Montana's Great Falls camping region sits at approximately 3,330 feet elevation where the plains meet the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. The area experiences strong winds year-round with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during camping season. Wind conditions can change rapidly, particularly at RV sites with less natural windbreaks, requiring careful awning management and tent securing.
What to do
Fish the Missouri River: Access prime fishing spots near Prewett Creek RV Park, where campers report regularly spotting wildlife. "We spotted deer casually strolling through the campground and bighorn sheep doing their thing up on the rocks," noted one visitor about this peaceful riverside location.
Explore historic Fort Benton: Located 40 miles northeast of Great Falls, Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground offers access to the historic riverfront town. "Set on the edge of Historic Fort Benton, this is a great place to land for a night or a week or more. Lots to see, explore and experience in the area," says a camper who appreciated the 5-minute walk to downtown.
Mini golf and recreation: Several campgrounds offer on-site activities for those days when you need a break from exploring. "They have a small mini-golf area, picnic tables at the sites, and full hookups. They also have laundry facilities," reports a camper who stayed at Choteau Mountain View RV Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in positive reviews for Great Falls KOA, where campers appreciate well-maintained shower houses. "Showers were very nice. Of course it is close to everything in town such as WalMart, gas stations, restaurants, and shopping," wrote one visitor.
River views and access: Many campers value riverside locations with views. "The cliff on the other side of the river was a gorgeous view when the sun was setting," shared a visitor to Chouteau County Fairgrounds, adding that "The facilities are very nice that are attached to the rodeo grounds. The toilets flush and the showers are private."
Shade coverage: Tree cover provides relief during hot summer days. At Logging Creek, "The campsites are beautiful, secluded, and shaded. There is water for kids to play in," notes a camper who braved the access road with their small motorhome.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Great Falls area experiences extreme weather fluctuations. One camper at Benton RV Park observed, "We were here in mid July and it was 94° with about a 35 mph wind howling across the Prairie. Quite a shock considering we had just come down from the mountains!"
Bridge clearance issues: Some RV parks have specific approach considerations. At Choteau Mountain View RV Campground, campers noted level sites but recommend calling ahead for specific directions as GPS might route larger rigs down problematic roads.
Varying cell connectivity: Connectivity differs significantly by location and carrier. "Connectivity check: Verizon gave us 1 bar, T-Mobile 2 bars, and the campground Wi-Fi wasn't too shabby (6.03 Mbps down/1.05 up). But for streaming, our T-Mobile home internet saved the day," reported a camper at Prewett Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Great Falls KOA offers extensive family activities. "KOA has everything you need. An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, tent, cabin and rv spots. Outside kitchens. Shower area, small store, playground, and wifi," reported one family camper, noting the winter camping options as well.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds have water features for cooling off. "There is a large playground, volleyball court, basketball, and pools," notes a camper about Great Falls KOA, while another mentioned that "a great little pool on the far side of the campsite is great for kids" at Logging Creek.
Animal encounters: Children often enjoy the wildlife and animal features at area campgrounds. "FUN POOL PARK, PLAYGROUND, PETTING ZOO, SHORT TRAIL," emphasized one camper about the Great Falls KOA, where special attractions keep children entertained during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV campers frequently comment on site dimensions. At Military Park Malmstrom AFB Gateway FamCamp, "The concrete pads are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level. Water, sewer and electric are provided. There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp," reports a repeat visitor.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation with larger rigs. For RVers heading to Prewett Creek, one camper advised checking bridge clearance warnings: "Since our rig stands tall at 13' 6", we played it safe and took the Hardy exit instead."
Seasonal availability: Several RV parks near Great Falls operate seasonally. Choteau Mountain View RV Campground runs from May 1 to November 1, while others like Great Falls KOA remain open year-round for winter camping options, offering snowbirds flexibility during shoulder seasons.
