Doug R.
Scout
ScoutWhispering Pines RV Park
Easy access. 2 different types of camping (no trees, lots of trees) deer a d wild Turkeys visit daily. Good rates. Camped in oct to nov
Camping near Dayton, MT
6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Camping around Dayton, Montana centers on Flathead Lake, with state parks offering both developed and primitive sites. Finley Point and Big Arm state park units provide camping with lake access, while private RV parks like Rollins RV Park feature additional amenities. Most campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs, with several locations like Yellow Bay State Park designed specifically for tent camping. The Blair Flats dispersed camping area offers free primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic experience away from developed facilities.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region, with most state parks operating from spring through fall. Finley Point Unit operates from April through mid-November, while Big Arm is open from early May through late September. West Shore and Lake Mary Ronan state parks remain open year-round, providing options during winter months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer when waterfront sites fill quickly. A visitor commented that "Most sites are on the small side, and most are not very flat," highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites for larger RVs or trailers.
Waterfront campsites receive particularly high ratings from visitors exploring the Flathead Lake area. Campers consistently mention the exceptional water clarity, mountain views, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Big Arm State Park, located on Flathead Lake, provides access to swimming and boating, with several walk-in tent sites offering enhanced privacy and solitude. One camper described their experience at Big Arm as "truly one of the best campsites I've ever had," noting the private lakeside access and opportunity to set up hammocks near the water's edge. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though amenities vary considerably between state parks and private facilities, with RV parks typically offering full hookups and shower facilities not found at more primitive sites.
Best Campgrounds near Dayton (221)
1. Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
"Montana State Parks are run well."
"Most of the sites are along the water, but seem a little close to one another. Fortunately, the woman at the gate told me about sites T1 and T3."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when available2. West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
"Great Montana getaway. Facilities were very clean, lake was crispy and fun, sites were well maintained."
"Flathead lake started my love affair with Montana. The campground is right on the lake with amazing views, lots of hiking trails. Very friendly camp hosts."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when available3. Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
"It’s about 3 miles of the main road around Flathead lake , nestled in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood."
"There are a select few sites yards away from the water, each with a bit of beach. The biting bugs were minimal, but the swarms of other bugs were impressive, and the fish obviously loved them."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $6 / night
4. Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground
"My wife and I headed to Montana on a whim. We knew it would be difficult to find a campsite just for one night. After, many calls, Dennis had a single night availability."
"This was our first time visiting Lake Mary Ronan or the state park. The layout of the campground was very nice and spacious. It was extremely clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $120 / night
5. Blue Bay Campground
"Campsites just steps from the water. Bathrooms and playground, fire pits, some sites have rv hookups."
"My site is right on the lake with lake access. It’s a short walk to water, trash, and bathrooms (not all in the same location)."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $90 / night
6. Rollins RV Park
"My family and I recently stayed at Rollings RV Park on Flathead Lake in Montana, and we loved it!"
"Our first time to Flathead lake. Spots were booking up quick around the lake. Found this gem, got a spot reserved for Labor Day weekend. The park is very clean and well maintained."
Check Availabilityfrom $26 - $55 / night
7. Wayfarers State Park Campground
"I love living in Montana and being able to hike some of the best spots ever. Flathead is also an amazing spot, so really any campground in the area is good in my opinion."
"Very close to the beautiful town of Bigfork and great amenities, yet it feels tucked away. Right on Flathead lake, can’t beat the views!"
8. Yellow Bay State Park Campground
"You are surrounded by beautiful mountains, crystal clear water and a place where you can do a lot of great outdoor activities!"
"I absolutely love Montana the yellow Bay Area keeps me coming back I live in beautiful Idaho however Montana just has something different to offer and I I'm always looking for excuses to go back to Montana"
Check Availabilityfrom $9 - $28 / night
9. Blair Flats
"PD took 2 hrs to show up after several people called it in (oof …) which left us all on edge until their arrival around 10 pm … There’s a really secluded solo spot on the right before you get to the"
"Be prepared for a colder night because of your proximity to the water. The only negative thing about this campsite were the masses of mosquitoes and other bugs."
10. Gorgeous Flathead Lake View - Lot 1
Check Availabilityfrom $65 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 46 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 10 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 50 min from Great Falls, MT
Recent Camping Photos near Dayton, MT
303 Photos of 221 Dayton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Rollins RV Park
Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground
West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
Blue Bay Campground
Outback Montana RV Park & CampgroundK
Pine Meadows RV ResortA
Outback Montana RV Park and Campground
Wayfarers State Park CampgroundF
Blair FlatsJ
Red Owl RetreatM
Recent Reviews near Dayton, MT
1164 Reviews of 221 Dayton Campgrounds
Connie H.
