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Best Campgrounds in Montana

5,454 Reviews

Montana's camping landscape ranges from developed campgrounds within Glacier National Park to dispersed sites along the Middle Fork Flathead River. Many Glacier Campground and Fish Creek Campground offer established tent and RV sites with amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Montana off-grid campsites provide free options with minimal facilities. KOA properties in West Glacier and Billings provide more extensive services including cabins, glamping accommodations, electric hookups, and shower facilities. These developed sites typically operate seasonally from May through September or October.

Camping access and conditions vary significantly with Montana's seasonal changes. Glacier National Park campgrounds like Apgar and St. Mary operate primarily from May through early October when mountain roads remain passable. Many popular campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer months of June through August. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountain environments, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations even during summer months. Fire regulations and water availability shift throughout the season based on drought conditions and fire danger levels. Travelers should prepare for varied conditions across the state's diverse terrain. "We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing," noted a camper describing Sluice Boxes State Park.

Several visitors highlight riverside camping as particularly desirable throughout Montana. Campgrounds positioned along waterways like the Yellowstone River and Flathead River receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. Some dispersed camping areas along river corridors provide free options with basic amenities like vault toilets. A camper at Loch Leven noted, "The campground is clean and well-maintained with great views of Chico Peak and the Yellowstone River. Our campsite had great access for our son to throw rocks in the water." Proximity to national parks represents another significant draw, with West Glacier serving as a popular base for exploring Glacier National Park. Established campgrounds typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while RV-oriented properties may include additional hookups, shower facilities, and dumping stations. Public lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM offer more primitive camping options throughout the state, including Lewis and Clark National Forest sites.

Best Camping Sites in Montana (1,452)

    1. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park

    62 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."

    "Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."

    2. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    59 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $45 - $90 / night

    "Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."

    "I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine. We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."

    3. West Glacier KOA Resort

    50 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5341

    "This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."

    "9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana  West Glacier KOA Resort

    Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park. "

    4. Glacier Campground

    51 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5689

    $45 - $120 / night

    "Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."

    "Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."

    5. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    51 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    Website

    "It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"

    "Perfect spot for camping outside the west entrance, about 25 minutes away. That road is a little rough coming in but it’s short and manageable, even saw a little Mazda make it in."

    6. Many Glacier Campground — Glacier National Park

    47 Reviews
    Siyeh Bend, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7740

    $90 / night

    "When you stay at Many Glacier you are situated in the heart of the best hiking and wildlife viewing in the park. Grizzly sightings on the slopes nearby are an almost nightly occurrence."

    "I recommend visiting this area of Glacier Montana!!"

    7. St Mary Campground - Glacier National Park — Glacier National Park

    50 Reviews
    Babb, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7708

    $40 / night

    "They had new bear boxes for every 4 sites this year with extra around bathrooms. Make sure you keep your camp bearproof as rangers will make sure it is."

    "Our site had no shade and felt very exposed (A loop was better) but we enjoyed the proximity to the visitors center and ability to walk to the shuttle."

    8. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    47 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT

    "Great spot for travelers or people who didn't book a site in or close to Yosemite."

    "It was last minute I read about this spot on Dyrt and was pretty relieved to find something with great reviews and relatively close to home in Bozeman."

    9. Billings KOA Holiday

    47 Reviews
    Billings, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 252-3104

    "This camp ground is tucked into a residential area, and far enough off the interstate to not hear the noise, but close enough to town and all the other amenities to make it very convenient."

    "This KOA sits right along the Yellowstone River along the eastern outskirts of Billings."

    10. Makoshika State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 377-6256

    $12 - $36 / night

    "We had planned to travel through the area but hadn’t planned to stop—until we hit the Tourist Center at the Montana border and found a brochure for thus park."

    "This is a beautiful area of Montana that goes under visited and under appreciated. The campground is just as nice as you would find in one of the national parks."

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Recent Reviews in Montana

5454 Reviews of 1452 Montana Campgrounds

  • Brett B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2026

    Acton Recreation Area

    Perfect 16-Day Off-Grid Basecamp Near Billings!

    We just wrapped up a 16-day basecamp here and absolutely loved it. It’s an incredible BLM-managed dispersed camping area about 30 minutes outside of Billings, offering towering ponderosa pines, rocky bluffs, and sweeping valley views. Here are the camping specifics you need to know:

    • The Setup & Access: This is mostly dry/dispersed camping, though many of the sites do have picnic tables and fire rings. You have to take a few miles of gravel roads (Oswald and Haeg Rd) to get in. There is some washboarding, but we took it slow and easily got our Ford Explorer and 5x8 trailer down into the camping area without any issues.

    • Amenities: There are vault toilets available near the entrance/parking lot. How far of a walk they are just depends on which dispersed site you claim!

    • Connectivity (For Digital Nomads): We work remotely full-time from the road. We were able to get a crystal clear line of sight for our Starlink dish, making this an amazing spot to work from the woods.

    • Activities: The hiking and mountain biking here are top-tier. Highly recommend hiking the "Owl Be Back" trail right from camp, which weaves you through the massive sandstone outcroppings.

    If you want a quiet, rugged, and beautiful place to dry-camp that is still close enough to Billings for supply runs, this is the spot!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    Whitefish Lake State Park Campground

    Train Noise But Good Location

    Close to town and on the lake. Train tracks are close and many loud trains. Showers (tokens) and water.

