Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mcleod, MT has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Mcleod, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"Conveniently located about 5 miles off I-90! We stayed one night on our way from the Badlands to Glacier National Park and I wish we would have had more time here."
"Campground is situated on Boulder River. Office staff was friendly. Laundry facility was clean but dated. (Harvest gold dryers from the 70’s dated). Great proximity to downtown big timber, MT."
"This is a free Montana Fishing Access Site next to the Yellowstone River north of Big Timber. There was one clean single vault toilet for about 5 sites."
"Great access to river's edge fishing and a boat ramp. Free camping for 7 days. Really close to town"
"Site: 2
RESERVATIONS NO
FCFS
FEES: NONE
Open all year
No water Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet
This campground is located right off East Boulder Road."
"I ran into a couple out here that’s camping and I can say they are the true Montana experience."
"There are train tracks nearby, which wasn't necessarily negative for us since we live next to train tracks at home ."
"It is close to the train track and you can see the trucks in the freeway."
"Very nice campground about 6 miles out of Big Timber Montana."
"There are trains close by but that didn't bother too much. If you stay with kids there are spots where the river current is quite strong close to shore."
"It's better to exit off the interstate just east of the campground."
"Usually we stay at KOAs for stopover convenience, but being tired of driving we decided to stick around for an extra night. For a KOA, this was a really decent spot."
"Restroom is located here. Not far from town so for dinner or anything else you might have forgot."
"Awesome location, 10 minutes from the expressway and on the river. About a half dozen sites with a pit toilet that was stocked and clean. "
"Must have a montana conservation tag. Bring your own wood. Bring a water filter. Outhouse on site"
"Montana is so beautiful and one of my favorite places to visit! I love that mountains are always surrounding you. This campsite was no different! Mountains everywhere!!"
"My favorite part about camping here was the location, and the amount of activities nearby. There were a lot of great hikes along the way, some that were "easy" "moderate" and "difficult.""
"About 5 various spots very close to the main Boulder Rd so expect to hear traffic. But several spots are on the river and these spots include a fire ring and a vault toilet. Free."
"This is a beautiful little nook right on Ross Lake that you can either hike into or canoe into. If I remember correctly I believe it is about a 13 mile hike in. Requires a backcountry permit."
TravelerBeautiful campground with kind staff and wonderful patrons. Be prepared to be close to your neighbors. A lovely place - would visit again!
RangerMostly 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.
GuideSpent 3 nights at spot #12 over Labor Day weekend. Sites were tidy and bathrooms were very clean with no flies or stench. I walked around looking at the various sites and only thought 2 or 3 spots might be worthy of a 5 star. If I return I will try to snag #20 or #13. There is no camp host so nefarious folks stroll through at off hours of the night or others feel entitled to run a generator all night. This is a Forest Service campground so it is definitely a government run joint that very little funds get earmarked for upgrades and signage. It’s not directly on the lake but about 300yds away and no views from majority of the sites of the lake. The Majestic Lake trailhead is about a mile further south and that was a fun excursion for the day. I accidentally left a new hammock at the spot so if you score this enjoy!
ScoutThe campground is right off the interstate and noisy. The worst part is their filthy bathrooms! We wouldn’t step foot in them they were so bad. Few trees, bits of shade.
TravelerThe road is very rutted but even sedans are able to make the drive in. When you get to the sites, you must park at the top of the hill and lug all your gear down to the creek which is a pain if you are needing to make multiple trips. There are 3 main sites, 2 of which are pretty close together. All was well until a huge group of loud and disrespectful college kids came and partied till 3am. Loud music, yelling and their dogs were off lead so constantly in our site. One of their dogs came and peed on one of our backpacks. It was awful and if we go back, we will be setting up tents and staying in each site if possible, just to avoid that nonsense again. I wouldn't recommend.
RangerVery busy road with lots of mountain bikers and campers. Gorgeous canyon to camp in though!
GuidePerfect spot for the night trains every half hour is why I have it 4/5 stars
TravelerNot really any established sites from what we found, but it was a great place to stop for the night and very private.
We stopped on a Thursday and had the area all to ourselves. There are no facilities whatsoever, make sure to pack everything out and stock up on gas and supplies before heading out there!
The view is gorgeous, the river is lovely and the boat "ramp" makes for great water access.
There are train tracks nearby, which wasn't necessarily negative for us since we live next to train tracks at home .
GuideI found it easy enough to find a level spot where I could leave my little camper connected to the TV. Plenty of space. It is close to the train track and you can see the trucks in the freeway.
Editing to add: the road is a bit rough, not well maintained but I’m sure you could drive a big rig in here just take it slow.
I’m here in a Tuesday evening towards the end of August and it’s essentially bug free. The only noise I hear is vehicles on the freeway. I think there are two other vehicles staying overnight.
The actual location of the boat landing is (45.7088104, -110.3492486)
Camping near McLeod, Montana, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near McLeod, Montana, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I enjoy while camping near Mcleod, Montana?
The McLeod area is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with diverse recreational opportunities. The Boulder River provides excellent fishing, particularly for trout, with Whitebird offering river access and mellow swimming spots. Hiking opportunities abound with numerous trails exploring the surrounding Absaroka Mountains and dense forests. Basin Campground makes an excellent base for hiking adventures, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout the region—watch for deer, elk, and various bird species. Mountain biking, photography, and stargazing are also popular. During winter months, the area transforms for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The proximity to Yellowstone National Park (about 1.5 hours away) also makes it a good staging area for day trips to explore the park's wonders.
What camping facilities and amenities are available in Mcleod, MT?
The McLeod area offers several camping options with varying amenities. Big Beaver Campground near McLeod provides basic facilities including vault toilets and fire rings. For those seeking more amenities, Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch near Big Timber offers reservable sites with water access and toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Most campgrounds in this region are relatively primitive, with limited or no cell service. If staying in the area longer or needing full hookups, Osen's RV Park by Starry Night Lodging in nearby Livingston offers pull-through sites with full hookups, grassy areas between sites, and helpful staff. Most local campgrounds are seasonal, typically operating from late spring through early fall due to mountain weather conditions.
Where is Mcleod, Montana located and how do I get there?
McLeod, Montana is a small unincorporated community located in Sweet Grass County in south-central Montana, nestled in the Absaroka Mountains along the Boulder River. It sits approximately 15 miles south of Big Timber and about 60 miles west of Livingston. To get there, take Interstate 90 to Big Timber, then head south on Highway 298/Big Timber Creek Road, which becomes Boulder Road as you travel into the mountains. Big Beaver Campground is located near McLeod, providing convenient camping access to the area. The roads to reach McLeod and nearby East Boulder Campground are well-maintained but can include dirt stretches, so check conditions before traveling, especially during winter months when mountain roads may be snow-covered.
Keep Exploring
