Camping options around Deer Lodge, Montana range from forest service sites to RV parks near town. Located in the Deer Lodge Valley at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, this area experiences warm summer days with temperatures dropping significantly at night, even during peak season. Winter camping is limited, with most established sites closing by late October.
What to do
Waterfall viewing: Lost Creek State Park Campground offers a 50-foot waterfall just a short distance from the camping area. As one camper notes, "After a very long 125 yard hike you will be treated with the 50 foot Lost Creek Falls. Since this campground is at the end of the road, it is very quiet."
Fishing access: Racetrack Campground provides streamside sites with easy river access. "The little Blackfoot River runs along the campground and is easy to access. If you are in the need for a hike, take the short trail at the end of the campground to the Blackfoot Meadows Trail head," explains one visitor who enjoyed the area.
Historic attractions: Campgrounds near Deer Lodge provide access to notable historic sites. A camper at Indian Creek RV Campground recommends, "Deer lodge has some great museums and Anne tours. The old prison and associated mushrooms are a must stop. Check out the ghost town!"
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful settings around Deer Lodge. A visitor to Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3 appreciated that "Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end."
Natural sounds: Campers frequently mention the soothing natural sounds in the area. "The river and waterfall are in the campground which made for lovely white noise when falling asleep," notes a reviewer at Lost Creek State Park Campground.
Wild berries: Seasonal berry picking adds to the camping experience. "During our visit the raspberries and thimble berries located along the creek were ripe," mentions one camper, while another notes, "Thimbleberries were ripe during our stay and plentiful."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campsites near Deer Lodge requires driving on rough roads. A reviewer at Racetrack Dispersed Campsite warns, "Road in was 100% washboard, but the campsite was decent. Had to traverse a lot of private property to access it."
Cell service limitations: Most forest campsites have limited or no connectivity. "No Verizon service," reports a camper at Kading Campground, while others note the need to bring alternative communications equipment.
Payment logistics: Some campgrounds require payment methods that may be challenging. A camper at Racetrack Campground notes, "It is 15$ and you have a QR code to scan to pay, however there is ZERO signal there to get online to pay so we paid once we left and got back into town."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Bernie & Sharons Riverfront RV Park offers recreational facilities for children. "The playgrounds are fun for the kiddos and the river walk is super close. There is lots of shade available from the trees," reports one family who visited.
Accessibility options: Some sites offer accessible natural features. A camper notes, "A nice hundred yard path that is paved to the waterfall for anyone with mobility issues."
Space considerations: Family groups should look for roomier sites. "This 13 site campground has large roomy sites well spread out from each other. Plenty of level ground to place a tent(s) at every site," mentions a camper at Kading Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RVers should research power options before arrival. A camper at Bernie & Sharons Riverfront RV Park shared, "The wiring held up great, ran both AC's at the same time with no issues."
EV charging options: Electric vehicle owners have options at some campgrounds. "We were driving an electric car(Tesla) and were told that we could use the 30 amp to recharge it at no extra costs," notes a visitor.
Site dimensions: Verify your vehicle can fit before arrival. An RVer at Kading Campground advises, "We stayed in site #5, which was a pull though site. There was more than enough room for a travel trailer and truck."
