Riverside camping near Laurel, Montana offers access to the Yellowstone River with several RV campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Situated at approximately 3,350 feet elevation, this area experiences warm summers with highs in the 80s and cool, sometimes snowy winters. The region's geography features riverside lowlands transitioning to rolling hills and distant mountain views.
What to do
Riverside activities: At Riverside City Park in Laurel, visitors can enjoy water access and picnicking. "The park is a good size with water and electricity, not sure of dumping. Showers and a boat ramp into the Yellowstone River. Pleanty of commonplace and picnic areas and only about 3 minutes to the grocery store."
Explore Beartooth Scenic Byway: Use Perry's RV and Campgrounds in Red Lodge as your base camp. "Our recommendations for the area are to spend one day driving Beartooth Scenic Byway and then crossover Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Stop at the lookouts! We also went white water rafting with Adventure Whitewater!"
Hiking opportunities: Campgrounds around Laurel provide access to numerous hiking trails. "We took advantage of the amazing showers. Walking around was a surprise too. We followed a trail by the river and it led around a pond it was short but away from everything."
What campers like
Affordable camping: Itch-Kep-Pe Park in Columbus offers free camping with basic amenities. "This is a free campsite on the river. Lots of site available but pretty busy... Overall not bad." Another camper noted, "Free but they do have a donation box."
Variety of accommodation types: Many campgrounds offer options beyond traditional RV sites. "Perry's has great tent, cabin, and RV spots. The bathroom and shower facility is perfect and everything on the site is always well maintained. Have never had a bad experience here, always pleasant."
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at campgrounds. At Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground, one camper mentioned, "Had two bucks stroll within 30 yards of the tent area."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Yellowstone River RV Park, "We stayed 3 nights and worked from the RV while there. Very quiet park. The staff were all friendly, gave us a late check out with no problem. Pretty nature walk down to the river."
Weather and seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. "The tent lawn is incredibly well shaded, with many small trees covering almost every inch in shade. This alone makes this site the best rv tent site I've ever stayed at."
Noise factors: Be prepared for some ambient noise at certain locations. "There is little competition in the Billings area and they increased the rent and eliminated weekly rates. This is the most expensive campground we had in our year of full time RVing."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for kids: Billings KOA Holiday offers family-friendly amenities. "There are lots of activities - from mini-golf to dog park to river access. We took advantage of the amazing showers."
Budget-friendly options: Look for campgrounds with no entry fee. "I stayed here for 10 days and it was nice. Quiet for the most part except on the weekend when the rafters and partiers are driving in and out of there. This is dry camping so no hookups but also no fee."
Secure facilities: Some campgrounds offer extra security features. "Bathrooms and showers were secure and clean. No firewood for sale. Had to buy from KOA next door."
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: Mountain Range RV Park accommodates large vehicles easily. "RV sites were level and clean." Another RVer noted, "We called last minute for an overnight and there was one spot left. We were welcomed and taken care of even arriving after hours. Nice pull through sites."
Connectivity considerations: Most campgrounds offer decent cell coverage. "We had 4 bars each on both Verizon and T-Mobile, and the CG Wi-Fi clocked in at 26.5 Mbps down and 11.9 Mbps up, pretty solid for a small CG."
Utility hookups: Electric options vary between campgrounds. "Electric only site is $25, full hookup is $45/$50. Highway noise, but will probably abate at night." Some sites have specialized pet policies: "That fee includes a handy little poop bag holder with a built-in flashlight a fun and useful touch for dog owners."
