Dispersed camping opportunities near Great Falls, Montana include several free and low-cost options within an hour's drive of the city. The region sits at approximately 3,330 feet elevation with a semi-arid climate characterized by strong winds and temperature fluctuations. Summer camping often brings daytime temperatures in the 80s-90s°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional precipitation.
What to do
**Fishing adventures: Fish cleaning stations at Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground provide facilities for anglers, though some campers note recent changes: "The fish cleaning station is closed due to vandalism," reports Z S. The nearby Missouri River offers "awesome night fishing" according to visitor Nic F.
**Wildlife viewing: Look for bighorn sheep along the hillsides near Holter Dam, where one visitor observed: "Keep an eye out on the surrounding hills around the campground for Big Horn Sheep. While staying at the campground we saw 5 sheep on the hill next to the campground entrance." Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
**Water recreation: Beyond fishing, several campgrounds offer water access for multiple activities. At Pelican Point Fishing Access Site, visitors appreciate the "boat launch ramp and small beach for swimming, fishing and for dogs to play," as tracy R. describes it, adding "a sweet gem!"
What campers like
**River access: The Missouri River corridor provides numerous camping opportunities with direct water access. At Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground, campers appreciate the river setting: "Part of the campground is right on the Missouri River! Nice big spaces, could put two Campers in most of the spaces. Canoe put in for a beautiful float on the river," notes reviewer Mimi.
**Budget-friendly options: Free camping areas like Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping attract campers seeking no-cost options. "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," writes Julie K. Another camper adds, "Like others said, it is pack in pack out, but otherwise it is great. Bathroom is close and clean, being close to the water is nice, and 100% free."
**Tent-specific areas: Several campgrounds offer designated tent camping zones with amenities designed specifically for tent campers. At Great Falls KOA, Jamie B. describes their tent setup: "Our site was in what they call a tent village, which is a nice roundabout of tent sites. There are walls separating the sites for privacy, but the area is big enough for your vehicle and a large tent, or multiple smaller tents. Toward the middle of the roundabout is a covered area, including a table, counter, electrical outlets, and a large cabinet that can be locked with a padlock."
What you should know
**Weather considerations: Wind conditions can affect camping experiences in the Great Falls region. At Freezout Lake, a camper warns: "Another thing to note are the heavy winds, just make sure you don't leave things out, and expect a windy breakfast." Summer heat requires planning for shade, especially at exposed sites.
**Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain campsites, particularly near water. At Freezout Lake, D0min0 3. advises "bring bug spray" while another camper shares their experience: "I had to retire to my camper because the mosquitoes were so bad - but that's to be expected."
**Facility variations: Campground amenities vary widely from primitive to full-service. At Logging Creek, Jacee R. warns about potential maintenance issues: "The bathroom was ATROCIOUS and gross (poop smeared on the walls)," though other campers report better experiences during different time periods.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: For families with young children, select campgrounds with designated play areas. Judy K. describes Great Falls KOA as having "everything you need. An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, tent, cabin and rv spots... playground, and wifi. A lot of room to move around and have fun."
**Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming access for kids during hot summer days. At Logging Creek, Jeff E. notes: "Great little pool on the far side of the campsite is great for kids," providing relief from summer temperatures that frequently exceed 90°F.
**Nature exploration: Sluice Boxes State Park Campground offers backcountry camping opportunities for adventurous families. Chloe B. explains: "It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you."
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: At Holter Dam Recreation Site, John H. advises caution about site accessibility: "All good except for wooden rails lining the road make it difficult to back in some spots." Consider campground layout when selecting sites for larger rigs.
**Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends bring heavy traffic to popular recreation areas. One visitor to Holter Dam notes: "Our Saturday departure was delayed by FWP boat inspection at the entrance and a long line was inbound to Holter Lake," suggesting weekday arrivals when possible.
**Pet-friendly camping: For those seeking pet-friendly camping near Great Falls, Montana, many campgrounds welcome pets with appropriate restrictions. At Pelican Point, one camper notes the site is "level and right by the water" with ample space for "multiple vehicles in each spot," making it convenient for RVers traveling with pets.
