Best Campgrounds near Laurel, MT

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Laurel, Montana (55)

    1. Billings KOA Holiday

    47 Reviews
    Billings, MT
    15 miles
    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."

    "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."

    2. Itch-Kep-Pe Park

    45 Reviews
    Fishtail, MT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 322-5313

    "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."

    3. Riverside City Park

    6 Reviews
    Laurel, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 628-4796

    "Close to town. Only issue with this campground is how they have sites marked. Took a little bit to figure out the site markers for tent camping."

    "Scenery is marred a bit by an oil refinery nearby but overall it is very nice.  We are in site #PT2 at $20 per night."

    4. Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground

    13 Reviews
    Billings, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 259-0878

    "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."

    "The closest "river" is a completely dry bed which is probably an over flow channel and then it's another long trail through field and bramble to get to the actual river. Aside from that."

    5. Acton Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Acton, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 896-5013

    "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."

    "Perfect location away from town to enjoy the quiet views. The sites are farther apart the further you go into the park but it’s really only suited for 4x4, esp if it rains."

    6. Mountain Range RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Fishtail, MT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 322-1140

    $64 - $108 / night

    "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."

    7. Cooney State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Roberts, MT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 445-2326

    $14 - $70 / night

    "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."

    8. Mountian Ridge RV Park

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 322-1140

    "Easy access from Hwy. both back in and drive through sites. Full hookups."

    9. Creekside Camp at Prairie Skies

    1 Review
    Billings, MT
    24 miles
    +1 (406) 672-9833

    $35 - $40 / night

    10. Bridger City Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bridger, MT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 662-3677

    $35 / night

    "There's a swimming pool in the park, and 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/"

    "We had a long day driving and needed a place to stay for the night. It’s first come first serve and has full hooks."

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Recent Reviews near Laurel, MT

275 Reviews of 55 Laurel Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Voyagers Rest

    Voyagers Rest

    Place was easy to find and easy to get our truck camper in. Fire ring was fine. There were tons of mosquitoes so beware

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Old West RV Park

    Cute place

    Super friendly owners, very accommodating. Very clean laundry room. Walkable to local store, bar & grill. Sites were close to each other and overpriced because of location to Yellowstone but cheaper than others in the area n

  • Colby S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest

    Paid Camping experience for free

    This campground is a 10 minute drive to the near by town of Red lodge. It’s a great place to stay while in the area or after completing the Bear tooth highway. Campground is clean has bear boxes and fire pits at each camp sight and multiple bathrooms on sight. Feels secluded from the near by town and road, but is set up as you would expect a paid camp site to be. Sights are spacious and private though. There is a near by stream that can be heard through the campground.

  • Fa B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Acton Recreation Area

    Stunning and secluded

    Perfect location away from town to enjoy the quiet views.

    The sites are farther apart the further you go into the park but it’s really only suited for 4x4, esp if it rains.

    The trash left behind by prior users was a bummer so feel free to pick it up and out of the park if you can.

  • Luckybreak R.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Itch-Kep-Pe Park

    City park on the river

    Mostly level gravel sites, well spaced, some with shade and some sunny. Restrooms are well maintained. Lower campground is 1/2 mile further in and only has a single vault toilet. Will definitely return again.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest

    Small, undeveloped, unmanaged,free, close to Red Lodge, small ,adequate

    Came in late on a Sunday. One spot, more or less in the parking lot was available. Not level. Spots are small and rough, I would not recommend for large rigs and trailers. Still, it’s free and the are pit toilets and it’s close to Red Lodge. Grateful to whoever manages (sort of) this place.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Afterbay Campground — Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Afterbay Campground

    Will maintained and set up campground. No sewer or showers however, electricity and water and vault toilets. Cell reception is good with Verizon, cell Internet is marginal. Local town has almost no resources. A nearby fishing shop/market has bare minimum supplies.


Guide to Laurel

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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!"

Tips from RVers

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 55 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 47 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.