Best Camping near Cardwell, MT

Are you in need of a campground near Cardwell, MT? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Cardwell campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Cardwell and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Cardwell, MT (132)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Forks KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Forks KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Forks KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Forks KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Forks KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Forks KOA Journey

    3. Three Forks KOA Journey

    16 Reviews
    27 Photos
    29 Saves
    Three Forks, Montana

    Formerly Camp Three Forks: Perfect place to base camp while you visit Yellowstone National Park, Virginia City, Bozeman or fly fish one of the outstanding blueribbon trout fisheries that converge as the three forks of the Missouri. Hundreds of miles of bike trails, including the mountain terrain of Copper City BLM trails, are just minutes from the KOA. Welcome to Three Forks!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $58 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Delmoe Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Delmoe Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Delmoe Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Delmoe Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Delmoe Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Delmoe Lake

    4. Delmoe Lake

    12 Reviews
    36 Photos
    128 Saves
    Butte, Montana

    Delmoe Lake Campground and Picnic area is located 15 miles from Whitehall and Butte in the Whitetail-Pipestone area - a popular destination for OHV riding. The lake is a man-made reservoir controlled by the Pipestone Water Users for irrigation near Whitehall. The campground has 25 sites for trailer and tent camping. Maximum trailer length is 32 feet. Wood is generally able to be found within the campground area. Water and restrooms are available. The picnic area has tables and a boat launch primarily for fishing activities. The lake level will fluctuate during the summer season as the water is used for irrigation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $8 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cardwell General Store and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cardwell General Store and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cardwell General Store and Campground

    5. Cardwell General Store and Campground

    7 Reviews
    3 Photos
    4 Saves
    Cardwell, Montana

    Cardwell General Store and Campground, located off I-90 at exit 256, is locally owned and operated in beautiful Cardwell, Montana. Centrally located between Butte and Bozeman in the Jefferson Valley of Montana, it is nestled in the tiny ranching community of Cardwell. Laundry, restroom, shower and wifi are some of the amenities offered for our guests.

    The RV Park is located directly behind the general store, which offers a wide variety of goods and services to locals and travelers alike. Fishing supplies, tackle, & bait are available for purchase, as well as firewood. The gas pumps are open 24/7 for credit card users, and an ATM is on site. Inside the General Store is an Espresso bar with fantastic coffee drinks! a candy store and a ice cream shop with the best shakes ever including Huckleberry!

    The Cardwell General Store and Campground is open year round and harbors thirty-eight pull-through RV sites, up to 60' max, and six dry tent sites. We also have one fully furnished dry cabin. It comes with a queen sized bed with included bedding, table and chairs, mini fridge and Microwave. Heat and Air Conditioning also in this cabin! The cabin is super nice and fairly close to the shower house and you will enjoy it!

    The facility includes a covered pavilion, and horseshoe pits for summer evening barbecues with family and friends. For campground guests the North Boulder River and Jefferson River are easily accessible nearby. Plenty of log furniture, swing sets and lovers swings to rest and visit!

    Laundromat, restroom, and shower services are available to guests. There is a designated pet walk area for campers or travelers with pets. All pets must be leashed at all times. No exceptions. WIFI is available to our guests. A laundry facility is available free of charge to guests.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Norris Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Norris Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Norris Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Norris Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Norris Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Norris Hot Springs

    6. Norris Hot Springs

    12 Reviews
    32 Photos
    60 Saves
    Norris, Montana

    The 'Water of the Gods' is a series of artesian springs, flowing at a constant rate of 80 gallons per minute and an average temperature of 129 degrees Fahrenheit. Locally milled fir planks have been laid directly over the source to create our unique 40' x 40' pool.

    Our simple sprayer system creates the perfect soak by circulating the spring water and cooling the pool to a pleasant temperature below 100 degrees in the summer, and as warm as 106 in the winter.

    The pool holds over 38,000 gallons of fresh, hot mineral water, which is drained every night to allow it to refill with fresh, hot water over the course of 8 hours. The pool is drained and pressure washed once a week, with no chemicals of any kind used to clean the water or planks.

