Best Campgrounds near Ovando, MT

Campgrounds near Ovando, Montana cluster around fishing access sites and state parks along the Blackfoot River drainage. Monture Creek Campground provides a small, established camping area with five primitive sites that support both tent and RV camping, while fishing access sites such as Upsata Lake and Harry Morgan offer additional camping options. The area features a mix of developed campgrounds with basic amenities and fishing access sites that double as campgrounds, typically offering fire rings and picnic tables without hookups. Most locations are situated along rivers or lakes, making them popular destinations for anglers and water enthusiasts.

Road conditions and accessibility vary throughout the region, with many campgrounds requiring travel on gravel roads. Several fishing access sites have limited parking and turn-around space that may challenge larger RVs or trailers. As one camper noted, "The road back to the campground would be tough for trailers, I think." Weather and seasonal conditions significantly affect camping opportunities, with most locations open from May through September. Winter access is limited due to snow and road closures. Fees typically range from $12 per night for Montana residents with fishing licenses to $18 for non-residents at fishing access sites, while state parks may have different fee structures and reservation systems.

Campers consistently highlight water access as a key feature of the area's campgrounds. Many sites sit directly adjacent to the Blackfoot River or nearby lakes, providing excellent fishing and recreation opportunities. A visitor to Upsata Lake described it as an "Absolutely gorgeous medium-sized lake about 4 miles off a dirt road" with good fishing for "Bass, Pike and Perch." Privacy varies considerably between locations, with some campers noting limited separation between sites at certain campgrounds. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly those closest to Highway 200. Most campgrounds provide vault toilets but lack potable water, electricity, or dump stations, requiring visitors to arrive self-contained. Bears are present in the area, and proper food storage is essential, with some campgrounds offering bear boxes for food storage.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ovando, Montana (119)

    1. Salmon Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 677-3731

    $24 / night

    "Well managed, clean, and pretty campground with views through the trees of Salmon Lake. Best access to the lake is from the day use and boat ramp area south of the campground."

    "If having access to your car and a shower are your thing, this campground is perfect."

    2. Harpers Lake

    7 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "It’s $12 a night per campground if you have your Montana’s fishing license, camp spots are right next to the river with easy access."

    "Good spot that’s just short of salmon and seely lake. It gets really packed in the summer but if you can go earlier in the year or mid week should be ok."

    3. Placid Lake State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 677-3874

    $24 / night

    "This was my first camping experience in Montana. It is in a quiet and peaceful setting. My campsite was marked with a yellow tag. It wasn’t busy or crowded."

    "It was a great stop through Montana."

    4. Monture Creek

    4 Reviews
    Ovando, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 677-2233

    "Two just off of Hwy 200 and three more back away from the highway. Monture Creek has good trout fishing with the creek being only about 100 feet from the campsites."

    "Campsite are separated a good distance, not very many. There might be hookups in the round end of the, not positive. Fire pits available. 2 Bathrooms available. Large picnic benches."

    5. Russell Gates Memorial

    4 Reviews
    Ovando, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "This charming campsite East of the small and charming town of Ovando, Montana, is more than a boat launch, it's a camping way of life."

    "You can walk right into the river from your campsite."

    6. Seeley Lake Lolo Campground (MT) — Lolo National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    20 miles
    +1 (406) 677-2233

    $20 / night

    "Great campsite with many spots available for both tents and RVs, lake is gentle enough for swimming and boating, nice walk around the campsites, bathrooms and water pumps available."

    "It was very well kept and close to the town of Seeley Lake which we liked. The campground was very quiet and the beach area was nice and relaxing."

    7. Upsata Lake

    2 Reviews
    Ovando, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    $12 - $18 / night

    "Upsata Fishing Access campground is located four miles north of Montana Highway 200.  This is a pleasant small five site campground.  "

    "Absolutely gorgeous medium-sized lake about 4 miles off a dirt road. Campsite has five closely connected campsites. It is usually a pretty busy waterway."

    8. Lost Moose Meadows Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lincoln, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 204-0424

    "The views are so serene with the RV’s being in a meadow surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides. The RV’s are spaced out a good distance apart where you aren’t on top of each other."

    "This is the nicest RV park we have stayed in in Montana! They have very large spaces with lots of room between guest spots! We were there for 8 days and already have 3 more resevations for 2026."

    9. Harry Morgan

    2 Reviews
    Ovando, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "Harry Morgan Fishing Access Site provides fishing access to the Blackfoot River and is a small three site campground."

    10. River Junction

    1 Review
    Ovando, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535
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Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Ovando, MT

447 Reviews of 119 Ovando Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lost Moose Meadows Campground

    Great campground

    Awesome spot, the owners make everything super clear. You can book online and when you get there, there’s a little packet with your info. Only complaint is it’s very bare, no trees in sight for shade. Otherwise the views were great!! Would be back!

  • Bille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    7R Guest Ranch Motel & RV Park

    Lovely area very quiet

    We were the only nomads all the other campers were local seasonal fishing guides so it was very quiet. The lodge and rooms are nice.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Indian Creek RV Campground

    Great place to stop and regroup

    Grounds are nice and clean. Laundry room and bathrooms are very clean. Host is very nice. Bring your own WiFi.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Lost Moose Meadows Campground

    Lost Moose Meadows

    Awesome view! Super friendly owners. Great place to relax. Very quiet considering you’re just off a highway.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Boulder Creek Lodge

    Boulder Creek

    This is the prettiest little RV park/ campground with lovely little cabins alongside a wonderful creek. Something for everyone here and absolutely delightful. The game room and laundry open all night ! Dog friendly.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Missoula KOA Holiday

