Best Campgrounds near Bonner, MT

Camping in the Bonner, Montana area encompasses both established campgrounds and riverside access points along the Blackfoot River corridor. Several campgrounds are situated within a 15-mile radius of Bonner, including Thibodeau Fishing Access Site directly in Bonner and Turah RV Park approximately 7 miles southeast. The region provides a mix of accommodation types, from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, typically open from April through October, though some like Turah RV Park operate year-round.

Access to camping areas varies by season and weather conditions in this mountainous region. Many campgrounds near Bonner require reservations, particularly during summer months when facilities reach capacity. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall that limits camping options from November through March. Most established sites offer varying levels of amenities, with fishing access sites providing basic facilities like vault toilets, while RV parks offer full hookups, showers, and camp stores. Cell service can be inconsistent in canyon areas and at more remote sites. "Clean and green," noted one camper about Turah RV Park, while also mentioning last-minute availability was limited to less desirable sites near service areas.

Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with many campers citing the proximity to fishing opportunities on the Blackfoot River as a primary attraction. The Thibodeau Fishing Access Site campground provides direct river access for anglers and boaters, while nearby Johnsrud Park offers day-use facilities for picnicking and river recreation. Campgrounds with tree cover are particularly valued during summer months when temperatures can exceed 90°F. Reviews indicate that sites closer to Missoula tend to have more highway noise and rail activity that can disrupt sleep. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers should be aware that the more developed RV parks like Turah often fill quickly during peak summer weekends and holiday periods, with one visitor noting the "bathroom and laundry rooms clean and functional" at these established facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Bonner, Montana (134)

    1. Missoula KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Missoula, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-0881

    $75 - $192 / night

    "Great friendly and clean place to stay in Missoula Montana!"

    "This KOA is conveniently located for a quick overnight stop. We were passing through Montana and needed a full hookup site to rest and recharge before another long day of driving."

    2. Jim & Mary's RV Park

    23 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-4416

    "Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer. We wish we would have stayed a few more nights."

    "The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do. The laundry and bathhouse was very nice and clean. $2.00 per load to wash."

    3. Beavertail Hill State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Clinton, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5561

    $20 - $26 / night

    "We had been staying at different sites as we traveled to Montana from Iowa and this one was a favorite!. We will make it a point to stay there again when coming  out west."

    "The 1 mile Nature Trail around the area is really well maintained and beautiful. There are 2 Tipi sites you can rent as well."

    4. Granite Peak RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 543-9400

    $40 - $150 / night

    "We were in a site along the outside, and our site was rather short, it fit our 174BH, but there was not much room to spare and we had to back it all the way in. "

    5. Yellowrock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 273-0141

    $27 - $47 / night

    "Full hook-ups are available, and it's close to everything yet nestled in the forest."

    "Can walk to the river. Two Porto ponies nearby. On main bathhouse. Cold washers. Medium 5G. $27/night"

    6. Chief Looking Glass Campground

    14 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    $6 - $18 / night

    "We got a nice spot next to the river. It was really relaxing. There’s two pit toilets and 1 water pump near the entrance. It’s first come first serve."

    "Entry fee is $12 per camp and gate closes to get back in at 10pm

    I have camped here multiple times by tent and always enjoyed my stay."

    7. Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground

    8 Reviews
    Clinton, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 825-3183

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Beautiful location, classic Montana with trees mountains and rivers! Great restaurant on site. Campsites are the reason for not giving 5 stars. Very tight and not great space for maneuverability."

    "They ran our dogs around and tired them out."

    8. Johnsrud Park FAS

    5 Reviews
    Bonner, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "The sites are nice and fairly well dispersed with lots of trees and foliage near the water. The park is a common pull out spot for boaters and tubers who run the Blackfoot."

    9. Turah RV Park and Store

    2 Reviews
    Bonner, MT
    4 miles
    +1 (406) 258-9773

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Quiet, tree-lined location. Friendly people. Bathroom and laundry rooms clean and functional."

    10. Thibodeau

    6 Reviews
    Bonner, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "The campground is right next to the river which is nice for the sound of running water over night. There's pit toilets. There's generally some people here, but I've never seen it overly crowded."

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Recent Reviews near Bonner, MT

576 Reviews of 134 Bonner Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richmond Marshall hookup trail dispersed campsite

    Logging Logging Spur MTN view

    Acesss logging road in good shape. Narrow in places . Fire ring at the edge of the embankment. Tight place to turn around. Can hear a creek deep in the gorge. Only saw one other person. Vegetation is very dry. Nice open view for camping. Most of the road cuts through tall trees. Good cell service . No services just a fire ring and cell reception.

  • Lady Phyre  ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    A clearing & an Outhouse

    It's a clearing with a clean outhouse . It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean with flat pads

    What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Stayed one night

    We are on the way to Glacier Park and needed to be close enough to get there in a few hours the next day. Pros: convenience. Close to highway and town. Large site, we were on the first loop site 1. Picnic tables and fire rings provided at each site. Site was free (after Labor Day 2025) Cons: Logging has created Mess, downed trees litter the area, however this resulted in plenty of available firewood. Vault toilets are not clean(understandable as there are no hosts on site this time of year) Synopsis: this site accommodated us for the purpose we were looking for, It would be hard for me to stay here longer than one day, however it may be suitable for longer periods if you have an interest in touring the area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lolo Hot Springs Campground

    Spot for a quick stay

    Water and electricity hook up only. Bring a portable RV waste tank to the pump out station. Or walk to the bathroom /showers. Tent sites are also available. Restaurant / Bar / hot Springs pool is across the road. Spacious.

