31 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Highwood, Montana range from developed sites to primitive camping areas in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Thain Creek Campground, located on a dirt road about 20 miles from town, offers around 15 campsites with fire pits and picnic tables in a wooded setting. The region includes both RV-friendly options like Great Falls KOA, which features full hookups, showers, and a swimming pool, and more rustic options like Sluice Boxes State Park that cater exclusively to tent campers. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities such as vault toilets, though amenities vary significantly between the fairground camping areas and more remote forest service locations.
Road conditions to many camping areas require careful navigation, particularly for larger vehicles. The unpaved access roads to forest campgrounds often feature potholes and rough terrain that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "Lots of potholes drive with care" when describing the route to Thain Creek. Summer temperatures can be extreme in lower elevations, with reviews mentioning 90+ degree days and strong winds across the prairie, while higher elevation sites in the Highwood Mountains offer cooler conditions. Most forest service campgrounds have limited or no cell service, making them ideal for those seeking to disconnect. The camping season generally runs from late spring through early fall, though weather conditions can vary significantly.
Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer creek or river access. At Thain Creek, several visitors highlighted the creek-side spots with "lots of sound" from the flowing water and ample shade trees. The Missouri River access points like Wood Bottom Recreation Area provide boat-in camping opportunities, though these tend to be more primitive. Privacy between sites varies significantly across the area's campgrounds, with forest settings generally offering more seclusion than fairground or RV park options. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly for birdwatchers, with one review mentioning "lots of birds in the area" at Thain Creek. For those seeking a complete wilderness experience without facilities, Sluice Boxes State Park allows backcountry camping with spectacular views, though campers must pack in and out all supplies and follow leave-no-trace principles.
"Highwood mountains. Lots of potholes drive with care."
"When the directions include "drive down the dirt road for 20 miles," you know you are in for an amazing experience. Thain Creek Campground did not disappoint."
"Set on the edge of Historic Fort Benton, this is a great place to land for a night or a week or more. Lots to see, explore and experience in the area."
"The locals come around during the day to walk their dogs so it makes for a decent amount of traffic through the area."
from $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability"This campground sits just on the outskirts of Great Falls. It is like most KOA's with many amenities including a pool. Showers were very nice."
"You have to drive through part of Great Falls, Montana to get to this campground, but once you are in it, you forget all about the city."
"It's probably the bright spot in the entire town, which appears to be about a half square mile of trailers and double wides surrounded by miles of amber waves of grain."
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability"I have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years. I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years. "
"Put Decision Point for the destination & drive past it 1/4 mile downhill to the Loma Missouri bridge."
"The campsites are plentiful and not as close to eachother as others. Bathrooms spotless. After hours check-in was a breeze! Will use again."
"The road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek. There are several campsites along the road. "
"This place is off the beaten path but aren’t all the best spots? You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet!"
GuideIt is definitely small spaces however they're well defined and green areas everywhere. Several choices of bathrooms and showers that all seem nice and clean. Lots of children because there are a lot of children activities here. Pancake breakfast too :-) cookies in the afternoon.
GuideWe have stayed at several KOA campgrounds this summer. This one in Great Falls was outstanding. The facilities are plentiful and clean. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The sites are large and comfortable. There is not a single thing we would change- except to perhaps stay longer than one night in the future. We highly recommend.
TravelerGreat spot! Can drive easily to each spot, don’t need to cross a wood mini bridge. The back two spots are close together and ideal if you want to camp with others, otherwise just solo. However I did realize that the back spots also pose a security risk to leave if you feel the need because it’s a one lane drive to get back here and someone can easily block you. So keep that in mind. River access in the back two spots is easy and amazing. Also mice here as per usual for being in the woods.
RangerThis KOA has everything and then some. One stop shop besides a grocery store honestly. Plus a pool and hot tubs and they serve free pancakes 8am-10am
Guidethe place is very nice and quiet. sites right near a stream. very spaced out and mostly empty, easy access on a good dirt road. the only one problem is finding the turnoff. there is no sigh at monarch with Hughesville rd. instead , there is a small FS 120 road sign. that got us confused other than that , grea5 place and free! no cell connection for ATT.
TravelerMany beautiful, dispersed spots available. Allowed 16 stay days. Creek running through. Very spaced apart. Quiet. Cell service not great.
ScoutLots of amenities and parking. We stayed in one of the cottages which was wonderful. WiFi was strong enough for me to work remotely.
GuideNice dirt road off the main highway, had cell service for a good 15 miles. Cell service was limited once reached campground. We were the only ones at the campground! Chose site 26. All campsites have access to Logging Creek. Able to harvest water and bring back to camp to boil. Two well stocked pit toilets, very clean. No running water, thinking it was too early in the season, no camp host either. Took a dip in the creek to rinse off! Our dog loved walking in the creek! Very WINDY though at this time of year. Overall, would stay here again! We pinned it on our maps to bring our future family here!