RangerWhitefish Lake State Park Campground
Nice little campground on the lake near the town of Whitefish. Reservations were unavailable because of the season, so it was first come, first served. Upper loop was closed for the season, and the lower loop only had a few sites that would fit us with our 29 foot camper. We ended up in site 13. Sites had picnic tables and fire rings. Bathhouses and restrooms were closed for the season as well. We purchased the Nonresident annual state park pass online ($50), and paid for our 4 nights with cash ($14 a night). I’ve included a picture of the park fees schedule. The campground was fairly busy on the weekend as the lake and boat launch is right there. Railroad tracks are literally running up right along the campground. The trains run all day and all night long, multiple times in an hour, so be prepared for the noise and occasional rattle/shaking! It didn’t really bother us much, but I’m sure it would not be pleasant for some folks!
- Connie H.Ranger
Round Meadow Trails Camp
There is no actual campground or “camping spots” located here. No overnight camping allowed in the parking lot. There is a vault toilet available here and was actually very clean when we stopped.
- MMichael
GuidePleasant Valley Campground
Bathrooms are clean. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. It's free. Couple different options sitewise for starlink the site by the horse's stable is wide open. Beautiful stars at night.
Juliana J.RangerDispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
Stunning and easy access
This was a GREAT site to camp at. I drove all the way down the roads to site 18 which has easy river access and a large rock firepit. It wasn’t as private as some of the other sites, but there weren’t any other campers in eye view. Cool rocks and birds. You could see a bridge with both cars and trains passing. Aside from one of the biggest spiders I’ve seen in my life (I’ve probably lived a privileged life in this regard) that I spotted on the beach, there were virtually no other creepy crawlers OR flies/bees/mosquitos to complain about. Bathrooms on site but no other amenities.
Hayley F.
TravelerApgar Campground — Glacier National Park
Perfect spot for RV camping in Glacier
We camped in October so there was no access to water. No electricity for the campsites, but for $20 by Glacier it was perfect. 5 min from the visitor center. Sites are pull thru but pretty un-level so bring lots of stuff to level. We camped with our 27ft. travel trailer and was perfect.
Zack C.ScoutRainy Lake North
Love this secluded little spot along the river. Mountain views and cell service. Great, quiet place for a van, especially during October larch season!
Aaron S.RangerMoose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
The Ultimate West Glacier Basecamp (With Starlink & Scenic Loop Tips)
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are planning an epic trip to explore Glacier National Park, your choice of home base can make or break your trip logistics. We stayed four nights at Moose Creek RV Resort in West Glacier, Montana, and it served as the ultimate launchpad for exploring every corner of this iconic national park.
Location & West Glacier Access
When visiting Glacier, proximity to the park gates is everything. Moose Creek is super close and remarkably convenient to the West Glacier entrance, allowing you to beat the morning rush onto Going-to-the-Sun Road without spending hours in transit beforehand. (Still arrive early at park entrance!)
Campground Vibe, Grounds & Amenities
The park has that authentic, rustic Montana feel while providing all the modern comforts you need after long days on the trail:
- The Setting: The resort is tucked into a dense forest of tall pine trees on all sides, offering a serene, quiet, and shaded environment that feels completely immersed in nature.
- Facilities & Resupply: The campground is spotless and well-maintained. The laundry facilities were very clean and a huge help halfway through a long road trip.
- Camp Store & Morning Perks: Having a solid on-site convenience store stocked with essentials was great, and having hot breakfast options available right on the property made fueling up for early morning park excursions effortless.
- Staff: The team here was exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the surrounding area.
Starlink Performance Under the Pines
For RVers who work remotely or rely on satellite internet like we do, camping under heavy pine canopies can often be a connectivity nightmare. However, even with dense pine trees surrounding our site, our Starlink dish locked onto signal and worked reliably throughout our entire four-night stay—a massive plus for staying connected in the Montana backcountry.
Glacier Park Routes & A Must-Do Tow-Vehicle Loop
During our four days, we were able to make the jaw-dropping drive across the Going-to-the-Sun Road twice round-trip, plus an additional one-way trek on our final day.
For your tow vehicle or passenger car, here is a scenic driving loop you should not miss:
- The Route: Take Going-to-the-Sun Road all the way east to Saint Mary. Head south along Highway 89 to Kiowa, then cut onto Montana Highway 49 up and over the pass down to Highway 2. From there, take Highway 2 west along the southern boundary of the park all the way back to West Glacier.
- CRITICAL Big-Rig Warning: Do NOT attempt Highway 49 in a motorhome, fifth wheel, or large trailer. It is extremely steep, narrow, and winding. It is strictly meant for your unhitched tow vehicle or car.
- The Payoff: With your truck or car, it is an unforgettable drive. There are virtually no crowds, the panoramic mountain vistas are stunning, and we even spotted a bear hanging out right along the side of the road!
