Camping options near Belgrade, Montana include sites from basic tent spots to yurt and cabin accommodations across nearby canyons and valleys. The area sits at around 4,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is limited but available at select locations where road access remains open through snowfall periods.
What to do
Hiking to Sacajawea Peak: For mountain adventures, Fairy Lake Campground offers direct access to one of the area's most rewarding hikes. "The road to get to the trailhead and campground was slow going and really just a logging route- would recommend something with good clearance and ideally 4WD," notes Anthony B., emphasizing the importance of vehicle preparation.
Creek exploration: Families enjoy water play at Langohr Campground where creek access creates natural entertainment. "Kids play in creek and build rock dams. Nice walk around campground," reports Davis A., highlighting the simple outdoor activities that keep children engaged throughout your stay.
Historical experiences: Learn about Lewis and Clark's expedition at Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground, where you can "Experience Camping near where Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped at the headwaters of the Missouri river in 1805," according to Dexter I., who adds that you can "see how Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri by checking out the dug out canoe that can be found at the entrance of the campground."
What campers like
Mountain views: The panoramic scenery from Spire Rock Campground offers dramatic backdrops for your camping experience. "All the sites are fairly private, nestled in the mountains among the trees and alongside a stream," shares Katie J., describing the natural setting that makes this location popular.
Riverside camping: Sites along moving water are highly sought after. "Depending on which site you get you can camp on a hillside above the river or right next to the river," explains Evan H. about Langohr Campground, pointing out the variety of terrain options within a single campground.
Yurt camping Belgrade, Montana options: Specialized accommodations like yurts and cabins at places like VangoBoon offer alternatives to traditional tent camping. While reviews are mixed with one camper noting the property owners were "very friendly and passionate about the up keep of their land... very flexible with check in and check out times and are pet friendly," according to Dylan R.
What you should know
Bear safety: Multiple campgrounds in the area require proper food storage due to active bear populations. At Red Cliff Campground, "BEAR SAFE FOOD STORAGE IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Bear boxes are provided at many sites, or lock up your stuff in a hard-sided vehicle," explains a reviewer, underscoring the importance of wildlife safety protocols.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. Amber R. reports that for Fairy Lake "The drive up is very rough, most vehicles I saw were Toyotas and Subarus. 4 Wheel drive is recommended, however I took my Ram Promaster 3500 Campervan up to the top where the campground is."
Reservation needs: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. At Hood Creek Campground, one camper advises "This campground books up super fast, so plan out your trip well in advance and book it as soon as you can! You won't be sorry."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with young children, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park provides convenient amenities. "We camped here with a group of families and the playground was nice for the kids. There aren't many trees and the land is flat but we were able to really keep a decent eye of the kids running around because of it," shares Heather.
River activities: Children often enjoy simple water play at streamside campsites. Tonya R. chose site number 5 at Langohr and was "extremely happy with it. It was peaceful and close to all the major hikes and waterfalls!"
Belgrade area yurt camping options: For families seeking more comfort without full RV setups, investigate the yurt camping opportunities near Belgrade. Specialized sites like VangoBoon offer these accommodations, though Scott B. notes to consider noise factors: "Biggest negative is that you can hear all the highway noise and trucks like to jake-break in this area. On the other side of the highway there were railroad tracks."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites at Red Cliff Campground provide partial convenience. "Half the sights back up to the river. Sights 1-26 have electric, and all sights feel private," notes Soren B., providing specific site numbers for RVers requiring power.
Size considerations: Varying campgrounds accommodate different RV lengths. At Missouri Headwaters, "All the campsites have picnic tables sitting on concrete pads, and metal fire rings. All the campsites are nice and flat. Most of the site are of good size with nice grassy areas to set up your tent, a few are a little small and cramped."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-September only. Check specific opening dates as Brodie B. discovered at Hood Creek: "Signs posted this weekend that gate is closing for the season at 12:00PM 9/28/25."
