Camping near Cardwell, Montana exists at a higher-elevation zone between 4,300-5,500 feet, with summer nights that can drop below 40°F even during July and August. The area sits at the intersection of the Boulder Mountains and Jefferson River valley, creating a transitional ecosystem where pine forests meet open rangeland. During summer months, afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly with minimal warning.
What to do
Fishing nearby lakes: Harrison Lake Campground provides easy fishing access with spacious sites spread around the shoreline. As Aaron H. notes, "Great camp ground sites are spread out along the lake no water or electricity just nature. Sites are large enough for campers, tents etc. most site can have multiple campers."
Cave exploration: The Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers guided tours through limestone caverns with unique formations. According to one visitor, "The caverns has been modified since I was young making paths and walking through easier with better footing and railing for balance. You will see live animals and bats!"
Hot springs soaking: Norris Hot Springs charges an additional $3/day per person for campers to use their wooden hot spring pool. "Imagine soaking in a beautiful wooden pool, enjoying a cold beverage and a pizza, while you listen to live music. Yes, it's that good. Dog and kid friendly!" writes Ashley F.
Historical interpretation: Visit Missouri Headwaters State Park to see where three rivers converge to form the Missouri River. According to Dexter I., "Experience Camping near where Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped at the headwaters of the Missouri river in 1805... Historical signs about the Corps of Discovers stay at the headwaters of the Missouri and their journey are located through out the park."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Harrison Lake. One visitor shared, "Wonderful, quiet, serene camping at the lake. If you enjoy primitive campsites this is the one for you!" Another noted the campground is "very spread out and very private. Definitely not fancy, very bare bones which is what we like."
Garden-to-table dining: At Norris Hot Springs, the on-site cafe grows its own food. Kierra B. explains, "They grow all their own organic food to serve and have several draft beer options. Nice quiet campground, and at the springs they have live music on the weekends."
Free laundry amenities: Cardwell General Store and Campground offers unexpected perks. According to Scott W., it's "a pleasant surprise, it is up in high price bracket but it has cheap fuel & a free laundry. Beautiful grassy grounds & some great scenery."
Kid-friendly playground: The playground at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park makes it particularly family-friendly. Heather mentions, "We camped here with a group of families and the playground was nice for the kids. There aren't many trees and the land is flat but we were able to really keep a decent eye of the kids running around."
What you should know
Off-highway vehicle traffic: The Pipestone OHV Recreation Area is primarily designed for off-road riding. Nick T. explains, "Awesome camp sites all throughout. There is small areas for single campers and lager sites for glamping caravans... The campsites are very spread out so you don't feel cramped."
Lake water levels: Harrison Lake water levels can fluctuate dramatically. Dexter I. observed, "The lake is really hurting for water this year, I would say that about only 25% of the lake volume was left on my visit, so this lake and all of Montana could really do with some rain."
Wildfire risk: Summer fire danger often leads to restrictions. At Three Forks KOA Journey, "Some spots have fire pits while others don't," according to Angel R., making it important to check current fire rules before arrival.
Seasonal mosquitoes: Missouri Headwaters experiences significant mosquito activity. One camper advised, "When the sun sets in June and July the mosquitos will come out. They are quite nasty but an hour after sunset they are gone, having a campfire going helps too."
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger opportunities: Missouri Headwaters State Park offers educational programs for kids. Sierra V. shares, "Did you know you can print out a packet for your little ones to become Cub Rangers at this State Park? There are great amenities for both camping and RV'S with a child's playground located on the camp."
Cave tour planning: Allow extra time when visiting Lewis & Clark Caverns with children. One visitor recommends, "For small children it's quite a hike for them, they do get fatigued on the way, there are pit stops along the hill with shade for rest, follow tour guide."
Primitive site preparation: When camping at Harrison Lake with families, be completely self-sufficient. A visitor noted, "Though they have fire rings there's no water hook up and it's not kept up that well," so bring all necessary supplies.
Evening activities: Three Forks KOA Journey enforces strict quiet hours. Joshua T. mentions, "Quiet hours where at 10pm and a lot of their guest go to sleep at that time, so they enforce that rule. If you are looking for a quiet place after 10 though, this is a great spot."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: At Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Michael B. warns, "Had to use all our jack stands to combat the slope of our site (P007). Others looked much more level."
Hookup verification: Cardwell General Store and Campground has various site types. Amber W. advises, "Double check your hook ups because I did not realize that I booked partial hookups! So for the price of $75 per night I do find it on the pricey side. They do have a dump station on site though."
Cell reception locations: For those needing connectivity, Delmoe Lake Campground offers spotty service. As Bryce B. notes, "Some have 3 bars of 4G Verizon, others none. Peaceful spot."
Turn radius limitations: At Three Forks KOA Journey, larger RVs face challenges. Angel R. cautions, "I think rigs or trailer bigger then 24ft will have a hard time maneuvering in here, but they do have good spots too. Ours it 27ft pull behind husband said thankfully the spot In front of us isn't take or we wouldn't make the turn to get out of here."
