Campgrounds near Heart Butte, Montana offer strategic access to both the east side of Glacier National Park and local attractions between April and October. Located in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, the area experiences significant seasonal temperature fluctuations with summer highs reaching 80°F and winter lows dropping well below freezing. Several rv parks and campgrounds operate within driving distance of Heart Butte, each with varying terrain and amenity levels.
What to do
Explore the Hungry Horse Reservoir: At Lid Creek Campground, campers can enjoy direct access to Hungry Horse Reservoir for swimming and shoreline exploration. "The lake, Salish Mountains and Montana's big sky are all front and center here. Lid Creek is 15 miles off U.S. 2 on a very winding but paved road," notes one visitor.
Visit Many Glacier area: Located about 45 minutes from some campgrounds, this spectacular region offers memorable hiking opportunities. "Make the trip to Many Glaciers! Be aware, there's a few miles of dirt road that's bumpy and some large ruts. You'll be paid off when you reach Swift Current Lake. I felt transported to Switzerland!" advises a camper from Heart of Glacier RV Park.
Watch for wildlife: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities within and outside park boundaries. One camper at Lid Creek Campground mentioned, "We encountered 2 thunderstorms during our stay... Montana weather is always unpredictable. We had a deer walk through our site early morning, so wildlife is definitely near by."
What campers like
Mountain views: Several rv parks near Heart Butte, Montana feature panoramic mountain scenery. At Heart of Glacier RV Park & Cabins, guests appreciate the surrounding landscape. One camper noted, "Heart of Glacier RV park had an awesome view of Gun-site ridge. Its just awesome to wake up in the mornings, walkout side and see Gun-site Ridge."
Convenient locations: Campgrounds positioned close to Glacier National Park entrances provide strategic access. A visitor to Johnson's Campground & RV Park commented, "Johnson's Campground is conveniently located near the east entrance of Glacier National Park... I love staying here because I can get up early and get into the park, up to Logan's Pass, before the crowds begin to filter in."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower areas remain important to campers. At Lid Creek Campground, a visitor observed, "Vault toilets but VERY clean. Hosts very helpful and available... The camp host was terrific and has firewood at the host site right as you enter the campground."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. At Glacier Meadow RV Park, "The only issue is there is no cellular service unless you use there Verizon booster in the pavilion. The wifi is weak. I have a booster which gives me enough wifi to check my phone and watch movies."
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds require campers to bring their own water supplies. A visitor to Lid Creek Campground warned, "There is NO WATER available at the campground so bring your own or you'll be frustrated."
Reservation timing matters: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "We were supposed to stay at the KOA, but they had water damage issues and told us of this campground, right around the corner," noted a Johnson's Campground visitor, highlighting the importance of backup options when original plans fall through.
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities: When traveling with children, look for campgrounds with accessible recreation. "Across the street is 2 city parks and city pool. This place is open year around," notes a visitor to Pondera RV Park in Conrad, which operates year-round.
Check site specifications: Verify your selected site can accommodate your setup. A Johnson's Campground visitor advised, "Double-check the campsite length when you reserve - some sites are very short and a smallish car would have trouble fitting."
Food storage considerations: Given the bear activity in the region, proper food storage is essential. A Lid Creek camper noted, "There are vault toilets throughout the campground and bear-proof food boxes - there are definitely bears in the area. Keep pets close by and please store food in the storage boxes."
Tips from RVers
Power options: RV campers should verify electrical capacity before arrival. At Glacier Mist RV Park, "My campsite, number 34, has water, 30 Amp, 50 Amp, fire pit, and a picnic table. There is lots of room to park additional vehicles."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. A visitor to Lid Creek Campground advised, "The road down to the campground is gravel, lots of tight turns but generally in good shape; we did just fine towing our 30 ft travel trailer."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in spacing between different rv parks near Heart Butte, Montana. "We had #1 which was on the end under trees. We prefer shade rather open exposed spots... It's a small park and a tight squeeze between campsites. Our awning nearly touched the neighbors window shade," reported one Heart of Glacier RV Park visitor.
