Best Campgrounds near Plains, MT

Camping options near Plains, Montana include several free dispersed sites along the Clark Fork River as well as developed campgrounds with varying amenities. The Lolo National Forest Recreation Area provides numerous primitive camping spots with river access, while National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula offers secluded sites between the river and railway. For those seeking more amenities, Nugget RV Resort and Off The Beaten Path Glampground provide developed options including cabins, while Sloway Campground offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations approximately 15 miles southwest of Plains.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites accessible via gravel roads that may become difficult in wet conditions. Most dispersed camping areas around Plains have a 6-day stay limit according to forest service regulations. "Great spot with plenty of room for activities, campers, tents, hammocks, and friends. Verizon and ATT had service the whole time, close to Highway and railroad so not super quiet spot," noted one visitor describing the Lolo National Forest Recreation Area. Cell service is generally available at many sites, with multiple reviews confirming 3-4 bars for major carriers. While summer offers ideal camping weather, visitors should be prepared for potential fire restrictions during dry periods, which can limit campfire use at dispersed sites.

The Clark Fork River defines the camping experience for many visitors to the Plains area, with riverside dispersed sites receiving consistently high ratings. These waterfront locations provide peaceful settings despite occasional train and highway noise. As one camper described the Peninsula area: "Beautiful, free dispersed site with plenty of privacy between sites. They call it peninsula because it is a narrow piece of land between a lively river with nesting eagles and a railway." Several campgrounds feature stone fire rings at each site, providing contained areas for campfires when permitted. While most dispersed sites lack amenities like drinking water or trash service, some areas do have vault toilets spaced along access roads. Wildlife sightings, including bears, have been reported at several campgrounds, requiring proper food storage precautions.

Best Camping Sites Near Plains, Montana (145)

    1. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from"

    "Arrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming back from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise."

    2. National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula

    10 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    8 miles
    Website

    "There are a couple of pit toilets spaced pretty far apart on this road so unless you get a spot right next to them, it's a bit of a walk. Pretty area, pretty secluded."

    "Click the one a little south east next to the river titled “Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area”. This is the right location. Good spot."

    3. Muchwater Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    11 miles

    "Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river. The road conditions are wonderful—towed a 20 ft trailer. Some spots are more open to use Starlink."

    "It’s a nicely maintained gravel road to the campsites and there are two tracks that give you access to the river. I didn’t get any Verizon service here, however."

    4. Nugget RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Superior, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 649-2122

    "Great spot to find at the end of a long drive day. Just the kind of Rv spot for Montana. Trees & stars in big sky country. The layout was nice with lots of spots to choose from."

    "We followed our RV GPS to the CG that is near I-90, but far enough away that you don’t hear highway noise."

    5. Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    11 miles
    Website

    "A couple of times they rolled thru at 2am but all the positives outweigh getting woken up a few times.  Very easy access, two pit toilets in the camping area."

    "By the end of the day each site was filled and there were several folks driving through still looking for sites. They’re spaced out well from one another giving all campers lots of privacy."

    6. Sloway Campground

    13 Reviews
    Superior, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 822-4233

    $15 / night

    "It’s right next to the river with a small boat launch."

    "You can hear some highway traffic and the train does com right up next to the river. Not too busy but we were there on a weekday."

    7. Clark Fork River

    3 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "The further you drive on the road the closer you can get to the river! There are some pit toilets too! Absolutely beautiful!"

    8. Cabin City Campground (Mt) — Lolo National Forest

    13 Reviews
    De Borgia, MT
    19 miles
    +1 (406) 822-4233

    $15 / night

    "I was surprised how nice this was since it's just about 5 minutes from the highway. You feel miles away - absolutely no noise. It's super clean and pretty."

    "We chose it because of its proximity to the highway on our road trip through the area, but it was quiet and peaceful."

    9. Campground St. Regis

    9 Reviews
    De Borgia, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 649-2470

    "I have to say, if you can, visit when the Flathead Lake Cherries are in season. Omg! The BEST cherries I have ever had. Exiting at St. Regis, I had to stop to get."

    "Yes, it's near the freeway but the noise is no more than a hum."

    10. Off The Beaten Path Glampground

    1 Review
    Plains, MT
    2 miles
    +1 (406) 894-5886

    $35 - $130 / night

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Recent Reviews near Plains, MT

457 Reviews of 145 Plains Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Marten Creek Campground

    Next best thing to a cabin on the lake

    A 9 mile drive over paved mostly straight even and the last couple miles on smooth dirt road. Clean vault toilets with scattered sites in the forest. Due to the foliage, the sites feel quite isolated. There is also a boat ramp and bear boxes at each site, along with picnic tables, fire rings, and a number of covered eating areas. You are only a few feet above the lake level, so walking to the lake's edge in the morning is they most calming relaxation. No fees and a 14-day limit make this a most delightful stopover.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Flathead Harbor Resort RV Luxury Condos and Cabins / Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Stayed in a cabin for a couple nights and had a great stay! You can hear a bit of road noise due to being in town and near the main road, but everything else was great: clean, showers, laundry facilities, near groceries/restaurants, pet-friendly, etc.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Basic and easy

    It is RIGHT off the road, I missed it coming back from town (having been to the site once already). Any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size.

    All sites are close together, though we are here by ourselves. You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn’t bother either of us. Saw deer so far.

