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Best Campgrounds near Glendive, MT

98 Reviews

Eastern Montana's badlands around Glendive feature diverse camping options, with Makoshika State Park serving as the premier destination. This 11,000-acre park offers year-round camping with both RV and tent sites, including secluded "Pine on Rocks" tent sites perched along cliff edges with dramatic badlands views. The Short Pine OHV Area provides dispersed camping about 8 miles from town, primarily serving off-road enthusiasts. Along the Yellowstone River, Intake Dam Fishing Access Site offers spacious riverside camping with cottonwood shade. Several private RV parks in and around Glendive provide full hookups for travelers along I-94.

Summer temperatures in the Glendive area frequently exceed 90°F, making shade a valuable commodity at most campgrounds. As one camper noted, "The heat is BRUTAL in August and we weren't able to hike as much as we wanted." Winter camping is possible but rarely utilized, with one visitor reporting they were "the only fool camping in the Montana winter when a wind storm rolled through." Road conditions vary significantly, with some tent sites at Makoshika requiring navigation of "a winding steep but paved road where trailers are not allowed." Most campgrounds feature vault toilets, though amenities are limited at dispersed sites. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly in the badlands areas.

Makoshika State Park consistently receives the highest visitor ratings, with campers praising its unique geology and paleontology opportunities. "This is one of the coolest state parks this side of the Cenozoic Period! They found dinosaur fossils in this park," noted one enthusiast. The park offers a disc golf course and hiking trails through badlands formations. RV campers should note the lack of hookups and dump stations in the immediate area, with one visitor reporting, "There is no dump station at the park, nor in Glendive, so you have to drive to Miles City or Wibaux to dump." Weekends often see full campgrounds during summer months, with advance reservations recommended. The area serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, about an hour's drive away.

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Best Camping Sites Near Glendive, Montana (22)

    1. Makoshika State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 377-6256

    $12 - $54 / night

    "Our campsites butted right up to a cool mountain and the peaks are small enough for you to scamper around on."

    "We had planned to travel through the area but hadn’t planned to stop—until we hit the Tourist Center at the Montana border and found a brochure for thus park."

    2. Short Pine OHV Area

    3 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    8 miles

    "This was an excellent spot for jeeps/off road vehicles. Very private, lots of fun if you have dirt bikes or four wheelers with you to explore."

    3. Glendive Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    3 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (406) 377-6721

    4. Intake Dam

    5 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 234-0900

    $5 - $18 / night

    "Price was $18 unless you had a Montana Fishing license. The sites were wide and spacious. We were there September 2020 and few people were there. The huge cottonwoods were turning gold."

    "It has great access to the river, right below the dam and has a boat dock. Lots of trees for shade! The campground has toilets and water (push and hold the nozzle down)."

    5. Green Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (406) 377-1944

    6. Glendive Short Pines OHV Area

    1 Review
    Glendive, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800

    7. Blue Sky RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Glendive, MT
    0 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    8. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    22 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    $20 / night

    "General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway)."

    "Isolated Some camp sites are real gems A variety of sites depending on what you want- camp on the hill in grassland if you want to watch sunset/sunrise- or get one of the camp sites that are nestled behind"

    9. Fallon Bridge

    1 Review
    Terry, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    10. Small Towne RV Campground

    3 Reviews
    Terry, MT
    36 miles
    +1 (406) 852-4539

    $25 / night

    "Close to 94, so some highway noise. The water in Terry has a lot of iron, I'm sure it's potable, but it looks cloudy and brown. Not the campgrounds fault."

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Recent Camping Photos near Glendive, MT

14 Photos of 22 Glendive Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Glendive, MT

98 Reviews of 22 Glendive Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Elkhorn Campground

    Nice off-grid campsites

    Campsites in valley in Badlands. Nice and clean. No power, no dumps, hand pump for water

  • a
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Camel's Hump Lake

    Camel Hump Lake

    Accessible and easy to find. It has sites with fire pits and tables. No camping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

  • Pursuit of H.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Small Towne RV Campground

    Unsafe and not maintained

    This place is a dirty junk heap. There are no bathrooms or showers, which their website fails to mention. Right along the Interstate and noisy. Feral cats everywhere. All posted photos are old. Any positive review is a lie.

  • Randy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Makoshika State Park Campground

    Beautiful State Park

    This turns out to be one of my favorite state parks. The views are absolutely amazing. Several hiking trails, from short hike to longer trails. Some fairly easy and others are more moderate.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    Showers!!

    Stopped here for the showers! Nice campground. There is a bit of highway sounds, but not bad at all. WiFi is poor for AT&T.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Glendive Short Pines OHV Area

    Gravel parking lot

    The drive to this area is stunning to say the least. You get to the end of a paved road that turns into dirt. Take a right hand turn into a gravel parking lot. The parking lot is big. There is a clean and well maintained porta potty. With that being said there were big trucks driving by constantly throughout the night. In the morning there were few ATV out driving up the hills, but none were a bother. This is a great area for a one night stay but the board permits up to 14 days.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Camel's Hump Lake

    We saved this location!