    ​The overflow and drainage from the pool is diverted through the neighboring wetlands to follow its natural course, flowing five miles east through the canyon where it joins the mighty Madison River at the aptly named and wildly popular Warm Springs Recreation Area.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $33 - $44 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV

    7. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV

    31 Reviews
    70 Photos
    168 Saves
    Gallatin Gateway, Montana

    Bozeman Campground is located in a peaceful setting, just five minutes from golfing as well as fly-fishing on the Gallatin River. Plan a day trip to Virginia City or Lewis and Clark Caverns. Visit the Museum of the Rockies, which boasts the world's largest T. Rex skull. Take a day trip to Yellowstone National Park from this campground. Just 40 minutes south, you'll find fishing access inside Yellowstone, and 82 miles south is the west entrance to the park. Relax at the campground and let the kids take part in gold panning or let them unwind in the pool and splash park.

    Dump Station & showers for registered campground guests only

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $45 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestone OHV Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestone OHV Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestone OHV Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestone OHV Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestone OHV Recreation Area

    10. Pipestone OHV Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    5 Photos
    86 Saves
    Whitehall, Montana

    This 30,000-acre travel management area is located approximately 15 miles east of Butte and just north of I-90. It is a popular area for motorcycle and ATV riding enthusiasts. Mountain bikers also use the trails. There are about 75 miles of developed riding trails.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 132 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Cardwell

Recent Reviews in Cardwell

495 Reviews of 132 Cardwell Campgrounds


  • Tara The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Maiden Rock Dispersed
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Maiden Rock Dispersed

    Best Dispersed Camping

    For a dispersed BLM camping area, this is lovely. Plenty of sites that each have a picnic table and long gravel spot to park an RV. There’s a cute little river and some interesting rock features. Close to the freeway so an excellent stop for a night spot.

  • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Maiden Rock Dispersed
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Maiden Rock Dispersed

    Great find!

    This place looks like a paid campground, only free! All the spots have a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. The mountain views all all around you are gorgeous. Some other folks camping here went trout fishing - so that's an option. Only downside is that my dogs had some trouble walking on the gravel.

    GPS: 45.702416, -112.736869

  • Boyce B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Revenue Flats
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Revenue Flats

    Beautiful spot!!

    You need a reliable car/truck to get the campground, but it's a great view, and if you climb up to the Fishbowl, it is worth it! it's a great spot for hammocks as well. Overall great spot.👌

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Bridge closed, no access!

    The road to this location is closed, the bridge is out. There is no access.

  • Charlie L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake Campground
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Harrison Lake Campground

    Peaceful and Secluded

    Harrison Lake Campground is a great spot if you're looking for a quiet getaway. The campsites are spacious and well-spread out, offering plenty of privacy. It's a rustic camping experience, but the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings make it worth it.
    It provides a peaceful setting for campers looking for a quiet retreat, with well-spaced sites that ensure privacy.

    From: Block Blast puzzle game.

  • kaitlyn L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jerry Creek Br Fish Access
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Jerry Creek Br Fish Access

    Parking lot

    If you were self contained and just looking to get off the 15 for the night then it would work for ya. Otherwise it’s just a big boat parking lot for the river. Plus side it has an outhouse

  • Devin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Lake Campground
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Meadow Lake Campground

    Beautiful and Busy

    This site was lovely. We pulled in around 5pm or so and there was only one spot available next to the restroom. Lucky one other spot was large and we ended up sharing it with some other campers. Picnic tables available at each site and vault toilet on site was well maintained and clean.

    It was a quiet and lovely place to rest for the evening.

  • d
    Camper-submitted photo from Spanish Lakes
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Spanish Lakes

    Beautiful lake

    I visited this lake last week. I love it and slope game. The water is pristine and visually appealing with no obstructions like stumps or logs, as mentioned earlier. The lake underwent complete drainage and dredging. It has been populated with eight different types of fish. I recently reeled in two bass weighing 2-3 pounds each. My wife has successfully caught numerous quality channel catfish. This lake is quite lovely. However, the landing area is shallow, restricting the launch of large bass boats.

  • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Maiden Rock Dispersed
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Maiden Rock Dispersed

    MAIDEN ROCK MINE

    Blm camping on the big hole river, montana, free up to 16 days. About 15 spots. Boat ramp, fishing hiking fire pits, no wood available.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Confederate Disperse Camping Area
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Great spot for the night

    Stayed here twice in early August about a week apart. Any car should be able to get down the road to the campsites. A bit buggy but free. Pit toilet available.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

    Nice!!

    Was able to snag a primitive spot for one night. This campground isnt too far off I90 near 3 Forks, MT. No cell service (ATT) at the campground but 5g at the caverns. Hosts were super friendly and nice. I was in A7 which had a nice shade tree. Did not use the facilities so can’t speak to that. They had a guest speaker that night share about the bat population in MT. Very interesting!! Be sure to unhook and get to the caverns early in the morning to get a reservation to tour. We did the Paradise tour as my son is in a wheelchair. The classic tour looked super cool though!

  • Joe H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silos Campground
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Silos Campground

    Bloody awful apocalyptic site

    Maybe one acceptable loop, perhaps mostly for boaters.  But there are 3 other loops: nothing is labeled, so good luck in finding your spot.  The Manager site is not labeled either, and she was of no help.  Dry, hard ground, no trees, nothing that might make a visit enjoyable.  No drinking water; arid, depressing; i kept waiting for the undead to come over the horizon.

    Pretty Lake, though.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Nice road

    As a single female tent camping I felt very safe here. One morning a bunch of cows came through my site, which was amazing.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    Amazing camp site with tree cover and fire ring

    This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles.

  • Renee G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Classic blm camping

    Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands. Also, note that this place seems common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those. Also also, this place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rambling Moose Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Rambling Moose Campground

    Great little place

    Very clean, super nice owners, close to a quaint little historical town, and 15 minutes from another great little town. Good foods and shopping nearby. Very clean showers and laundry area. Definitely recommend!

  • Lisa K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lowland Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Lowland Campground

    Quiet spot with shade

    We stayed four days here and it was great! From Wednesday through Friday, we basically had the entire place to ourselves. Even in July, the mornings and evenings were cool and pleasant. The camp has three clean toilets stocked with toilet paper, and a pump water fountain with clean and cold water to enjoy. Overall pleasant but ATV campers showed up Saturday, driving around the camp, but they were polite after quiet hours. Short trail in the campground, and about five miles from entrance was the Continental Divide Trail. We didn’t know about that until we were leaving, so we will come back to explore. 20 spaces. Will accommodate RV off grid, but no generators after 10 pm, which is good. So quiet at night!!

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rambling Moose Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Rambling Moose Campground

    Excellent campground, location and Views!

    Great hosts, Full hookups, lots of space & Beautiful views. Rode our bikes to Virginia City -lots of fun!

  • Alex C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Open range

    Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Confederate Campground
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Confederate Campground

    Beautiful…until you are eaten alive

    Love the spot, not many people, picnic tables/fire pits at each pull through spot. Pit toilet was locked. The mosquitoes were absolutely blood thirsty and aggressive and after multiple reapplications of bug spray we had to call it quits. The fire barely kept them at bay, but we still got a few bites sitting next to the heat.

  • Adam K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Galena Gulch
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Galena Gulch

    if you're small, skip the campground

    Big rigs have a great space at the bottom of the hill... but if you're in a truck, van, etc., head on up the hill. The road is in great shape. There are some pullouts, but look for a road on the right (veer left at the private drive; you'll see a sign) and you'll find a great site with a fire ring and somewhat level ground. Chances are it'll be COVERED in cow poop, but hey. It's quiet, aside from the mooing of cows, and totally private. There's probably more up the road, too, I just didn't go further. Solitude.