    It’s tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience, it got 4 stars for that. Lost the 5th for no view.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Jim & Mary's RV Park

    Lovely, manicured RV Park

    This rv park is serene and beautiful. Whoever takes care of the grounds is meticulous and has two green thumbs. I felt safe which is of utmost important to me. The staff was welcoming and efficient. Would stay here again any time.

    My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine.

    There’s plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn’t hear this at all.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Very nice

    Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out. We car camp in a Wagoneer

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    North Shore Campground

    Pretty great!

    Nice big shady spots. Pretty okay restrooms. Beautiful dock area!

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Thompson River Dispersed Camping and Shooting

    Low budget fun

    It was free. It provided nothing, but was close to the river. We pooped in a bag, and provided our everything. We made a made a campfire. We didn’t shoot anything, but there were a lot of shells around.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Thompson River Dispersed Camping and Shooting

    Free redneck camping

    Off the side of the road, with no amenities near some pretty cool stuff. The sight is ugly, but free. Close to some good trout fishing via river. There is a pretty lame fire pit already established, and people fire their guns out here. There is no toilets, but if you’re looking for free, and absolutely zero neighbors this is your spot. Yes, I said zero neighbors!

  • Eden N.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Quartz Flats Campground

    Pretty good

    It’s kinda noisy from the highway and the train tracks. But other than that good


Guide to Plains

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Plains, Montana, with sites distributed along forest roads and riverbanks at elevations between 2,500-3,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night. Many campers utilize stone fire rings left by previous visitors, though seasonal fire restrictions can limit their use during peak wildfire season from July through September.

What to do

Swimming access: Easy river entry at Muchwater Recreation Area provides relief during hot summer days. "The river was so soothing to hear. Didn't go in due to the current being so strong," notes one camper at Muchwater Recreation Area.

Fishing opportunities: Pack your gear for multiple access points along the Clark Fork River. "I was alone while camping, parked my car at the first fire pit I saw open and it was perfect. Absolutely beautiful river, beautiful spot. Great for fishing, swimming, etc.," says a visitor to Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.

Nature hiking: Explore interpretive trails near developed campgrounds. "Had an interpreter trail just short of a mile. Free wood each night. Friendly camp-host. Just a great little gem," reports a camper about Cabin City Campground.

Wildlife watching: Keep binoculars ready for eagle sightings along the river. "There was a young lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay," shares a visitor at Muchwater Recreation Area.

What campers like

Private, spacious sites: Most dispersed areas offer good separation between campsites. "Spots are very private and spacious overlooking river. Minimal road noise. Only a couple spots taken," notes a visitor to National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula.

Easy river access: Many sites feature paths down to the water. "Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down. 12 miles to gas station. Beautiful views," explains a camper at Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.

Budget-friendly options: Free camping areas with 14-day stay limits provide extended stay possibilities. "This is a wonderful camping area right off of quiet rt 56 along the Clark Fork river. I only saw one other van there. It's a nicely maintained gravel road to the campsites," shares a camper at Muchwater Recreation Area.

Natural shade coverage: Most sites feature pine tree canopies for temperature management. "Very wooded with paths down to the water. We hung out in a hammock most of the day but it rained throughout the night and into the next day," describes a visitor at Much Water Campground.

What you should know

Railroad proximity: Train noise affects most riverside camping areas. "Freight rail runs RIGHT along the other side of the river. I can sleep through a midwestern thunderstorm, but the night trains shook me awake even with earplugs in," warns a camper at Much Water Campground.

Road accessibility: Access roads vary from well-maintained to challenging. "Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky," explains a visitor at Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.

Water availability: No potable water at dispersed sites. "It has been pretty difficult to find potable water in the area. The 'free spring' just south of Paradise has been turned off as of August 2022 and locals say it is unlikely to be turned back on," reports a camper at Much Water Campground.

Seasonal crowding: Sites fill quickly during summer months. "From other guests it sounds as if there are several sites at this location. The first one was taken and we passed under the railroad trestle and drive 1/4 miles to a pull in place that sits in an embankment overlooking the Clark Fork," describes a visitor to National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula.

Tips for camping with families

Poison ivy awareness: Some areas have significant poison ivy patches. "POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)," warns a camper at Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area about the potential hazard.

Wildlife safety measures: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "There was a young lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay," reports a visitor at Muchwater Recreation Area.

Recreation alternatives: Access nearby amenities during poor weather. "Only a short distance off interstate 90. Half reservable and half 1st come first serve, pretty easy to get a spot. Nice spots, good privacy," notes a visitor to Cabin City Campground.

Swimming safety: River currents can be dangerous for children. "You have to 'walk down' a steep drop to access the river. When it's high don't try or say goodbye," cautions a camper at Muchwater Recreation Area.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Look for level areas away from the highway and railroad. "We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water. Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites," advises an RVer at Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.

Navigation caution: GPS directions may be inaccurate for some areas. "Do not follow maps directions to this spot. Click the one a little south east next to the river titled 'Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area'. This is the right location," warns a camper at National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula.

Connectivity options: Cell service varies by location and carrier. "We didn't drive further down the road to confirm whether there was a toilet there. No Verizon or Tmobile but had a nice spot on the river that gave us great Starlink service," reports a camper at Off The Beaten Path Glampground.

Supplies planning: Nearest provisions require driving. "Closest gas is down in St. Regis (about 15 minute drive). Closest Grocery is in Plains (about 20 minute drive)," notes a visitor to Muchwater Recreation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Plains, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Plains, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Plains, MT and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Plains, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plains, MT is Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plains, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Plains, MT.