Camping opportunities near Heart Butte, Montana are available in the high plains region of the Rocky Mountain Front at elevations around 4,700 feet. Winter temperatures often drop well below freezing with heavy snowfall, while summer brings milder conditions with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F. The area sits on the eastern boundary of the Lewis and Clark National Forest with direct access to wilderness areas not serviced by developed campgrounds.
What to do
Explore Two Medicine Lake access: 15 minutes from Red Eagle Campground where visitors find quick entry to Glacier National Park's eastern attractions. "Amazing campsites with plenty of space 15 min from Two Medicine Lake. This campground is right outside the Two Medicine entrance to Glacier National Park, just as you turn off of Highway 49 onto Two Medicine Rd," notes Anthony D.
Visit nearby restaurants: 5-minute drive to local eateries that campers consistently praise. As Kennedy F. mentions about Red Eagle Campground, "Visit 2medicine grill just down the road on the way there for THE BEST breakfast ever!" This dining option provides a welcome alternative to campfire cooking.
Water activities on Swan Lake: Half-mile walk from Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground to public beach access. "Between the pond and Swan Lake just across the street, it is buggy, but you cannot beat the location!" shares Taryn S. The lake offers fishing, swimming and paddling options during warmer months.
What campers like
Privacy and wilderness feel: The dispersed nature of sites at certain campgrounds provides isolation without sacrificing accessibility. At Red Eagle Campground, one camper reported, "We found ourselves a lovely site next to a creek that flows into the Two Medicine Reservoir, it was quiet and peaceful and just isolated enough to feel private without feeling dangerous."
Value compared to park accommodations: Sites near Glacier National Park often cost significantly less than in-park options. Kevin O. noted about Red Eagle Campground: "Small dispersed sites, half primitive half with electric. Clean porta potties available. Only 25$ a night, 50$ with electric. My wife and I found this campground to be beautiful and super convenient!"
Proximity to attractions: Most campers appreciate the strategic location of these accommodations. "The campground's location is a 15/10. Options outside of Glacier...Next time I come to Glacier staying here," says Bill P. This sentiment is common among visitors seeking alternatives to crowded park campgrounds.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigation on rough roads. Jessica N. warns about Murray Bay Campground: "The road to get there was so rough that we were afraid we were going to pop a tire getting there, so we ended up cutting our stay short and finding a campground with easier road access."
Limited services at some locations: Many campgrounds operate with minimal facilities. A Red Eagle visitor cautioned, "PSA: The road into the campground is rough and the bridge you have to cross is equally as rough. S.L.O.W. We rode through today looking for a place for a couple of nights. There was a sign posted saying there were no services."
Availability fluctuations: During peak season, campground occupancy varies dramatically. Some remote sites remain largely empty even when park campgrounds are full. "When we stayed there, all the campgrounds in the park were overflowing and there were long lines at 6:30 am for first-come sites, but this campground was basically empty," reports Anthony D. about Red Eagle Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Check shower facilities first: Bathhouses vary greatly in quality and maintenance. One camper at Chewing Blackbones Campground reported: "Great location, beautiful lake views and quite... We loved this campground and believe this could be a 5 star but the bathrooms are just horrible specifically the showers. Only one bathroom/shower house is open."
Consider glamping close to Heart Butte, Montana: For families wanting comfort without tenting, several campgrounds offer alternative accommodations. Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground provides unique options as Taryn S. describes: "We stayed just one night in one of the yurts ($35 summer 2021), which is equipped with two cots and a battery-operated lantern."
Wildlife awareness is essential: Bears are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage and awareness. A Red Eagle Campground visitor mentioned, "While we didn't see any wildlife while we were there, (old) bear scat was near our site. It is bear country, after all, so make sure to keep your food in your car."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer limited electrical services but not full hookups. Jim M. noted about Red Eagle Campground, "The owners are working to get all the hookups repaired. 93 sites lots of different types of sites...Electrical sites are 48$ non are 28."
Consider overnight staging locations: When traveling to or from Lewis & Clark RV Park, many RVers find it convenient for border crossings or park visits. "No issues getting to this campground—it's right off I-15, making access simple and straightforward. All sites in this CG are pull-throughs, arranged in a large outer and inner circle layout," reports MickandKarla W.
Internet connectivity matters: For those needing to stay connected while enjoying luxury glamping options close to Heart Butte, Montana, campground WiFi quality varies dramatically. "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," notes MickandKarla W. about Lewis & Clark RV Park.
