Best Campgrounds near Hamilton, MT

We were here last year. We got a bit of a surprise when we checked in as the price went up from $32 to $42 a night for a dry spot. Even though we use the same spot, our camp represented insisted on riding her bicycle to show us where our spot was. There are no extra porta potties in the back this time. The river is at the end of the property but only has walking access. The bathrooms are spotless the same as last year. In the men's washroom there's only one toilet, a urinal, three sinks and two shower stalls. The water in the shower varies in temperature depending on whether someone has turned on the water or flushed the toilet. They have some very strict rules about where your dog is allowed to go to the bathroom. They have designated areas so that I felt like I needed to carry my cocker spaniel there to adhere to the rules. Seems about 60% full in the second half of May. They have a mini golf course.

Very nice campground! The sites are large, private, shaded, and well maintained. The bathhouse is immaculate and the showers are like you wish you had at home. Staff were very friendly and helpful. There is access to the creek that runs along the campground The sites/grounds, bathhouse and staff are so nice that I give the campground a five even though there are some drawbacks. There is some traffic noise if you listen for it, but it didn’t bother us. Free cold washer and clothes line are available. WiFi is provided, but we were unable to join. T-Mobile service was weak.

Extra 5$ over other local campgrounds because there is water available and trash. Not especially nice or terrible. Very small sites, most with no room for a normal size tent, sites packed on top of each other. Even the few meant for small rvs have little room. Host on site in a nice beautiful and well maintained site, the public sites are not well maintained. Overgrown with weeds, very disappointing. Hosts don’t do much and are unhelpful. Suggest looking for any other CG in the area, there are several

Details: Toilet and trash on site Tight road, don’t tow anything to big On site managers are unhelpful Minimal room for even the average size tent One car per site at mist of them, nowhere else to park Long but easy drive to Darby, minimal amenities. Hamilton only 15 more minutes

12 sites with good tables and fire rings. This is a well maintained NFS campground. 3 vault toilets that are kept clean. Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. The remaining sites vary in size. #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side, or three medium size trailers/5th wheels with their tow vehicles. It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families. Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days.

The exit is at site 12, one way travel thru the campground. Across the street from the exit is the entry to sites 1-4 horse camping. Small sites with table, fire ring, and enough room for a small tent. There are 3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars. No room to park horse trailers on that pull thru. One trailer spot across from site 4 by the “stock water trail” sign, the rest can park 50 yards down the road at the trail head/turn around. There are 2 additional tie out areas here for horses and plenty of room for horse trailers and several other vehicles.

Be sure to read the notice above the envelope box before you pay. From weather dependent dates chosen by the Rangers there is no cost from late Oct to late May. Otherwise it is $10 per night, $5 with golden or access passes.

No cell service, only 1 mile to the paved road, Ranger station is only about 1/2 mile down that paved road. The Rangers are proactive in sharing any important information such as severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity.

Details: Ranger station on the main road less than a mike from the entrance. They show up once a week Ravialli county sheriff is who to call on weekends and holidays, they will respond Be bear aware in season Equestrian specific campsites Trailhead next to the CG So much firewood laying around There are some karens that have been “coming here my whole life” and think they own the place; avoid Only three site requires walking access, the rest are drive right in to. Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can Free stays out of season, otherwise it’s a daily fee, pay at the entrance sign

…unless it's late & you’re desperate for a camp site. 

Plenty of available sites in October— other campers were mainly hunters (or fishers).  No camp host; ADA pit toilet only one open (comfort station closed); all water was winterized & no elec hook-up available.  (Fees sign— see photo-- left no indication that fees were seasonal; we were ready with our contribution but since nobody to collect, we didn’t leave it.)   24 sites (1 ADA) + 2 tipi sites, all nicely spaced & shrubbery for privacy; #1-12 by the river. 

The biggest deterrent to this CG is the many trains that came through during the night— 3-4/hr, all night— and they all blasted their whistles 3-4 times each!  I guess if you are immuned to that, this would be a great campsite.