Best Campgrounds near Great Falls, MT

Camping options around Great Falls, Montana range from established RV parks to scenic tent sites, with several facilities located within city limits. The Great Falls KOA provides full hookups for RVs, tent areas, and glamping options with amenities including a water playground, petting zoo, and dog park. Multiple RV parks cater to travelers seeking urban convenience, while camping areas like Malmstrom Gateway Famcamp serve military personnel. Public lands surrounding the city offer additional camping areas within driving distance, including American Legion Lions Park in Cascade and Pelican Point Fishing Access Site.

Road access to most camping areas near Great Falls remains reliable year-round, though seasonal considerations affect some facilities. "Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that," notes one experienced camper who visits the region annually. Most developed campgrounds in the area are open during summer months, with some like Great Falls KOA operating year-round. Weather patterns in this region of Montana can change rapidly, and the Missouri River's proximity creates both recreational opportunities and potential for seasonal flooding at riverside camping areas. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months, particularly for RV sites with full hookups and cabin accommodations.

Campers frequently mention the surprising amount of shade at Great Falls KOA despite the generally open terrain around the city. "In an area of mostly open fields, this KOA is filled with nice trees," wrote one visitor. Sites along the Missouri River provide water access for fishing and boating activities, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts. While camping within Great Falls provides convenient access to urban amenities, nearby camping areas offer more natural settings with picnic tables, fire rings, and basic toilet facilities. Travelers seeking quieter experiences often prefer the camping areas slightly farther from town, where highway noise is minimal and natural surroundings predominate. The region's campgrounds vary considerably in amenities, from primitive tent sites to fully developed RV parks with laundry facilities, shower houses, and recreational features.

Best Camping Sites Near Great Falls, Montana (47)

    1. Great Falls KOA

    17 Reviews
    Malmstrom AFB, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 727-3191

    "This campground sits just on the outskirts of Great Falls. It is like most KOA's with many amenities including a pool. Showers were very nice."

    "You have to drive through part of Great Falls, Montana to get to this campground, but once you are in it, you forget all about the city."

    2. Great Falls RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Great Falls, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 452-0333

    "The campsites are plentiful and not as close to eachother as others. Bathrooms spotless. After hours check-in was a breeze! Will use again."

    3. Military Park Malmstrom AFB Gateway FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    Malmstrom AFB, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 731-3263

    "I have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years.  I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years. "

    "Its always windy in Great Falls. But the amenities like commissary, BX, Movie Theatre and Bowling Alley are very close and Outdoor Rec people are and camphosts are very friendly and helpful."

    4. Great Falls RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Great Falls, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 452-0333

    5. Malmstrom Gateway Famcamp

    Be the first to review!
    Malmstrom AFB, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 731-3263

    $15 - $40 / night

    6. American Legion Lions Park

    2 Reviews
    Cascade, MT
    24 miles
    Website

    "Best park in great falls. Shelter for eating, tennis courts, play area, easily accessible."

    7. Logging Creek

    8 Reviews
    Monarch, MT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 547-3361

    "This is a great place if you want to get away from Great Falls for a night or two. Each campsite has a fire pit, picnic table and a decent amount of trees."

    "First camp we stayed at on a week long trip to Montana. We came on a weekday, so hardly any one there."

    8. Atkinson Park

    1 Review
    Cascade, MT
    24 miles

    "Some local hikes near, overall it was a good place to stay for a night while I continued on my way."

    9. Pelican Point Fishing Access Site

    6 Reviews
    Cascade, MT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "The site sits along the Missouri River and has two small lakes as well. The sites are nice and roomy with plenty flat ground for tents of any size. The area has one vault toilet."

    "Just off the highway so it is easy access. A toilet, a boat ramp, and several trails down to the water. Great spot to SUP and play around. This is a high traffic area though."

    10. Thain Creek

    8 Reviews
    Highwood, MT
    34 miles
    Website

    "We were shocked this campground wasn’t full, it’s only an hour from Great Falls and the road is your typical gravel, a few larger potholes but completely doable in any car (or towing)."

    "This is probably one of the best campsites around the Great Falls area. The site are really well maintained and beautiful with a lot of trees and vegetation in the area."

