Dispersed camping options surrounding Frenchtown, Montana provide alternatives to established RV campgrounds. Located in the western Missoula Valley at approximately 3,050 feet elevation, Frenchtown sees summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during camping season, with cooler nights dropping to the 40s even in July. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities, though temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Creek access for fishing and swimming: Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground offers excellent water recreation opportunities along the creek running through the property. "We ended up booking here on the 4th and 5th of July and had a great time camping along the river, going to the hot springs across the street and walking the area. This is a beautiful resort and a little more on the campy side which we liked," reported one visitor to Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground.
Hot springs relaxation: Take advantage of mineral pools across from the campground. "The hot springs across the highway are $12 a person and we took a hot soak in the 106 degree enclosed mineral bath/pool area and rotated to the 86 degree pool outside. Kids and families all seemed to stay in the pool area while adults in the mineral bath area," notes a camper. The facilities maintain different temperature zones for varied comfort levels.
Outdoor recreation: Nugget RV Resort provides numerous on-site activities beyond typical campground offerings. "Great place to stay if your in the St. Regis area. You don't have to leave the campground if you don't want to with tons of great activities. The hiking trails on site were fun and also the FS trails nearby are great as well," writes one visitor. The resort includes volleyball courts, frisbee golf course, and hiking trails directly accessible from camp.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers at several Frenchtown area campgrounds. "Very clean facilities, friendly owners, and a nice fire pit," notes a visitor to Diamond S RV Park. The park, open March through November, maintains 37 sites with regularly serviced facilities.
Riverfront access: Sites along waterways receive high praise from visitors seeking water proximity. "Big thick beautiful trees provide shade in the summer. And amazing sunsets," writes a camper about River Edge Resort. Another notes: "Campground was basic but perfect for an overnight stay. Close to interstate but noise not too bad. Free laundry was a bonus."
Landscaping and natural setting: Many parks near Frenchtown feature mature trees and maintained grounds. "Quiet, tree-lined location. Friendly people. Bathroom and laundry rooms clean and functional," reports a visitor to Turah RV Park. The natural surroundings provide both aesthetic appeal and practical shade during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 80°F.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise due to their proximity to active train routes. "The only downside (if I had to find one) was the train close by that was very squeaky as it went by. But I never heard it during the night," reports one camper at Jim & Mary's RV Park. Another camper adds: "The train noise is not as bad as previous posts and actually looks pretty cool chugging along the mountain side."
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the region close during winter months. Granite Peak RV Resort operates from May 1 through October 15, while Eagle Nest RV Resort maintains the same seasonal schedule. For winter camping, options include Jim & Mary's RV Park and Turah RV Park, both operating year-round with limited amenities during colder months.
Varying site dimensions: RV sites differ significantly in size and layout across parks. "Private campground. Level sites, stayed in #6 right by office. Sites fairly close together. Nice pet walk area. Showers clean. Full hookups," notes a Diamond S RV Park visitor, indicating the compact nature of some parks.
Tips for camping with families
Amenity access for children: Granite Peak RV Resort offers family-friendly facilities including a pool and playground. "Nice amenities (mini golf, horse shoes, pool, dog park), close enough to town. Grass at our site," reports one camper. The resort provides structured activities for children during peak summer months.
Safety considerations: Campgrounds closer to highways require additional supervision for young children. "Amazing views and surprisingly quiet for being right off the highway. The staff were friendly at check-in and even had a special treat for my pups to enjoy and complementary doggy bags," notes a visitor to River Edge Resort, highlighting the proximity to roadways despite the quieter-than-expected environment.
Wildlife awareness: Families should maintain proper food storage even at developed campgrounds. "On river. Bears?? Have to cross street for hot springs facility," mentions one camper at Lolo Hot Springs, indicating potential wildlife encounters require proper precautions with food storage and waste disposal.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity: Several rv campgrounds near Frenchtown, Montana offer varied hookup options for different RV needs. "Best spot with 50 amps I could find! We pulled up and was surprised by how serene the setting was, beautiful creek, awesome big rocks and of course the hot springs across the street," reports a camper at Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground.
Site leveling requirements: RVers report varying experiences with site grading. "Level sites with grassy areas between spaces," describes one Turah RV Park visitor, while others note challenges at different campgrounds requiring leveling blocks. "Clean and Green. We did not have reservations so 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."
Reservation timing: Summer season from June through August requires advance planning for RV travelers. "Sites are a litttle close together, but to be expected at a resort style place. There was an access spot to the creek/river and firewood was sold by the armload ($12)," notes a Lolo Hot Springs camper, highlighting the need to book early for prime creek-side locations.
