61 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Yellowstone River corridor near Laurel, Montana provides a strategic base for camping with options ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive sites. While Riverside City Park in Laurel itself has been reported closed, nearby alternatives include Itch-Kep-Pe Park in Columbus (20 miles west) and the Acton Recreation Area (15 miles northeast). Billings, just 15 miles east, offers additional established options including the Billings KOA Holiday and Yellowstone River RV Park, both providing year-round access with full hookups. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with the developed sites adding electrical hookups, showers, and laundry facilities.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Summer brings high demand, particularly at riverside locations, with campers noting that reservations are essential from June through August. As one visitor to Itch-Kep-Pe Park observed, "Only a 5-minute drive off the highway, it's very convenient as a road trip stop, but on a Monday night in June, the campground was mostly full." Weather patterns include hot, dry summers with occasional thunderstorms and cold winters with potential for heavy snow. Mosquitoes and ticks are common near water during warmer months, with multiple reviewers recommending bug spray as an essential item. Cell service varies considerably, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Billings and Laurel.
Proximity to the Yellowstone River represents a defining feature of camping in this area, with fishing access sites providing some of the most affordable options. Several visitors mentioned ambient noise as a consideration, particularly at sites near Interstate 90, railroads, or airport flight paths. A reviewer at Itch-Kep-Pe Park noted, "The highway on the opposite bank is noisy, as well as nearby airport and train tracks. Other than that, it's a pleasant experience." The region serves as a convenient stopover for travelers heading to more remote destinations like Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway, or Yellowstone National Park. Cooney State Park Campground, about 40 miles south of Laurel, offers lake-based recreation with boat launches, fishing opportunities, and both day-use and overnight facilities.
"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."
"We normally avoid KOA campgrounds - preferring to stay away from large campers pushed together. Our experience was not what we expected. We were the only ones in the last loop."
"Right next to the interstate, Walmart close by as well as gas stations and coffee shops. A no-fuss experience, plus very affordable! Thank you!"
"Close to interstate, very well maintained, on the Yellowstone River no hookups 30 dollars with fees"
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Close to the Yellowstone. We camped on the second loop and at the end near the boat dock is a trail that follows the river. We enjoyed the walk with our dogs. Lots of folks fishing."
"Only a 5 min drive off the highway so it’s very convenient as a road trip stop. It has lots of shade and is located right next to the Yellowstone River."
"The park is in a quiet area with easy access on and off the interstate Highway in southeast Billings. The exit is he same one that leads to the road to downtown, the ball park, and the airport."
"Would recommend this site, its right outside town, close to the hospital. The camp is nice and the facilities are nice, the people are friendly and there is places to walk with in the camp."
"Stopped on our drive along 90. Lots of sites with fire rings (some with grills too). The farther you go, the more rugged it gets. Adjacent to a few farms, fun to wake up next to the cows."
"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."
"We wanted to show a few pictures of our beautiful park here in Columbus Montana. We invite you to come see us and stay with us."
"Very clean RV/tent campground just outside of Billings with full hookups and a lovely area for tent camping. Laundry facilities, showers."
from $64 - $108 / night
Check Availability"The lake has nice options for all levels of use. Be prepared for gravel roads to get to them."
"It lacks trees at most campsites, but that’s ok…it’s easy to get in and out of, the sites are level and every one has a view of the lake."
from $18 - $90 / night
Check Availability"You are literally behind the office about 100yards from the general RV area. You have maybe double space that’s all. Save your money"
"Easy access from Hwy. both back in and drive through sites. Full hookups."
LegendA few spots with fire rings as you first drive in and more spots as you go further in but Road gets a little rougher. Good cell service and nice privacy and silence overall. Great stop over if heading south.
TravelerA free spot with toilets and running water near the city and it feels very safe
GuideThis campground is very convenient to interstate 90. The bathhouse, laundry, and grounds are clean and well maintained. The host is super cordial and welcoming.
RangerNice clean campground and bathrooms and clan showers. There are a couple options- creekside for $70 or upper level on the road for $60. There isn’t much road noise especially after dark. The lower level next to the creek have more trees for screening between sites. The upper level are parked side by side. This just an overnight for us before we go down the BearTooth Hwy. There are lots of bear and moose that frequent the area. Hope I get a picture! The sites are pretty level, gravel up top, all have electric and water hookups. Not a bad price for this area. Red Lodge is cute and has grown a lot since we were here ten years ago.
ScoutDescription doesn’t say they only do weekly and monthly rates
Guide7 day limit, wonderful location, quiet, free, donations welcome. River access. Close enough to services. Laundry, fuel, water, dump. Water/dump at Mountain Range RV park in town. Cops roll through 2 or 3 times a day, makes ya feel secure.