  • Robert A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2026

    Captain Clark

    Nice Location on the River

    We stayed for a single night. Right on the river. Flat spot. Plenty of spots. Sketchy area on the way in...a few very run down homes, but it opens up to a lovely area. Area had other campers, all looked pretty rough. 5 sheriff cars and a paramedics unit came down later in the night. I'm not sure I'd visit again.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2026

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Stunning valley views and good access

    We loved our overnight stay here! Beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Spacious, dispersed spots close to Gardiner and Yellowstone, but far enough to enjoy the serenity. We were able to comfortably set up a tent in ours! I’m comfortable on typical FS roads so didn’t see this one as an issue, but know that this type of driving might be new to many. The road is rocky and washboarded in spots, but smooth rocks and no deep or dangerous ruts—I think a low clearance 2WD would be just fine with a patient and confident driver.

  • Robb K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2026

    Nelson Reservoir - USBR

    Nice place to stop over

    Easy in and out. Drop toilets were clean and well stocked no running water or garbage facility.

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Willow Creek Campground

    Lots of open sky by a lake

    There are several areas by the lake with picnic tables and a few fire rings. You can level a good size trailer on most of the spots. You drive down about 4.5 miles of good gravel road to the area entrance. There is a newer vault restroom near the entrance. From the entrance you can see most of the sites and drive on dirt trails to get to them. I brought a 35ft fifth wheel in with no problem.

  • Jensen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Logging Creek

    Roadtrip

    Nice 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!

  • Bare Soul W.
    May. 15, 2026

    Bakers Hole Campground

    REUNION WITH JR HIGH FRIEND

    Great place to camp on the west side of Yellowstone.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2026

    Macnab Pond Campground

    Custer National Forest

    Some folks already camping at the pond. Took the dirt path road opposite the turn off for the pond. Found a nice little spot just far enough from the main road to remain low key.

Guide to Montana

Camping in Montana offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From serene lakes to rugged mountains, there's something for everyone, whether you're a tent camper or an RV enthusiast.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Montana is home to beautiful parks like Kiwanis Park, where you can enjoy a park-like atmosphere. One camper mentioned, “Road noise disappears at night,” making it a peaceful spot for relaxation.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Ackley Lake State Park Campground, you can fish, swim, and kayak. A visitor shared, “Good spot for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking!”
  • Hiking: The James Kipp Campground offers great hiking trails. One camper noted, “We took a nice hike along the river,” highlighting the scenic views.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and well-maintained sites. A review from Chief Joseph City Park stated, “The bathrooms are clean and have flushing toilets.”
  • Wildlife Sightings: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Deadmans Basin said, “Great views! It was pretty windy the night we were there,” indicating a connection with nature.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Petrolia Reservoir offer a peaceful experience. A camper mentioned, “We woke up to cows mooing and a beautiful sunrise over the lake.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crystal Lake Campground, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A visitor remarked, “There is not much privacy now as every camp site can be watched by all the other campers.”
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. At Ackley Lake State Park, a camper noted, “They only have 26 spots, first come first serve.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Mountain Acres RV Park is open from May 1 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for parks with playgrounds and activities. Chief Joseph City Park has a five-star play area for kids, making it a great choice.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Kiwanis Park enjoyed the park-like atmosphere, saying, “No fire rings, but a park-like atmosphere.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Ackley Lake State Park mentioned, “We stocked up on some snacks,” which is always a good idea for family trips.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mountain Acres RV Park noted, “Sites are big,” which is helpful for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A camper at James Kipp Campground mentioned, “There was no water available during my stay.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. One RV traveler at Deadmans Basin said, “It’s a beautiful place to stay,” encouraging exploration of the surrounding area.

Montana camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV-friendly camping sites in Montana?

Montana offers numerous RV-friendly camping options. North American RV Park & Yurt Village is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the West Glacier Park entrance with full hookups and amenities. Trout Creek Motel & RV Park near the Idaho border provides peaceful sites with easy access to local amenities. For those visiting Yellowstone, several RV parks around West Yellowstone offer convenient access to the national park. Many KOAs throughout Montana are excellent for RVers, featuring pull-through sites, full hookups, and amenities like laundry facilities and WiFi. National Forest campgrounds sometimes accommodate RVs, but check size restrictions and hookup availability before arrival.

Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Montana?

Montana offers several affordable camping options for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Peck Gulch Campground provides basic amenities like vault toilets and water access at minimal cost while offering stunning views. Indian Road Campground near Townsend offers reasonably priced camping along the Missouri River. Many National Forest campgrounds throughout Montana provide primitive camping for low fees, often between $5-15 per night. For completely free options, dispersed camping is allowed in most national forests with a 16-day stay limit. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas also offer free dispersed camping throughout the state. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations as they may change seasonally.

What are the best campgrounds in Montana for scenic views?

Montana offers breathtaking scenic views at numerous campgrounds. Crystal Lake Campground provides peaceful lakeside camping with clear waters, surrounding meadows filled with summer wildflowers, and beautiful hiking trails. Gird Point in the Bitterroot National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas from its elevated location. For riverside beauty, consider camping along the Madison River between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. Glacier National Park campgrounds are also exceptional for scenery, with options providing views of mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. The diverse landscapes across Montana ensure scenic camping experiences, whether you prefer mountain views, riverside serenity, or alpine lake settings.

What's the best time of year for camping in Montana?

The prime camping season in Montana runs from late June through early September when temperatures are most comfortable and high-elevation sites are accessible. Apgar Campground in Glacier National Park is typically open May through September, with July-August offering the warmest conditions. Basin Campground and other mountain locations shine in summer when wildflowers bloom and hiking trails are fully accessible. Be aware that summer wildfires can affect air quality, particularly in August. Spring (May-June) offers fewer crowds but potential snowmelt and mud. Fall (September-early October) brings beautiful colors and fewer visitors, though nights get quite cold. Most high-elevation campgrounds close by mid-October, while some lower-elevation sites remain open year-round with limited amenities.

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