Camping near Lolo National Forest

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Lolo National Forest (164)

    1. Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA

    13 Reviews
    Lolo National Forest, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 862-4242

    "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"

    2. Kreis Pond Campground

    6 Reviews
    Huson, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    $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."

    3. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    "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."

    4. Quartz Flats Campground

    9 Reviews
    Superior, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 822-4233

    $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."

    5. Polson-Flathead Lake KOA

    5 Reviews
    Dixon, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 883-2151

    $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"

    6. Big Pine Campground

    10 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "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)."

    7. Muchwater Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    17 miles

    "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."

    8. River Edge Resort

    6 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 552-0573

    $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."

    9. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "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."

    10. Jim & Mary's RV Park

    24 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-4416

    "Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer. We wish we would have stayed a few more nights."

    "The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do. The laundry and bathhouse was very nice and clean. 2.00 per load to wash."

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Recent Reviews near Lolo National Forest

640 Reviews of 164 Lolo National Forest Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Holland Lake Picnic Site

    Heaven on Earth

    Embarrassing to say that I’m pushing 50 and this is my first time visiting Holland Lake. OMG! This place is gorgeous. I have taken some strolls on nearby paths and there are so many hidden gems of lakeside spots to enjoy the scenery. It is a very mellow weekend and wx has been cool and rainy. I could spend weeks here. I’m on the Bayview loop and they’ve locked up the bathrooms and put porta potties instead. Sign says it closed for the season in a few days 10/7. The other loops they’ve kept the bathrooms open oddly enough. I was not expecting to get service but T-Mobile I have 1 bar and sometimes I get 5G. Around the lake I’ve seen 3 bars of service. There are zero complaints. Quite a few spots show reserved and nobody showed up likely b/c of the wx but that’s still garbage to hold up a spot out of selfish greed. I’m so glad I came and I am so excited to visit with my family in the summer. There are a decent amount of walk up sites that imo should be reservable for $100nt they are so epic.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Basic and easy

    It is RIGHT off the road, I missed it coming back from town (having been to the site once already). Any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size.

    All sites are close together, though we are here by ourselves. You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn’t bother either of us. Saw deer so far.

    It’s tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience, it got 4 stars for that. Lost the 5th for no view.

  • L
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Johnsrud Park FAS

    Day Use Area- No overnight

    Beautiful boat ramp and very large day use area. Plenty of river access for fishing and boat ramp access. Plentiful parking, pit toilets, and a large group day site with picnic tables. Only saw 2 other humans while I visited.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Jim & Mary's RV Park

    Lovely, manicured RV Park

    This rv park is serene and beautiful. Whoever takes care of the grounds is meticulous and has two green thumbs. I felt safe which is of utmost important to me. The staff was welcoming and efficient. Would stay here again any time.

    My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine.

    There’s plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn’t hear this at all.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richmond Marshall hookup trail dispersed campsite

    Logging Logging Spur MTN view

    Acesss logging road in good shape. Narrow in places . Fire ring at the edge of the embankment. Tight place to turn around. Can hear a creek deep in the gorge. Only saw one other person. Vegetation is very dry. Nice open view for camping. Most of the road cuts through tall trees. Good cell service . No services just a fire ring and cell reception.

  • Lady Phyre  ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    A clearing & an Outhouse

    It's a clearing with a clean outhouse . It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean with flat pads

    What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Very nice

    Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out. We car camp in a Wagoneer

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Stayed one night

    We are on the way to Glacier Park and needed to be close enough to get there in a few hours the next day. Pros: convenience. Close to highway and town. Large site, we were on the first loop site 1. Picnic tables and fire rings provided at each site. Site was free (after Labor Day 2025) Cons: Logging has created Mess, downed trees litter the area, however this resulted in plenty of available firewood. Vault toilets are not clean(understandable as there are no hosts on site this time of year) Synopsis: this site accommodated us for the purpose we were looking for, It would be hard for me to stay here longer than one day, however it may be suitable for longer periods if you have an interest in touring the area.


Guide to Lolo National Forest

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the nature walks, with one reviewer mentioning, "Our kids loved the nature walk/hike at the entrance to the campground" at Cabin City Campground.
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes in the area are great for fishing. A visitor at Sloway Campground noted, "While my hubby flyfishes, I float on the Clark Fork."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Big Pine Campground said, "Such a beautiful campsite... clean bathroom, quiet!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Jim & Mary's RV Park mentioned, "Everything was clean including the picnic table."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. One visitor at Nugget RV Resort said, "Great customer service! Helped us set up, talked with us."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the spacious sites. A review for Cabin City Campground highlighted, "Great spacing on the campsites. Loved it here."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Sloway Campground warned, "If you don’t like train and highway noise, stay far away!"
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Granite Peak RV Resort noted, "Definitely not a spot that caters to our normal priorities."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A reviewer at Big Pine Campground mentioned, "First come first serve and free with a pit toilet."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA enjoyed, "Lots of fun for the kids with mini golf, bikes, paddle boats."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A parent at Missoula KOA Holiday shared, "My kids were absolutely terrified at this point," after a negative experience with staff.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained during downtime. A visitor at Jim & Mary's RV Park appreciated the "clean bathrooms and laundry facilities," which can help during longer stays.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Granite Peak RV Resort mentioned, "The length was pretty short... maneuvering to park the truck."
  • Use a GPS for Directions: Some campgrounds can be tricky to find. A visitor at Nugget RV Resort noted, "We followed our RV GPS to the CG that is near I-90, but far enough away that you don’t hear highway noise."
  • Look for Amenities: Check for laundry and shower facilities. A camper at Jim & Mary's RV Park said, "Hot showers and clean bathroom."

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.