Best Campgrounds near Lolo, MT

Campgrounds near Lolo, Montana range from established facilities to primitive dispersed sites along forest roads and waterways. The area includes sites like Yellowrock Campground, which accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping options within minutes of downtown, alongside more remote options such as Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 dispersed camping areas. Several mixed-use campgrounds including Chief Looking Glass and Lolo Creek Campground provide access to the Bitterroot River and surrounding forests. Public lands surrounding Lolo support a range of camping experiences from full-hookup RV resorts to primitive backcountry sites.

Seasonal availability significantly shapes the camping experience in the Lolo area. Most developed campgrounds operate from May through September or early October, while some RV parks remain open year-round. Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 dispersed sites require higher-clearance vehicles to navigate rough terrain, particularly after rain. Cell service varies widely, with better coverage at established campgrounds closer to Missoula and spotty reception in more remote areas. Montana fishing access sites like Chief Looking Glass require state recreation permits for non-residents at $18 per night. As one visitor noted, "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend an RV or trailer unless you don't mind washboards."

Campers consistently mention the beautiful river access available at many sites, particularly at fishing access campgrounds. Yellowrock Campground receives praise for its maintained facilities and proximity to Lolo Creek, though several reviewers note strict pet policies and fire restrictions. While some campgrounds provide showers and electric hookups, others focus on primitive experiences with vault toilets being the only amenity. Mosquitoes present a significant challenge during summer months, especially at riverfront locations. A review for Chief Looking Glass Campground warned, "Holy mosquitos! Not anything special and tons of mosquitos, but close to Missoula if you're in a pinch." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with many campers reporting sightings of deer, various bird species, and occasional larger mammals in the less developed camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Lolo, Montana (146)

    1. Missoula KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Missoula, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-0881

    $75 - $192 / night

    "Great friendly and clean place to stay in Missoula Montana!"

    "This KOA is conveniently located for a quick overnight stop. We were passing through Montana and needed a full hookup site to rest and recharge before another long day of driving."

    2. Jim & Mary's RV Park

    24 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-4416

    "Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer. We wish we would have stayed a few more nights."

    "The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do. The laundry and bathhouse was very nice and clean. 2.00 per load to wash."

    3. Yellowrock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 273-0141

    $27 - $47 / night

    "Full hook-ups are available, and it's close to everything yet nestled in the forest."

    "Can walk to the river. Two Porto ponies nearby. On main bathhouse. Cold washers. Medium 5G. $27/night"

    4. Chief Looking Glass Campground

    14 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    $6 - $18 / night

    "We got a nice spot next to the river. It was really relaxing. There’s two pit toilets and 1 water pump near the entrance. It’s first come first serve."

    "Vault toilets were clean and well serviced, and every site has a picnic table and fire ring (not stated anywhere were fire restrictions even though the Lolo fires are less than 40 miles away)."

    5. Charles Waters Campground

    20 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    14 miles
    Website

    "Traveling south in Montana and found this lovely little place. Trees, meadows and solitude. Just the way I like it"

    "I like the sites on the far side of the loop as they are closer to the creek and away from the dusty road."

    6. Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3814

    "On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs."

    "Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side. (Only in a truck). Awesome sunset spot and no one bothered me"

    7. Granite Peak RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 543-9400

    $40 - $150 / night

    "We were in a site along the outside, and our site was rather short, it fit our 174BH, but there was not much room to spare and we had to back it all the way in. "

    8. Lolo Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    $15 - $25 / night

    "We tried to drive out here and the gps location is on private land. The actual campground is to the east on the main highway on the south side of the road."

    "It is close to the highway, but the highway isn’t super busy to begin with. Only a short drive further down the road to Lolo Hot Springs!"

    9. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    "It's close to the highway and just over the river in Lolo forest lands. Only stayed one night, but the guy in the camper says he's been there for weeks, and nobody has bothered him."

    "3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."

    10. Beavertail Hill State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Clinton, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5561

    $20 - $26 / night

    "We had been staying at different sites as we traveled to Montana from Iowa and this one was a favorite!. We will make it a point to stay there again when coming  out west."

    "The 1 mile Nature Trail around the area is really well maintained and beautiful. There are 2 Tipi sites you can rent as well."

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Recent Reviews near Lolo, MT

602 Reviews of 146 Lolo Campgrounds


  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Big Larch Campground

    Traveling through the area early-October and this was a great campground to overnight at. Besides a little road noise (like the other campgrounds on this highway), it's been quite quiet--just a few other campers last night. Some campsites are more open than others, several vault toilets scattered throughout this fairly big campground, water is already shut off for the season, town nearby if you need any gas or groceries, and great cell service here. Would stop by here again if needed.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Basic and easy

    It is RIGHT off the road, I missed it coming back from town (having been to the site once already). Any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size.

    All sites are close together, though we are here by ourselves. You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn’t bother either of us. Saw deer so far.

    It’s tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience, it got 4 stars for that. Lost the 5th for no view.

  • L
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Johnsrud Park FAS

    Day Use Area- No overnight

    Beautiful boat ramp and very large day use area. Plenty of river access for fishing and boat ramp access. Plentiful parking, pit toilets, and a large group day site with picnic tables. Only saw 2 other humans while I visited.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Jim & Mary's RV Park

    Lovely, manicured RV Park

    This rv park is serene and beautiful. Whoever takes care of the grounds is meticulous and has two green thumbs. I felt safe which is of utmost important to me. The staff was welcoming and efficient. Would stay here again any time.