    Better options available

    I would not stay here again. We are in our RV camping as a family approximately 70 days a year. Not a ton but enough that we’ve got some experience. We stayed in campground in 46 of the 50 states. This KOA price rivals Key West, on the beach in the Florida panhandle, glacier national park koa at peak summer and posh resorts of the south east with elaborate water parks, lazy rivers and margarita delivery daily. This camp ground does not have the bells and whistles to justify this price. We paid for a deluxe extra wide site. We have a 27ft Class C with a drivers side slide. Not a tiny RV but by no means large. When being directed to our site I was asked to move over so our tires weren’t near the grass. They were near the grass on both sides. I indicated if I moved over my slide wouldn’t open all the way due to the power box. I was nonetheless asked to move. So I did. And here we are with the slide 4 inches from going out all the way and bugs having free rein to enter thru the now non sealed siding. If that were all I might just move on… but kids are $10 extra per night?!? On top of the already $130 campsite fee. So many KOA’s don’t charge extra for kids - we come here because we have kids… who else would come to a KOA?!? Don’t charge extra per kid! I’m in now in excess of $160 for one night for a uneven gravel site, under a glaringly bright white street light making it nearly daylight inside the motorhome, attracting bugs to a slide that isn’t sealed because the site isn’t wide enough to open … and being charged extra. My first ever negative review at those level. Just so so sad. I’d stay at the Glacier, Jim & Mary’s etc. we tried this one because the pool was open late but… not worth 2-3x the price of nicer campground nearby

    Ps - online when we booked it said “last site” hurry book now in essence. Alas… there are multiple campsites empty on both sides. Front and back are full but the ones.. not under the light… are empty….

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lichen Cliff

    Nice spot

    This has a large pullout from the road. It is along the creek, which is pretty. It has a fire pit and a picnic table. I probably won’t stay here again because Montana charges $18 a night for non-residents. It’s too expensive for essentially a parking spot.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    Interesting spot

    Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn’t recommend a rv or trailer unless you don’t mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks. The pin is at just a pull off on the side of the road. Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side. (Only in a truck). Awesome sunset spot and no one bothered me

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Rock Creek Dry Campsites

    Best secluded spots

    Gorgeous area deep back on rock creek. Probably 10 plus miles. Pass campgrounds with toilets. Individual campsites with fire rings and access to great fishing.


Guide to Ovando

Camping near Ovando, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campers enjoy the nearby lakes for fishing and swimming. One visitor at Beavertail Hill State Park Campground mentioned, "Great little spot hidden in the mountains," perfect for a day by the water.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, with one camper at Holland Lake Campground recommending the waterfall hike, saying, "Highly recommend the waterfall hike too."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A family at Holland Lake Campground spotted a black bear nearby, adding excitement to their trip.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A reviewer at Placid Lake State Park Campground noted, "The camp hosts were top notch and were very present in site. Very clean and orderly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Big Larch Campground said, "Campsites are close together but there are nice trails, clean vault toilets, picnic tables."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise. A camper at Lost Moose Meadows Campground shared, "The owners are very down to earth wonderful and eager to assist with whatever you may need."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. A visitor at Beavertail Hill State Park Campground warned, "There were literal swarms of mosquitoes."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Seeley Lake Lolo Campground mentioned, "Nice camp sites pipes broken no water at sites or bathrooms."
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or trains. A camper at Drummond Community Park noted, "Occasional train goes by but much rather that than noise of trucks in Walmart parking lots."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so pack some bug spray. A family at Holland Lake Campground advised, "Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. A camper at Salmon Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed exploring all the trails leading down to and along the lake."
  • Check for Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Placid Lake State Park Campground recommended reserving ahead to ensure a spot.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Lost Moose Meadows Campground noted, "It’s big rig friendly, which is a bonus for us."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if electric hookups are available. A camper at Salmon Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We lucked out and got a site with water and electricity."
  • Be Prepared for Dirt Roads: Some campgrounds may have unpaved access roads. A visitor at Harpers Lake shared, "The road getting in is dirt and gravel with some potholes but nothing a travel trailer or midsize 5th wheel couldn’t do."

Camping near Ovando, Montana, offers a unique experience with its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the local environment!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to camp near Ovando, MT?

The prime camping season near Ovando runs from late spring through early fall (May through September), with summer offering the most reliable weather. Fall can be particularly magical at Chief Looking Glass Campground with its riverside sites and peaceful atmosphere. Benchmark is also excellent in summer and early fall, providing access to wilderness areas for hiking and horseback riding. Montana's mountain weather can be unpredictable, with potential for snow as early as September or as late as June at higher elevations. July and August typically offer the warmest temperatures but can occasionally bring thunderstorms. Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions from snowmelt, while services and water availability may be limited in shoulder seasons.

What amenities are available at campgrounds around Ovando, Montana?

Campgrounds near Ovando typically offer basic amenities suitable for those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience. Upsata Lake provides picnic tables and fire rings at each of its five sites, plus a vault toilet serving the campground. Harpers Lake offers similar amenities with fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms available during warmer seasons. Most sites in the area are primitive with limited facilities—expect vault toilets rather than flush facilities, no hookups, and often no running water. For those needing more amenities, you'll need to venture farther from Ovando to places like Beavertail Hill State Park Campground, which offers more developed facilities.

Where can I find camping spots near Ovando, MT?

Ovando, MT offers several camping options along the scenic Blackfoot River. Russell Gates Memorial provides riverfront camping east of town with beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. Another excellent option is Monture Creek, a small campground with five sites near Highway 200 that offers good trout fishing access. Additional spots include Harpers Lake, which provides riverside camping for $12 per night if you have a Montana fishing license, and Upsata Lake Fishing Access, located just four miles north of Highway 200 with five well-maintained sites. Most of these campgrounds are first-come, first-served.