Best Campgrounds near Charlo, MT

Camping options in the Charlo, Montana region center around Flathead Lake and nearby mountain areas. Diamond S RV Park in Ronan and Finley Point State Park on Flathead Lake provide developed camping with amenities for both tent and RV campers. The Flathead Lake area features several established campgrounds with cabins, yurts, and glamping options, while dispersed camping can be found in more remote locations like Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November.

Road conditions and seasonal closures affect camping access throughout the region. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when visitor numbers peak. "The campground was difficult to find online so we drove out anyways. Campers should know that it is on Tribal land and permits are required for use," noted one visitor regarding North Crow Creek. Many areas in the region fall within Tribal lands, requiring special permits for non-residents. Weather conditions vary significantly by elevation, with higher elevation sites experiencing cooler temperatures and possible snow even into early summer. Cell service can be limited outside of town areas, and campers should prepare for varying levels of amenities.

Waterfront camping dominates the region's highly-rated experiences, with several campers highlighting the views and access to Flathead Lake as major highlights. The KOA in Polson receives consistently positive reviews for its amenities and lake views. "Beautiful spot with great views of Flathead Lake. The RV sites were nice and spacious and level with their own patio and chairs," reported one camper. For those seeking a more primitive experience, backcountry sites like Lucifer Lake offer solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities, though visitors should be prepared for rugged terrain and possible bear encounters. Campers frequently mention the scenic mountain views from many campgrounds, with the Mission Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop to sites throughout the region. Most campgrounds with hookups offer both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, making them suitable for a variety of RV types.

Best Camping Sites Near Charlo, Montana (140)

    1. Diamond S RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Ronan, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 676-2267

    $63 - $68 / night

    "This RV park in Roman, MT is about an hour or so away from the Western entrance of glacier National Park. Easy to find on Highway 93 on way to the park."

    2. Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

    17 Reviews
    Polson, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 837-3041

    $50 / night

    "It’s about 3 miles of the main road around Flathead lake , nestled in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood."

    "There are a select few sites yards away from the water, each with a bit of beach. The biting bugs were minimal, but the swarms of other bugs were impressive, and the fish obviously loved them."

    3. Mission Meadows RV Campground

    2 Reviews
    Ronan, MT
    9 miles
    +1 (406) 676-5182

    4. Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

    24 Reviews
    Big Arm, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 837-3041

    $14 - $70 / night

    "Most of the sites are along the water, but seem a little close to one another. Fortunately, the woman at the gate told me about sites T1 and T3."

    "Flathead Lake is a very large wonder of nature and the town of Polson is perfectly situated.  You will not see a more gorgeous mountain range.  "

    5. Polson-Flathead Lake KOA

    5 Reviews
    Dixon, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 883-2151

    $10 - $80 / night

    "Beautiful spot with great views of Flathead Lake. The RV sites were nice and spacious and level with their own patio and chairs. They also offer cabins and tent sites."

    "The pics say it all so close to glacier national Park without the glacier prices don't miss this one. Also the lake looks like Caribbean"

    6. Mere’s Magic Trout Pond

    1 Review
    Ronan, MT
    10 miles
    +1 (646) 508-3770

    $33 - $75 / night

    "Tent spot is around $30. This place was great. The porta potty was the cleanest one I’ve ever been to. You have to fill up your own water for the shower."

    7. Holland Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Condon, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 752-7924

    $22 - $250 / night

    "The hike to the waterfall is beautiful, and swimming and snorkeling in this lake are wonderful due to the clarity and purity."

    "This is one of my favorite spots in Montana. The lake itself is gorgeous, and the camping spots are beautiful. There's even one site on the island, if you brought a canoe or kayak, as we did!"

    8. Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry

    1 Review
    St. Ignatius, MT
    14 miles
    Website

    "Nonresident reservation conservation permit required, available at fwp.mt.gov Accessed by mission falls trailhead, trail is steep and unmaintained after you reach the waterfall."

    9. Jocko Hollow Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arlee, MT
    19 miles
    +1 (406) 726-3336

    "This campground is nice and small and tucked away so that you can explore the woods and wilderness around it. It is very well kept and a great value for the price."

    "Not something I feel they should be judged for, they were concerned about my kids and asked them to keep away from the left side because of that."

    10. North Crow Creek

    1 Review
    Ronan, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208
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Recent Reviews near Charlo, MT

621 Reviews of 140 Charlo Campgrounds


  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Big Larch Campground

    Traveling through the area early-October and this was a great campground to overnight at. Besides a little road noise (like the other campgrounds on this highway), it's been quite quiet--just a few other campers last night. Some campsites are more open than others, several vault toilets scattered throughout this fairly big campground, water is already shut off for the season, town nearby if you need any gas or groceries, and great cell service here. Would stop by here again if needed.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Flathead Harbor Resort RV Luxury Condos and Cabins / Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Stayed in a cabin for a couple nights and had a great stay! You can hear a bit of road noise due to being in town and near the main road, but everything else was great: clean, showers, laundry facilities, near groceries/restaurants, pet-friendly, etc.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Holland Lake Picnic Site