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Recent Reviews near Great Falls, MT

153 Reviews of 47 Great Falls Campgrounds


  • Tim T.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Belt Creek on Hughesville Road

    Beautiful Spot

    The road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek.  There are several campsites along the road.  We were there mid-week in September and I was surprised at how many other campers were there, but there were still several sites that were available.  It seems to be a popular camping spot.

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management

    Overnight at Freezeout Lake

    Short gravel road off of 89. Large flat gravel parking area. Picnic table and toilet. I read that this is a major bird watching area.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Choteau City Park

    What a great spot

    I was presently surprised by this spot! It is pretty much in town, on the outskirts. There is a dump station and a spot to get drinking water. There’s shady spots and pull through ones. There’s a huge spot that would be able to accommodate the largest motorhome with a trailer, it’s huge! You can pay online, there is a $1 fee. The creek runs through and it’s so calm and pretty. The park is attached so it’s fun for the kiddos. Worth a visit!

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Belt Creek on Hughesville Road

    Nice spots on the river

    We arrived at about 5 on a Friday night and a lot of the spots where taken. Traffic kept rolling untill about 9 of people looking for spots. So if you want to stay on a Friday get there early lol. Sights are nice and have a fire pit we were east of the dam so our creek wasn’t dry. There are alot of spots with roads though them with multiple spread out sites. So if everything by the road is taken just drive down a side road and you will probably find something!

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Overnight Spot

    Secluded, flat parking lot in a wildlife refuge. We woke to the sound of birds. The pit toilet was really clean. We were the only ones there.

  • S
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Lowry Bridge Access Site

    Quiet, clean

    Nice, quiet, clean campground. About 5 level sites. Good for small rv’s. Road to the campground is decent. Monday night in July and there were 2 tenters and 2 rv/campers.

  • D0min0 3.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Mosquito Land

    Secluded place by the water. It smells like youre by the ocean, has a clean portable potty, tables and benches, level enough for an rv, quiet and perfect for star gazing! bring bug sprayStarlink is fast here.

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management

    Great traveling stop

    This Wildlife area is a wetlands area. They allow use but be warned signs require a Conservation permit, which u can get online. There were signs with a QR Code but here’s the sight. (This is also where u get fishing/ hunting licenses) Conservation permit was $10.00.

    Nice crushed gravel area for a full size rigs if needed. There is a pit toilet about .2 mi from the pin. There are picnic tables here and at other sites. There are at least two entrances to the area from the highway. Good ATT cell service https://ols.fwp.mt.gov


Guide to Great Falls

Camping areas near Great Falls, Montana sit at elevations ranging from 3,300 feet along the Missouri River to over 4,000 feet in surrounding foothills. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer daytime temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below zero. Wind conditions persist year-round, with gusts regularly exceeding 30 mph even during summer camping months.

What to do

Hiking accessible trails: Thain Creek Campground offers the trailhead for route #431 directly on the grounds. "The path I followed for about 40 minutes opened into an incredible meadow with wildflowers," notes one visitor at Thain Creek. Multiple routes branch from this primary trail, allowing for varied hiking difficulties.

River and lake activities: Campsites along the Missouri River provide water recreation options within minutes of downtown. "Pelican Point pond is great for kids," reports a camper at Pelican Point Fishing Access Site. The site features "a boat launch ramp and small beach for swimming, fishing and for dogs to play. A sweet gem!"

Animal encounters: Several campgrounds maintain small petting zoos and animal areas for children. According to a visitor at Great Falls KOA, the site offers "everthing you could possibly want or need in a campground! Waterslides, Petting Zoo, Swimming Pool. Clean facilities, friendly operators."

What campers like

Shaded camping areas: Despite the open terrain around Great Falls, several campgrounds maintain established tree cover. Visitors to Thain Creek appreciate the "lots of shaded spots" and note the campground has "super clean facilities, and a very helpful camp host." Sites feature "a huge picnic table and fire pit" according to reviewers.

Water access: Many campers prioritize proximity to the Missouri River and connected waterways. One visitor to Pelican Point mentions, "Big mature trees. pit toilet if you need it" with sites that are "level and right by the water. All the spots have evening shade."

