Camping options near Hardin, Montana include several established sites located along the Yellowstone and Bighorn River corridors. The area sits at approximately 2,900 feet elevation with summer temperatures frequently reaching the 90s and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. The terrain features rolling prairie grasslands interspersed with cottonwood stands along waterways, creating natural windbreaks during camping season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Two nearby fishing access sites provide camping opportunities with river access. At Captain Clark, "Approx 4 spots right on the Yellowstone River. Pretty buggy. Bring your mosquito repellent. The site is experiencing some river bank erosion due to runoff," according to Zach S.
Visit nearby historical sites: 7th Ranch RV Park in Garryowen places campers near Little Bighorn Battlefield. "Custer actually rested his troops at this site just prior to starting the battle," notes David N. The location offers "beautiful scenery all around. Very close to Custer State Park," adds Peter W.
Riverside hiking: Mallards Landing fishing access provides "riverside camping quiet beautiful view" with space "for my dog to Rome," though Charles O. mentions they "did have Bug issues." The site offers good trail access along the riverbank suitable for dog walking.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Grandview Campground earns praise for maintenance. "The showers were hot and worth it!" reports Mimi, who adds "The gal who checked me in was super nice." Another camper notes it has "Clean bathhouse and laundry. Hostess is friendly and knowledgeable about the area."
River views: Many campers appreciate the natural setting of dispersed sites. At Captain Clark, "Each of them faces the river with a firepit and a table. There is a vault toilet near the boat launch. The spots are relatively secluded," according to Morgan B., who also mentions "LOTS of cool bird activity."
Pet-specific amenities: Hardin KOA has invested in dedicated pet facilities. "New owners have been here about a year and you can see all of the new improvements! Cute store! Vending machines in the laundromat, one offers ice cream and frozen food. 2 Huge dog parks and pet wash," writes Kristy M.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer visits require heat preparation. "Our site does not have shade. Pads are all gravel and leveling maybe needed," notes Peter W. about 7th Ranch. Late spring brings mosquitoes – Captain Clark reviewers mention being "Pretty buggy. Bring your mosquito repellent."
Water quality issues: Some campers report water concerns. At 7th Ranch, one reviewer mentioned "our site was not level and the water had an unpleasent taste." Bring drinking water or treatment options if staying at sites with hookups.
Noise factors: Train tracks run near several campgrounds. At Captain Clark, "you can still hear the road. But you're hearing it from a distance. It's far from overpowering," writes Kevin C. Two Leggins fishing access receives mixed reviews with one camper noting "Not a place to spend the night. Too many bad things happen here at night."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Captain Clark offers "a great swimming hole on the other side of the boat launch," according to Morgan B., though she cautions "The Yellowstone River is a fast moving and dangerous river."
Playground amenities: Billings KOA Holiday offers family-friendly facilities within driving distance. "There are lots of activities - from mini-golf to dog park to river access," writes Art S. Another camper notes it has "a small fishing pond, swimming pool and adventure golf."
Bathroom access: Facilities vary greatly between sites. Grandview has "shower facilities that use curtains rather than doors," making it difficult to supervise children. At Captain Clark, expect only "a vault toilet near the boat launch" with no running water.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven sites at several locations. At 7th Ranch, "Pads are all gravel and leveling maybe needed," notes Peter W., while Richard G. mentions "our site was not level and the water had an unpleasent taste."
Size restrictions: Many fishing access sites limit RV size. Captain Clark notes specify "Length limit on vehicles is 20 feet. They clarify 20 ft tow vehicle and 20 ft trailer. Don't know how strict they are on this. It would be tough to get anything big in here anyway."
Dog-friendly RV hookups: Love's RV Stop provides convenient access for RVers with pets. Jennifer H. describes it as having "Clean, new, easy in and out, nice amenities. Can't beat the proximity to gas & propane, great convenience store and nice RV Stop amenities. Dog park, pickle ball courts, trash, playground, great views."
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