Montana's camping landscape ranges from developed campgrounds within Glacier National Park to dispersed sites along the Middle Fork Flathead River. Many Glacier Campground and Fish Creek Campground offer established tent and RV sites with amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Montana off-grid campsites provide free options with minimal facilities. KOA properties in West Glacier and Billings provide more extensive services including cabins, glamping accommodations, electric hookups, and shower facilities. These developed sites typically operate seasonally from May through September or October.
Camping access and conditions vary significantly with Montana's seasonal changes. Glacier National Park campgrounds like Apgar and St. Mary operate primarily from May through early October when mountain roads remain passable. Many popular campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer months of June through August. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountain environments, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations even during summer months. Fire regulations and water availability shift throughout the season based on drought conditions and fire danger levels. Travelers should prepare for varied conditions across the state's diverse terrain. "We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing," noted a camper describing Sluice Boxes State Park.
Several visitors highlight riverside camping as particularly desirable throughout Montana. Campgrounds positioned along waterways like the Yellowstone River and Flathead River receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. Some dispersed camping areas along river corridors provide free options with basic amenities like vault toilets. A camper at Loch Leven noted, "The campground is clean and well-maintained with great views of Chico Peak and the Yellowstone River. Our campsite had great access for our son to throw rocks in the water." Proximity to national parks represents another significant draw, with West Glacier serving as a popular base for exploring Glacier National Park. Established campgrounds typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while RV-oriented properties may include additional hookups, shower facilities, and dumping stations. Public lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM offer more primitive camping options throughout the state, including Lewis and Clark National Forest sites.
$30 / night
"We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."
"Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."
$45 - $90 / night
"Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."
"I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine. We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."
$45 - $120 / night
"Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."
"Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."
"This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."
"9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana West Glacier KOA Resort
Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park. "
"Great spot for travelers or people who didn't book a site in or close to Yosemite."
"It was last minute I read about this spot on Dyrt and was pretty relieved to find something with great reviews and relatively close to home in Bozeman."
"It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"
"Perfect spot for camping outside the west entrance, about 25 minutes away. That road is a little rough coming in but it’s short and manageable, even saw a little Mazda make it in."
$90 / night
"When you stay at Many Glacier you are situated in the heart of the best hiking and wildlife viewing in the park. Grizzly sightings on the slopes nearby are an almost nightly occurrence."
"There is a store and restaurant close by in walking distance along with showers and laundry(you have to pay). Multille hiking trails, fishing and an abundance of wildlife."
$90 / night
"They had new bear boxes for every 4 sites this year with extra around bathrooms. Make sure you keep your camp bearproof as rangers will make sure it is."
"Our site had no shade and felt very exposed (A loop was better) but we enjoyed the proximity to the visitors center and ability to walk to the shuttle."
"This camp ground is tucked into a residential area, and far enough off the interstate to not hear the noise, but close enough to town and all the other amenities to make it very convenient."
"This KOA sits right along the Yellowstone River along the eastern outskirts of Billings."
"Great location. Close to the park entrance and West Yellowstone. Pit toilets were in really good shape. And the camp host went way beyond to help us with a situation."
"Just outside the west entrance to Yellowstone (I think it's only 3-4 miles away from the entrance) is a good backup campground in case you can’t get a campsite in the park (a common problem in the summer"
ScoutWe showed up later in the day, but still managed to snag a spot. We have AT&T and had full service the whole time. No complaints! Some off-leash dogs around, but that wasn’t a problem with responsible owners.
TravelerAfter a few days of roughing it, pulling into Divide Bridge felt like checking into the Ritz. Then I noticed the sprinklers watering a manicured lawn in the middle of southwest Montana and genuinely did a double take.
Beautiful campground, stunning scenery in every direction, and free potable water that felt like a gift from the universe after Fishtrap. Sites are a bit close together, but I'm a country boy...
Payment options cover all generations — digital kiosk for the tech savvy and old school paper money for those of us who don't entirely trust the machines. Sarah Connor was right about a lot of things.
Do not forget mosquito spray. This is not a suggestion. Consider yourself warned. But seriously. Bathe in it.
The rock slide on the south side is apparently an easy hike to the top. I know this because my 17-year-old climbed it in his slides. Actual slides. On his feet. Teenagers are a different species.
Wade fishing is available right from camp, though the current here is considerably faster than the upper river. A couple of guys were wading after dinner and making it work, but honestly this section is better suited to floating. Good to know before you leave your drift boat at home.
Would return without hesitation.
Traveler⭐⭐⭐⭐ No shade. No water. No WiFi. No problem — if you knew what you were signing up for. If you didn't, Butte is about an hour away and they have everything you forgot, including sunscreen, which I apparently decided was optional. Spoiler: it is not.
Stock up before you arrive. Wise River has beer and ice. Everything else requires a field trip to Anaconda or Butte.
Nights are dead quiet and peaceful. Mornings are a different story — the Big Hole guide fleet arrives at dawn with boats, trailers, and zero concern for your sleep schedule. Bring earplugs or just embrace it.
Fishing was solid. Beware the whitefish. You'll know.
