Miles City serves as a central hub for camping adventures in southeastern Montana, situated along the Yellowstone River at an elevation of 2,362 feet. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the ideal camping season. While traditional campgrounds are common in the region, visitors seeking yurt camping near Miles City, Montana can find several options within driving distance of this ranching community.
What to do
River exploration: Visit the Yellowstone River where campers enjoy rock collecting and cooling off during hot Montana summers. At Miles City KOA, one visitor mentioned, "Quick hike down to the Yellowstone River where there is great rock picking and it's the perfect spot to cool off in the middle of a hot Montana summer."
Local history tours: Explore the Range Riders Museum located in Miles City, which showcases the area's rich ranching and pioneer history. The museum is within walking distance of downtown, making it accessible for campers. As one reviewer at Big Sky Campground & RV Park noted, the location is "close to lots of trails" for those looking to combine outdoor activities with cultural exploration.
Downtown exploration: Visit Montana's oldest bar just a short walk from camping areas. A camper mentioned, "There are a few restaurants and stores in town to check out such as the oldest bar in MT!" This historic establishment offers a glimpse into the region's past while providing refreshments after a day of outdoor activities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern restrooms and showers receive consistent praise from visitors. One camper at Miles City KOA stated, "The showers are very nice and very clean. Probably the best part of our trip generally, the place looks like it has been recently updated and is pretty nice."
Pool access: Heated swimming options provide relief during hot summer days. According to a visitor, "This place is very relaxing a great little heated pool, playground and dog park (our dog loves being off leash!) super clean bathrooms and a great communal pavilion with grills to use."
Convenient location: Walking access to town amenities allows campers to enjoy both natural settings and urban conveniences. A reviewer appreciated that certain sites are "Walking distance to downtown and to the Yellowstone river. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Shaded level sites."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects some campgrounds with nighttime disturbances possible. One camper reported, "It is also RIGHT next to a train track which ran all night," suggesting light sleepers should bring earplugs when yurt camping in Miles City, Montana areas.
Bridge clearance restrictions: Low bridges limit RV access on certain routes into campgrounds. A helpful tip from a visitor warns, "Pay attention to the directions given to get into the campground as there is an 11' clearance bridge in town."
Cash or check only: Some facilities have limited payment options without credit card processing. At one campground, a visitor noted they "only accept cash or checks, no credit cards. Place was clean and well kept but like a typical RV park spaces were pretty much right next to each other."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple recreation options for children keep younger campers entertained. One family mentioned, "A nice playground for kids. A community patio and grille was available too if you were interested."
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential especially during warmer months. A camper advised, "Bring bug spray as there are quite a few mosquitoes, but the tent sites are clean and they pick up garbage every morning from your site!"
Cicada awareness: Seasonal insect noise can be loud during summer months. One visitor observed, "The cicadas were pretty loud, but that's inevitable! Nice, clean showers and bathrooms were a plus on my long trip!"
Tips from RVers
Affordable maintenance stop: Convenient services for cross-country travelers make Miles City a practical refueling point. A passing RVer stated, "We just used this as a place to refuel, buy groceries, do laundry, etc. Very pretty campground and staff were very friendly."
Patio site selection: Premium spots with additional amenities offer enhanced comfort. One RVer recommended, "We opted for a patio site and it had the cutest wooden swing to relax in after a weary-making day on the road."
Laundry facilities: On-site washing machines typically cost around $2 per load. According to a reviewer staying at alternative accommodations to yurt camping in Miles City, they had "full hook ups with a pool, showers and a laundromat for two dollars, each and two dollars each load."
