The Bonner area sits at approximately 3,300 feet elevation where the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers converge. Camping options in this region extend beyond the immediate Bonner vicinity into surrounding locations including Clinton, Florence, and Lolo. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while spring and fall temperatures range from 40-70°F with overnight lows sometimes dropping to freezing levels.
What to do
Fishing at Blackfoot River: The river provides excellent fishing opportunities at Thibodeau Fishing Access Site in Bonner. "Great place to stay. First come first stay 8 day max stay. Vault toilets, picnic table, sites are spread out. $18 dollars per day," notes a camper at Thibodeau.
River activities: For those seeking water recreation beyond fishing, the Bonner area offers excellent tubing and rafting. "Great tubing down tibodeau falls and you finish up at the campsite. Good day spot!" mentions a visitor about Thibodeau. The area is known for its accessible river put-ins and take-outs.
Mini golf and games: Some campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond natural attractions. At Granite Peak RV Resort, campers can enjoy "mini golf, horse shoes, pool, dog park," all while staying "close enough to town."
What campers like
Riverside access: Direct river access ranks highly among campers visiting the Bonner area. At Thibodeau, one camper appreciated that "The site I was at had its own little stair set down to the river" and noted "Plenty of space between sites for a more private experience."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and facilities receive consistent praise from campers. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, campers appreciate the "very nice and clean" facilities, with one visitor noting the park was "beautifully maintained" with "flowers everywhere."
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the spacing between sites at several campgrounds. At Chief Looking Glass Campground, a reviewer mentioned that "Sites were well marked with okay spacing. Definitely plenty of room, but not secluded. Each had a picnic table and a fire ring."
What you should know
Seasonal closures and rules: Many campgrounds near Bonner have specific seasonal operating windows and rules. One camper at Chief Looking Glass noted "The gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so."
Train noise: Rail lines run through the area, affecting some campgrounds. At Beavertail Hill State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "The park is not far off of the interstate. While the traffic can be heard, it was not distracting. There is also a set of RR tracks that run along the freeway. There were 8-10 trains that went by daily."
Water issues: Some campgrounds experience water quality challenges. At Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground, a camper reported, "Staff provided jugs of water due to the water boil notice, but we would have preferred a discount from the $53 charge for our no water / no electric site."
Availability patterns: During peak season, many campgrounds fill by mid-day. At Chief Looking Glass, a visitor noted "We got there about 4:30 in the middle of the week in late September and there was only one spot left."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. At Missoula KOA Holiday, one family found "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!"
Swimming access: Safe swimming spots are important for families. A visitor at Yellowrock Campground mentioned they "can walk to the river" and appreciated the "big dry camping spot under trees."
Shade importance: Summer temperatures often reach the 90s, making shaded sites valuable for families. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, a camper praised "Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer" and suggested visitors might "enjoy the flowers!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited in the immediate Bonner area. One RVer at Yellowrock Campground reported they "got a big dry camping spot under trees. Can walk to the river. Two Porto ponies nearby. One main bathhouse. Cold washers. Medium 5G. $27/night."
Site sizing and leveling: Some RV sites have limitations in size or levelness. At Granite Peak RV Resort, a camper noted "Sites small, internet horrible, pool cold" while another mentioned "paved roads between gravel pad sites."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds have onsite dump stations. At Yellowrock Campground, a visitor observed their strict policies including "no totable black and grey disposal allowed - but you can pay a fee of $25 to have them come dump your tanks."
