Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Missoula, MT

Extremely rustic and totally gorgeous small camp along the Rock Creek in Montana.  The drive in was beautiful, with a road that passed south from Missoula/Clinton through a small valley with private properties that would be the envy of any aspiring Montana property owner.  Deer, Moose, and other wildlife are all present as you cross into the forest land there.  The road does become a bit less maintained as you go further South.

The campsite is small, but picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets are on site.  We did have our bear spray handy, but no bear were spotted.  We only stayed only one night on our road trip West, but have I have recalled this location often as one of the best sites we have ever stayed at.  The magic of watching fly fishermen work their way up the creek has stayed with me for many years.  Total magic in beautiful Montana.

Unplanned road trip from Seattle to Glacier NP. I had planned on staying in Missoula for the night, or at least camping close. It was terribly hot, around 100 degrees at 8pm. We started heading south from Missoula into Lolo Ntl Forest towards Idaho. Every campground we came across was full. Almost to Idaho, we pulled into this lovely place. We pulled into the upper (left) side. There were not many folks camping here, but the right or lower side was full. It was quiet, the vault toilet was clean and stocked. Our site was cut into a steep hill. Tent pad and table were level, but be careful heading the couple feet down to the car. The woods behind us gave me a little pause about bears and wildlife, but we were just fine. It was cool, shady, and quiet. A lovely last night to our trip before pushing back home.

You won't find a more beautiful drive than Hwy 12 through Idaho! I wish I would have taken pictures but I must have been camera'd out after our time in Glacier.

This is a National Forest campground about 25 miles from Missoula. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and they were spacious and VERY clean. Our site was HUGE and so beautiful. Bass Creek was maybe 50 yards from the camper and is so clear! Fishing wouldn't be great at that location, as the creek is fairly shallow. The parking spot for the camper was super level asphalt, and plenty Ling enough for our 33.5' fifth wheel. Due to lower branches on the drive through the campground, we wouldn't recommend higher profile rigs. Ours sits at 13', and we felt that anything much taller than that might have clearance issues. There's a group spot for 12-20 people, as well as a spot for bicycle camping. There are some amazing trails for hiking, biking, and also horses. We really enjoyed this area!

Gird Point Campground which is located in the Bitterroot National Forest is gorgeous. I love camping in Montana- I honestly have never had a bad experience camping anywhere in Montana. Gird Point is definitely no exception. My favorite part about this campsite is that it is located at the top of a peak. Camping on this peak definitely has gorgeous views, no doubt. There are three different mountain ranges that you are able to look out and see. Honestly, this is the best thing to wake up to. Talk about picturesque. You are able to stay in the lookout which has two beds that you are able to put your sleeping bags/pads on, and the lookout sleeps 4 people. When I went, we did have 4 people and it fit us pretty well. There is also a wood stove that works great for heating up water and cooking. The lookout also comes with some utensils and other amenities. Obviously, you do need to bring your own bathing supplies, sleeping supplies, food and drinks. You are able to drive to a certain point and then you do have to hike the remainder of the length to the lookout. The hike isn't too bad.