RV camping near Belt, Montana provides access to forest-surrounded campgrounds and riverside locations with views of the Missouri River and surrounding mountains. The region sits at approximately 3,500 feet elevation, with temperatures ranging from summer highs of 90°F to winter lows well below freezing. Wind conditions are common throughout the area, creating challenges for tent campers regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Thain Creek Campground offers immediate trail access with route #431 starting directly from the grounds. "The trailhead for #431 is on the campgrounds and there are multiple routes you can take once you start. The path I followed for about 40 minutes opened into an incredible meadow with wildflowers," notes one visitor to Thain Creek.
Wildlife viewing: The Belt region campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Aspen Campground, the natural setting supports diverse wildlife encounters. "Deer wandered into the campground throughout the night and morning. You can hear logging creek moving from no matter where you are," reports one Logging Creek camper.
Stargazing opportunities: The Little Belt Mountains offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "We set up camp and fell asleep under the light of a million stars. The star gazing is great here because it's right in the middle of the Little Belt mountains so there is no light pollution," explains a visitor to Aspen Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at many Belt-area campgrounds receive positive mentions. "Bathrooms spotless. After hours check-in was a breeze! Will use again," reports a visitor to Great Falls RV Park about their convenient stop.
Peaceful settings: Several campgrounds in the region offer quiet environments despite occasional traffic noise. "We were shocked this campground wasn't full, it's only an hour from Great Falls and the road is your typical gravel, a few larger potholes but completely doable in any car. The partiers stay down below on the road so it was super quiet," explains a Thain Creek Campground reviewer.
Water features: Creek and river proximity enhances the camping experience for many visitors. "The real magic here is the setting—nestled in a peaceful valley that muffles I-15, this place is a nature-lover's dream. We spotted deer casually strolling through the campground and bighorn sheep doing their thing up on the rocks," shares a visitor to Prewett Creek RV Park.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigation of unpaved roads. "Be aware that this is a long rough gravel road of at least 12 miles to get there. I would not suggest trying to haul a large rig into it," warns a Thain Creek Campground visitor.
Weather variations: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations and wind conditions throughout the year. "Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that," notes a reviewer at Gateway Military Malmstrom AFB.
Limited services: Some campgrounds offer minimal amenities, particularly at more remote locations. "This campground is great if you are planning on hiking the sluice boxes the next day. Very quiet campground other than the occasional traffic sounds from the round. The creek does a good job worth background noise," explains a visitor from Aspen Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: The Great Falls KOA offers numerous family-oriented amenities. "Everthing you could possibly want or need in a campground! Waterslides, Petting Zoo, Swimming Pool. Clean facilities, friendly operators," reports a visitor to Great Falls KOA.
River access considerations: The Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground provides river access but requires caution. "This is a cute spot if your feeling like camping but want to stay in cell service and have electricity and water access. Down by the river. Bring bug spray. There is a small boat ramp/river access. But otherwise the river access is a little steeper. My 7yr old enjoyed catching soft shell turtles," shares a visitor to Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions at some campgrounds. "The island right near the fairgrounds is called snake island. They are everywhere. It's super buggy and extremely hot in the summer. We couldn't even sit outside at night because of the mosquitoes," warns a Chouteau County camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Campgrounds vary in their ability to accommodate larger RVs. "Basic RV park, needs to be updated. Lots of long term, old and run down campers. Water, electric and sewer ok. A good deal of highway noise," notes a Great Falls RV Park visitor about the conditions.
Weather preparation: RVers should prepare for the strong winds common to the region. "Great people in charge. They did well to make the dogs and I feel welcomed. The sites are small and the campground is busy," explains a Great Falls RV Park camper.
Seasonal planning: Many RV parks in the area experience varying occupancy rates by season. "In an area of mostly open fields, this KOA is filled with nice trees. It is a very large campground with RV sites, cabins, and tent sites. This is a very kid friendly campground, almost too much," advises a Great Falls KOA visitor describing the environment.