A state of staggering variety, Montana is truly one of the nation’s best camping destinations. The eastern part of the state characterized by badlands and prairie, the west is where most of the fun is found. Camping in Montana means sleeping in some of the most sensational landscapes anywhere in the USA.


With no fewer than 50 state parks and two of the greatest national parks in America, Montana is an adventurer’s paradise. The brightest star in Montana’s firmament is Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is blessed with magnificent mountainscapes. If you’re looking to go camping in Montana, Glacier should be at the top of your list.


Many explorers look for camping in Montana’s Yellowstone National Park, a sliver of which lies along the state’s southwestern border. Few people know this, but Montana is a superb access point to the world’s very first national park. If a visit to Yellowstone is on your itinerary, make sure to enter the park via the scenic Beartooth Highway.


Another great camping destination in Montana is gorgeous Flathead Lake, located within the Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation and the contiguous USA’s largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Numerous recreation areas surround Flathead Lake, offering excellent picnicking, fishing and camping. More adventure-minded travelers might want to attempt an ascent of Granite Peak, the highest mountain in the state.


If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, Montana offers you plenty of opportunities to do so. With more than 70 different mountain ranges belonging to the giant Rocky Mountains chain, it is easy to unplug and get closer to nature while camping in Montana. Pick a lesser-known campground and explore Montana “behind the scenes”.


In addition to fishing, rock climbing, and camping in Montana, there are myriad other ways to enjoy the state’s glorious natural scenery. Go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, backpacking...the list of choices is never-ending!

Montana

The Best Camping in Montana | 100+ MT Campgrounds

Custer National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Custer National Forest campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Custer National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Custer National Forest

The Best Camping Near Custer National Forest, Montana

Woodbine Campground is remotely located adjacent to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in southwestern Montana, about three hours from Yellowstone National Park via the scenic Beartooth Highway. Red Lodge, Montana is 57 miles east; Nye is 7 miles north. The administering organization is Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: gccampgrounds13@gmail.com Recreation The Stillwater River and nearby streams and lakes offer great fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Hiking the Woodbine Falls Trail is a popular activity among campers. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail begins in the campground and follows Woodbine Creek before ending at an impressive cascade. The Stillwater Trail provides access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and is open to hiking and horseback riding. The trail reaches beautiful Sioux Charley Lake after 3 miles and continues on another 20+ miles into the wilderness. Facilities The campground offers single and group sites, some of which are accessible. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water. Natural Features Woodbine Campground is situated on the banks of the Stillwater River at an elevation of 5,300 feet. The campground is wooded and shady, with views of the surrounding snow-covered, 10,000 foot peaks. A variety of wildlife, including deer, elk and bear, can be found in the surrounding area, creating prime opportunities for wildlife viewing. Nearby Attractions The Absarokee-Beartooth Wilderness Area is adjacent, boasting 700 miles of trails and hundreds of alpine lakes. The wilderness borders Yellowstone National Park and is a part of the 20-million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The nearby town of Nye hosts Nye Goes Nuts annually in July. The popular event includes food, drinks, children's games and the chicken chase, a crowd favorite. The small community of Fishtail holds its annual Fishtail Family Fun Day at the end of June, with a pancake breakfast, vendor booths, a parade and live music. ADA Access: N

Woodbine Campground

Custer National Forest Emerald Lake Campground

Cascade Campground is located 11 miles west of Red Lodge, in southern Montana. It conveniently sits along Forest Road 2071, which is paved for most of the route. The area is a popular location for hiking, backpacking, and fishing. Natural Features: The campground is situated on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek. The area surrounding the campground was burned by the Cascade Fire in 2008, which left many open glades with abundant wildflowers. **Recreation:** Fishing is a popular activity along the West Fork of Rock Creek and at nearby Wild Bill Lake. The small lake is open to kayaking and canoeing, and an accessible fishing dock is located on the shore. The Basin Lakes Trailhead is three miles away, across the road from Basin Campground. Silver Run Plateau, West Fork, and Timberline Lakes trails offer access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Mountain bikers enjoy the Ingles Creek Trail and a variety of loop trails at Silver Run. Biking is also allowed on the Basin Lakes Trail. **Facilities:** The campground offers several single-family sites, two of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash may be deposited in receptacles at nearby Basin Campground. Sites 1 and 2 support established accessibility standards. Nearby **Attractions:** The charming town of Red Lodge, Mont., offers a variety of dining and lodging options, galleries, shops, and annual summer events. The Home of Champions Rodeo is held on the Fourth of July weekend, Beartooth Bike Rally and Iron Horse Rodeo take place in mid-July, the Mountain Man Rendezvous is in late July and the Festival of Nations happens in early August. The Beartooth Highway was deemed "the most beautiful drive in America," by the late Charles Kuralt. It snakes across the rugged Beartooth Mountains from Red Lodge to Cooke City. It is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. **Activities:** Biking Boating Canoeing Fishing Hiking Wildlife Viewing

