Best Campgrounds near Pray, MT

The Paradise Valley corridor near Pray, Montana encompasses several camping options along the Yellowstone River, with accommodations ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites. Paradise Valley KOA Holiday provides cabin camping and glamping options with river access, while dispersed camping can be found at Travertine Road sites closer to Yellowstone National Park. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, typically closing by mid-October, though some fishing access sites like Dailey Lake remain open year-round.

Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. The main corridor follows Highway 89, but several campgrounds and dispersed sites require travel on unpaved forest roads. "The road is said to be rough but I made it up fine in my Honda civic. Just take it slow," noted one camper about Travertine Road dispersed camping. Weather patterns shift dramatically with elevation and season, with summer thunderstorms common and early snow possible by September. Most established campgrounds operate from May through September, with limited winter camping options. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the valley, particularly in canyon areas and at higher elevations.

Proximity to Yellowstone National Park drives much of the camping activity in the region, with many sites serving as basecamp for park exploration. Riverside campsites consistently receive higher ratings, particularly those with mountain views. According to visitor feedback, "Right on the river this is a great location to base camp. Lots of families but quiet and well kept." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with elk, deer, and occasional bear sightings reported near several campgrounds. Campers frequently mention hot springs access as a major draw, with Chico Hot Springs resort located a short drive from most camping areas. Fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River provide both overnight camping and day-use opportunities, though these more primitive sites typically lack potable water and offer only vault toilets.

Best Camping Sites Near Pray, Montana (194)

    1. Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday

    21 Reviews
    Pray, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 222-0992

    "Right in the river this is a great location to base camp. Lots of families but quiet and well kept. We stayed in a cabin right on the river and it was lovely cool and quiet."

    "The KOA is tucked away from the main road. Is has beautiful views of the mountains and is very quiet. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful!"

    2. Yellowstone Edge RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Pray, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 333-4036

    "Right on the edge of the Yellowstone River, about 90 minutes north of Yellowstone NP. This is an RV Park, so no tents are allowed. The view of the river and the mountains is fantastic."

    "It is 20-30 minutes outside the north entrance. Communal campfire every night. It’s right in the river with benches to sit and enjoy the water. "

    3. Mallard's Rest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    12 Reviews
    Pray, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "Got a beautiful spot just feet away from the Yellowstone River. Wasn't sure how long we would stay but decided to stay the full week allowance immediately upon getting set up."

    "$18 without a Montana fishing license, but found a GORGEOUS spot on the Yellowstone River... on July 4th. Not bad. Pretty place."

    4. Loch Leven

    11 Reviews
    Pray, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "Great location - $18 - steps away from the Yellowstone River - awesome view. Would totally recommend."

    "This campground is located among the Yellowstone River. The current is swift and boaters come down the river each day. We stopped at this park because of a heat wave rolling over Montana."

    5. Hood Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-1012

    $26 - $185 / night

    "We love this area, and this site was fine for us...however, it is a bit of a steep walk down some steps from the parking spot to the picnic area. And again from the picnic area down to the water."

    "The adjacent Hyalite Reservoir is spectacularly scenic. Bring your favorite watercraft or floaty, because you'll want to go out onto the water to explore, taking in the fantastic scenery."

    6. Pine Creek Campground

    18 Reviews
    Pray, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-1012

    $95 / night

    "Quiet, spacious and situated up in the Absaroka wilderness with some nice peaks all around. Hiked up to the falls and wish we’d had time to make it to the lake. Hosts were great and helpful."

    "The adjacent sites looked a little more private, but this was Wednesday and the campground wasn’t full."

    7. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    45 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT
    25 miles

    "Great spot for travelers or people who didn't book a site in or close to Yosemite."

    "It was last minute I read about this spot on Dyrt and was pretty relieved to find something with great reviews and relatively close to home in Bozeman."

    8. Dailey Lake

    7 Reviews
    Emigrant, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "Unique area of Paradise Valley that doesn’t have any trees near the lake or campsites. Wide open but very pretty 360 degree views."

    "Nice spots around the lake. A bit windy. The fee was 18, which means $20 unless you have change."

    9. Carbella Rec Site Camping

    13 Reviews
    Emigrant, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    $15 / night

    "Camp site was 20 feet away from the Beautiful Yellowstone River. The river was moving at a very good clip, as was the wind! Clean vault toilet, didn't see any water hook ups or pumps."

    "Campground is a short drive to Yellowstone National Park.  Their is a walk-in tent only area as well.  Cost is currently FREE! with a 14 day stay limit. "

    10. Mammoth Campground — Yellowstone National Park

    55 Reviews
    Gardiner, WY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 344-2107

    $25 / night

    "Access to so many great wonders this park has to offer. Also on a don’t miss drive into Montana for one of the most beautiful mountain drives ever."

    "Beautiful campground near Mammoth Hot Springs and the surrounding village."

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Recent Reviews near Pray, MT

931 Reviews of 194 Pray Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday

    Nice, but bustling

    Beautiful campground with kind staff and wonderful patrons. Be prepared to be close to your neighbors. A lovely place - would visit again!

  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV

    Oh Wow...

    This was a relatively normal campground, with a decent, but small, level back-in site, full hook ups, and relatively clean bathroom.  BUT, access to the Hot Springs facility next door was next level (and why this campground was substantially more expensive, at least in our experience).  Additionally, there was live music on the night we were there, which was an added bonus.  The facility had swimming pools, hot and cold tubs, a steam room, and my favorite, a properly hot sauna.  The facility caters to local members, so it is very clean and nicely managed.  The cost may prevent a multiple night stay, but for an evening after a few nights of boondocking...why not?

