roads, while families and those needing hookups gravitate toward the established campgrounds with more amenities and activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Arlee, Montana (139)

    1. Jim & Mary's RV Park

    24 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-4416

    "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."

    2. Missoula KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Missoula, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-0881

    $75 - $192 / night

    "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."

    3. Jocko Hollow Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arlee, MT
    1 mile
    +1 (406) 726-3336

    "This campground is nice and small and tucked away so that you can explore the woods and wilderness around it. It is very well kept and a great value for the price."

    "Not something I feel they should be judged for, they were concerned about my kids and asked them to keep away from the left side because of that."

    4. Granite Peak RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 543-9400

    $40 - $150 / night

    "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. "

    5. Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA

    13 Reviews
    Lolo National Forest, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 862-4242

    "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"

    6. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    "3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."

    "and do a 180° turn ok to exit. We stayed one night 9/23/24 and had the place to ourselves. Nice rock fire pits."

    7. Kreis Pond Campground

    6 Reviews
    Huson, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    $10 / night

    "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."

    8. Gray Wolf Peak Casino

    1 Review
    Arlee, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 726-3778

    9. The Holmestead - Dry Cabin

    1 Review
    Frenchtown, MT
    12 miles
    +1 (913) 205-2563

    $145 / night

    10. Out Post Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    13 miles

    "And it’s a huge bonus to be outside and enjoying greasy air.

    The grounds were very close to the highway and easy to access."

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Recent Reviews near Arlee, MT

668 Reviews of 139 Arlee Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Holland Lake Picnic Site

    Heaven on Earth

    Embarrassing to say that I’m pushing 50 and this is my first time visiting Holland Lake. OMG! This place is gorgeous. I have taken some strolls on nearby paths and there are so many hidden gems of lakeside spots to enjoy the scenery. It is a very mellow weekend and wx has been cool and rainy. I could spend weeks here. I’m on the Bayview loop and they’ve locked up the bathrooms and put porta potties instead. Sign says it closed for the season in a few days 10/7. The other loops they’ve kept the bathrooms open oddly enough. I was not expecting to get service but T-Mobile I have 1 bar and sometimes I get 5G. Around the lake I’ve seen 3 bars of service. There are zero complaints. Quite a few spots show reserved and nobody showed up likely b/c of the wx but that’s still garbage to hold up a spot out of selfish greed. I’m so glad I came and I am so excited to visit with my family in the summer. There are a decent amount of walk up sites that imo should be reservable for $100nt they are so epic.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Basic and easy

    It is RIGHT off the road, I missed it coming back from town (having been to the site once already). Any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size.

    All sites are close together, though we are here by ourselves. You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn’t bother either of us. Saw deer so far.

    It’s tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience, it got 4 stars for that. Lost the 5th for no view.

  • L
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Johnsrud Park FAS

    Day Use Area- No overnight

    Beautiful boat ramp and very large day use area. Plenty of river access for fishing and boat ramp access. Plentiful parking, pit toilets, and a large group day site with picnic tables. Only saw 2 other humans while I visited.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Jim & Mary's RV Park

    Lovely, manicured RV Park

    This rv park is serene and beautiful. Whoever takes care of the grounds is meticulous and has two green thumbs. I felt safe which is of utmost important to me. The staff was welcoming and efficient. Would stay here again any time.

    My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine.

    There’s plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn’t hear this at all.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richmond Marshall hookup trail dispersed campsite

    Logging Logging Spur MTN view

    Acesss logging road in good shape. Narrow in places . Fire ring at the edge of the embankment. Tight place to turn around. Can hear a creek deep in the gorge. Only saw one other person. Vegetation is very dry. Nice open view for camping. Most of the road cuts through tall trees. Good cell service . No services just a fire ring and cell reception.

  • Lady Phyre  ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    A clearing & an Outhouse

    It's a clearing with a clean outhouse . It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean with flat pads

    What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Very nice

    Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out. We car camp in a Wagoneer

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Stayed one night

    We are on the way to Glacier Park and needed to be close enough to get there in a few hours the next day. Pros: convenience. Close to highway and town. Large site, we were on the first loop site 1. Picnic tables and fire rings provided at each site. Site was free (after Labor Day 2025) Cons: Logging has created Mess, downed trees litter the area, however this resulted in plenty of available firewood. Vault toilets are not clean(understandable as there are no hosts on site this time of year) Synopsis: this site accommodated us for the purpose we were looking for, It would be hard for me to stay here longer than one day, however it may be suitable for longer periods if you have an interest in touring the area.