Restrooms were clean and well maintained, which honestly felt like a miracle given the remote location.
Stunning scenery in every direction. The Big Hole National Battlefield is nearby and absolutely worth a stop — just check the hours first. It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Not that anyone reads open/closed dates beforehand. Not that I would know anything about that. Gloriously far from everything else. Exactly as advertised.
TravelerReserved through Recreation.gov — easy process, well worth it. Easy to find, just know your loop — A or B matters. Sites are flat, paved, well spaced, and the outhouses were shockingly clean. Water pump nearby. Full 5G. Basically glamping at this point. Georgetown Lake is right there. Mountain views everywhere you look. One of the prettiest campgrounds in Montana, full stop. Fire rings are solid. Spacing is generous enough that I barely registered my neighbors — something about a toddler being enthusiastically towed around camp by Bo, a yellow lab operating completely outside the chain of command. Barely noticed. Bring sunscreen. The wind is relentless and you won't feel yourself turning into a strip of beef jerky until it's too late. Think twice before deploying your awning unless you've always wanted to track its flight path toward North Dakota. The campground hosts a thriving colony of what appear to be prairie dogs. They chirp. Constantly. You get used to it. Probably. Mosquitoes are rumored to exist here at sunset. The wind refused to let us confirm this. Bring repellant anyway — the wind takes days off occasionally. Exceptional spot. Would return without hesitation.
RangerThere are at least 16 sites along the river with 2 vault toilets.
ScoutVery nice RV park, tucked right along the Boulder River with a small creek running through the center of the campground. Some of the riverfront sites are truly lovely— peaceful, scenic, and exactly what you hope for when camping near the water. The little store is handy, and the shower houses and laundry were impressively clean. I do think the price runs a bit high for what you get. Also worth noting: the fishing pond is no longer there, though with that amazing river flowing by, you may not miss it. Con: It’s a bit of a drive off the highway, so plan for that extra time. Overall, a beautiful spot if you’re looking for a quiet river setting and don’t mind paying a little more for it.
TravelerAbsolutely breathtaking views, especially sunset over the lake. Very dog and kid friendly. Lots of dead fish though.
TravelerEveryone else has already said it - the traffic on 191 is nonstop and very annoying. Camphost keeps the place clean but the all night traffic was annoying. Where are all these people going at all times of the day and night.?
GuideTheres around 10 spots in this area. I was only one there other than one other person. Great view! Every single spot had a great view and just down the road to Yellowstone. Road there was fine, we just had some rainy weather so roads were a little sus. Subaru crosstrek approved! There were many animal bones around our campsite, which made us a little scared, but didn’t see any wildlife whatsoever. Overall, one of the best dispersed camping spots I’ve been to.
Camping in Montana offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From serene lakes to rugged mountains, there's something for everyone, whether you're a tent camper or an RV enthusiast.
Montana camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find RV-friendly camping sites in Montana?
Montana offers numerous RV-friendly camping options. North American RV Park & Yurt Village is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the West Glacier Park entrance with full hookups and amenities. Trout Creek Motel & RV Park near the Idaho border provides peaceful sites with easy access to local amenities. For those visiting Yellowstone, several RV parks around West Yellowstone offer convenient access to the national park. Many KOAs throughout Montana are excellent for RVers, featuring pull-through sites, full hookups, and amenities like laundry facilities and WiFi. National Forest campgrounds sometimes accommodate RVs, but check size restrictions and hookup availability before arrival.
Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Montana?
Montana offers several affordable camping options for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Peck Gulch Campground provides basic amenities like vault toilets and water access at minimal cost while offering stunning views. Indian Road Campground near Townsend offers reasonably priced camping along the Missouri River. Many National Forest campgrounds throughout Montana provide primitive camping for low fees, often between $5-15 per night. For completely free options, dispersed camping is allowed in most national forests with a 16-day stay limit. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas also offer free dispersed camping throughout the state. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations as they may change seasonally.
What are the best campgrounds in Montana for scenic views?
Montana offers breathtaking scenic views at numerous campgrounds. Crystal Lake Campground provides peaceful lakeside camping with clear waters, surrounding meadows filled with summer wildflowers, and beautiful hiking trails. Gird Point in the Bitterroot National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas from its elevated location. For riverside beauty, consider camping along the Madison River between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. Glacier National Park campgrounds are also exceptional for scenery, with options providing views of mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. The diverse landscapes across Montana ensure scenic camping experiences, whether you prefer mountain views, riverside serenity, or alpine lake settings.
What's the best time of year for camping in Montana?
The prime camping season in Montana runs from late June through early September when temperatures are most comfortable and high-elevation sites are accessible. Apgar Campground in Glacier National Park is typically open May through September, with July-August offering the warmest conditions. Basin Campground and other mountain locations shine in summer when wildflowers bloom and hiking trails are fully accessible. Be aware that summer wildfires can affect air quality, particularly in August. Spring (May-June) offers fewer crowds but potential snowmelt and mud. Fall (September-early October) brings beautiful colors and fewer visitors, though nights get quite cold. Most high-elevation campgrounds close by mid-October, while some lower-elevation sites remain open year-round with limited amenities.
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