Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Monarch, MT has a lot to offer. Monarch is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Many Pines Campground
19 min away
Spring Creek
1 hr 25 min away
"It is right next to the highway so it can have bad highway noise. But really close to lots of nice hikes and fishing holes. I did not get cell phone service with Verizon."
"The river is across the highway."
"First camp we stayed at on a week long trip to Montana. We came on a weekday, so hardly any one there."
"This is a great place if you want to get away from Great Falls for a night or two. Each campsite has a fire pit, picnic table and a decent amount of trees."
"This place is off the beaten path but aren’t all the best spots? You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet!"
"So if everything by the road is taken just drive down a side road and you will probably find something!"
"Each campground has cabins which hold about 11 people and tent spaces out side. The cabin do have semi-decent heating, but not AC."
"Many are on a two-tier level and actually have steps with railings to go down or up to the picnic table and fire pit. There is a water with pump handle and a couple pit toilets, but that’s it!"
"No phone service so you can really get away from everyday life. It is in the lewis and clark national forest so help isn't too far away. There should also be onsite caretakers."
"There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you."
$55 / night
"Creek nearby for water (or campground a few miles up road has well and spring with potable water). Lots of activities nearby rock hounding/fossils, hikes, small waterfall, swimming in creek."
$15 / night
"Dry Wolf is a beautiful area of Montana. 4-Wheeling seems to be popular in the area. There are lovely streams, nice mountains and cool cliffs all near Stanford."
"Right off the road but feels pretty tucked away. Shared the camp with 3 small RVs but everyone had plenty of space. The are has been cleared of timber and there was plenty of wood laying around."
"We stayed right next to the creek and had a very peaceful stay with beautiful scenery"
GuideWe arrived at about 5 on a Friday night and a lot of the spots where taken. Traffic kept rolling untill about 9 of people looking for spots. So if you want to stay on a Friday get there early lol. Sights are nice and have a fire pit we were east of the dam so our creek wasn’t dry. There are alot of spots with roads though them with multiple spread out sites. So if everything by the road is taken just drive down a side road and you will probably find something!
TravelerMost sites have water access. The water is a creek (no fish). The water is refreshing. The sites are a nice mix of trees and open space. If you have starlink you can get a good view of the sky.
GuideAmazing time here. Many spots. My only two complaints is people leave their trash. So pack out what you bring in. Second if you are shooting have enough insight to know where your bullets are going.
Views are amazing and the place is great.
GuideMy husband and I started hiking up here long before we ever camped. 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. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you. If your up for hauling in your stuff and back out and don't mind not having access to a bathroom or a fire pit and as we did sleeping under the stars it's a perfect place to try
GuideThis place is off the beaten path but aren’t all the best spots? You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet! Cute little homestead town as you pull up to the road and the road is well maintained! Wild life wild flowers and large pull off areas that are well groomed. I can’t understand why this place is not visited more often!
LegendWe booked online and got a super helpful email with everything we needed—directions, campground info, Wi-Fi password, rules, and even a bridge clearance warning at Exit 244(“Canyon Access”). Since our rig stands tall at 13’ 6”, we played it safe and took the Hardy exit instead. Smooth sailing right to the park! Camp hosts Jesse and Ronnie gave us a warm welcome and guided us into FHU Site 8. We did a bit of the ol’ RV shuffle to back in our 40’ 5th wheel(thanks to a small drop-off across the road), but with a few adjustments, we were in and leveled. The site was nice and long, with room to park across, and hookups were well placed—electric toward the back, water and sewer mid-site. Connectivity check: Verizon gave us 1 bar, T-Mobile 2 bars, and the campground Wi-Fi wasn’t too shabby(6.03 Mbps down/ 1.05 up). But for streaming, our T-Mobile home internet saved the day with blazing 59.4 down. The bath house and laundry area were clean and convenient, with 2 washers and 2 dryers($2 each). There’s a fenced dog area too, great for traveling pups. The real magic here is the setting—nestled in a peaceful valley that muffles I-15, this place is a nature-lover’s dream. We spotted deer casually strolling through the campground and bighorn sheep doing their thing up on the rocks. The park is spacious, beautifully laid out, and refreshingly quiet—most folks are out fishing during the day and resting easy at night. No playground means fewer kids, so if you’re looking for tranquility, this is your spot. The Missouri Inn Restaurant and Bar, right next to the campground, served one of the best cheeseburgers we've had on our travels. Just up the road in Cascade, the 486 Market was surprisingly well-stocked with reasonable prices. It also has a gas station with diesel, offers 20 lb propane cylinder exchanges, and fills propane tanks. After over 300 campgrounds in the past 7 years, Prewett Creek easily lands in our top 10. And Jesse and Ronnie? Top-tier hosts—friendly, helpful, and genuinely great people. We’ll definitely be back, and next time, we’re staying longer!
