RV campsites around Norris, Montana sit between 4,700 and 5,800 feet elevation in the Gallatin Valley, positioned between mountain ranges. The region experiences warm, dry summers with temperatures ranging from 60-85°F and cool evenings that often drop below 50°F. Thunderstorms occur frequently in July and August, particularly in the late afternoons.
What to do
Fishing access: Madison River Campground provides excellent opportunities for anglers. "Great place to stay and enjoy floating, fishing, and tubing," notes one visitor to Madison River Campground. The campground's proximity to the Madison River makes it ideal for water activities.
Hot springs relaxation: The nearby hot springs pools offer varied temperatures for soaking. At Bozeman Hot Springs Campground, visitors enjoy "indoor and outdoor pools vary in temperature from 106-56 degrees, with most comfortable temps." The facility includes twelve different pools, making it popular even during bad weather.
Historical exploration: Local towns offer mining-era buildings and exhibits. "Lots to do nearby: hot pots, Virginia City, Nevada City. Rich history with gold boom in the 1940s," explains a camper at Ennis RV Village.
What campers like
Mountain views: Multiple campgrounds feature panoramic mountain scenery. "Overlooks a bluff with gorgeous view," reports one camper about Ennis RV Village. Another notes the "lovely view of mountain ranges" that makes the site memorable.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. A visitor to Yellowstone Edge RV Park commented, "The restrooms, laundry, and all of the grounds are spotless. The owners are so helpful and friendly."
Quieter weekdays: For those seeking more solitude, mid-week visits offer less crowded conditions. As one reviewer at Madison River Campground notes, "It's usually busy Friday thru Sunday but weekdays it's awesome." This pattern is consistent throughout the region's campgrounds.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. At Fairy Lake Campground, "the 6-mile unmaintained road to get to the campground is definitely rough. The warnings are justified—it's bumpy, rocky, and slow going."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife visitors to your campsite. "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent. Mountain Goats will come in your camp and they will do what goats do and want to check you out. They are not scared," warns a camper at Fairy Lake Campground.
Seasonal business hours: Local establishments often close mid-week during certain seasons. "Many businesses close midweek, either Tuesday or Wednesday or both," notes a visitor to Ennis RV Village.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some RV parks offer dedicated play areas for children. Cardwell General Store and Campground includes family-friendly features as noted by one camper: "The kids loved the playground and tons of open grass space and swings throughout, and they also have a pond that you can even fish in on site."
Budget-friendly options: Look for campgrounds with extra amenities included in the rate. Cardwell General Store and Campground offers "cheap fuel & a free laundry. Beautiful grassy grounds & some great scenery," according to a recent visitor.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide additional entertainment during your stay. "There was a band playing some oldies until 11p," mentions a camper at Cardwell General Store and Campground, highlighting the on-site activities available beyond standard camping.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many RV parks provide well-maintained, level parking pads. At Sportsman Lodge, Cabins & RV Park, "The sites themselves are level on gravel. No pull-throughs, but plenty of space to maneuver."
Hookup reliability: Full hookups with reliable service are available at most established campgrounds. "We'll laid out. Long sites. Plenty of room between sites. Full hookups, WiFi, Verizon cell service," reports a visitor to Ennis RV Village.
Spacing considerations: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. While some offer privacy, others place RVs closer together. At Bozeman Hot Springs Campground, "the sites are close together, not horrible but not a lot of space between you and your neighbor," explains a reviewer.