Cascade

Emerald Lake is in the West Rosebud drainage and is nestled in the trees between Emerald Lake and West Rosebud Lake. [West Rosebud Trail (#19), ](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/custergallatin/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=61381&actid;=50)[Pine Grove Campground](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/custergallatin/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=60865&actid;=50), Emerald Lake Fishing Access and West Rosebud Lake Fishing Access are also located in the West Rosebud drainage. There is a _16 day maximum stay_ in all Beartooth Ranger District campgrounds. For a road map of the area, with locations of campgrounds, please see our Motor Vehicle Use Map ([MVUM](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3825417.pdf)). * **Camp sites:** 32 * **Host** : No * **Max trailer length** : 30ft * **Accessible Facilities:** Toilet * **Trash Pickup:** Centrally located Bear resistant dumpster * **Firewood:** No. Don't move firewood to other areas or bring in outside firewood. Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it there. **Reservations** : No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system; it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware that the campground is very popular and may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months. You should arrive early to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit. Some sites are equipped with bear resistant food storage lockers. This campground is maintained from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day (call district office for exact season dates). During these dates there is a fee to stay in the campground (listed below). Outside of the peak summer dates (Memorial Day- Labor Day), the campground remains ungated, free, and available for use (no services, not maintained, roads are not plowed). If you visit outside the peak fee season, please bring your own water, toilet paper (outhouse will remain open), and please pack out your trash. **Directions from district office:** Drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles and turn left (west) onto MT-78. Drive 30.0 miles and turn left (west) onto MT-419 towards Fishtail. Drive 4.4 miles (through Fishtail) and turn left (south) onto West Rosebud Rd. Drive 6.5 miles and turn left (south) to continue on West Rosebud Rd. Drive 12.4 miles to the campground, on the left. **Information: Beartooth Ranger District 6811 US Hwy 212 Red Lodge, MT 59068 (406) 446-2103**

Emerald Lake Campground

Jimmy Joe Campground is a free campground on the banks of East Rosebud Creek in the East Rosebud drainage. East Rosebud is considered one of the more scenic drainages in the Beartooths . [East Rosebud Trail](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3831469.pdf) (#15), [Spread Creek Trail](http://prdp2fs.ess.usda.gov/recarea/gallatin/recarea/?recid=61369) (#13), and [Phantom Creek Trail](http://prdp2fs.ess.usda.gov/recarea/gallatin/recarea/?recid=61379) (#17). [East Rosebud Lake Campground](http://prdp2fs.ess.usda.gov/recarea/gallatin/recarea/?recid=60867) and [Sand Dunes Picnic Ground](http://prdp2fs.ess.usda.gov/recarea/gallatin/recarea/?recid=60901) also located in the East Rosebud drainage. * **Camp sites:** 12 * **Host** : No * **Max Trailer Length** : 30ft * **Accessible Facilities:** Vault toilets * **Trash Pickup:** No * **Firewood:** No For a road map of the area, including campground locations, please see our Motor Vehicle Use Map ([MVUM](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3825417.pdf)). **Reservations:** No Reservations. This campground does not use a reservation system; it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit. Some sites in campground have bear resistant food storage lockers. Individual camp sites vary in size, but the max trailer length is 30ft. **Directions from district office:** Drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-78 and drive 19.7 miles. Turn left (south) onto Roscoe Rd. Drive 2.3 miles, cross the bridge and turn right (south) onto East Rosebud Rd. Drive 6.5 miles and until the campground, on your right. **Information: Beartooth Ranger District 6811 US Hwy 212 Red Lodge, MT 59068 (406) 446-2103**

