Cascade Campground provides rustic camping 3 miles from Paradise, Montana at an elevation of 2,600 feet. Located along the Clark Fork River, it features spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings but no electrical hookups. The campground typically opens in May and closes in September, with temperatures ranging from 40°F at night to 80°F during summer days.
What to do
Fishing the Clark Fork River: Access prime fishing spots directly from Cascade Campground where anglers can catch trout and other species. "Nice National Forest Campground. The sites are large and private with large areas for tables and fire rings. Great access to the river for fishing," notes Robert A.
Soak in local hot springs: Drive 15 minutes to enjoy mineral pools at Wild Horse Hot Springs. "Beautiful views all around. $35 for tent spot and $14 per person to soak in their hot spring pools," explains one visitor who appreciated the variety of soaking options.
Hiking nearby mountains: The area offers trails ranging from easy to challenging with elevation gains of 500-2,000 feet. Kreis Pond area trails provide scenic views of multiple mountain ranges. "Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close. Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end," advises Kirsten R.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Sloway Campground offers well-spaced campsites with natural barriers. "This is an absolutely lovely rustic campground. It offers clean pit toilets, trash receptacles, large private sites, many of which are pull through," writes Lisa K., who appreciated the campground's layout.
River access: Many campsites provide direct water access for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the view. "Lots of camp sites right on the river. Spaced out very nicely. You can hear some highway traffic and the train does come right up next to the river," reports Mai-Lien T.
Peace and quiet: Despite occasional train noise, many campgrounds maintain a tranquil atmosphere. "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities," writes Tom N. about Kreis Pond Campground, a small but peaceful option near Paradise.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Trains run frequently along the Clark Fork River with mandatory horn signals at crossings. "We ended up not staying here. We didn't know there were trains running all night long. It wouldn't be so bad without the whistle. If only we had earplugs, I think that would have helped a lot," cautions Nancy C. about Sloway Campground.
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds near Paradise offer basic facilities. "It's just a few spaces arranged in a loop next to the roadway. A couple clean bathrooms with pit toilets. No ranger or host on-site, just put cash in an envelope and drop it off, similar to other USFS sites," explains Rich P. about Cascade Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most sites operate from May through September with limited off-season options. Jocko Hollow remains accessible longer into fall. "This campground is nice and small and tucked away so that you can explore the woods and wilderness around it. It is very well kept and a great value for the price," notes Douglas M.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping options: For families seeking comfort, Big Arm State Unit offers yurt accommodations near Paradise, Montana. "The most amazing way to stay here is in a yurt! These circular traditional structures are an experience not soon forgotten by kids or adults alike," shares Kent B.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds feature natural play areas, fishing access, and hiking suitable for various ages. "This park is gorgeous, most of the sites are along the water, and there's a boat launch and hiking trails too," explains Juliana H. about Big Arm State Park.
Entertainment options: When weather turns challenging, consider campgrounds with additional amenities. Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA offers "mini golf, bikes, paddle boats, and arcade games. Lots of spaces. Free breakfast in the morning was a great touch," according to Chad L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVers visiting Paradise region, check site dimensions before booking. "Our site was right on the lake. We enjoyed a very lazy day hanging out, reading and swimming," reports Stephanie S., who found Big Arm State Park accommodating.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer limited hookups, so prepare for partial or no connections. "Booked a premium tent space for our tent trailer but the space for it was too small for it and our vehicle. Upon acknowledging the issue at the desk, the ladies had a simple solution at no extra charge and made accommodations very easy for us," shares Amanda Z. about Missoula KOA Holiday.
Access considerations: Many roads leading to campgrounds near Paradise feature gravel sections with limited turnaround space. "Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road," warns Tom N. about reaching some of the more remote camping locations.