  • Eden N.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Quartz Flats Campground

    Pretty good

    It’s kinda noisy from the highway and the train tracks. But other than that good

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Boulder Creek Lodge

    Boulder Creek

    This is the prettiest little RV park/ campground with lovely little cabins alongside a wonderful creek. Something for everyone here and absolutely delightful. The game room and laundry open all night ! Dog friendly.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground

    Great campground in the mountains

    Best spot with 50 amps I could find! We pulled up and was surprised by how serene the setting was, beautiful creek, awesome big rocks and of course the hot springs across the street. We ended up not even going to the hot springs, there was lots to do! If you get a spot right on the creek it would be super nice, it’s very quiet here and you can hear the water. Definitely recommend.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Blodgett Campground

    Awesome if You’re Lucky

    Pulled in to find an empty spot, host said they left about 15 minutes prior so hallelujah. 5 sites but spread out enough. Free which rocks and actually have decent cell(Verizon) Good launch point for a few hikes. Host is a cool guy, very knowledgeable of the area.


Guide to Bonner

Camping near Bonner, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Swimming: Beavertail Hill State Park Campground is a great spot for fishing and swimming. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little spot hidden in the mountains," highlighting the lake's appeal.
  • Hiking: The trails around Charles Waters Campground are perfect for hiking. A visitor noted, "Tons of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and driving," making it a versatile location for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Family Activities: At the Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA, families can enjoy mini-golf, paddle boats, and arcade games. One camper said, "This campground has it all," emphasizing the fun for kids.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Jim & Mary's RV Park. A review stated, "Everything was clean including the picnic table," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors have praised the staff at various campgrounds. One camper at Granite Peak RV Resort mentioned, "Everyone we met, both staff & guests was very nice."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness at Placid Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Great sites that are spaced out from your neighbor," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at the Chief Looking Glass Campground. One camper warned, "I’ve never seen so many or been bit so many times."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Montana Lolo Creek Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "Vault toilets and some water points," so plan accordingly.
  • Busy Roads: Campgrounds near busy roads can be noisy. A reviewer at Lolo Creek mentioned, "This campsite is next to a very busy road with a lot of traffic," which might affect your stay.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "Lots of fun for the kids with mini golf, bikes, paddle boats."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring fishing gear if you're staying at places like Beavertail Hill State Park Campground, where fishing is popular. A visitor mentioned, "Great little spot for fishing."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites, like Charles Waters Campground, to ensure your family has room to relax. A camper noted, "Quiet and beautiful," which is perfect for winding down.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should pay attention to site sizes at places like Granite Peak RV Resort. One reviewer mentioned, "The length was pretty short," so make sure your rig fits.
  • Use Amenities: Take advantage of amenities like laundry and showers at campgrounds such as Jim & Mary's RV Park. A visitor said, "Hot showers and clean bathroom," which can make your stay more comfortable.
  • Plan for Connectivity: If you need internet access, check reviews for cell service at your chosen campground. One camper at Granite Peak noted, "Plenty of service being so close to Missoula," which can be helpful for RVers needing to stay connected.

Camping near Bonner, Montana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Blue Slide Campground near Bonner?

While specific reviews for Blue Slide Campground are limited, similar campgrounds in the Bonner area typically offer basic amenities. Most public campgrounds in this region provide picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. For comparison, Chief Looking Glass Campground offers riverside campsites with pit toilets and a water pump near the entrance. Similarly, Lolo Creek Campground offers standard Forest Service amenities. Blue Slide likely follows this pattern with basic facilities designed for a more rustic camping experience. The campground is primarily accessed by drive-in, and visitors should be prepared to bring their own water as running water may not be available.

Where are the best campgrounds near Bonner, MT?

The Bonner area offers several excellent camping options. Beavertail Hill State Park Campground is about 30 minutes east of Missoula and features mountain views, a small river, and short hiking trails. The park provides a scenic and peaceful setting for campers. Another great option is Monture Creek, which offers five campsites and excellent trout fishing just 100 feet from the sites. Other nearby options include Johnsrud Park FAS, Thibodeau, and Upsata Lake, which has five well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Most campgrounds in the area are small with basic amenities including vault toilets and are best for those seeking a quieter outdoor experience.

Is dispersed camping allowed in the Bonner-West Riverside area?

Dispersed camping is generally allowed in National Forest areas surrounding Bonner-West Riverside, following standard Forest Service regulations (camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings, and practice Leave No Trace principles). The Lolo National Forest and Blackfoot River corridors offer opportunities for dispersed camping. For more established options, Harpers Lake offers an accessible alternative with $12/night fees for those with Montana fishing licenses, and no time restrictions or gates. Upsata Lake fishing access also provides a small campground with five sites. Always check current regulations with the Lolo National Forest office or Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before setting up a dispersed campsite.