Milltown area campgrounds sit at elevations of 3,200-3,500 feet, creating cool evenings even during summer's hottest days. The Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers converge near these campgrounds, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming and floating when water levels permit. Most campgrounds open from May through September, though several RV parks offer year-round accommodations.
What to do
Fishing access sites: Chief Looking Glass Campground provides multiple entry points to cast for trout. "There is a beautiful flat water river with two access points and locals tube and paddle here," notes Dave S., who appreciated the peaceful riverside setting.
Volleyball and lawn games: Square Dance Center and Campground offers facilities beyond standard camping. "They have games available for free (horseshoes, cornhole, frisbee golf, and more)," writes Kari L., who enjoyed the recreational options during summer visits.
River tubing: Thibodeau Fishing Access Site serves as both put-in and take-out point for float trips. "Great tubing down tibodeau falls and you finish up at the campsite. Good day spot!" mentions Bradley S., highlighting the popularity of summer water activities.
Mini-golf: Granite Peak RV Resort includes family-friendly recreation options. "Great amenities, well taken care of... mini golf," notes Riley F., though other reviewers mention the course needs maintenance.
What campers like
Wide tent sites: Missoula KOA Holiday offers dedicated tent areas with ample space. "The tent site was spacious and had outdoor lighting. Definitely had a lot more amenities than we are generally used to!" Vanessa M. shares about the tent camping experience.
Creative camping arrangements: Tent campers appreciate thoughtful site designs. Craig L. notes, "They have several very creative approaches to tent sites. The one that I am staying at has a tent circle, five sites in the round, facing outward, fenced on each side."
Clean bathrooms: Beavertail Hill State Park Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "Nature trail was fun and bathrooms were excellent. Very clean," writes Derek S., highlighting facilities often overlooked in camping reviews.
Riverside access: Many campgrounds feature direct water access. Nick T. at Thibodeau notes, "The site I was at had its own little stair set down to the river... plenty of space between sites for a more private experience."
What you should know
Train noise: Jim & Mary's RV Park sits near railroad tracks. "The train noise is not as bad as previous posts and actually looks pretty cool chugging along the mountain side," explains Travis B., suggesting the passing trains add character rather than nuisance.
Limited availability: Summer weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds. At Chief Looking Glass, Neil T. observed, "We got there about 4:30 in the middle of the week in late September and there was only one spot left."
Gate closures: Several fishing access sites restrict overnight entry and exit. "The gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so," Riley warns about access limitations.
Water quality notices: Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground occasionally has water advisories. "Staff provided jugs of water due to the water boil notice," notes Andrea B., appreciating the campground's response to temporary issues.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Milltown include children's play areas. At Ekstrom's Stage Station, Eugenia W. shares, "We pulled in and the kids were so excited! Wonderful people helped us to our spot, we set up camp, kids went to the playground."
Gem hunting excursions: Local attractions supplement campground activities. "I recommend heading out to gem mountain for some Montana sapphire hunting. Fun day trip, and was great for the kids," suggests Travis B. from Jim & Mary's RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Children enjoy the resident animals at some campgrounds. "My daughter wanted me to add that they have three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them," Craig L. mentions about his daughter's experience at Missoula KOA.
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide cooling recreation. Amanda L. notes that Thibodeau "is one of the largest runnable rapids on the Blackfoot river. Camping next to it is wonderful for the sounds of the river and for the excitement of swimming."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Pet-friendly RV sites vary in size and proximity. "Sites are gravel, mostly level and most sites have shade. The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do," explains Brenda L. about the layout at Jim & Mary's RV Park.
Hookup locations: RV connections sometimes require additional equipment. Jennifer H. at Missoula KOA Holiday mentions, "Need about 20 foot of sewer hose to reach the sewer drain," highlighting practical considerations for RV setup.
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds offer washing machines but limited drying options. Kari L. noted at Square Dance Center that "There is a washing machine available that I believe is free to use," though several campgrounds lack dryers, offering clotheslines instead.
Quiet season timing: Late September through early May offers less crowded camping. Calvin B. found "Quiet, tree-lined location. Friendly people. Bathroom and laundry rooms clean and functional" during shoulder season visits to Turah RV Park.
Ranger
