Best Campgrounds near Billings, MT
The Billings area encompasses a diverse range of camping options along the Yellowstone River and surrounding plains. Within 30 minutes of downtown, campers find established facilities like Billings KOA Holiday and Yellowstone River RV Park, both offering full hookups and amenities for RVs and tent campers. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Acton Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping on BLM land about 25 miles north of the city with basic vault toilets but no water or hookups. Several fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River, including Captain Clark and Voyagers Rest, offer simple camping with fire rings and picnic tables in scenic riverside settings.
Montana's variable climate significantly impacts camping conditions, with strong winds common throughout the region. A Montana Conservation License ($10 for non-residents) is required at many fishing access sites and state-managed areas. As one camper noted, "Acton Recreation Area has easy access, nice gravel even road, well marked entrance and even leveled sites." Cell service varies considerably, with some areas like Grant Marsh having no coverage while others maintain strong signals. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though several RV parks remain open year-round. Summer brings mosquitoes and occasional severe weather, with campers advised to bring insect repellent.
Riverside locations receive consistently positive reviews, with the Yellowstone River providing scenic backdrops at multiple campgrounds. "The park is in a quiet area with easy access on and off the interstate Highway in southeast Billings," noted one visitor about Yellowstone River RV Park. Campers frequently mention using Billings-area campgrounds as convenient bases for exploring regional attractions like Pompey's Pillar, Little Bighorn Battlefield, and the Beartooth Mountains. Noise levels vary significantly, with interstate and railway sounds affecting some locations. City parks in smaller towns like Columbus (Itch-Kep-Pe Park) and Laurel (Riverside City Park) offer affordable alternatives with basic amenities and are described as "extremely easy to get into" and "nice and spread out" by visitors seeking economical overnight options.
