Cascade, Montana camping sites sit along the Missouri River at approximately 3,400 feet elevation, where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountain Front. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter camping requires preparation for sub-freezing temperatures and snow. Campgrounds in this region often serve as base camps for fishing excursions on the Missouri River, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Fishing access points: Craig FAS provides direct access to prime Missouri River fishing spots. "This is a major put in location for float fishing or canoeing the Missouri river. Very busy during the summer," notes one visitor to Craig FAS.
Local dining: Restaurants near campgrounds offer convenient meal options when you don't want to cook. "The Missouri Inn Restaurant and Bar, right next to the campground, served one of the best cheeseburgers we've had on our travels," reports a camper at Prewett Creek RV Park. Another visitor mentioned, "There is a really really nice restaurant and bar right behind the CG that is amazing. The owner chef came out to visit with us and was willing to go off menu and make me a vegan option."
Mini golf: Some campgrounds provide on-site activities for when you're not exploring. At Choteau Mountain View RV Campground, guests appreciate the recreation options. "They have a small mini-golf area, picnic tables at the sites, and full hookups (as expected). They also have laundry facilities," shares one camper.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the Cascade area offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We spotted deer casually strolling through the campground and bighorn sheep doing their thing up on the rocks," a camper at Prewett Creek RV Park reported.
Local markets: Convenient shopping makes resupplying easy during extended stays. "Just up the road in Cascade, the 486 Market was surprisingly well-stocked with reasonable prices. It also has a gas station with diesel, offers 20 lb propane cylinder exchanges, and fills propane tanks," notes a recent visitor.
Quiet settings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at certain locations. "The park is spacious, beautifully laid out, and refreshingly quiet—most folks are out fishing during the day and resting easy at night. No playground means fewer kids, so if you're looking for tranquility, this is your spot."
What you should know
Bridge clearance: Tall RVs should be cautious about certain access routes. A reviewer mentioned receiving "a bridge clearance warning at Exit 244 ('Canyon Access'). Since our rig stands tall at 13' 6", we played it safe and took the Hardy exit instead."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies widely between locations. One camper reported, "Connectivity check: Verizon gave us 1 bar, T-Mobile 2 bars, and the campground Wi-Fi wasn't too shabby (6.03 Mbps down/1.05 up). But for streaming, our T-Mobile home internet saved the day with blazing 59.4 down."
Seasonal availability: Not all RV parks near Cascade, Montana operate year-round. Great Falls KOA remains open throughout the year, while Choteau Mountain View RV Campground operates seasonally. "This campground sits just on the outskirts of Great Falls. It is like most KOA's with many amenities including a pool. Showers were very nice," mentions one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Some campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "KOA has everything you need. An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, tent, cabin and rv spots. Outside kitchens. Shower area, small store, playground, and wifi. A lot of room to move around and have fun," shares a camper at Great Falls KOA.
Tent villages: Consider specialized tent areas for a unique camping experience. "Our site was in what they call a tent village, which is a nice roundabout of tent sites. There are walls separating the sites for privacy, but the area is big enough for your vehicle and a large tent, or multiple smaller tents," explains a visitor to Great Falls KOA.
Budget-friendly options: State fishing access sites provide economical camping. "As a traveler, we were unaware of the Fishing Access Camping areas along the Missouri. We were fortunate to find a spot. Inexpensive," notes a camper at Craig FAS.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Be prepared to adjust for uneven sites at some RV parks in Cascade, Montana. "This site's gravel pad was not level, so we had to use our leveler blocks. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi," reports an RVer at Fort Harrison RV Park.
Check-in/check-out procedures: Follow campground rules closely to avoid additional charges. "We departed at 10:50 AM and billeting called wondering if we had departed. If you don't turn in your key by 11:00 AM, you are charged an extra day," warns a camper at Fort Harrison.
Site features: RV sites vary in design and accessibility. One camper at Prewett Creek noted, "The pull through was easy enough to get into, but it's narrow with 9" high cement curbs, which makes getting your sewer up and over a bit of a challenge."