  • Hunter C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Campground
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Cottonwood Campground

    Easy for 1 night stay

    Pulled in around 10 to find a couple 5th wheels in a circle and a few vans dispersed, only one sketchy motor home but quiet night. We stayed in the camper all night as the mosquitos were the worse I’ve ever seen at all hours.

  • Azaali J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Great little spot

    We didn’t stay at this exact site as it was taken but there one more dispersed site about a mile or so down the road.

    Was nice being close to the creek and there was lots of fallen trees we used for firewood.

    Quiet spot with a small amount of traffic on the road.

    Didn’t see any wildlife but the horseflies were a bit out of control this time of the year.

  • Ashley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Summer Biking

    Great spot right on parts of the trial! It’s open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground

    Beautiful State Park, Tenacious Mosquitos!

    I made the mistake of picking one of the 2 spots at the end of the camp loop. Sites 16 and 17 site right on the swamp and are infested with mosquitos. You can see standing stagnate water bog on both sides of site 16 where we stayed.

    I tried 3 different bug repellants, burned multiple mosquito coils, started a fire and had the large 20ft Thermacell lantern running for hours. They never cleared out and ended up with so many mosquito bites. We ended up hunkering down inside our van with the bug screens on. We did come on a dry hot July day.

    The state park, campgrounds and trails are so beautiful its hard to fault the campground on the mosquitos. We are going to request to move sites away from the swamp area. Walking around the campground, the mosquitos are less at other sites but still around. I think our typical protection might work better over there but was ineffective at site 16. 

    My partner likes to run and the paved trail is really nice and is far enough off the road for a great morning run. I find it super quiet here and the 5G UC T-Mobile signal is plenty to work and stream content.



Guide to Cardwell

Camping near Cardwell, Montana, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the Lewis & Clark Caverns: Just a short drive from Cardwell, the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a must-visit. One camper mentioned, "Be sure to unhook and get to the caverns early in the morning to get a reservation to tour." The caverns offer fascinating tours that are great for families.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Delmoe Lake, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "Great campground on the lake with some sites more private than others." Just be aware that the lake can dry up in late summer.
  • Hiking: There are plenty of trails around the area. One visitor at Missouri Headwaters State Park shared, "Some hiking in the area, but... bears!" So keep an eye out while you explore.

What campers like:

  • Friendly Hosts: Campers at Three Forks KOA Journey rave about the staff. One camper said, "Beautiful facilities and friendly helpful staff." This makes for a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Butte KOA remarked, "Of all the places we have stayed at, this KOA had the nicest restrooms/showers."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Ennis RV Village offer stunning views. A reviewer mentioned, "View is very nice. Restrooms and showers are clean."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Missouri Headwaters State Park. One camper warned, "The mosquitos were so bad we immediately left and found another place to stay for the night."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Norris Hot Springs, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "The campground is a bit close together and off a busy road, but the hot springs and clean bathrooms make it worth it!"
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, including Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, recommend making reservations in advance. A camper advised, "They do have drop-in non-reservation sites, but recommend getting reservations."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out the caverns and nearby parks. One parent shared, "The Paradise tour was really easy and it was spectacular!" This makes for a fun family outing.
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Missouri Headwaters State Park mentioned, "I tried 3 different bug repellants, burned multiple mosquito coils... they never cleared out."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds, like Delmoe Lake, do not provide firewood. A camper noted, "No firewood available, so bring your own."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be small, so check the dimensions before booking. A reviewer at Three Forks KOA Journey said, "The sites are very small and very crowded."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Campgrounds near highways, like 2 Bar Lazy H RV Campground, can be noisy. One camper mentioned, "The campground is located just off the highway, so there is some noise."
  • Full Hookups Available: Many campgrounds offer full hookups, which is a plus for RVers. A visitor at Ennis RV Village noted, "Staff is very friendly and helpful."

Camping near Cardwell, Montana, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience!

Frequently Asked Questions