Brush Lake State Park in northeastern Montana offers elevated camping sites overlooking the lake, with a dedicated glamping area for those seeking a blend of comfort and outdoor experiences. The small campground serves visitors seasonally from May through early November, though reservation availability becomes limited after mid-September when hunters frequently occupy the grounds. This isolated destination sits approximately 27 miles south of the Canadian border in a sparsely populated region characterized by rolling prairie and limited tree coverage.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: Brush Lake provides swimming, boating, and tubing in uncommonly warm waters for the region. One camper noted, "In September this small state park is over run with hunters," suggesting early autumn visitors should secure reservations well in advance if hoping to enjoy late-season water activities at Brush Lake State Park Campground.
Historical exploration: Fort Buford State Historic Site offers visitors access to significant frontier landmarks including where Sitting Bull surrendered and a Lewis and Clark Trading Post. "They do demonstrations on old time trades," explains one visitor to Fort Buford State Historic Site, making it an educational complement to glamping accommodations in the Dagmar area.
Cross-border dining: The small town of Genora, North Dakota, approximately 5 miles from Brush Lake, provides restaurant options for glamping guests seeking prepared meals. A camper mentioned, "Went in late July and flies were somewhat bothersome," indicating visitors should bring insect protection during summer visits while enjoying local dining options.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: The camping area at Lake Trenton Recreation Area features "large camp spots but close together" with concrete pads that are "generally level," according to visitors at Trenton Lake Recreation Area. Though sites lack privacy screening, the layout provides adequate space for glamping setups.
Less crowded conditions: Unlike busier Montana destinations, glamping near Dagmar offers relatively uncrowded conditions. A camper specifically mentioned choosing the area "because it is not extremely busy," making it ideal for those seeking quieter accommodations away from more heavily trafficked glamping locations.
Proximity to national parks: The Dagmar area serves as a convenient base for exploring broader regional attractions. One visitor noted it's "150 miles to Theodore Roosevelt National Park which was also great," highlighting the strategic location for glamping guests planning multi-destination trips through northeastern Montana and western North Dakota.
What you should know
Reservation system limitations: Late-season glamping at Brush Lake can be problematic due to reservation system issues. A frustrated camper reported, "I truck camp and left with my site reserved only to come back with another camper in my spot," suggesting visitors should place visible site markers and confirm reservation status when temporarily leaving camp.
Weather and insect considerations: Summer visitors to glamping sites near Dagmar should prepare for variable conditions. One camper specifically mentioned that "flies were somewhat bothersome" in late July, while others note the lack of shade trees makes the area exposed to sun and wind.
Water quality variations: When considering glamping options with water access, note that conditions can vary significantly between sites. At Lake Trenton Recreation Area, differing opinions exist about water quality, with one visitor claiming, "I wouldn't say it's dirty to swim in or fish in. I've done both & have a great time out there."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives: Families seeking glamping accommodations with more structured options can find basic cabins at some regional sites. One reviewer mentioned "Two small cabins. Beds only," indicating families should bring all other necessities when booking these minimal accommodations near Dagmar.
Beach access considerations: Families will find designated swimming areas at Brush Lake, though the access requires navigating trails from the camping area down to the lakeshore. A visitor specified there are "Trails that lead down to the lake. Lake has restroom facilities, picnic tables, boat ramp, and beach area."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious families seeking glamping alternatives can find free camping at Fort Buford State Historic Site, where one visitor reported, "The CG is free. They want you to check in at the Confluence Visitor Center. The CG has tables, fire rings, and trash cans."
Tips from RVers
Hookup verification: RVers should verify utility connections before setting up camp. One RVer noted discrepancies between advertised and actual hookups: "Posted price of 'full hook-up' was $35. Hmmm. Electricity, yes, but no sewer connection that we could find and several signs declaring 'non-potable water.'"
Larger rig accommodation: Those traveling with substantial RV setups should check site accessibility. A visitor to Fort Buford confirmed, "We camped here in a 35 ft 5th wheel," indicating that some regional sites can accommodate larger vehicles despite not being specifically designated as big-rig friendly.
Seasonal facility access: RVers should verify which amenities are operational during their planned visit. One camper observed, "Bathrooms locked and unavailable... Although June 30th, the place had the feeling of not being open for the season," suggesting facilities may not match listed descriptions during certain periods.
