Dispersed camping options around Milltown, Montana provide alternatives to the established campgrounds in the region. Located at 3,209 feet elevation along the Clark Fork River, camping sites near Milltown experience cold winters and warm, dry summers with temperatures that can vary by 30-40 degrees between day and night. Fire restrictions typically begin in July and extend through September when rainfall averages less than an inch per month.
What to do
Fishing in Rock Creek: Just 15 minutes east of Milltown at Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground, visitors access blue-ribbon trout fishing. "Great river access and shady spots with some full hookups available. Dump station is nice too," notes one camper, while another mentions "About a mile off rt 90. Camping is tight but fly fishing is very good."
Float the Blackfoot River: When water levels permit, floating the Blackfoot River provides a classic Montana experience. Though camping is no longer permitted at Johnsrud Park, it remains a popular take-out point. "The swimming hole is deep and well defined which is good for swimmers but there is a lot of boat traffic," explains a visitor.
Mini-golf and recreation: Family activities at Granite Peak RV Resort include mini-golf, swimming, and playground facilities. "Nice amenities, well taken care of, individually owned. WiFi, hook ups, mini golf, en route to glacier via Missoula," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "Nice amenities (mini golf, horse shoes, pool, dog park), close enough to town."
What campers like
Shade and privacy: Many campers appreciate sites with mature trees. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, "The sites are gravel, mostly level and most sites have shade. The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do." Another reviewer notes, "Great place to stay! Beautifully maintained RV Park."
River access: Direct water access ranks high among visitor priorities. At Chief Looking Glass Campground, "All of the camp spots are close to the river and have easy access to bathrooms and trails. I have camped with 4 tents in one space and still had room for more." A different camper describes, "There is a beautiful flat water river with two access points and locals tube and paddle here."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms receive better reviews. "The bathhouse is immaculate and the showers are like you wish you had at home," writes one visitor about Yellowrock Campground. Another says, "The grounds are clean. But if you are camping and here for the camping life, they don't allow fires unless it's in their fire ring and only a few camp sites have fire rings."
What you should know
Gates close at night: Some fishing access sites restrict nighttime entry. At Chief Looking Glass, "The gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so." Entry fee is $12 per camp site.
Seasonal water issues: Water systems occasionally require maintenance. A camper at Ekstrom's Stage Station reports, "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."
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds. "There is some traffic noise if you listen for it, but it didn't bother us," writes a camper at Yellowrock Campground, while another notes, "The train noise is not as bad as previous posts and actually looks pretty cool chugging along the mountain side."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children appreciate designated play areas. "This place is on my shortlist for favorites for my week long getaway with my daughter who is 5," says a reviewer about Missoula KOA Holiday. "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!"
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy wildlife sightings. One KOA visitor mentions, "My daughter wanted me to add that they have three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them."
Additional activities: When planning longer stays, consider campgrounds with multiple recreation options. At Granite Peak RV Resort, "The tent site was spacious and had outdoor lighting. Definitely had a lot more amenities than we are generally used to!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV campers report varying experiences based on site location. At Missoula KOA Holiday, "We paid for a deluxe extra wide site. We have a 27ft Class C with a drivers side slide. Not a tiny RV but by no means large. When being directed to our site I was asked to move over so our tires weren't near the grass."
Plan dump station visits: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for dumping. At Turah RV Park, a camper reported they "got a last spot by dumpsters, water and power, no sewer. Dumping at their station in am, she came zooming down to ask if we needed help, said we had stayed in #1 but were charged $10 to dump."
Maneuverability challenges: Larger rigs may struggle at certain campgrounds. About Ekstrom's Stage Station, one RVer notes, "Campsites are the reason for not giving 5 stars. Very tight and not great space for maneuverability. Was not full so we were fine with a big rig. Had it been full would be a little uncomfortable."
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