28 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lewistown, Montana provides access to several campgrounds suitable for tent, RV, and cabin camping across different settings. Kiwanis Park offers free camping on the west end of town with picnic tables and restrooms with running water, while Mountain Acres RV Park provides full hookups for RVs from May through October. Crystal Lake Campground, located about 25 miles south in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, features rustic camping with vault toilets in a more remote setting. Ackley Lake State Park Campground, situated approximately 15 miles west of Lewistown, provides lakeside camping with 15 numbered sites along the shore. The Lewistown area offers diverse camping options ranging from free sites with basic amenities to full-service campgrounds with hookups.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing the more remote campgrounds in the region. Crystal Lake requires traveling approximately 20 miles on a mix of gravel roads and single-lane paved sections that can be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers. Many campgrounds have limited amenities, with vault toilets being common but drinking water often unavailable. The camping season generally runs from late spring through early fall, with some locations like Ackley Lake State Park remaining open year-round but offering minimal winter services. Elevation changes affect accessibility, particularly after rain or snow. As one camper noted about Crystal Lake, "To get there it's a mix of about 20 miles of gravel and 1 lane paved roads. The gravel roads are well maintained. The 1 lane paved roads are a little iffy if you're pulling a trailer and its a busy travel day."
Camping experiences around Lewistown vary widely based on location and proximity to water. Lakeside sites at Ackley Lake State Park and ED McGivern Memorial Park Campground receive positive reviews for their fishing access and waterfront views. The campgrounds closer to town provide convenience but less privacy and natural settings. Several visitors mention wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at Crystal Lake where deer sightings are common. Campers frequently note the contrast between developed RV parks with full hookups and more primitive sites with basic amenities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Ackley Lake stands out for its value: "So beautiful. Found it randomly passing through, just looking for a place to stay for the night. All of the campsites are right on the water." Prairie dogs, traffic noise, and limited shade affect some campgrounds, while others offer more secluded experiences in forested settings.
"Right next to the highway so lots of traffic. The grass is nice but they are having a problem with prairie dogs. Restrooms were clean!"
"Next to an airport, but absolutely no traffic."
"A good staging location to visit the wilderness areas where Elk herds roam in the evening. Great fun!"
from $38 / night
Check Availability"This was my first time camping in Montana. It was breathtaking for me. The lake was so peaceful and clear. The trail around the lake is a nice walk to see all the different views around it."
"Crystal Lake is a nice area. To get there it's a mix of about 20 miles of gravel and 1 lane paved roads. The gravel roads are well maintained."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located just past the day use area on a loop at the end of the road. The 10 sites are nicely spread apart giving campers plenty of room to spread out their tents."
from $5 - $10 / night
Check Availability"Free for Montana residents!"
"Ackley Lake State Park campground has no camping fees for Montana residents, for nonresidents the cost is$24 per night. The campground has two vault toilets, but no running water or trash service."
"Beautiful views, the lake is amazing, and the hike to the ice caves, while difficult, is SO worth it."
from $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
Check Availability"Allegedly, Crystal Lake drained into a limestone fissure in the earth. Bummer. But it's still an insanely beautiful area with hikes up to a year-round ice cave!"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"A fly trap hung near our site was very full. No water source. Creek bed is dry in June."
TravelerThis campground has several campsites. They are self-pay at the kiosk when you enter. There are no road signs on the main highway . We started seeing signs the last couple of turns into the area.
Guide5 miles down a gravel road with a few potholes but drivable! Vault toilet and open spot for solar and Starlink …if you want shade there is that. We were there for 4th weekend (full for the weekend) otherwise just one other camper!
TravelerWhen they say get lost. GET LOST.
Bring your toys and onX!
No potable water and limited toilets. Adventurous attitude required.
GuideDriving through and stayed overnight. Super nice to have v clean BA w/flush toilet, picnic table, shade. Ground was full of prairie dogs and grassy in most designated spots, but fine enough for one night for my little 13’ Scamp. Right across from grocery store with a little deli, which was also nice. Area was about 80% full and some people had a noisy generator, but at least they turned it off around 9:30. Box for donations.