    Heaven on Earth

    Embarrassing to say that I’m pushing 50 and this is my first time visiting Holland Lake. OMG! This place is gorgeous. I have taken some strolls on nearby paths and there are so many hidden gems of lakeside spots to enjoy the scenery. It is a very mellow weekend and wx has been cool and rainy. I could spend weeks here. I’m on the Bayview loop and they’ve locked up the bathrooms and put porta potties instead. Sign says it closed for the season in a few days 10/7. The other loops they’ve kept the bathrooms open oddly enough. I was not expecting to get service but T-Mobile I have 1 bar and sometimes I get 5G. Around the lake I’ve seen 3 bars of service. There are zero complaints. Quite a few spots show reserved and nobody showed up likely b/c of the wx but that’s still garbage to hold up a spot out of selfish greed. I’m so glad I came and I am so excited to visit with my family in the summer. There are a decent amount of walk up sites that imo should be reservable for $100nt they are so epic.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Basic and easy

    It is RIGHT off the road, I missed it coming back from town (having been to the site once already). Any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size.

    All sites are close together, though we are here by ourselves. You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn’t bother either of us. Saw deer so far.

    It’s tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience, it got 4 stars for that. Lost the 5th for no view.

  • L
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Johnsrud Park FAS

    Day Use Area- No overnight

    Beautiful boat ramp and very large day use area. Plenty of river access for fishing and boat ramp access. Plentiful parking, pit toilets, and a large group day site with picnic tables. Only saw 2 other humans while I visited.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Jim & Mary's RV Park

    Lovely, manicured RV Park

    This rv park is serene and beautiful. Whoever takes care of the grounds is meticulous and has two green thumbs. I felt safe which is of utmost important to me. The staff was welcoming and efficient. Would stay here again any time.

    My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine.

    There’s plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn’t hear this at all.

  • 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. 18, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Very nice

    Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out. We car camp in a Wagoneer


Guide to Charlo

Camping near Charlo, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. One camper at Holland Lake Campground mentioned, "We had a really nice couple of mid-week nights here... lots of dirt roads and little trails for the strider bikes."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding at Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park. A visitor shared, "SUP, kayak rentals on water, reasonably priced. The beach was rocky and perfect!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer at Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park noted, "An eagle came and sat in a tree next to us for hours."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Jim & Mary's RV Park said, "Everything was clean including the picnic table. Hot showers and clean bathroom."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. One camper at West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park praised the hosts, saying, "They did NOT bat an eyelash! They jumped right into action."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park mentioned, "The sites are very spacious and well maintained."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Seeley Lake Lolo Campground pointed out, "Nice spacious sites, bear-proof garbage cans, vault toilets and potable water available."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Holland Lake Campground warned, "Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes are out."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Granite Peak RV Resort noted, "We were worried it'd be loud being so close to the freeway, but surprisingly couldn't hear it at all."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun activities for kids. One family at Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA enjoyed, "Lots of fun for the kids with mini golf, bikes, paddle boats, and arcade games."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park reminded others, "Follow bear protocol well."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at Jim & Mary's RV Park mentioned, "The store has a bit of everything you need."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Granite Peak RV Resort said, "The length was pretty short... we still had to do some maneuvering to park the truck."
  • Use Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Jim & Mary's RV Park noted, "Large level spaces with grass and picnic tables."
  • Plan for Laundry: Some campgrounds offer laundry facilities. A camper at Granite Peak RV Resort appreciated, "Laundry facilities were reasonably priced, clean, and had a nice lounge area."

Camping near Charlo, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping sites in Charlo, Montana?

Charlo is situated in Montana's beautiful Mission Valley with several camping options nearby. Mission Meadows RV Campground near Ronan offers convenient access for RVs. For lakeside camping, Yellow Bay State Park Campground on Flathead Lake provides stunning mountain views and crystal clear water access. Other options in the region include North Crow Creek near Ronan and Jocko Hollow Campground near Arlee. The area is surrounded by the Mission Mountains, offering both developed campgrounds with facilities and more remote wilderness camping opportunities within a short drive from Charlo.

What amenities are available at campgrounds near Charlo?

Campgrounds near Charlo offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Rollins RV Park on Flathead Lake provides back-in RV sites, tent spaces, and cabins with a quiet, beautiful setting and friendly staff. Jim & Mary's RV Park features clean facilities, plenty of shade, and helpful staff. Many public campgrounds like Harpers Lake include basic amenities such as fire pits and picnic tables. Some campgrounds offer water access, restrooms (typically seasonal), and designated camping areas. RV parks typically provide more extensive facilities while public and dispersed sites generally offer more basic amenities with natural surroundings as the main attraction.

When is the best season for camping in Charlo?

The prime camping season near Charlo runs from late spring through early fall (May through September), when weather conditions are most favorable. Summer offers warm days perfect for enjoying Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park and other water recreation areas. Late spring brings beautiful wildflowers, while early fall showcases spectacular foliage with fewer crowds. For those seeking backcountry experiences, Upper Holland Lake Campsites are accessible during summer months after the snowmelt. Many campgrounds in the area have seasonal operations, with facilities like restrooms available only during warmer months. Winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear and experience with potentially limited accessibility.