Camping options near Glendive, Montana include several RV parks in the high plains region, where elevations range from 2,000 to 2,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s with nighttime lows in the 50s, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall between November and March.
What to do
Explore badlands hiking trails: Makoshika State Park [https://thedyrt.com/camping/montana/montana-makoshika-state-park] offers several hiking paths through distinctive badlands formations. "You can actually walk through the hills and on top and around. There were rabbits appearing and disappearing. There were benches in interesting places. Informational markers and interesting spots," notes one camper.
Play disc golf: The 18-hole course at Makoshika State Park provides a unique way to explore the terrain. "Super fun, nearly complete disc golf course with baskets," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the recreational option while camping.
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo Gap Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/north-dakota-buffalo-gap] serves as a good base for wildlife spotting. Located within driving distance of Glendive, the area supports "Buffalo, prairie dogs, Big Horn Sheep, wild horses, deer, eagles, warblers, jack rabbits, antelope," according to visitor reports.
Off-road adventures: Short Pine OHV Area [https://thedyrt.com/camping/montana/short-pine-ohv-area] provides designated trails for off-highway vehicles just 7-8 miles from Glendive. "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," shares a camper who gave the area five stars.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Horse Creek RV and Trailer Park [https://thedyrt.com/camping/montana/horse-creek-rv-and-trailer-park] maintains well-kept amenities despite its rural setting. "There is one Shower and one restroom and we found them clean. New electrical service, 20/30/50 and water. Hot, free shower," reports a camper who stayed there.
Affordable rates: Campers appreciate the reasonable pricing at many sites. "Excellent value for going to see the Terry Badlands and Mikoshako. $25/night for full hook ups," notes one visitor about Small Towne RV Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/montana/small-towne-rv-campground].
Accessibility: Many campgrounds remain open year-round. One winter camper at Makoshika State Park shared: "I was able to make my way down here in January and happened to be the only fool camping in the Montana winter when a wind storm rolled through. Regardless of the wind, this is a wonderful campground with plenty of hiking and biking extremely close."
Privacy options: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. At Makoshika State Park, "We had a very private site #20 with our own clean private vault toilet and garbage can. It was down a single track rutted road but our 24' pop up truck camper made it with ease."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some rv parks in Glendive, Montana area have water quality issues. "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," explains a camper at Small Towne RV Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. "Verizon service limited to none," reports a camper about Makoshika State Park, suggesting visitors should download maps and information in advance.
Seasonal availability: Buffalo Gap Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/north-dakota-buffalo-gap] operates from "Memorial Day to Labor Day," limiting off-season options for those traveling in spring or fall.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved routes. At Green Valley Campground, visitors must go "over two sets of railroad tracks and around a sharp corner" to reach check-in, and some primitive sites at Makoshika require driving "a winding steep but paved road where trailers are not allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Dinosaur-themed experiences: Children tend to enjoy the paleontological aspects of Makoshika State Park. "Makoshika Stare Park has a Triceratops on the sign, how can you not get excited about checking it out! Kids would love this park," shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Easy hiking options: Look for shorter trails suitable for younger hikers. "Several hiking trails, from short hike to longer trails. Some fairly easy and others are more moderate," notes a camper about the variety of difficulty levels available.
Pack for temperature swings: The high plains region experiences significant day-to-night temperature changes. Even in "Late September" a camper noted they "had groupings of pine trees for shade as it can get hot there," suggesting bringing layers for comfort throughout the day.
Avoid roadside sites: For families seeking quiet, choose campgrounds away from highways. Some visitors to Buffalo Gap noted: "The interstate was just over the ridge, out of site but you knew it was there. This is I-90 in Western ND, so traffic noise was not an issue at all."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many RV parks near Glendive, Montana have partial services. At Horse Creek RV and Trailer Park, a visitor noted: "Easy overnight stop when traveling MT-200. The owner was very accommodating and welcoming. We pulled in after 9:30PM and the owner met us to show us our site and get us checked in. Sites were level, easy to pull through and setup quickly, however were close together."
Payment methods: Not all campgrounds accept credit cards. At Green Valley Campground, a camper reported: "Once I did get a little old lady, with a cane on a 4-wheeler, to come help me, she advised me she doesn't take credit cards."
Site selection: Choose camping spots based on your rig size and needs. "We had site #20 with our own clean private vault toilet and garbage can. It was down a single track rutted road but our 24' pop up truck camper made it with ease."
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds limit generator use. At Buffalo Gap, campers noted they "have limited times to run a generator," important for RVers relying on power for essential systems.
