Searching for the best camping near Lolo National Forest, MT? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lolo National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.
"Wonderful little campground located just south of Whitefish Montana on highway 93. This KOA has a lot to offer from cabins to RV parking and several tent camping locations."
"our site was nice and tucked off in the trees on the edge, but near the showers. they also provide free breakfast in the morning. newish washers/dryers were great too since we were starting a two week"
$10 / night
"Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around. Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close."
"7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities. Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."
$15 / night
"It is very close to the highway which makes it easily accessible for a one night stop while driving through. With a senior access pass I was able to pay half price ( $7.50 as opposed to $15 (."
"Campground is located behind the rest stop. Run by the USDA campground is well maintained. Free firewood in June 2025. $15.00 night rate. $10.00 just to use dump station if your not camping."
"3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."
"and do a 180° turn ok to exit. We stayed one night 9/23/24 and had the place to ourselves. Nice rock fire pits."
$10 - $80 / night
"Beautiful spot with great views of Flathead Lake. The RV sites were nice and spacious and level with their own patio and chairs. They also offer cabins and tent sites."
"The pics say it all so close to glacier national Park without the glacier prices don't miss this one. Also the lake looks like Caribbean"
"Driving through Montana heading to a friends house. we were not in a hurry and wanted camp and fish on the way. Picked up an out of state fishing license and ouch."
"A little off the beaten path, this small camp/recreation area is quaint and quiet. My husband and I spent a night in the spot closest to the Big Pine (the area namesake)."
"Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river. The road conditions are wonderful—towed a 20 ft trailer. Some spots are more open to use Starlink."
"It’s a nicely maintained gravel road to the campsites and there are two tracks that give you access to the river. I didn’t get any Verizon service here, however."
$31 - $47 / night
"Highway is close by as well, so you will hear some traffic noise. A train occasionally runs slowly across the river. Campground nicley maintained. But, the lawnmower is out there everyday!!!"
"Close to interstate but noise not too bad. Free laundry was a bonus."
"On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from"
"Arrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming back from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise."
"A couple of times they rolled thru at 2am but all the positives outweigh getting woken up a few times.
Very easy access, two pit toilets in the camping area."
"By the end of the day each site was filled and there were several folks driving through still looking for sites.
They’re spaced out well from one another giving all campers lots of privacy."
TravelerWater and electricity hook up only. Bring a portable RV waste tank to the pump out station. Or walk to the bathroom /showers. Tent sites are also available. Restaurant / Bar / hot Springs pool is across the road. Spacious.
ScoutIt’s kinda noisy from the highway and the train tracks. But other than that good
GuideLoads of flat space, some noise from I90, few other cars camping nearby. Beautiful river nearby.
GuideBest spot with 50 amps I could find! We pulled up and was surprised by how serene the setting was, beautiful creek, awesome big rocks and of course the hot springs across the street. We ended up not even going to the hot springs, there was lots to do! If you get a spot right on the creek it would be super nice, it’s very quiet here and you can hear the water. Definitely recommend.
ScoutSpots are very private and spacious overlooking river. Minimal road noise. Only a couple spots taken.
TravelerPulled in for a night on the way to Bitterroots. Camp was clean, quiet for the most part but decent amount of traffic on the road in and out of the forest.
LegendI would not stay here again. We are in our RV camping as a family approximately 70 days a year. Not a ton but enough that we’ve got some experience. We stayed in campground in 46 of the 50 states. This KOA price rivals Key West, on the beach in the Florida panhandle, glacier national park koa at peak summer and posh resorts of the south east with elaborate water parks, lazy rivers and margarita delivery daily. This camp ground does not have the bells and whistles to justify this price. We paid for a deluxe extra wide site. We have a 27ft Class C with a drivers side slide. Not a tiny RV but by no means large. When being directed to our site I was asked to move over so our tires weren’t near the grass. They were near the grass on both sides. I indicated if I moved over my slide wouldn’t open all the way due to the power box. I was nonetheless asked to move. So I did. And here we are with the slide 4 inches from going out all the way and bugs having free rein to enter thru the now non sealed siding. If that were all I might just move on… but kids are $10 extra per night?!? On top of the already $130 campsite fee. So many KOA’s don’t charge extra for kids - we come here because we have kids… who else would come to a KOA?!? Don’t charge extra per kid! I’m in now in excess of $160 for one night for a uneven gravel site, under a glaringly bright white street light making it nearly daylight inside the motorhome, attracting bugs to a slide that isn’t sealed because the site isn’t wide enough to open … and being charged extra. My first ever negative review at those level. Just so so sad. I’d stay at the Glacier, Jim & Mary’s etc. we tried this one because the pool was open late but… not worth 2-3x the price of nicer campground nearby
Ps - online when we booked it said “last site” hurry book now in essence. Alas… there are multiple campsites empty on both sides. Front and back are full but the ones.. not under the light… are empty….
TravelerBlue Bay Campground is probably one of the most beautiful spots I've ever camped. Part of tribal land, there are very few people here compared to all the state parks which are also on the lake. We had our choice of spots right on the water for our camper van And they do offer other sites with full hook ups. There are free hot showers and flush toilet bathroom, boating Marina, very helpful people at the gate. The swimming docks are wonderful to dive off into crystal clear flathead lake. We have liked it so much we are now staying a third night and explore around during the day to other areas.
TravelerRoad is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn’t recommend a rv or trailer unless you don’t mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks. The pin is at just a pull off on the side of the road. Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side. (Only in a truck). Awesome sunset spot and no one bothered me
Camping near Lolo National Forest, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Lolo National Forest, Montana, offers a variety of experiences, from quiet retreats to family-friendly adventures. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's a spot waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Lolo National Forest?
Lolo National Forest offers diverse camping experiences across its expansive terrain. South Fork Lolo Creek Primitive Camping provides quiet, off-road spots with open field views and enough space for larger vehicles like 23' Sprinter vans. For lakeside camping, Lake Inez Campground features fire rings and picnic tables at most sites, with options for tents and small trailers. Other excellent options include Lolo Creek Campground along the river and Chief Looking Glass Campground with riverside sites. The forest also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more solitude and a primitive camping experience.
When is the best time of year to camp in Lolo National Forest?
The prime camping season in Lolo National Forest runs from late spring through early fall (May to September). Missoula Lake Campground is particularly beautiful in late spring when wildflowers bloom and the weather warms, yet crowds remain manageable. Powell Campground along the Lochsa River offers excellent summer camping with access to water activities. July and August provide the most reliable weather, though they're also the busiest months. Early fall brings cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically closing by mid-October as snow becomes possible. Higher elevation sites often remain inaccessible until June due to snowpack.
What amenities are available at Lolo National Forest camping areas?
Amenities vary widely across Lolo National Forest camping areas. Quartz Flat Campground offers developed sites suitable for RVs and tents. Chief Looking Glass Campground provides basic facilities including pit toilets and a water pump near the entrance. Most developed campgrounds in the forest typically include fire rings, and some feature picnic tables, vault toilets, and potable water sources. Dispersed camping areas like those along Petty Creek Road offer no amenities but provide free camping opportunities. For those seeking more comforts, areas near the forest boundaries connect to private campgrounds with full hookups, showers, and other modern conveniences.
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