Camping spots near Cut Bank, Montana offer varied terrain from the rolling plains of the eastern edge to mountainous landscapes west toward Glacier National Park. The region sits at approximately 3,700 feet elevation and experiences strong winds common to Montana's northern plains. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during day and dropping significantly at night, even in peak season.
What to do
Fishing access at Lake Shel-oole: Located 20 miles south of Cut Bank in Shelby, the lake provides recreational fishing opportunities despite seasonal water level changes. "The lake was low during our stay, so not clear what activities might be available when the water is higher," notes a Lake Shel-oole Campground visitor.
Biking trails network: Several campgrounds connect to bike paths suitable for all skill levels. A Lake Shel-oole Campground reviewer mentioned, "If you follow the bike trail it will take you to a paved exercise trail." These connecting trails offer a way to explore the area without driving.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping areas serve as excellent bases for wildlife observation, particularly at dawn and dusk. "Plenty of prairie dogs and bunnies to entertain our four legged camper," reports a reviewer from Lewis & Clark RV Park.
What campers like
Quiet camping experiences: Many campers value the peaceful atmosphere at campgrounds near Cut Bank. "We decided to stay an extra day because it was so quiet and we wanted to catch up on some needed rest," notes a Shelby RV Park & Resort visitor.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviews highlight well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. A Lewis & Clark RV Park guest shared, "Best shower we've had in months! Private - clean - great water pressure - hot water."
Scenic mountain views: The eastern edge of Glacier National Park offers dramatic scenery from camping areas. "The views of the lake and surrounding mountains from this campground are spectacular," states a Two Medicine Campground visitor about the views within Glacier National Park.
Convenient location for travelers: Many campgrounds serve as strategic stopover points. "This is a nice place to stay and in a good area. The owner will personally meet you at check in whatever time," notes a Glacier Mist RV Park guest about the Cut Bank location.
What you should know
Wind conditions can be challenging: The Cut Bank area and surrounding region experience significant winds. Prepare by securing tents properly and storing loose items. Bring extra stakes and guy lines for tent camping.
Limited hookup options at some sites: Water access points may be inconsistently placed. "Most water spickets did not seem to work so had to haul water from the spicket behind the RV dump station," reports a Lake Shel-oole visitor.
Wildlife safety protocols: Bear safety is essential, especially when camping closer to Glacier National Park. Some campgrounds provide bear boxes, while others require campers to supply their own food storage. "Not every spot had a bear box but the spots were well maintained," notes a Two Medicine Campground visitor.
Seasonal water level changes: Lakes in the area fluctuate seasonally, affecting recreation options. "Lake was low during our stay," and "The lake has lots of open shoreline," are common observations from campers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Lake Shel-oole Campground mentioned, "There are baseball diamonds, a nice little dog run with a couple of obstacles, a fishing dock and biking trails."
Educational opportunities: Ranger-led programs provide learning experiences. "Ranger talk was awesome!" shares a Two Medicine Campground visitor, highlighting programs that engage children with local ecology and history.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster community interaction. A Two Medicine Campground visitor noted, "I loved the families running around from site to site. It brought me back to a simpler time."
Safety considerations: Regular security patrols occur at many campgrounds. "The local sheriffs office went through multiple times," reports a Lake Shel-oole Campground visitor, providing peace of mind for families.
Tips from RVers
Water hose requirements: Several RV sites have distant water hookups. "Make sure you have a long water hose as some of the water connections are far away," advises a Shelby RV Park & Resort guest. A 50-foot hose is recommended.
Pull-through site availability: Larger rigs should research specific site dimensions. "All sites in this CG are pull-throughs, arranged in a large outer and inner circle layout," notes a Lewis & Clark RV Park visitor, though not all may accommodate longer vehicles.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "The sites are all these pull through curves, and some are on these gnarly hills," warns a Sleeping Wolf Campground visitor. Bring leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Internet connectivity options: Connectivity varies significantly. "We had solid connectivity: 4 bars on both T-Mobile and Verizon. The CG's 5G Guest Wi-Fi was surprisingly good, delivering 124 Mbps download and 10.2 Mbps upload," reports a Lewis & Clark RV Park guest, while many campgrounds have limited or no service.
