RV camping near Eureka, Montana offers access to Kootenai National Forest and sits just two miles south of the Canadian border. The region's 3,000-foot elevation creates cool summer evenings with temperatures typically dropping into the 50s even after hot days. Most campgrounds remain open from May through October when mountain roads become accessible after winter snowmelt.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Tobacco River Campground serves as an excellent base for fishing enthusiasts. "Easy kayak launching at the mouth and lots of shoreline access," notes Emmett S., who emphasizes the campground's "beautiful spot to get away" despite having limited amenities. The campground sits directly on the river with multiple shoreline access points.
Mountain hiking: Trails near Big Therriault Lake Campground connect to expansive wilderness areas where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Brian N. reports, "I've been camping at this location for several years now, mostly in the fall. Wonderful camping with a lot of wildlife around." The surrounding mountains offer multiple day hiking options with varying difficulty levels.
Golfing: RV travelers staying at the Silverado Motel and RV Park have direct access to adjacent golf facilities. Nancy C. mentions the campground is "next to a golf course. Sites are in a row, field-like setting, with no shade which would block the beautiful views of the mountains." The grass at the RV sites "looked like a golf course, well manicured and maintained."
What campers like
Privacy and shade: Campers appreciate the natural settings at Tobacco River Campground despite its proximity to town. "This is a very popular spot with locals and out-of-towners," shares Emmett S., who notes there are "more than a dozen campsites spread over about a half mile." The campground offers a mix of open and shaded sites along the river.
Lake access: The mountain lakes provide peaceful camping experiences. Melissa P. describes Big Therriault Lake Campground as "paradise for camping" where the "campsites are large with good shade" and the "lake is picturesque." She notes the "peaceful" setting with "a full sky of stars every night."
Quiet settings: Many campgrounds maintain a peaceful atmosphere despite their popularity. At Grave Creek Campground, John P. reports finding "semi remote, very quiet" conditions with "views of the mountains." He notes that "locals are very friendly" and the area feels "very safe" despite being in grizzly country.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating rough roads. At Mountain View RV Park, Kevin O. mentions the park is "close to everything" while Davy W. warns about Tobacco River Campground having "really bad roads" where "the ground is essentially dried up river silt and when it gets wet, it's thicker than snot." He advises, "I personally would never access this park without four-wheel-drive."
Wildlife awareness: Bears frequent many camping areas around Eureka. Emmett S. points out that Big Therriault Lake Campground provides "bear proof cans at each site," while Brian N. advises to "keep an eye out and camping location clean due to the bears will visit you if not." At Grave Creek Campground, John P. reminds campers "you are in grizzly country."
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds provide only basic facilities. Tobacco River has "one vault toilet for more than a dozen campsites" according to Emmett S., while Sadie P. reports that "the one pit toilet at this point is almost full and filthy, it has not been cleaned in months or years."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Children enjoy river and lake swimming opportunities during summer months. Sadie P. notes families should "be aware of quicksand that is advertised to be in the area" at Tobacco River Campground and "don't leave kids unattended." She adds that the "sandy and quick sand areas" require supervision, but the "town is 5 minutes away" if supplies are needed.
Recreation facilities: Some RV parks offer additional amenities for children. Julia M. reports that Mountain View RV Park includes "a small basketball court" and a "big grassy area in the middle of the RV park with picnic tables, great for walking dogs or just relaxing in the grass." She adds there are "lots of things for kids and teens close by."
Nearby attractions: The area contains several family-friendly activities. Nancy C. mentions that near Mountain View RV Park, families will find "Amazing Fun Center, Glacier Highline, Putt Putt in West Glacier and many others," making it a "really nice place for a basecamp."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some RV sites require additional equipment for leveling. At Woodland RV Park, Angel R. found "our spot #40 had an incline we had to lower the front end of our trailer to its lowest point to get it level." Nancy C. notes the park has "generous sites, clean restrooms and laundry" despite some train and road noise.
Big rig access: Larger RVs may face challenges at certain campgrounds. Julia M. reports her site at Mountain View RV Park was "level and just enough space for trailer and truck (a bit crowded but worked)" but offered "full sun, no shade and a picnic table." She appreciated that the park included a "splitter on the water spigot provided."
Weekly rates: Some RV parks offer discounts for extended stays. Julia M. notes, "We stayed for 7 days so paid for 6 and the 7th was free. They also accept Good Sam members." For RV camping near Eureka, Montana, this can represent significant savings during peak season.
