Best Campgrounds near Clinton, MT
The small town of Clinton, Montana sits at the junction of several camping environments, with options ranging from state parks to riverside fishing access sites. Beavertail Hill State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes east of Missoula, provides developed camping with mountain views and a small river running alongside it. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can find full-service RV parks like Bearmouth RV Park and Turah RV Park, which operate year-round, as well as more rustic options like Rock Creek Dispersed camping areas. The region's camping landscape is defined by its proximity to blue ribbon trout streams, mountain views, and convenient access to Interstate 90.
Road conditions vary significantly depending on the camping area, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles as roads become less maintained when traveling south from Clinton. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April or May through October, though several RV parks remain open year-round. According to one visitor at Beavertail Hill State Park, "The campground is clean and the campsites have plenty of room. There are flush toilets and they are clean." Wildlife sightings are common in the area, with another camper noting, "Deer, moose, and other wildlife are all present as you cross into the forest land." Bear awareness is recommended, particularly at more remote sites where campers should come prepared with bear spray.
Fishing access is a primary draw for many campgrounds in the Clinton area. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks manages several fishing access sites that include camping opportunities, with fees often reduced for those holding Montana fishing licenses. Campers frequently mention the quality of trout fishing as a highlight of their stay. Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground receives positive reviews for its restaurant and convenient I-90 access, though some note the tight spacing between sites. For those seeking more solitude, the dispersed camping areas along Rock Creek provide a more primitive experience. Train noise is occasionally mentioned in reviews of campgrounds closer to the railroad tracks, though most visitors find it minimal compared to the natural surroundings.