Playground amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer developed play areas for children. At Atkinson Park, facilities include "shelter for eating, tennis courts, play area, easily accessible." Another camper notes it's the "best park in great falls" with amenities that make it suitable for family outings.

What you should know

Wind conditions: The persistent wind requires proper tent staking and secure storage of lightweight items. A longtime visitor to Malmstrom Gateway Famcamp confirms, "Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that. There is a lot of water nearby to enjoy on the Missouri river."

Road access limitations: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. For Thain Creek Campground, "the last 30 miles or so are dirt roads and I wouldn't want to try it in most sedans (or an RV)." Another camper notes, "Lots of potholes drive with care."

Seasonal availability: Weather patterns affect campground operations. Most developed sites open from Memorial Day through September, though weather can extend or shorten these periods. Many campsites don't accept advance reservations, operating on a first-come basis during peak summer months.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Several campsites offer dedicated swimming areas for children. At Logging Creek, one camper mentions "a great little pool on the far side of the campsite is great for kids" while the creek itself provides additional water play areas.

Tent village setups: Some campgrounds create family-friendly clusters of tent sites. At Great Falls KOA, "tent villages" feature "walls separating the sites for privacy, but the area is big enough for your vehicle and a large tent, or multiple smaller tents."

Off-peak timing: For quieter family camping experiences, weekdays offer significantly reduced crowds. One visitor to Thain Creek noted, "We were shocked this campground wasn't full, it's only an hour from Great Falls and the road is your typical gravel, a few larger potholes but completely doable in any car."

Tips from RVers

Dump station locations: Free dump stations exist at several locations including Atkinson Park. "Pulled into town for gas and came across the park, it's free and there is a dump station as well," reports one RV traveler.

Site leveling needs: Several RV sites require significant leveling. Reviewers note many Great Falls area campsites "need to be cleaned up and re-leveled" and recommend bringing leveling blocks even at developed campgrounds.

Military options: Active and retired military personnel have additional camping options. The Gateway Military Malmstrom AFB campground provides "concrete pads are mostly level" with "water, sewer and electric." One visitor notes "there is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp" and laundry facilities at the entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free or no-reservation camping available near Great Falls?

Yes, there are several no-reservation camping options near Great Falls. Stickney Creek Fishing Access Site offers four campsites, with three positioned along the Missouri River. Each site includes a picnic table and metal fire ring, plus the area has ADA vault toilets and a concrete boat ramp. Pelican Point Fishing Access Site near Cascade is another option with drive-in access and basic toilet facilities. These fishing access sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making them good options when you don't have reservations, though availability can be limited during peak seasons.

What amenities are available at Giant Springs State Park camping area?

Giant Springs State Park is primarily a day-use area and doesn't offer overnight camping facilities. For camping near Giant Springs, visitors typically stay at nearby options like Great Falls KOA, which offers numerous amenities including a swimming pool, nice showers, and convenient access to city services while still providing a genuine camping experience. Another option is American Legion Lions Park, which features shelters for eating, tennis courts, and play areas with easy accessibility. Both these alternatives provide comfortable accommodations while allowing for day trips to explore Giant Springs State Park's natural attractions.

What are the best campgrounds near Great Falls, Montana?

The Great Falls area offers several excellent camping options. Thain Creek Campground stands out as one of the best, located about an hour from the city with well-maintained, shaded sites surrounded by beautiful trees and vegetation. The sites offer privacy without being too isolated. Logging Creek is another great option for those wanting to escape the city, featuring fire pits and picnic tables at each site, with a small pool that's perfect for kids. Both campgrounds offer a natural setting while remaining accessible from Great Falls on typical gravel roads that most vehicles can navigate.

What RV camping options are available in Great Falls, Montana?

Great Falls offers several dedicated RV camping options. Great Falls RV Park provides convenient accommodations for RVs right in the city. For military personnel, Military Park Malmstrom AFB Gateway FamCamp offers concrete pads that are mostly level and is located just outside the main gate of the base. This military campground features hookups in a quiet setting with amenities like commissary, BX, movie theater, and bowling alley nearby. If you're willing to venture a bit further, Choteau Mountain View RV Campground provides well-maintained sites with reliable hookups, good WiFi, adequate cell coverage, and access to a pleasant walking trail.