GuideSix miles on a rocky dirt road through a bucolic setting to get here. A few potholes but easily navigable by any vehicle. We arrived Tuesday noon; no one else here. Another camper arrived a few hours later. At least five sites with established fire rings, two with sturdy picnic tables. Shaded and open sky areas, spaced well apart. Easy to level. Vault toilet is clean and well stocked with toilet paper, several flies inside. A fly trap hung near our site was very full. No water source. Creek bed is dry in June.
TravelerThis campground is on the edge of Harlowton. A small town that has very adequate basic services. The campground is in the city park / rodeo grounds. Very quiet. Clean. If you have dogs go out the south entrance where the is a rails to trails walkway. Nice for human and k-nines alike. Only electric at the sites. But there is a dump station Anna potable water spigot. Our kind of campground. Only draw back would be when the Rodeo is in progress. It would be one hopping place then. We have stayed here in July and first of October. Beautiful and pleasant both times.
ScoutBeautiful drive in. Road is gravel until you get to the National Forest then is paved but narrow. Take your time going up mountain and down. Camp sites are spaced out nice. Hiking trails. Lake looks pretty dry right now but it is beautiful up here. Potable water is available while we were here no electricity. 4 or 5 covered toilets throughout campground area.
GuideSmall, only about 10 sites, a few ok for large rigs. Close to town, lots to do in the area. 10 day max stay.
TravelerMy honey and I got to this campsite around 930pm. It was very easy to pull in, pick a spot on the side and set up our tent! It was free, bathrooms were clean, and running water!
Camping near Lewistown, Montana offers diverse options ranging from lakeside sites to mountain retreats. Located in the geographic center of Montana at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, Lewistown experiences warm summer days with cool evenings. Fall camping typically ends by mid-October when overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Fishing access at reservoir sites: Ackley Lake State Park Campground provides shoreline fishing directly from campsites. "All of the campsites are right on the water," notes Samantha H., who found the lake randomly while passing through.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Crystal Lake Campground offers excellent wildlife encounters. "We had abundant wildlife sightings with multiple deer right at our campsite," reports Jessica B., who appreciated the natural environment despite the less manicured grounds.
Hiking trail exploration: Crystal Lake Group Campsite offers access to challenging but rewarding hiking trails. "The hike to the ice caves, while difficult, is SO worth it," says Megan B., who considers it one of her favorite boondocking locations.
Lake activities and water sports: ED McGivern Memorial Park Campground sits on the west shore of East Fork Reservoir. "Easy access to the reservoir all along the campground for those wishing to fish. A boat launch can be found at the beginning of the day use area," explains one camper about this small reservoir with a no-wake rule.
Affordability and donation-based sites: Kiwanis Park runs on voluntary contributions. "This place is great and it runs off of donations, so make sure to drop some cash into their donation box if you can. Clean bathrooms and plenty of spots to park your car and camp," advises Sarah G.
Proximity to supplies: Lewistown camping locations offer convenience to necessities. "Grocery store across the road very handy," notes Jane M. about Kiwanis Park, which serves as both a campground and highway rest area.
Weather protection amenities: Ackley Lake sites include windbreak structures. "Most sites offered a sheltered picnic table, which makes me think it might get very hot or very windy," observed Nicole C., who found the lake "a welcome sight on a cross country road trip."
Clean facilities: Mountain Acres RV Park and Campground maintains good facilities despite limited staff. "They have laundry, showers, bathrooms, WiFi and sites have full hookups. Most people staying were only there for a night or two passing through," reports Katy R.
Road conditions to remote sites: Access to Crystal Lake Campground requires navigating challenging roads. "There is a lot of gravel and one lane roads going in with a few sketchy spots where you are looking straight down off the side," explains Jessica B.
Tree removal at some locations: Crystal Lake has changed significantly in recent years. "This would have been a 5 star review, but most of the trees that made this area magical have had to be cut down due to beetle infestation," mentions Connie H., while another camper notes, "Not much privacy now as every camp site can be watched by all the other campers."
Limited amenities at state parks: Ackley Lake State Park Campground offers minimal facilities. "The campground has two vault toilets, but no running water or trash service," according to one review, with another camper adding, "Vault toilets, no water. No trees and the other campsites are very close."