  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park

    Lucky

    We felt so lucky to get a spot with a couple of days advance notice for Yellowstone National Park.  The campground was serene, beautiful, and remote.  We did not have a cell signal, but Starlink worked great in our campsite.  We even had a fox visit our site, but it was a little too clean for him or her to find a reason to stay.  The camp rangers and hosts were very nice.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    A night in Yellowstone

    We came in around 5 PM & managed to find a beautiful spot. The views are gorgeous & it was so incredibly quiet. Exactly what we were looking for. The roads are quite twisty, but we were able to haul our travel trailer and truck up no problem.

    My only complaint was someone parked in a huge spot with a small car when there were several similar spots close by that would’ve fit their car much better & allowed the larger space for larger vehicles. Those same people left food trash in the fire pit the next morning & with this being grizzly country, that’s just about the number one rule not to do. I hope that people like that don’t ruin it for everyone.

  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Sportsman’s Retreat

    Quiet with the white noise of the river.

    There's some road traffic since you're on the main road however, late at night you'll hear the river and you'll wake up in the morning to elk. There's a gas station up the road if you need to use the restroom.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Emerald Lake Campground

    Nifty Campground

    Spent 3 nights at spot #12 over Labor Day weekend. Sites were tidy and bathrooms were very clean with no flies or stench. I walked around looking at the various sites and only thought 2 or 3 spots might be worthy of a 5 star. If I return I will try to snag #20 or #13. There is no camp host so nefarious folks stroll through at off hours of the night or others feel entitled to run a generator all night. This is a Forest Service campground so it is definitely a government run joint that very little funds get earmarked for upgrades and signage. It’s not directly on the lake but about 300yds away and no views from majority of the sites of the lake. The Majestic Lake trailhead is about a mile further south and that was a fun excursion for the day. I accidentally left a new hammock at the spot so if you score this enjoy!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Livingston RV Park & Campground

    Not a clean place to stay

    The campground is right off the interstate and noisy. The worst part is their filthy bathrooms! We wouldn’t step foot in them they were so bad. Few trees, bits of shade.


Guide to Pray

Camping near Pray, Montana, offers a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Wildlife Watching: The area is known for its diverse wildlife. Campers at Mammoth Campground — Yellowstone National Park rave about the wildlife sightings, with one camper noting, "We saw everything from elk to bears."
  • Hot Springs: If you're looking to relax, check out Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV. One visitor mentioned, "Between the free coffee, breakfast, & hot spring access, our stay was worth it."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. Campers at Pine Creek Campground appreciate the nearby hiking options, with one saying, "Great trail nearby."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Red Cliff Campground said, "Beautiful Big Sky adjacent to Gallatin River."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Yellowstone Edge RV Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor noted, "The restrooms, laundry, and all of the grounds are spotless."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday, one guest said, "The staff is extremely friendly and helpful!"

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV offers a fun atmosphere, with one reviewer saying, "Great RV park with hot springs."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. Campers at Pine Creek Campground enjoyed the nearby trails, which are great for family hikes.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. One camper at Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday mentioned, "The staff were quick to help and ensure we were taken care of."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your campground has the right hookups. Campers at Yellowstone Edge RV Park appreciated the full hookups, with one saying, "Nice level spots with lots of space and awesome river views."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can get busy. A visitor at Red Cliff Campground noted, "It is right on the river and very close to the highway. This means it is not quiet."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading out. One camper at Mammoth Campground — Yellowstone National Park mentioned, "For supplies, Mammoth is the closest place."

Camping near Pray, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot or a lively campground, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Mallards Rest Campground near Pray, Montana?

Currently, Mallard's Rest is temporarily closed, so reservations are not available. When operational, Mallard's Rest typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis rather than taking advance reservations. This beautiful campground sits along the Yellowstone River and is popular for fishing and outdoor recreation. As an alternative while Mallard's Rest remains closed, consider Spire Rock Campground, which also borders the river and offers amenities like toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. For up-to-date information on when Mallard's Rest might reopen, check with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or visit their official website.

What campgrounds are available near Pray, Montana?

Several campgrounds surround the Pray, Montana area, offering various amenities and experiences. Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday sits right on the river, providing a well-maintained base camp with cabins and family-friendly facilities. For those seeking public options, Eagle Creek Campground offers 16 sites just a few miles above Gardiner and minutes from Yellowstone's entrance. Other nearby options include Pine Creek Campground, Dailey Lake, Hood Creek Campground, and Yellowstone Edge RV Park. For a more rustic experience, Travertine Road offers dispersed camping about twenty minutes from Yellowstone's north entrance. Chico Hot Springs is also a short drive from Pray, making it a popular destination for campers in the area.

What family-friendly activities are available when camping near Pray, Montana?

The Pray area offers numerous family-friendly activities for campers. Yellowstone National Park is just a short drive away, where families can explore natural wonders and wildlife. Red Cliff Campground provides easy access to Big Sky, only about 10 minutes away for supplies and activities. For water recreation, Fairy Lake Campground features crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and fishing. Families can enjoy hiking the surrounding mountains, fishing in the Yellowstone River, and soaking in Chico Hot Springs. Downtown Pray offers BBQ and bluegrass music for a cultural experience. The area also boasts excellent night photography opportunities, wildlife viewing, and scenic mountain drives that showcase Montana's natural beauty.