    Other than the bugs it was a great spot that we really enjoyed. The highway can be a bit loud but it’s not that bad. It looked like 4 spots and decent enough size. Great views of the lake.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Horse Creek RV and Trailer Park

    Excellent service

    Great secluded campground. Full hook up for $45 . Showers included. Not fancy just convenient.

  • M
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    Good Place to Stop

    Nice forest service campground located in the Little Missouri National Grasslands off Exit 18 just west of Medora, ND and Theodore Roosevelt NP. First time there and we enjoyed our 3 night stay for our visit to the NP. There are hiking trails near the campground if you want to stretch your legs. The campground has two loops of campsites (Mandan, Hidatsu) for a total of 35 sites. Each loop has flush toilets (2) one bathhouse with 3 showers (Mandan Loop). Many campsites have trees providing shade. The campground also has vault toilets by the pavilion and the dumpstation. The dumpstation was unavailable do to necessary repairs during our stay. The host informed me the Buffalo Gap Ranch has dumpstation we could use for a minimal fee. The ranch is 2.5 miles past the entrance to the campground. I paid $5 to use their facility when I left. Most sites are first come first serve.

Guide to Glendive

Camping near Glendive, Montana, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Scenic Drives: Explore the amazing trails and scenic drives around the area. One camper mentioned, "Amazing views all around, definitely worth the stop. Scenic drives & hikes. Absolutely loved this area." This makes places like Makoshika State Park Campground a must-visit.
  • Fishing: The Intake Dam is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A reviewer noted, "There is also great sturgeon fishing in the area as well. Absolutely recommend staying here!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor at Sully Creek State Park shared, "We saw a ton of buffalo on the north side and we have already spotted buffalo, seen prairie dogs and wild horses from the road."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. A review for Intake Dam mentioned, "The sites are level and grass is nicely mowed. There are fire rings and picnic tables."
  • Beautiful Sunrises: Many enjoy waking up to breathtaking views. One camper at Makoshika State Park Campground said, "We arrived in the dark and woke up to the most amazing sunrise!"
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained areas are a big plus. A visitor at Sully Creek State Park noted, "The shower house had been remodeled and the fixtures were in great shape."

What you should know:

  • Road Conditions: Some roads leading to campgrounds can be rough. A camper warned, "Like others noted, the road coming in is real rough, take it slow."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Intake Dam mentioned, "There are vault toilets scattered about and two water pump spigots with amazing water pressure."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Intake Dam said, "Lots of mosquitos and flies!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with plenty of space for kids to play. A reviewer at Makoshika State Park Campground mentioned, "Campsites in the main campground were lovely! They had a nice amount of privacy."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, "Amazing trails, stunning scenery, very cool disc golf course."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having refreshments on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Intake Dam noted, "We felt safe there the entire time."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "It was not an accommodating site for our truck and small 23' camper."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for sites with electric hookups. A review for Medora Campground highlighted, "The price for all the amenities provided was excellent!"
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds have quiet hours. A camper at Makoshika State Park Campground mentioned, "You might get some generator noise, but during our 3-night stay only 1 camper violated the 8pm-8am quiet rule."

Camping near Glendive, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it's a perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Glendive MT campgrounds?

Amenities at Glendive area campgrounds vary widely. Short Pine OHV Area offers minimal facilities with just pit toilets and no water or other amenities, but it's conveniently located only 7-8 miles from Glendive and I-94. For more developed options, Blue Sky RV Park provides hookups for RVs. Some campgrounds in the region offer fire pits, picnic tables, and access to water. Circle Town Park has running water and proximity to a swimming pool, though bathroom facilities are basic. If you're willing to drive further out, Buffalo Gap Campground includes toilets and a shower facility but no hookups or cell service.

Where are the best campgrounds near Glendive, Montana?

The Glendive area offers several excellent camping options. Makoshika State Park Campground stands out as a local gem with beautiful badlands scenery and dinosaur fossil history. The park features both RV and tent sites in a unique geological setting that many consider an undiscovered treasure. For water lovers, Intake Dam provides spacious sites along the Yellowstone River with beautiful cottonwood trees and fishing opportunities at $18 per night (less with a Montana fishing license). Other options include Short Pine OHV Area for off-roading enthusiasts and Buffalo Gap Campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park if you're willing to drive about 50 minutes east.

Is tent camping available in Glendive, Montana?

Yes, tent camping is readily available in and around Glendive. Makoshika State Park Campground offers excellent tent camping opportunities with particularly nice, secluded sites in the upper camping area (sites 20-30). These tent-specific sites provide a more private experience than the RV areas. The park includes amenities like fire pits, tables, and access to water and firewood. Another option is Circle Town Park, which allows tent camping with basic facilities including running water and access to a nearby swimming pool. Tent campers should be prepared for Montana's variable weather conditions and might encounter insects in some areas, particularly at Short Pine OHV Area.

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