ScoutThe gate was closed and does not open until May 15. I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime. Since it’s on a mountain, the amount of flat areas are limited so it’s first come first serve. I took my bike and rode the Road a little bit and found an opening with an amazing spot to put up a hammock. There are absolutely no amenities here and you’re required a shovel and bucket if you were camping pack everything out and leave no trace. You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made. There are bullet holes everywhere in signs and remnants of shells everywhere to be honest the vibe was very off almost eerie and deadening silence. I did not really enjoy the vibe, but that was me personally I’m sure you’ll enjoy this very much.
TravelerI have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years. I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years. I return every year to visit family. The concrete pads are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level. Water, sewer and electric are provided. There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp. A laundry and men and women's shower house is at the entrance.
The MAFB "Annex Campground" is located in a corner on base. This is the original campground and has not been updated in over 30 years. The gravel spaces are close together, mostly back in, and small. Showers are available at the base gym across the road and laundry is at the off base campground.
The base doesn't have an active runway so planes are not taking off at all hours but you will hear lots of helicopters.
Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that. There is a lot of water nearby to enjoy on the Missouri river.
GuideThere was no sign for this campsite on the highway. I just pulled off the highway where it said access to National Forest, and it appeared fairly close to the highway. There were only half a dozen sites or so, and no amenities. And of course, no cost. I think the actual Moose Creek Campground is farther up the road and away from the highway. But this was perfect for someone who is caravaning and needed a quick place to stop. It's right on the creek and it was delightful. There was one other camper in there the evening I was there.
Camping near Monarch, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Monarch, Montana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Monarch, Montana?
The Monarch area offers several excellent camping options. Dry Wolf Campground is a beautiful spot in the region with lovely streams, nice mountains, and cool cliffs nearby. The area is particularly popular for 4-wheeling enthusiasts looking to explore North Central Montana. Another good option is Belt Creek on Hughesville Road, which provides drive-in access and is big-rig friendly. For campers seeking more rustic experiences, exploring the nearby national forest areas offers quieter camping opportunities with fewer amenities but more seclusion.
What amenities are available at Monarch campgrounds in Montana?
Amenities vary across Monarch area campgrounds. Ackley Lake State Park Campground offers metal fire rings and picnic tables at most sites, with vault toilets available but no running water or trash service. Montana residents can camp for free, while non-residents pay $24 per night. For more developed options, Great Falls KOA provides comprehensive amenities including a swimming pool, nice showers, and proximity to town services while still offering a true camping experience. Most basic forest service campgrounds in the area typically provide vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, with varying levels of site privacy and accessibility.
What outdoor activities can you do while camping near Monarch, MT?
The Monarch area is an outdoor recreation paradise with diverse activities. Near Aspen Campground, you'll find excellent hiking trails and fishing holes perfect for anglers. 4-wheeling is particularly popular throughout the region, with numerous forest roads to explore. Mid-Canon Fishing Access Site provides exceptional fishing opportunities for those looking to catch trout in local streams. Swimming is available at several nearby lakes, wildlife viewing (including possible moose sightings in early mornings) adds to the experience, and the scenic mountain landscapes offer excellent photography opportunities year-round.
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