RV campgrounds near Missoula, Montana are positioned within the Clark Fork River valley at approximately 3,200 feet elevation, surrounded by multiple mountain ranges including the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains. Seasonal temperatures range dramatically from summer highs in the 90s to winter lows well below freezing, affecting campground availability and amenities. Several Missoula camping facilities remain open during winter months when occupancy drops significantly.
What to do
Explore ghost towns: Visitors staying at Bearmouth RV Park can access nearby historical sites. "Beautiful views here along the Clark Fork River with lots of things to do in the nearby area including visiting the Garnet Ghost town, Philipsburg, Deer Lodge, Anaconda, Butte and Missoula," notes one camper.
Soak in hot springs: Lolo Hot Springs Campground offers access to mineral waters across the highway. "The hot springs are $15 and worth the relaxation. This is old Montana so don't expect fancy, but unique," reports a recent visitor. The facility includes both indoor mineral baths and outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from 86-106 degrees.
Fish local waters: Creek access is available at several campgrounds for fishing opportunities. "We ended up booking here on the 4th and 5th of July and had a great time camping along the river, going to the hot springs across the street and walking the area," shares one visitor about their stay at Lolo Hot Springs RV Park.
What campers like
Well-maintained gardens: Jim & Mary's RV Park receives consistent praise for its landscaping. "This is one if the prettiest and cleanest campground we have ever stayed at. The sites are gravel, mostly level and most sites have shade. There is flowers everywhere and they have a sprinkler system to keep everything pretty," explains one reviewer.
Creek access: Water features enhance camping experiences at several locations. "Site seven also seemed really large compared to other as there was a large tree between the next site where we tied up a hammock," notes a camper about their waterfront spot at Lolo Hot Springs RV Park.
Family recreation options: Granite Peak RV Resort provides multiple activity options. "Nice amenities (mini golf, horse shoes, pool, dog park), close enough to town. Grass at our site," writes one guest. The resort formerly operated as Jellystone Park and maintains family-friendly facilities.
What you should know
Train noise: Railway lines run near several Missoula area campgrounds. "The only downside (if I had to find one) was the train close by that was very squeaky as it went by. But I never heard it during the night," reports a Jim & Mary's RV Park guest.
Water pressure varies: Shower facilities can differ significantly between parks. "The 'award winning bathrooms' says so right on the building...were nice all until you try to take a shower...SUPER SUPER low water pressure, I mean I'd be surprised if it wasn't more than 1/4 gallon a minute," notes one camper about Granite Peak.
Highway proximity: Traffic noise affects some campgrounds. "Interstate noise and the occasional train whistle would keep me from using the facility for nothing more than an overnight stop," writes a visitor about Bearmouth RV Park, though they still rated it 4 stars.
Tips for camping with families
Game room access: Boulder Creek Lodge offers indoor recreation options. "After we ate, we went down stairs to the game room and played pool, table soccer and checkers for about 4 hours," shares a family. "The game room and laundry open all night!"
Variety of accommodations: Multiple lodging types accommodate different family needs. "This campground is small but offers rv sites, cabins, teepees and covered wagons. So far on our month long trip (two weeks in) this is our family favorite!" notes a Boulder Creek Lodge guest.
Swimming opportunities: Creeks and pools provide water recreation. "This was perfect for our golden retriever as we could tie her on a long lead and she could swim her heart out," describes a Lolo Hot Springs RV Park visitor about their riverfront site.
Tips from RVers
Sewer hookup placement: Connection locations vary between parks and can require preparation. "Need about 20 foot of sewer hose to reach the sewer drain," warns a visitor about Granite Peak RV Resort's layout.
Overflow options: During peak periods, some parks accommodate last-minute arrivals. "We were exhausted and needed a place to stop on our way to Glacier National Park and we are so glad we decided to stop here. The hosts are friendly and helpful, and even though the park was full they got us settled in their overflow parking and ran an extension cord to our camper for power," explains a guest at Diamond S RV Park.
Mobile dump services: Some campgrounds offer pumping services for extended stays. "They offer a 'honey pot' mobile dump station where they come pump your sewage, sometimes offering a free dump for stays of a week or longer," notes a camper about their experience at Bearmouth RV Park.
