Best Campgrounds near Cardwell, MT

Campground is in great location. Right on water just 6 miles off of main highway. It is a gravel road but super easy (no potholes) & big rig friendly. Sites right on water. Open sky for starlink and decent cell service. A little loud during day for day use area (boat ramp & beach area), but quiets down in evening. Picnic table and fire pits at campsites. No hookups but sites are relatively level. Beautiful 360 views. Can book easily on recreation site. Also pit toilets and water stations. Mosquitos are heavy in evening but that’s part of being around water.

Missouri Headwaters State Park and loved the peaceful setting and natural beauty. We stayed at Site 16, which is at the far end of the campground and felt nicely tucked away. Some other reviews had mentioned heavy mosquitoes at sites 16 and 17, but honestly, it wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle with some strong bug spray. Once the sun went down, the mosquitoes pretty much disappeared, and we had no problems at all.

The campground itself is small but well-maintained, with both tent and RV spots. The real highlight is the location—you’re right at the spot where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers come together to form the Missouri River. The area is scenic, peaceful, and full of history with several short walking trails along the water and through the park.

Facilities were clean, and we enjoyed how quiet and relaxing it was. The staff was super polite and helpfull and answered any questions we had about the surrounding areas.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to camp with great views, easy access to rivers, and some interesting history, I definitely recommend Missouri Headwaters State Park.

After driving 12k miles this place was a perfect place for our first night in Montana—open skies, mountain views, and the calming presence of farm animals all around. It truly lives up to its name!

The hosts were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing, offering a perfect reset after our long drive.

The site was well-kept, with all the essentials and fresh mountain air. We especially appreciated how easy it was to unwind here, taking in the views and enjoying the farm life. Well kept outhouse and shower were also a huge plus.

If you're looking for a peaceful and unique camping experience with a personal touch, I highly recommend Serenity Sheep Farm.

Do not follow the directions in the other review, they are wrong. My review follows the directions.

Take the Clancy exit and turn towards clancy. The road looks like its an immediate left with a big arrow sign but its not, drive straight through. About 1/10 mile and you’ll see the brown forest service sign at the T intersection indicating Park Lake is 14 miles after turning right.

3.5 miles pavement becomes a well maintained wide gravel/dirt road the entire way. Soft shoulders though, beware.

If you pick the lake on a gps or follow the listing directions in Dyrt you will mistakenly turn left just shy of 8 miles and find a narrow road going down, no trespassing and dead end signs. If you have a trailer you’ll have to back out up hill.

Instead stay on the main road and don’t stop until you reach the T intersection which is approx. 11.5 miles from the sign that said 14 miles. You’ll see the forest toad sign 4009 and the forest service sign indicating you turn left and will reach the lake in 2 miles with the campground just at the opposite end

22 sites, all paved, all back-in for towable’s. Some are only large enough for a single vehicle with a tiny towable, a few will hold big trucks and 30+ footers. All have a table and fire pit. Hand pump water point, 3 pit toilets which are very clean and well stocked. Sites are a mix from full sun all day to full shade all day. Plenty of open sky in most sites for clear satellite lines.

Plenty of firewood just lying around. Chipmunks and rabbits run around. This is bear country, be prepared and read over the signage if you are inexperienced.

The lake is beautiful, plenty if shore fishing and large day use areas with tables and firepits. Dirt boat launch as this is a non motorized lake, manpower only.

No services or trash. Pack it in pack it out. Closest services are Montana city for minimal needs, Helena for most needs. Clancy has nothing

Be advised, there is only 1 USFS enforcement officer for the area. He was very clear that he doesn’t have the time to respond or investigate any claims of non paying guests, abandon sites, trash being left, quiet hours violations until 2am, dogs of leash, public drunkenness resulting in injury, belligerence or verbal assault. He will investigate violence and fireworks. This isn’t a manpower issue, he makes excuses on what he claims he cannot prove, despite multiple witnesses, and twists policy and law in order to avoid enforcement. Just be aware, on busy weekends its a free for all. Pay attention to your kids

Definitely great for a short stay, it is a simple campground with all of the necessities. They have two women’s showers and two men’s showers. I will say to double check your hook ups because I did not realize that I booked partial hookups! So for the price of $75 per night I do find it on the pricey side. They do have a dump station on site though. The kids loved the playground and tons of open grass space and swings throughout, and they also have a pond that you can even fish him on site at the back of the property. The campsites are quite close together, but all in all a great stay! I almost would say this one goes closer to the 4 star mark than 5 for me if that helps. Also some highway noise (we were at the very front though closest to it).

We chose this place because it broke up a long drive and we generally love a dip in a hot springs.

Campground: The campground is located in the not-so-charming outskirts of Bozeman. The campsites are close together but very tidy. The campground is bounded in part by a road and in part by the fenced hot springs facility and parking lot. Staff are friendly and efficient.

The campground bathrooms were the low point: They looked dingy and over-used — think public restroom at a beach or lake. Most of the grunge we noticed in the bathrooms in the late afternoon was still there in the mid-morning the following day. Meaning the cleaning crew doesn’t visit very often.

Hot springs: The hot springs are part of a popular health club. The busy facilities are modern and clean. There are outdoor pools, surrounded by hardscape, and indoor pools. If you’re happy shoulder to shoulder with a group of strangers in a warm swimming pool this place should please you. If you’re looking for more of a natural hot springs experience, perhaps some scenery while you steam, skip this one. Nice showers, toilets and locker rooms and for $15/person/day you can access the fitness facilities.