Camping near Garrison, Montana offers easy access to national forest lands and waterways at elevations between 4,500-5,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer daytime temperatures reaching the 80s and winter lows often below freezing. Most dispersed camping locations require high-clearance vehicles due to unmaintained forest roads.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Lost Creek State Park Campground features a waterfall just 125 yards from campsites. "Lost Creek State Park has a beautiful canyon setting and a pretty waterfall just a very short hike from your campsite. We could hear the waterfall from there," reports one camper who stayed in site #14.
Fishing opportunities: Kading Campground sits along the Little Blackfoot River with easy access points. "We stayed in site #5, which was a pull though site. The site had a small path down to the river (which was amazing!)," notes a visitor who particularly enjoyed the riverside location.
Historic site exploration: The area near Indian Creek RV Campground includes several museums and historic sites. "Deer lodge has some great museums and Anne tours. The old prison and associated mushrooms are a must stop. Check out the ghost town!" recommends one camper.
What campers like
Creek and river sounds: Many campers appreciate the natural water sounds at Lost Creek State Park Campground. "The river and waterfall are in the campground which made for lovely white noise when falling asleep. Spaces have lots of privacy," shares one visitor who found the ambient sounds relaxing.
Affordability: The Town of Drummond Campground offers budget-friendly camping. "Best $10 campsites imaginable. I have always enjoyed able to roll up and there was an available site. Good for trailers up to 23ft and even has water and power sites," explains a frequent visitor.
Wild berry picking: Seasonal foraging adds to the camping experience. "Thimbleberries were ripe during our stay and plentiful," notes a camper at Lost Creek State Park, while another mentioned "During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near the interstate experience periodic train disruptions. "It is very quiet except for trains every few hours," mentions a visitor at Town of Drummond Campground, where despite the noise, campers still found the experience positive.
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. "Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others," notes a camper at Elliston Dispersed Camping.
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "Road is a bit rough, would be hesitant to bring a low clearance vehicle up there," cautions a Kading Campground visitor, while another site had "Gate is closed, I'm assuming for the winter."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Playground for kids, and river nearby. Occasional train goes by but much rather that than noise of trucks in Walmart parking lots," mentions a camper at Town of Drummond Campground.
Indoor recreation options: Boulder Creek Lodge provides indoor entertainment for rainy days. "After we ate, we went down stairs to the game room and played pool, table soccer and checkers for about 4 hours," shares a family who found this amenity particularly valuable during inclement weather.
Wildlife awareness: Campers should practice bear safety in this region. "It's Montana, so bearproofing is necessary," reminds one visitor at Racetrack Campground, where 3 out of 10 sites were occupied mid-week in August.
Tips from RVers
Electric vehicle support: Some campgrounds accommodate EV charging needs. "We were driving an electric car (Tesla) and were told that we could use the 30 amp to recharge it at no extra costs. At less than 40$ for a site with 30 amp this was a steal," notes a camper at Bernie & Sharons Riverfront RV Park.
Site leveling considerations: Many campground sites require adjustment. "The sites are large and private and somewhat level but many will require leveling. Many of the sites are short, officially 23ft max, but there were several there would easily accommodate our 28 foot rig," observes a visitor at Lost Creek State Park Campground.
Air conditioner capacity: Summer heat may require cooling systems. "The wiring held up great, ran both AC's at the same time with no issues," reports a camper at Bernie & Sharons Riverfront RV Park, confirming adequate electrical capacity for multiple cooling units.