    My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine.

    There’s plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn’t hear this at all.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richmond Marshall hookup trail dispersed campsite

    Logging Logging Spur MTN view

    Acesss logging road in good shape. Narrow in places . Fire ring at the edge of the embankment. Tight place to turn around. Can hear a creek deep in the gorge. Only saw one other person. Vegetation is very dry. Nice open view for camping. Most of the road cuts through tall trees. Good cell service . No services just a fire ring and cell reception.

  • Lady Phyre  ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    A clearing & an Outhouse

    It's a clearing with a clean outhouse . It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean with flat pads

    What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Stayed one night

    We are on the way to Glacier Park and needed to be close enough to get there in a few hours the next day. Pros: convenience. Close to highway and town. Large site, we were on the first loop site 1. Picnic tables and fire rings provided at each site. Site was free (after Labor Day 2025) Cons: Logging has created Mess, downed trees litter the area, however this resulted in plenty of available firewood. Vault toilets are not clean(understandable as there are no hosts on site this time of year) Synopsis: this site accommodated us for the purpose we were looking for, It would be hard for me to stay here longer than one day, however it may be suitable for longer periods if you have an interest in touring the area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lolo Hot Springs Campground

    Spot for a quick stay

    Water and electricity hook up only. Bring a portable RV waste tank to the pump out station. Or walk to the bathroom /showers. Tent sites are also available. Restaurant / Bar / hot Springs pool is across the road. Spacious.


Guide to Lolo

Camping sites near Lolo, Montana range from riverside fishing access points to forest road dispersed sites tucked between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges. Elevations of most campgrounds sit between 3,200-4,000 feet, creating significant temperature swings between day and night even during summer months. Many Forest Service roads providing access to dispersed camping typically open by mid-May, though higher elevation access can be limited until early June depending on snowpack.

What to do

Fishing the Bitterroot: Access the river directly at Chief Looking Glass Campground which offers sites along the water. "The river wasn't particularly scenic, but it was right there. Lots of towering trees. Restroom was clean for a vault," notes one camper who stayed during September.

Trail hiking: From Charles Waters Campground, several hiking and horseback riding trails branch out, including routes that climb to mountain summits. A visitor mentions, "There are some nice hiking and horseback riding trails across the road, and there is a forest road that goes all the way to the top of the mountains with picnic tables to watch the sunset or sunrise."

Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the area. At Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, visitors report frequent deer sightings: "Saw deer so far. It's tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience."

What campers like

Secluded, free forest sites: Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 - Dispersed offers numerous pull-offs for camping without facilities. "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with a absolute beautiful view. We hardly saw anyone on the way up but the road is very narrow," reports one camper who enjoyed the isolation.

Family-friendly amenities: Yellowrock Campground (formerly Square Dance Center) provides more structured camping with clean facilities. "The bathhouse is immaculate and the showers are like you wish you had at home. Staff were very friendly and helpful. There is access to the creek that runs along the campground," explains one satisfied visitor.

Riverside access: Multiple camping options provide direct water access. At Lolo Creek Campground, one camper appreciated the "Amazing river access from this spot. Bears, deer, beavers, frogs in the bogs along the river, butterflies, bats, fish, bunnies, grouse, chipmunks, eagles, black squirrels, snakes, and of course mosquitoes and flies... each site has a picnic table and fire pit."

What you should know

Seasonal road conditions: Forest Service roads to dispersed camping can be challenging without appropriate vehicles. At Blue Mountain Forest Road 365, a camper warned about terrain: "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks."

Gate closure times: Several fishing access sites have strict entry/exit rules. Chief Looking Glass Campground "gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so," states one review, an important consideration for early risers.

Varying camping rules: Campgrounds maintain different policies about fires, pets, and outdoor cooking. At Yellowrock Campground, "they don't allow fires unless it's in their fire ring and only a few camp sites have fire rings. We asked if we could use our fire pit that we brought (solo stove) and they said no. And there are no communal fire rings."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with amenities provide entertainment beyond hiking. At Missoula KOA Holiday, "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!" according to a family with young children.

Wildlife exploration opportunities: Many campgrounds offer wildlife viewing directly from camp. At Missoula KOA Holiday, one dad reported, "My daughter wanted me to add that they have three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them."

Unique shelter options: For families wanting a camping experience without pitching tents, consider alternatives. Missoula KOA Holiday offers "two really nice teepees in the center of the campground. They are super deluxe and the next time I come here I will be staying in one of them."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Many RV sites near Lolo offer full connections. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, "The sites are gravel, mostly level and most sites have shade. The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do," notes one reviewer who appreciated the well-maintained grounds.

Site spacing considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly. Yellowrock Campground offers "sites are large, private, shaded, and well maintained," while others may position RVs closer together.

Weather preparation: The sprinkler systems at some RV parks can affect items left outside. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, "There is flowers everywhere and they have a sprinkler system to keep everything pretty so you can't leave anything out overnight that you don't want to get wet."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lolo, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lolo, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Lolo, MT and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lolo, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lolo, MT is Missoula KOA Holiday with a 3.9-star rating from 44 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lolo, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Lolo, MT.