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Best Campgrounds in Montana

5,435 Reviews

Montana's camping landscape ranges from developed campgrounds within Glacier National Park to dispersed sites along the Middle Fork Flathead River. Many Glacier Campground and Fish Creek Campground offer established tent and RV sites with amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Montana off-grid campsites provide free options with minimal facilities. KOA properties in West Glacier and Billings provide more extensive services including cabins, glamping accommodations, electric hookups, and shower facilities. These developed sites typically operate seasonally from May through September or October.

Camping access and conditions vary significantly with Montana's seasonal changes. Glacier National Park campgrounds like Apgar and St. Mary operate primarily from May through early October when mountain roads remain passable. Many popular campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer months of June through August. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountain environments, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations even during summer months. Fire regulations and water availability shift throughout the season based on drought conditions and fire danger levels. Travelers should prepare for varied conditions across the state's diverse terrain. "We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing," noted a camper describing Sluice Boxes State Park.

Several visitors highlight riverside camping as particularly desirable throughout Montana. Campgrounds positioned along waterways like the Yellowstone River and Flathead River receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. Some dispersed camping areas along river corridors provide free options with basic amenities like vault toilets. A camper at Loch Leven noted, "The campground is clean and well-maintained with great views of Chico Peak and the Yellowstone River. Our campsite had great access for our son to throw rocks in the water." Proximity to national parks represents another significant draw, with West Glacier serving as a popular base for exploring Glacier National Park. Established campgrounds typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while RV-oriented properties may include additional hookups, shower facilities, and dumping stations. Public lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM offer more primitive camping options throughout the state, including Lewis and Clark National Forest sites.

Best Camping Sites in Montana (1,451)

    1. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park

    62 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."

    "Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."

    2. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    59 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $45 - $90 / night

    "Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."

    "I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine. We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."

    3. West Glacier KOA Resort

    50 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5341

    "This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."

    "9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana  West Glacier KOA Resort

    Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park. "

    4. Glacier Campground

    51 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5689

    $45 - $120 / night

    "Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."

    "Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."

    5. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    51 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    Website

    "It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"

    "Perfect spot for camping outside the west entrance, about 25 minutes away. That road is a little rough coming in but it’s short and manageable, even saw a little Mazda make it in."

    6. Many Glacier Campground — Glacier National Park

    47 Reviews
    Siyeh Bend, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7740

    $90 / night

    "When you stay at Many Glacier you are situated in the heart of the best hiking and wildlife viewing in the park. Grizzly sightings on the slopes nearby are an almost nightly occurrence."

    "I recommend visiting this area of Glacier Montana!!"

    7. St Mary Campground - Glacier National Park — Glacier National Park

    49 Reviews
    Babb, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7708

    $40 / night

    "They had new bear boxes for every 4 sites this year with extra around bathrooms. Make sure you keep your camp bearproof as rangers will make sure it is."

    "Our site had no shade and felt very exposed (A loop was better) but we enjoyed the proximity to the visitors center and ability to walk to the shuttle."

    8. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    46 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT

    "Great spot for travelers or people who didn't book a site in or close to Yosemite."

    "It was last minute I read about this spot on Dyrt and was pretty relieved to find something with great reviews and relatively close to home in Bozeman."

    9. Billings KOA Holiday

    47 Reviews
    Billings, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 252-3104

    "This camp ground is tucked into a residential area, and far enough off the interstate to not hear the noise, but close enough to town and all the other amenities to make it very convenient."

    "This KOA sits right along the Yellowstone River along the eastern outskirts of Billings."

    10. Makoshika State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 377-6256

    $12 - $28 / night

    "We had planned to travel through the area but hadn’t planned to stop—until we hit the Tourist Center at the Montana border and found a brochure for thus park."

    "This is a beautiful area of Montana that goes under visited and under appreciated. The campground is just as nice as you would find in one of the national parks."

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Recent Reviews in Montana

5435 Reviews of 1451 Montana Campgrounds

  • Julia F.
    May. 12, 2026

    Bakers Hole Campground

    Great setting, close to West Yellowstone

    Stayed for 4 nights in #31. Electric hook-up and near water spigot & pit toilet. 