TravelerThe wife and I really enjoyed this spot. From what I could tell the spots seemed spaced out enough for our liking.
Dispersed camping options near Highwood, Montana range from primitive boat-in sites along the Missouri River to forest service campgrounds in the nearby mountains. The Highwood Mountains reach elevations of 7,000 feet, providing significantly cooler camping temperatures compared to the 90+ degree heat common in the surrounding prairie areas during summer months. Campsites in this region typically close by mid-October due to winter conditions at higher elevations.
Hiking opportunities: 5+ miles of trails at Thain Creek Campground provide access to mountain meadows and summer cattle ranges. "Great almost-primitive site. Truly middle of nowhere, we only knew about it because a friend into fishing took us. Pros: rustic, cheap, good hiking and fishing nearby, wooded, pretty empty, middle of nowhere, wildlife, cowboy history feel," reports Justin S.
River floating: Schedule 2-3 days for a float trip starting at Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground, the official launch point for the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. "Part of the campground is right on the Missouri River! Nice big spaces, could put two Campers in most of the spaces. Canoe put in for a beautiful float on the river," notes Mimi.
Wildlife observation: Early morning hours offer the best chance to spot wildlife near forest camping areas. "Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly for birdwatchers," with campers at Thain Creek Campground reporting diverse bird species throughout the camping season.
Creek-side camping: Sites 3-7 at Thain Creek provide the most water access. "We were shocked this campground wasn't full, it's only an hour from Great Falls and the road is your typical gravel, a few larger potholes but completely doable in any car (or towing). Lots of shaded spots, super clean facilities," shares Robin B.
Boat-in camping: Missouri River access points provide unique camping experiences. "The disbursed spots along the river are awesome! Some of the best spots you can find!" reports G H. about Wood Bottom Recreation Area, located at river mile 20.3 on the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.
Swimming opportunities: River access for cooling off during hot summer days. "Sitting here enjoying the setting sun on the bluffs along the Missouri, enjoying the birds chirping and a laugh floating in and about here and there... it's really nice. 5 minute walk to downtown," explains Mimi about Chouteau County Fairgrounds.
Road conditions: Gravel roads with potholes access most forest service campgrounds. "The last 30 miles or so are dirt roads and I wouldn't want to try it in most sedans (or an RV)," warns Justin S. about the route to Thain Creek Campground. Another camper notes it's "a long rough gravel road of at least 12 miles."
Weather extremes: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common. "Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that," advises Vanessa S. about camping at Military Park Malmstrom AFB Gateway FamCamp.
Insects: Mosquito protection essential from June through August. "The island right near the fairgrounds is called snake island. They are everywhere. It's super buggy and extremely hot in the summer. We couldn't even sit outside at night because of the mosquitoes," warns Amy H. about Chouteau County Fairgrounds.
Swimming pool access: Great Falls KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "KOA has everything you need. An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, tent, cabin and rv spots. Outside kitchens. Shower area, small store, playground, and wifi. A lot of room to move around and have fun," recommends Judy K. about Great Falls KOA.
Safe hiking for children: Multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. "We did the Windy Mountain loop, so it was a treat to finish the hike and be back at our campsite 100 yards from the end!" notes Robin B. about the family-friendly trail system at Thain Creek Campground.
Primitive camping education: No-trace camping required at backcountry sites. "My husband and I started hiking up here long before we ever camped. If you're up for hauling in your stuff and back out and don't mind not having access to a bathroom or a fire pit... it's a perfect place to try," suggests Chloe B. about Sluice Boxes State Park Campground.
Campsite access limitations: Maximum RV length 30 feet at forest service campgrounds. "Nice place if you want a very secluded campground. They had clean pit toilets, a nice fire ring and picnic table for $10 a night. I would not suggest trying to haul a large rig into it," advises Lisa Z. about Thain Creek.
Hookup availability: Full service sites available in Great Falls and Fort Benton. "We stayed one night on our way through the area. It was convenient. The campsites are plentiful and not as close to each other as others. Bathrooms spotless. After hours check-in was a breeze!" reports Melissa P. about Great Falls RV Park.
Level parking considerations: Most primitive sites require leveling blocks. "The concrete pads are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level. Water, sewer and electric are provided. There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp," notes Vanessa S. about Military Park Malmstrom AFB Gateway FamCamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Highwood, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Highwood, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 31 campgrounds and RV parks near Highwood, MT and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Highwood, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highwood, MT is Thain Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Highwood, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Highwood, MT.
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