RV camping near Nye, Montana offers opportunities for both rugged and developed camping experiences in the foothills of the Beartooth and Absaroka mountain ranges. Located at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summer days with temperatures dropping significantly at night, even in July and August. Cell service throughout the region can be unreliable with mountainous terrain creating dead zones between campgrounds.
What to do
River activities: Yellowstone River access provides recreational opportunities at various campgrounds. At Yellowstone Edge RV Park, campers appreciate riverfront sites where "the river was about 15 feet from our back door, absolutely beautiful!" according to one visitor. This location offers convenient river access for fishing or simply enjoying the water views.
Scenic drives: Beartooth Scenic Byway leads to remarkable mountain vistas. A visitor to Perry's RV and Campgrounds recommends "spending one day driving Beartooth Scenic Byway and then crossover Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Stop at the lookouts!" The drive offers dramatic elevation changes and alpine scenery within 90 minutes of most area campgrounds.
Local exploration: Reed Point town walking tour can be completed in under an hour. "Basically, downtown in a population 96 town of 4 blocks," notes a guest at Old West RV Park, who adds there's "a very nice and friendly little bar in easy walking distance. If you have a quarter, you can hammer it in the wall at the bar and sign your name."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds feature sites directly on waterways. One camper at Perry's RV described how "tent sites give you a primitive feel and are right on the heavy flowing Rock Creek making sleeping nice." The water sounds provide natural white noise that helps mask any nearby road sounds.
Communal atmosphere: Social opportunities exist at many parks. A visitor to Yellowstone Edge RV Park mentioned they have a "communal campfire every night" and the park is "right on the river with benches to sit and enjoy the water." These shared spaces facilitate meeting fellow travelers.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high in camper satisfaction. At Mountain Range RV Park, one reviewer noted the "women's bathroom is brand spanking new, and really cool looking which tells me this park is just gonna continue to grow and upgrade." Another camper added the park has "nice level spots with lots of space."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, "the mosquitoes in the area can carry you away so prepare your campsite for that," warns one camper who stayed for multiple nights.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. The route to Osen's RV Park by Starry Night Lodging features "a bit bumpy and trees on both sides, so be careful coming in if you have a big rig." This is particularly important for wider motorhomes or those towing trailers.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. A typical operating season runs "April 15 to October 15" at Mountain Range RV Park, with similar schedules at other facilities. Few options exist for late fall or early spring camping.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Water features provide entertainment for children. At Big Timber-Greycliff KOA, visitors observe "lots of kids having a blast at the pool, riding their bikes and playing in the creek that borders the campground." The campground also features "an enormous jumping pillow" that one visitor notes is "definitely a treat, even for adults!"
Budget considerations: Tent camping costs less than cabins or RV sites. One family reported tent sites at Big Timber-Greycliff KOA were "about $37 a night" during peak season. Some campgrounds offer primitive sites at lower rates than those with utilities.
Foraging opportunities: Seasonal berries grow at some campgrounds. A visitor to Big Timber-Greycliff KOA mentioned "there are raspberries bushes around the pool that you can pick. We made raspberry jam on the fire. Chokecherry trees surround the camp grounds that can also be picked."
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: Well-positioned hookups make setup easier. At Old West RV Park, "the utility connections were thoughtfully centered on the pad, making setup a breeze," according to one RVer, who appreciated the design for its convenience.
WiFi connectivity: Internet access varies significantly between parks. At Big Timber-Greycliff KOA, a visitor reported "great WIFI and AT&T coverage," while others noted stronger Verizon signals at most parks in the region.
Overflow options: When parks fill up, some offer dry camping alternatives. One RVer recounted how at Livingston RV Park & Campground, "when I mention that I guess I would sleep at a rest area she said oh do you dry camp and I said yes I do and she goes oh we have room in our field if you'd like to dry camp here." This option cost $20 instead of the usual full-hookup rate.