    My total cost per night (with senior discount) was $22 for an electric site.  Without the senior discount... it is $35/night for electric site.

    I'd correct a couple things in the Dyrt page.  

    1.  There is no RV dump station at the campground. I traveled ~3 miles into West Yellowstone and for $30 dumped my tanks at the "Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park".

    2. T-mobile coverage is poor.  I typically had 1 bar, sometimes 2.

    Also, they charge double for many of the pull-thru sites.

    Other than those minor issues, I'd love to come back & stay here again.  RV potable water fill up is at the sign-in kiosk. Pit toilets were very clean.  The electric box at my site had the 30AMP toggle broken, so I used an adaptor and the 50 AMP.  A maintenance fellow came by the next day to fix it.  Campsite host was very friendly.  Great setting and easy access to West Yellowstone. The drive into many of the Yellowstone NP attractions from West Yellowstone is long (~ 40 miles to Yellowstone River Falls/Canyon), so have plenty of gas.

    The Madison River is the closest attraction in Yellowstone NP. I enjoyed buffalo, elk, Sandhill Cranes, Cinnamon teal, American Wigeon, Common Mergansers and Great Blue Heron's in the big meadows. 

    Arrived May 7, 2026 and had  the pick of several electric sites and numerous non-electric. Madison River is a short walk and beautiful. Moose droppings and great moose habitat all along the campground river frontage. Except for the highway sounds during the day the site was quiet.  The highway was very quiet at night.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2026

    Mallard's Rest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Location Can't Be Beat

    We are right on the Yellowstone River, and snow covered peaks beyond , approximately 12 miles south of Livingston, MT and 20 miles north of the north entrance to Yellowstone NP.

  • Emmett D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2026

    Acton Recreation Area

    Great night camping outside of Billings

    I was skeptical about this spot, looking at it on Google Maps it didn’t look like anything special, but I am so glad I decided to camp here. The landscape is incredible and the sites are very spacious.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2026

    Gallatin County Fairgrounds Campground

    $28 for no electric

    This is basically insurance against the knock. Call during government business hours weekdays to reserve and pay. If you need electric it’s more. No bathrooms. Just a place to sleep without worrying.

  • Lucyna K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2026

    Riverside City Park

    Dry camping

    Dry camping,no water, only one pit toilet, by busy road and cost us $30 for one night

  • l
    May. 12, 2026

    Cherry Creek Campground

    Gorgeous! Right on the lake

    Lovely campground. Road in is a little rough but easily doable. Very very buggy, pack some bug spray and light a fire (check fire restrictions). There’s a fee area. Also has a clean porta potty. We brought the paddleboard and had a great time. We were the only ones there although it was early May on a weekday, so I can see it getting busy otherwise.

  • Dallas D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2026

    Three Frogs Campground

    Three Frogs CG

    A cozy and quaint campground with a very friendly host. $15 per night. 20 sites total. First come first served. Picnic table and fire pit at each site. No cell service. Trails to explore around the lake and a beach too. I would highly recommend this CG and would love to revisit someday !!

  • Dallas D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2026

    Lake Como Campground

    Lake Como CG

    A cozy and quaint campground with the sweetest hosts. They greeted me when I was registering for the night and offered assistance and advice for things to do in the area. $25 per night. Paved parking spots at each site. Picnic table and fire pit at each site as well. 10 sites total I believe. First come first served. A couple trails to explore around the lake and a beach too. I would highly recommend and would love to go back another time !! No cell service.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2026

    Plateau Road Dispersed

    Yes! Good Site and so close to town

    Pass the sign and go about a tenth of a mile. Bear left and that road will take you to a number of very nice spots. If you have bikes you can bike into town in minutes. Imagine it gets very crowded in the peak season, but early May there was only a few of us.