Jimmy Joe Campground

Basin Campground is located 7 miles west of Red Lodge, Montana, along Forest Road 2071, which is paved all the way to the campground. The area is a popular location for hiking, backpacking and fishing. The administering organization is Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: gccampgrounds13@gmail.com Recreation Fishing is a popular activity along the West Fork of Rock Creek and at nearby Wild Bill Lake. The small lake is open to kayaking and canoeing, and an accessible fishing dock is located on the shore. The Basin Lakes Trailhead is just across the road. Silver Run Plateau, West Fork and Timberline Lakes Trails offer access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Mountain bikers enjoy the Ingles Creek Trail and a variety of loop trails at Silver Run. Biking is also allowed on the Basin Lakes Trail. Facilities The campground offers several single-family sites, three of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Back-in spurs are medium length. Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek. The campground and the area surrounding the campground were burned by the Cascade Fire in 2008, leaving an open landscape abounding with wildflowers. Nearby Attractions The charming town of Red Lodge, Montana offers a variety of dining and lodging options, galleries, shops and summer events. The Home of Champions Rodeo is held on Fourth of July weekend, Beartooth Bike Rally and Iron Horse Rodeo in mid-July, Mountain Man Rendezvous in late July and the Festival of Nations in early August. The Beartooth Highway was deemed "the most beautiful drive in America" by the late Charles Kuralt. It snakes across the rugged Beartooth Mountains from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, and is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. ADA Access: N

Basin Montana Campground

East Rosebud Campground is nestled in the trees, not far from East Rosebud Lake. East Rosebud is considered one of the more scenic drainages in the Beartooths and the campground is a short distance from the East Rosebud Trail (#15), Spread Creek Trail (#13), and Phantom Creek Trail (#17). Jimmy Joe Campground and Sand Dunes Picnic Ground also located in the East Rosebud drainage. *Please be advised that much of the area directly around East Rosebud Lake is private property. Fishing or boat access to the lake is limited. Please call the district office for more information. * **Camp sites:** 14 * **Host:** No * **Max Trailer Length** : 20ft * **Accessible Facilities:** None * **Trash Pickup:** Bear resistant trash container centrally located on site during peak season only. * **Firewood:** No **Reservations:** There are no reservations for this campground. This campground does not use a reservation system; it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware that the campground is very popular and may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months. You should arrive early to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit. Some sites in campground have bear resistant food storage lockers. Individual camp sites vary in size, but the max trailer length is 20ft. This campground is maintained from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day (call district office for exact season dates). During these dates there is a fee to stay in the campground (listed below). Outside of the peak summer dates (Memorial Day- Labor Day), the campground is ungated, free, and available for use (no services, not maintained, roads are not plowed). If you visit outside the peak fee season, please bring your own water, toilet paper (outhouse will remain open), and please pack out your trash. **Directions from district office to East Rosebud Campground** : Drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-78 and drive 19.7 miles. Turn left (south) onto Roscoe Rd. Drive 2.3 miles, cross the bridge and turn right (south) onto East Rosebud Rd. Drive 10.5 miles to the campground, on your left.

East Rosebud Campground

Limber Pine Campground is located 12 miles south of Red Lodge, in southern Montana. It is just off the scenic Beartooth Highway. The area is a popular location for fishing, hiking and scenic driving. Greenough Lake is a half-mile away. Glacier Lake, Hellroaring and Lake Fork trailheads are nearby. The administering organization is Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: gccampgrounds13@gmail.com Recreation The Main Fork of Rock Creek and nearby 5-acre Greenough Lake offer rainbow trout fishing. The lake is also open to canoeing and kayaking. The Beartooth Wilderness can be accessed nearby, via the Hellroaring and Lake Fork trailheads. Visitors also enjoy mountain biking and hiking on the Parkside National Recreation Trail. Hellroaring Road is open to off-road vehicles. Facilities The campground offers single-family campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Accessible vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water are provided. Trash can be deposited in receptacles at the Greenough Lake Campground. Natural Features The campground sits in the shadow of the Beartooth Range on the banks of Rock Creek. A forest of aspen and pine covers the area. A variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, deer and elk, makes its home in the surrounding area. Nearby Attractions The charming town of Red Lodge, Mont., offers a variety of dining and lodging options, galleries, shops and annual summer events. The Home of Champions Rodeo is held on Fourth of July weekend, Beartooth Bike Rally and Iron Horse Rodeo take place in mid-July, the Mountain Man Rendezvous is in late July and the Festival of Nations happens in early August. The Beartooth Highway was deemed "the most beautiful drive in America," by the late Charles Kuralt. It snakes across the rugged Beartooth Mountains from Red Lodge to Cooke City. It is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance is 55 miles from the campground, via the Beartooth Highway. The park offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as breathtaking scenery and unique geological features. ADA Access: N

