Camping spots near Hilger, Montana range from primitive lakeside sites to donation-based campgrounds with accessible facilities. The region sits at approximately 4,000 feet elevation in central Montana's prairie landscape, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters with moderate snowfall. Road conditions to remote camping areas can deteriorate rapidly during spring thaw or following heavy rainfall.
What to do
Lake recreation: Crystal Lake offers swimming and fishing opportunities in a mountain setting. A camper noted, "The lake was so peaceful and clear. The trail around the lake is a nice walk to see all the different views around it. The meadows were full of wildflowers in the summer."
Wildlife viewing: Ackley Lake State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "So much wildlife on our drive to it, in the fields that surround the lake," reports one visitor who found the campground while passing through.
Hiking trails: Several camping areas near Hilger connect to hiking networks. At Crystal Lake Group Campsite, a camper shared their experience: "the hike to the ice caves, while difficult, is SO worth it."
Fishing access: ED McGivern Memorial Park Campground provides shoreline access for anglers. According to a review, "Each site has a picnic table, metal fire ring and BBQ grill. Easy access to the reservoir all along the campground for those wishing to fish."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Kiwanis Park receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. A visitor mentioned, "My honey and I got to this campsite around 930pm. It was very easy to pull in, pick a spot on the side and set up our tent! It was free, bathrooms were clean, and running water!"
Affordability: Many camping areas operate on low-cost or donation models. A camper at Kiwanis Park shared, "This place is great and it runs off of donations, so make sure to drop some cash into their donation box if you can. Clean bathrooms and plenty of spots to park your car and camp, some with picnic tables even."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer good separation between camping spots. At Crystal Lake Group Campsite, a visitor reported, "Lots of space between spots, easy to get into. Great get away."
Quiet environment: Despite being near transportation routes, some camping locations remain peaceful. A camper at Kiwanis Park noted, "The airport is small so you will have very little aircraft noise, most noise will be from State Hwy 200/U.S. Hwy 87, but since the speed limit is 45mph noise from cars and trucks will be slight."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: High winds are common in the open prairie landscape. One camper at Kiwanis Park shared, "Perfect place to duck into and park during high winds/rain. Extremely clean restroom."
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds offer basic services only. At Mountain Acres Mobile Home Park and Campground, a visitor summarized, "No thrills good place to stop, However there are may options in the area that never come up in searches."
Seasonal operation: Some camping areas close during colder months. Crystal Lake Campground typically operates "June 15 to Labor Day."
Road conditions: Access to remote camping locations requires planning. One camper described the route to Crystal Lake Campground: "To get there it's a mix of about 20 miles of gravel and 1 lane paved roads. The gravel roads are well maintained. The 1 lane paved roads are a little iffy if you're pulling a trailer and its a busy travel day."
Tips for camping with families
Location selection: For families with children, sites closer to town offer emergency access. The Ole Mercantile provides camping with amenities nearby. A visitor noted, "Stopped in for the night. The Ole Mercantile had a cute shop and Conoco gas. People were very friendly and 6 full hookup sites out back."
Activity planning: Swimming options provide family recreation during summer months. At Ackley Lake State Park Campground, a camper reported, "Good spot for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking!"
Shade considerations: Some campgrounds offer limited tree cover. A camper at Ackley Lake shared, "There are lean-to's with picnic table and fire ring. Vault toliets, no water. No trees and the other campsites are very close. When the wind is blowing you take the brunt of it since there is not trees."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children appropriate animal encounters behavior. At Crystal Lake Campground, a visitor observed, "We had abundant wildlife sightings with multiple deer right at our campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check campground information for RV length restrictions. At Fergus County Fairgrounds, a camper advised, "Full hookups for $38. Sites are average size. I have a 38-ft travel trailer and I had to unhook to fit in the space."
Leveling requirements: Come prepared with leveling blocks. A visitor at Fergus County Fairgrounds mentioned, "The sites are not incredibly level. But for an overnight stop it works great."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies throughout the region. A camper at Kiwanis Park reported, "Our AT&T has 2-3 bars of data and running 13 mbps. No designated sites just find a place to park."
Utility availability: Many camping areas have limited or no hookups. One visitor at Kiwanis Park clarified, "The Dyrt description is a little confusing, no dump station, water only."
