Campsites near Clinton, Montana sit at elevations between 3,300-4,000 feet with the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers providing water access throughout the region. Temperatures typically range from 20-30°F in winter to 75-90°F in summer, with July and August being the driest months. Several locations near Clinton offer pet-friendly camping options with varying amenities and access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
What to do
River activities: fishing and swimming: At Thibodeau on the Blackfoot River, camping spots provide direct water access. "The site I was at had its own little stair set down to the river, I'm uncertain if they all had them or not," notes Nick T. The campground serves as both recreation area and potential stopping point for river activities: "Great tubing down tibodeau falls and you finish up at the campsite. Good day spot!"
Visit nearby attractions: When staying at Bearmouth RV Park, campers can explore regional sites. One visitor reports, "Beautiful views here along the Clark Fork River with lots of things to do in the nearby area including visiting the Garnet Ghost town, Philipsburg, Deer Lodge, Anaconda, Butte and Missoula." The campground also helps facilitate river activities, as another camper mentions: "They made sure we had a shady pull through near our friends staying in a cabin and even provided a shuttle up and down the river so we could tube!"
Nature trails: Campers at Beavertail Hill report access to short hiking routes through the forest. "The nature trail was fun and bathrooms were excellent," writes one visitor. These paths offer chances to spot local wildlife and native plant species in spring and summer months.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors to Jim & Mary's RV Park consistently praise the maintenance. "This is one if the prettiest and cleanest campground we have ever stayed at," writes one camper. "The laundry and bathhouse was very nice and clean. $2.00 per load to wash." The grounds receive regular attention: "They mow each Thursday and are constantly doing upkeep on the grounds."
Water access: Rock Creek offers fishing opportunities near Clinton, though recent reports indicate camping restrictions. A visitor notes, "We camped down the road at Eckstrom's but I walked down to check out the free spot... locals I ran into there love the fly-fishing at this site." Seasonal water levels can affect accessibility, especially during late summer.
Spacious campsites: At Chief Looking Glass Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "Sites were well marked with okay spacing. Definitely plenty of room, but not secluded. Each had a picnic table and a fire ring," writes one reviewer. Another camper adds, "I have camped here multiple times by tent and always enjoyed my stay. The camp spot at the very end of the road is by far the most private and spacious spot."
What you should know
Train and traffic noise: Several campgrounds in the Clinton area are affected by nearby transportation corridors. At Beavertail Hill, one camper notes: "The park is not far off of the interstate. While the traffic can be heard, it was not distracting. There is also a set of RR tracks that run along the freeway. There were 8-10 trains that went by daily... honking at the RR crossing."
Seasonal considerations: Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground operates seasonally from April through November. Water quality issues occasionally arise, as one visitor mentioned: "Staff provided jugs of water due to the water boil notice, but we would have preferred a discount from the $53 charge for our no water / no electric site."
Restrictions and rules: Chief Looking Glass has operational limitations: "The gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so." Several camping areas near Clinton require payment for non-residents or those without fishing licenses, with fees ranging from $12-18 per night.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families staying at Missoula KOA Holiday benefit from multiple recreation options. "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!" writes one family camper. Another visitor notes the family-friendly atmosphere: "From the bike rental to the playground, putt putt golf, swimming pool (2 Adult hot tubs - very clean)."
Kid-friendly camping configurations: Ekstrom's Stage Station offers varied accommodation options that work well for families with pets. The campground features "a basketball court, sand volleyball court, horse shoes and a playground. There's also a beautiful creek running along the campground with beautiful Mountain views."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families camping in the Clinton area should watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. While this creates educational opportunities, pets should remain leashed. Bearmouth RV Park sits along the Clark Fork, where children can observe river wildlife while keeping a safe distance.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RVers seeking full-service sites have multiple options near Clinton. Turah RV Park provides complete hookups with "water and power, no sewer. Dumping at their station in am." Jim & Mary's RV Park offers pull-through and back-in sites with good spacing between: "Sites are grassy with flowers And sprinklers. Sites are all level with gravel. There are picnic tables."
Bridge and access considerations: Larger rigs should carefully evaluate routes to certain campgrounds. Regarding Rock Creek access, one camper warns: "Not for low clearance vehicles, it's not far off the highway but we struggled with the two narrow bridges with tight turns in our travel trailer and then there's a large flood way dip in the road that you can bottom out on."
Ranger