Guide to Montana

Camping in Montana offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From serene lakes to rugged mountains, there's something for everyone, whether you're a tent camper or an RV enthusiast.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Montana is home to beautiful parks like Kiwanis Park, where you can enjoy a park-like atmosphere. One camper mentioned, “Road noise disappears at night,” making it a peaceful spot for relaxation.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Ackley Lake State Park Campground, you can fish, swim, and kayak. A visitor shared, “Good spot for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking!”
  • Hiking: The James Kipp Campground offers great hiking trails. One camper noted, “We took a nice hike along the river,” highlighting the scenic views.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and well-maintained sites. A review from Chief Joseph City Park stated, “The bathrooms are clean and have flushing toilets.”
  • Wildlife Sightings: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Deadmans Basin said, “Great views! It was pretty windy the night we were there,” indicating a connection with nature.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Petrolia Reservoir offer a peaceful experience. A camper mentioned, “We woke up to cows mooing and a beautiful sunrise over the lake.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crystal Lake Campground, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A visitor remarked, “There is not much privacy now as every camp site can be watched by all the other campers.”
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. At Ackley Lake State Park, a camper noted, “They only have 26 spots, first come first serve.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Mountain Acres RV Park is open from May 1 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for parks with playgrounds and activities. Chief Joseph City Park has a five-star play area for kids, making it a great choice.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Kiwanis Park enjoyed the park-like atmosphere, saying, “No fire rings, but a park-like atmosphere.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Ackley Lake State Park mentioned, “We stocked up on some snacks,” which is always a good idea for family trips.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mountain Acres RV Park noted, “Sites are big,” which is helpful for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A camper at James Kipp Campground mentioned, “There was no water available during my stay.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. One RV traveler at Deadmans Basin said, “It’s a beautiful place to stay,” encouraging exploration of the surrounding area.

Montana camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV-friendly camping sites in Montana?

Montana offers numerous RV-friendly camping options. North American RV Park & Yurt Village is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the West Glacier Park entrance with full hookups and amenities. Trout Creek Motel & RV Park near the Idaho border provides peaceful sites with easy access to local amenities. For those visiting Yellowstone, several RV parks around West Yellowstone offer convenient access to the national park. Many KOAs throughout Montana are excellent for RVers, featuring pull-through sites, full hookups, and amenities like laundry facilities and WiFi. National Forest campgrounds sometimes accommodate RVs, but check size restrictions and hookup availability before arrival.

Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Montana?

Montana offers several affordable camping options for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Peck Gulch Campground provides basic amenities like vault toilets and water access at minimal cost while offering stunning views. Indian Road Campground near Townsend offers reasonably priced camping along the Missouri River. Many National Forest campgrounds throughout Montana provide primitive camping for low fees, often between $5-15 per night. For completely free options, dispersed camping is allowed in most national forests with a 16-day stay limit. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas also offer free dispersed camping throughout the state. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations as they may change seasonally.

What are the best campgrounds in Montana for scenic views?

Montana offers breathtaking scenic views at numerous campgrounds. Crystal Lake Campground provides peaceful lakeside camping with clear waters, surrounding meadows filled with summer wildflowers, and beautiful hiking trails. Gird Point in the Bitterroot National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas from its elevated location. For riverside beauty, consider camping along the Madison River between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. Glacier National Park campgrounds are also exceptional for scenery, with options providing views of mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. The diverse landscapes across Montana ensure scenic camping experiences, whether you prefer mountain views, riverside serenity, or alpine lake settings.

What's the best time of year for camping in Montana?

The prime camping season in Montana runs from late June through early September when temperatures are most comfortable and high-elevation sites are accessible. Apgar Campground in Glacier National Park is typically open May through September, with July-August offering the warmest conditions. Basin Campground and other mountain locations shine in summer when wildflowers bloom and hiking trails are fully accessible. Be aware that summer wildfires can affect air quality, particularly in August. Spring (May-June) offers fewer crowds but potential snowmelt and mud. Fall (September-early October) brings beautiful colors and fewer visitors, though nights get quite cold. Most high-elevation campgrounds close by mid-October, while some lower-elevation sites remain open year-round with limited amenities.

Keep Exploring

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