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Moose Creek RV Resort is everything a national park gateway camp should be: clean, quiet, scenic, and packed with practical amenities that make traveling easy. Whether you are looking for reliable Starlink connectivity under the pines or quick access to the best drives in North America, this park delivers. We highly recommend it to anyone heading into Big Sky Country!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
- Barb T.Guide
West Glacier KOA Resort
Not a fan of KOAs but this one is the cleanest
We usually use KOAs for full hook ups, showers and laundry this KOA is probably the nicest and cleanest one I have been in. There are trees which most are in flat fields. I think 4 or 5 pools which are heated because it is now October and kids were in the pool. It has a nice store. The ice cream shop and restaurant are closed. The thing I like is it has grass between sites so my dogs can pee. It also has 2 dog runs a walking path it is outstanding if you like clamping to the fullest. It also has many cottages. Some sites also have their own patio and gas grills. The ladies in the office are the nicest people. I would stay again.
Guide to Dayton
Camping near Dayton, MT centers on the eastern and western shores of Flathead Lake, with sites situated between 2,900-3,000 feet elevation. This region experiences warm summer days with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s, while nights cool considerably, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers. The camping season peaks from June through September when water temperatures are most comfortable for swimming.
What to do
Kayak to Wild Horse Island: Access this unique state park via boat launch at West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park. "West Shore State Park was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon after kayaking to Wild Horse Horse Island State Park nearby. The water was clear and the dogs throughly enjoyed splashing around," writes Elizabeth G., who visited in 2020.
Fish from shoreline access: Blair Flats provides direct river fishing opportunities without needing a boat. "Fishing is great, right out your door is the river! The water is cold and fast in May," notes Sara L., highlighting the free camping area's primary attraction.
Rent a pontoon boat: Several campgrounds offer rental services during peak season. One camper at Rollins RV Park shared, "We rented a pontoon boat from the rv park and explored the lake. The boat rental for a whole day is equivalent to a 4 hour rental near Spokane. Great prices."
What campers like
Crystal clear water visibility: The remarkable clarity of Flathead Lake draws consistent praise. A camper at Blue Bay Campground explained, "The swimming docks are wonderful to dive off into crystal clear flathead lake... Us humans enjoyed swimming in water where we could actually see if anything was swimming around us."
Waterfront tent sites: Campers highlight the value of lakeside camping spots. At Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park, a visitor described, "This was an amazing tent site. A little windy at night, but I loved falling asleep to the sound of the wind and waves breaking as we were right next to the water."
Yurt accommodations: For those seeking alternative shelters, Big Arm State Park offers circular shelters. "The most amazing way to stay here is in a yurt! These circular traditional structures are an experience not soon forgotten by kids or adults alike," describes Kent B.
What you should know
Limited boat trailer parking: Some lake access points have space constraints. A visitor to Yellow Bay State Park Campground noted, "There may be an issue with parking with a boat trailer at the launch, space is limited."
Tribal campground regulations: Blue Bay Campground operates under tribal management with specific rules. Morgan O. points out, "Native land & no alcohol. Fire ring with grill attachment and a picnic table."
Tree root challenges at free sites: When considering dispersed options, be prepared for uneven ground. A camper at Blair Flats warned, "Hard to find flat ground for a tent because of the roots. Gotta watch your step everywhere."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds around Flathead Lake close by early October. Lake Mary Ronan remains an exception, with one visitor sharing, "We ended up asking if they could extend their service past October 1st and they said YES!"
Tips for camping with families
Tree-shaded playgrounds: Rollins RV Park receives praise for its kid-friendly amenities. Brian C. highlighted, "One of the best things about the park is the great playground for kids. Our kids loved it!"
Protected swimming areas: Look for campsites with swimming docks and shallow entry points. Michelle R. observed at Blue Bay Campground, "The water shallow for a long distance of beautiful colorful rocks and perfect for swimming of all ages."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife sightings from your site. At Lake Mary Ronan, Cody L. mentioned, "Small lake with beautiful foothills surrounding it. Tons of wildlife around the water!"
Group sites for family reunions: Some campgrounds accommodate large family gatherings. One camper noted that Blue Bay Campground has space for "two huge family reunions" during holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds easily accommodate big rigs. At Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park, Hailey M. advised, "Nice campground, a bit tight if you are a bigger rig but doable in the right spot."
Internet connectivity: For those needing to stay connected, service varies by location. Lake Mary Ronan offers "wifi is really really good, can even watch football on Sundays," according to Blake C.
Electric hookup availability: Electrical options differ significantly between campgrounds. At Yellow Bay, only tent camping is permitted, while Lake Mary Ronan provides "50amp electrical hookups" at most sites according to Chris D.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead as many campgrounds lack this amenity. Chris D. noted that at Lake Mary Ronan, "There is not a dump station at the campground," requiring RVers to find alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dayton, MT?
What camping is available near Dayton, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dayton, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 221 campgrounds and RV parks near Dayton, MT and 34 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dayton, MT?
Which is the most popular campground near Dayton, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dayton, MT is Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dayton, MT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dayton, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Dayton, MT.
What parks are near Dayton, MT?
What parks are near Dayton, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Dayton, MT that allow camping, notably Flathead National Forest and Lolo National Forest.
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