RV camping near Big Sandy, Montana offers practical options for travelers passing through the Hi-Line region. Located in north-central Montana at approximately 2,700 feet elevation, this area experiences hot summers and cold winters with limited precipitation year-round. The surrounding prairie landscape provides long-distance visibility with minimal tree cover at most camping facilities.
What to do
Explore local history: Fort Benton, located about an hour from Big Sandy, offers historical attractions worth visiting. "We took the day to explore the town. Beneath the street historical tour was a blast back to the past and how the town survived a devastating fire. We toured Fort Assinniboine located 10 miles out of town. More great history and testament to how tough is was on the wild frontier," notes a reviewer from Havre RV Park and Travel Plaza.
Float the Missouri River: The Missouri River offers memorable paddling opportunities near the region. "This is a major launch area for floating the Upper Missouri Rive Breaks National Monument. Very friendly camp staff with vast knowledge of the river," shares a camper at Coal Banks Landing. The site serves as a popular starting point for river adventures.
Catch wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the area offer chances to observe local animals. "There are chickens and ducks and geese, goats, and donkeys. You can feed them and visit with them," explains a visitor to Hansen Family Campground & Storage. The farm atmosphere provides entertainment beyond typical camping activities.
What campers like
River access: Camping along the Missouri River ranks high with visitors. "Part of the campground is right on the Missouri River! Nice big spaces, could put two Campers in most of the spaces. Canoe put in for a beautiful float on the river," mentions a camper at Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers get frequent positive mentions. "The bathrooms are very clean," notes a reviewer at Benton RV Park. Another camper at Chouteau County Fairgrounds adds, "The facilities are very nice that are attached to the rodeo grounds. The toilets flush and the showers are private."
Spacious sites: Many rv parks near Big Sandy, Montana earn praise for generous site dimensions. "The sites are huge," observes a camper at Hansen Family Campground. Another notes, "The standard amenities at each site include a fire ring and picnic table alongside your RV pad."
What you should know
Weather extremes: Summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels. "We were here in mid July and it was 94° with about a 35 mph wind howling across the Prairie. Quite a shock considering we had just come down from the mountains!" warns a visitor to Benton RV Park & Campground.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several camping areas, creating noise disturbances. "The train is VERY LOUD and goes through every hour or so all night. The tracks run one street over from the park and it has to blow its whistle at each RR crossing," cautions a camper at Chester City Park.
Wildlife encounters: Some campers report unwanted animal encounters. "The island right near the fairgrounds is called snake island. They are everywhere," warns a camper about Chouteau County Fairgrounds. Another adds, "It's super buggy and extremely hot in the summer. We couldn't even sit outside at night because of the mosquitoes."
Tips for camping with families
Pet restrictions: Check campground policies before bringing animals. "One of there rules is to respect the campsites of others and not short cut through them. The other rule that we took issue with is children under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times," reports a visitor to Benton RV Park.
Kid-friendly animal interactions: Farm-themed campgrounds provide entertainment for children. "Kids had a great time! Horses, mules, goats, chickens, alligator's, ducks & geese," shares a happy family at Hansen Family Campground.
River safety awareness: When camping near water, prepare for potential hazards. "My 7yr old enjoyed catching soft shell turtles," mentions a parent at Chouteau County Fairgrounds, but adds, "Bring bug spray" for river camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Pay attention to utility placement when parking. "The utilities are near the middle of the very-long gravel and soft dirt pad. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi but we got some sulfur smell and taste even with our three way filter system," reports an RVer at Hansen Family Campground. Another notes, "Most of the sewer connections are extended well out of the ground, so you will have to get your sewer hose up so that gravity flows at least level."
Arrival approach: GPS directions may mislead travelers to RV parks in Big Sandy, Montana region. "When we got to US-2 coming in from the south on US-87, the GPS wanted us to go left where in actuality, you need to turn right and go through Havre as the Campground is 7 miles out of town on US-2 East," warns an experienced RVer at Hansen Family Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Summer visitors should prepare for intense conditions. "We couldn't even sit outside at night because of the mosquitoes. Thankfully there was power to run the AC. We would've been long gone without it," advises a summer camper at Chouteau County Fairgrounds.
