Best Campgrounds in Montana

Three large loops, some with modest shade, others in the wide open (the latter type with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains).  All a bit scruffy looking, but serviceable.  Low on amenities (no electricity, water faucets scattered about) and relatively tight pull-through spaces, but all have a fire ring and picnic table.  Well patrolled by rangers, with a daily evening program in the summer. As others have mentioned, timed entry tickets are not needed at the St. Mary entrance to the park, so you can head into the park any time you like.  Added bonus: if you are camping with a travel trailer (and thus not able to drive the Going-to-the-Sun road because of length limitations), you are allowed to park your trailer in the the RV section of the St. Mary Visitor Center parking lot for the day, and drive in with your car alone.  We were there in late June/early July: don't know if this option is  available when the very high season hits in later July and August.

If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir. Pic attached of exact road took past normal “camping” area. There is a huge gravel camping area before this site where large rigs could park. There are also other small sites off the OHV road I am on. Def marked as location to come back to. Pretty loud during the day with riders but privacy and quiet at night. Little walkway down to the beach as well. Absolutely no cell service once you turn off Highway 2 about 6 miles out from sight. Starlink works but is a little spotty.

Do not follow the directions in the other review, they are wrong. My review follows the directions.

Take the Clancy exit and turn towards clancy. The road looks like its an immediate left with a big arrow sign but its not, drive straight through. About 1/10 mile and you’ll see the brown forest service sign at the T intersection indicating Park Lake is 14 miles after turning right.

3.5 miles pavement becomes a well maintained wide gravel/dirt road the entire way. Soft shoulders though, beware.

If you pick the lake on a gps or follow the listing directions in Dyrt you will mistakenly turn left just shy of 8 miles and find a narrow road going down, no trespassing and dead end signs. If you have a trailer you’ll have to back out up hill.

Instead stay on the main road and don’t stop until you reach the T intersection which is approx. 11.5 miles from the sign that said 14 miles. You’ll see the forest toad sign 4009 and the forest service sign indicating you turn left and will reach the lake in 2 miles with the campground just at the opposite end

22 sites, all paved, all back-in for towable’s. Some are only large enough for a single vehicle with a tiny towable, a few will hold big trucks and 30+ footers. All have a table and fire pit. Hand pump water point, 3 pit toilets which are very clean and well stocked. Sites are a mix from full sun all day to full shade all day. Plenty of open sky in most sites for clear satellite lines.

Plenty of firewood just lying around. Chipmunks and rabbits run around. This is bear country, be prepared and read over the signage if you are inexperienced.

The lake is beautiful, plenty if shore fishing and large day use areas with tables and firepits. Dirt boat launch as this is a non motorized lake, manpower only.

The local USFS in Helena overseas the location. They do not visit regularly which is likely due to the drive. Be prepared to drive to tell cell service if you don’t have satellite if there are questions or concerns.

No services or trash. Pack it in pack it out. Closest services are Montana city for minimal needs, Helena for most needs. Clancy has nothing