Guide to Arlee

Camping sites near Arlee, Montana range from small creekside spots to larger family-friendly campgrounds. Situated at approximately 3,100 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summer days with temperatures dropping significantly at night, even in July and August. Most campgrounds in the region offer limited to no cell service, with campers needing to drive to higher elevations for reliable connectivity.

What to do

Sapphire hunting day trips: From Jim & Mary's RV Park, drive approximately 45 miles east to try gem hunting at Gem Mountain. "I recommend heading out to gem mountain for some Montana sapphire hunting. Fun day trip, and was great for the kids," notes Travis B.

Fishing access: Multiple fishing access sites provide opportunities to catch trout in local streams. The Jocko Hollow Campground offers direct river access. "We were right next to the river which was amazing," reports Stephanie G., who appreciated the water proximity at this small campground.

Mountain hiking: Within 30 minutes of most Arlee-area camping sites, access the Sleeping Woman trailhead near Kreis Pond Campground. "Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end. 360 view of the Missoula Valley, Bitteroot Mountain Range, Flathead in the distance and Mission Mountains as well," shares Kirsten R.

What campers like

Natural water features: Kreis Pond Campground features a small pond with seven sites spaced around it. "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities," reports Tom N., though he warns to "be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."

Stream-side camping: The Holmestead offers a unique cabin experience with creek access. "This cabin is so lovely, my dogs had a blast playing in the stream. I was happy to have a big real bed!" shares Carolyn H. about this single-site rental option.

Mountain views: Located 10-15 minutes from Arlee, Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping provides free sites with views. "Great quiet spot next to the road. Not much traffic, we slept great in our car and felt very safe," notes Wessel D. Another camper added, "super easy to get to! just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds open May through October. The area often experiences summer drought conditions, affecting water levels by late summer. "Creek bed runs right next to the back site, but it was completely dried up in late July," reports Sarah S. at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping.

Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-August), established campgrounds fill quickly. Many smaller camping areas near Arlee operate on a first-come basis. At Out Post Campground, campers note the convenience: "Easy little spot to set up for the night," says Cody L.

Wildlife awareness: Bear activity is common throughout the area, particularly in spring and fall. "Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods," warns Harry H. about camping at Kreis Pond. Another camper at Petty Creek mentioned, "Something is eating big game out here so lock up your food."

Tips for camping with families

Opt for campgrounds with amenities: For families with young children, established campgrounds provide essential facilities. "The bathhouse was very nice and clean... FHU was a plus and made our stay enjoyable. There is a small dog park but it's mostly in the sun so we chose to enjoy walks," reports Brenda L. about Jim & Mary's RV Park.

Consider weather fluctuations: The area experiences significant temperature changes between day and night. Pack both summer and fall clothing even for summer trips. Some campgrounds use sprinklers to maintain vegetation: "There is flowers everywhere and they have a sprinkler system to keep everything pretty so you can't leave anything out overnight that you don't want to get wet," notes a Jim & Mary's visitor.

Select sites away from roads: For better sleep quality, choose campsites farther from Highway 93. "My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine. There's plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn't hear this at all," advises yolunde S.

Tips from RVers

Overnight parking options: Gray Wolf Peak Casino offers free overnight RV parking with electric hookups. "You can stay for 1 night free. You have to go to front desk tell them you want to park your rv. They may want you to get a players card and then security will unlock electric box for you to plug in," explains Carol J., noting "Close to highway but truck noise not bad at night."

Level site considerations: Many campgrounds in the area require leveling equipment. "Sites are gravel, mostly level and most sites have shad. The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do," notes a reviewer at Jim & Mary's RV Park.

Utility access planning: When staying at campgrounds without full hookups, plan water usage accordingly. Sites like Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping have no facilities, while established campgrounds like Jocko Hollow offer showers and laundry, though reviewers note "Not the cleanest. But do the trick."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Arlee, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arlee, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Arlee, MT and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arlee, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arlee, MT is Jim & Mary's RV Park with a 4.9-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arlee, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Arlee, MT.