Donation-based camping rules: Kiwanis Park limits stays to 10 nights. "Camping is limited to 10 nights. The airport is small so you will have very little aircraft noise, most noise will be from State Hwy 200/U.S. Hwy 87," explains a camper.
Waterfront campsites for activities: Ackley Lake provides water access for family swimming and boating. "Good spot for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking!" comments Scott B., making it suitable for families wanting water recreation.
Wildlife viewing with children: Crystal Lake offers nature education opportunities. "We saw a few fish being pulled out of the lake, lots of hikers heading up the trails and a few deer passing through the meadow," reports a visitor, creating memorable wildlife experiences for children.
Sheltered picnic tables: Ackley Lake features wind protection structures helpful for family meals. "There are lean-to's with picnic table and fire ring," notes Tarrah C., providing shelter during variable weather conditions.
Proximity to town amenities: Fergus County Fairgrounds offers easy access to Lewistown services. "Full hookups for $38. Sites are average size... But for an overnight stop it works great. Easy in and out," says Christine, making it convenient for families needing supplies.
Site sizing considerations: Fergus County Fairgrounds requires planning for larger rigs. "I have a 38-ft travel trailer and I had to unhook to fit in the space. The sites are not incredibly level," advises Christine.
Seasonal availability: Mountain Acres RV Park operates seasonally. "Park has good sites. Only a few trees though. Facilities are good. Management is good," reports Lance T. about this park that operates from May through October.
Hookup options in town: Kiwanis Park offers limited hookups but convenient location. "It was somewhat crowded but we managed to snag a spot for our 38' fifth wheel. They have a ten day limit on your stay which is free. No electric but they do have some water spigots spaced throughout," shares Sherry.
Big rig accessibility: Some remote locations have challenging access for large RVs. "To get to [Crystal Lake] it's a mix of about 20 miles of gravel and 1 lane paved roads. The gravel roads are well maintained. The 1 lane paved roads are a little iffy if you're pulling a trailer and its a busy travel day."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available near Lewistown, MT?
Yes, there are free camping options near Lewistown. Kiwanis Park on the west end of town offers free camping with restrooms, running water, and frost-free hydrants throughout the camping area. Donations are appreciated to help with upkeep. For Montana residents, Ackley Lake State Park Campground is free to camp, while non-residents pay $24 per night. The state park has 26 sites with metal fire rings and picnic tables, plus vault toilets, though no running water or trash service. Both locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where are the best campgrounds in Lewistown, Montana?
The Lewistown area offers several excellent camping options. Crystal Lake Campground is a standout choice with a peaceful, clear lake and trails offering beautiful views and summer wildflowers. The drive requires navigating about 20 miles of gravel and single-lane paved roads, but they're generally well-maintained. Chief Joseph City Park provides a convenient option with several level pull-through RV sites with electricity, a water hydrant, dumpster, and a large community playground adjacent to the camping area. This small-town campground has a 14-day limit and tends to be quieter during fall months.
What is the best time of year to go camping around Lewistown, Montana?
The prime camping season around Lewistown runs from late spring through early fall. Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather and access to areas like ED McGivern Memorial Park Campground when temperatures are ideal for enjoying the reservoir. Late spring (May-June) brings wildflowers, particularly visible at places like Judith Station Day Use Area. Fall camping (September-October) offers fewer crowds and beautiful foliage, though be prepared for cooler nights. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and limited access to many campgrounds. Always check road conditions, especially for higher elevation sites which may be inaccessible until late spring.
What amenities are available at Ed McGivern Memorial Park Campground in Lewistown?
ED McGivern Memorial Park Campground offers 10 well-spaced sites situated on the west shore of East Fork Reservoir, providing privacy for campers. The campground is conveniently located just past the day use area on a loop at the end of the road. Each site offers direct access to the reservoir for water activities. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended. While basic, the sites provide enough room for standard camping setups, though specific amenities like hookups, water access points, and restroom facilities appear limited based on available information. The natural setting and reservoir access are the primary draws for this small, scenic campground.
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