Limber Pine

Buffalo Jump Camp

Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass

Billings is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Billings is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Billings, reviewed by campers like you.

Billings

The Best Campgrounds in Billings, MT | MT Camping

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Missoula. Missoula is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Missoula, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Missoula

The Best Camping in Missoula, MT | MT Camping

Great Falls, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Great Falls is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Great Falls, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Great Falls

The Best Camping Near Great Falls, Montana

In beautiful Montana, Bozeman is less than 100 miles from Yellowstone but stands alone as a destination for all to visit. With plenty of national forests surrounding it, Bozeman is one of the best outdoor cities to visit.

The best camping near Bozeman is located just 30 minutes away near Livingston, MT in the Absaroka Beartooth wilderness area. This USFS land has ample free campsites and is in the backyard of Yellowstone National Park. Of course, Yellowstone itself is one of the best places for hiking and camping. However, if you plan to visit the park, you’ll likely want to stay in one of the park’s campgrounds, not Bozeman. Bozeman, on its own, has much to offer with an abundance of places to park an RV or set up a tent. Bozeman is a can't-miss stop if you’re going to or from Yellowstone.

Bozeman

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bozeman, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bozeman, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping in Bozeman, MT | Montana Campgrounds

Searching for the best camping near Butte-Silver Bow, MT? Butte-Silver Bow is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Butte-Silver Bow. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Butte-Silver Bow

The Best Camping Near Butte-Silver Bow, Montana

Are you in need of a campground near Helena, MT? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Helena. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Helena

The Best Camping in Helena, MT | Montana Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Kalispell, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kalispell is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Kalispell, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Kalispell

The Best Camping Near Kalispell, Montana

Anaconda is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Anaconda is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Anaconda. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Anaconda

The Best Camping Near Anaconda, Montana

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Havre. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Havre, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Havre

The Best Camping Near Havre, Montana

Join the fun near Miles City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Miles City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Miles City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Miles City

The Best Camping Near Miles City, Montana

Join the fun near Bitterroot National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Bitterroot National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bitterroot National Forest camping trip.

Bitterroot National Forest

The Best Camping Near Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains in Montana, Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails and plenty of campsites for weary hikers to spend the night. Near the picturesque cities of Columbia Falls and Whitefish, MT, campers can enjoy a day of shopping or dine at one of the area’s restaurants in between taking in the park’s sights. Avalanche Creek and Granite Park are two popular campgrounds, and RV drivers will find plenty of places to pull up for a night or extended stay. While camping, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to see the area’s diverse wildlife that include grizzly bears, mountain goats, and more.

Glacier National Park

The Best Camping Near Glacier National Park, Montana

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Flathead National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Flathead National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Flathead National Forest

The Best Camping Near Flathead National Forest, Montana

Join the fun near Lewis and Clark National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Lewis and Clark National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gallatin National Forest, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gallatin National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Gallatin National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Helena National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Helena National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Helena National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Helena National Forest

The Best Camping Near Helena National Forest, Montana

Kootenai National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Kootenai National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Kootenai National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Kootenai National Forest

The Best Camping Near Kootenai National Forest, Montana

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest camping trip.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

The Best Camping Near Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana

Searching for the best camping near Lolo National Forest, MT? Lolo National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Lolo National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Lolo National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lolo National Forest, Montana

Are you in need of a campground near Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

The Best Camping in Custer National Forest

Top Campgrounds in Custer National Forest (152)

1.