ScoutDisgraceful, bathroom had no light and no ventilation-horrible! Mosquitos were thick. Just awful and a humiliation for city of Laurel. I want my money back!!
ScoutThis is a nice campground in the trees. The sites are pretty close together. Very friendly campground host. They allow campfires, so it was very smoky.
ScoutWhat that I suggest is when you're camping with no power maybe go down a little bit on price but otherwise it was nice
Camping sites near Laurel, Montana provide access to the Yellowstone River Valley with elevations ranging from 3,200 to 3,500 feet. The climate features wide temperature swings between seasons, with summer highs regularly reaching 90°F while winter temperatures can drop below zero. Many camping areas open seasonally from April through October, though several RV parks remain accessible year-round.
Fishing access: At Acton Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy multiple outdoor activities beyond camping. "Lots of sites with fire rings (some with grills too). The farther you go, the more rugged it gets. Adjacent to a few farms, fun to wake up next to the cows," notes Madeline O.
Trail exploration: Many campgrounds offer trail systems suitable for different activities. At Acton Recreation Area, one camper reports, "This is one of my favorite local riding spots. The trails are well used and vary from flat and easy to moderately difficult. Lots of bicyclers on the trails."
Small-town exploration: Bridger City Campground offers full hookups while providing access to local communities. One camper shared, "Within walking distance of a few blocks you'll find the small but surprisingly complete Valley Foods with excellent meat, a pizza joint, inexpensive gas/diesel/propane at the local ranch store, auto service, auto parts, around a half dozen friendly taverns, and more."
River proximity: Campers appreciate the Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground for its access to the water. One visitor mentioned, "The property has a small, nice pool, a playground, a general store, laundry, dump station, and access to the Yellowstone River via a walking path."
Quieter locations: At Mountain Range RV Park, campers find a more peaceful setting. "Very clean RV/tent campground just outside of Billings with full hookups and a lovely area for tent camping. Laundry facilities, showers. We have stayed here a few times while visiting our daughter and the owners have been very kind to us," reports TravelingTaylors T.
Budget-friendly options: Many travelers appreciate free or low-cost camping near Laurel. A visitor to Itch-Kep-Pe Park stated, "Fairly full but still sites available. Some shade in the right spots and near the river. If the front is full, keep following it around all the way. Some of the back spots were more private."
Site availability: During peak summer months, campgrounds fill quickly. At Itch-Kep-Pe Park, a camper observed, "We pulled in as evening was coming on, and got one of the last of the spread-out, fairly flat sites. Although near the road, we were also near the river (site 29), and could not hear road noise much above the river water's beautiful noise."
Weather conditions: The region experiences strong winds and seasonal temperature fluctuations. At Acton Recreation Area, one visitor warned, "So yes, the road leading to it is very washboard but stick with it! The views and trails are worth it. The wind does pick up at night so do stake out your tents fully!"
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience ambient noise from transportation corridors. At Billings KOA Holiday, a visitor noted, "We normally avoid KOA campgrounds - preferring to stay away from large campers pushed together. Our experience was not what we expected. We were the only ones in the last loop. With the way our teardrop faced we couldn't see anyone else. This gave us a small campground feel."
Swimming options: Cooney State Park Campground offers water recreation for families. A visitor observed, "The lake has nice options for all levels of use. Be prepared for gravel roads to get to them. There are very nice spots to park and enjoy the water for the day all the way up to multiple unit powered camp sites for large groups."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play facilities for children. At Billings KOA Holiday, a camper mentioned, "There are lots of activities - from mini-golf to dog park to river access. We took advantage of the amazing showers."
Off-site activities: When staying at camping areas near Laurel, families can explore nearby attractions. A visitor at Billings KOA Holiday shared, "It is worth mentioning that just a few miles away is Pictograph State Park- and that was pretty cool, and a beautiful walk after a day of driving!"
Site selection: At Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground, RVers should consider site layout. A camper advised, "This park has very nice full hookups sites with trees and lawns, some tent only sites at the rear of the park, and several water & electric only sites that are very close together."
Utility availability: For RVers needing full hookups, Bridger City Campground offers good value. A reviewer shared, "Full hookups (30/20A electrical, water and sewer) for $20/night, what more could you ask for? This is a terrific campground in Bridger's town park, where they've set up 6 pull-through campsites on grass pads with partial shade."
Arrival timing: RVers should plan arrival times carefully at popular sites. At Mountain Range RV Park, a visitor commented, "I was able to roll in last minute, and later in the evening! Which is super helpful for those just trying to push through on a road trip and not knowing where they are going to land. The hosts were incredibly friendly and brought me right in."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Laurel, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Laurel, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 61 campgrounds and RV parks near Laurel, MT and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Laurel, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Laurel, MT is Billings KOA Holiday with a 4.2-star rating from 49 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Laurel, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Laurel, MT.
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