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Best Campgrounds in Montana

5,915 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Montana's camping landscape ranges from developed campgrounds within Glacier National Park to dispersed sites along the Middle Fork Flathead River. Many Glacier Campground and Fish Creek Campground offer established tent and RV sites with amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Montana off-grid campsites provide free options with minimal facilities. KOA properties in West Glacier and Billings provide more extensive services including cabins, glamping accommodations, electric hookups, and shower facilities. These developed sites typically operate seasonally from May through September or October.

Camping access and conditions vary significantly with Montana's seasonal changes. Glacier National Park campgrounds like Apgar and St. Mary operate primarily from May through early October when mountain roads remain passable. Many popular campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer months of June through August. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountain environments, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations even during summer months. Fire regulations and water availability shift throughout the season based on drought conditions and fire danger levels. Travelers should prepare for varied conditions across the state's diverse terrain. "We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing," noted a camper describing Sluice Boxes State Park.

Several visitors highlight riverside camping as particularly desirable throughout Montana. Campgrounds positioned along waterways like the Yellowstone River and Flathead River receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. Some dispersed camping areas along river corridors provide free options with basic amenities like vault toilets. A camper at Loch Leven noted, "The campground is clean and well-maintained with great views of Chico Peak and the Yellowstone River. Our campsite had great access for our son to throw rocks in the water." Proximity to national parks represents another significant draw, with West Glacier serving as a popular base for exploring Glacier National Park. Established campgrounds typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while RV-oriented properties may include additional hookups, shower facilities, and dumping stations. Public lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM offer more primitive camping options throughout the state, including Lewis and Clark National Forest sites.

Best Camping Sites in Montana (1,484)

    1. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park

    62 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."

    "Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."

    2. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    62 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $45 - $90 / night

    "Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."

    "I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine. We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."

    3. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    54 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT

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

    "Great views into the valley around Gardiner with easy access to Yellowstone (North Entrance). Plenty of space for a few tents or a camper."

    4. West Glacier KOA Resort

    52 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5341

    "This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."

    "9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana  West Glacier KOA Resort

    Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park. "

    5. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    54 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    Website

    "It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"

    "Perfect spot for camping outside the west entrance, about 25 minutes away. That road is a little rough coming in but it’s short and manageable, even saw a little Mazda make it in."

    6. Glacier Campground

    53 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5689

    $45 - $120 / night

    "Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."

    "Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."

    7. St Mary Campground - Glacier National Park — Glacier National Park

    54 Reviews
    Babb, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7708

    $90 / night

    "They had new bear boxes for every 4 sites this year with extra around bathrooms. Make sure you keep your camp bearproof as rangers will make sure it is."

    "Our site had no shade and felt very exposed (A loop was better) but we enjoyed the proximity to the visitors center and ability to walk to the shuttle."

    8. Many Glacier Campground — Glacier National Park

    48 Reviews
    Siyeh Bend, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7740

    $90 / night

    "When you stay at Many Glacier you are situated in the heart of the best hiking and wildlife viewing in the park. Grizzly sightings on the slopes nearby are an almost nightly occurrence."

    "I recommend visiting this area of Glacier Montana!!"

    9. Billings KOA Holiday

    48 Reviews
    Billings, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 252-3104

    "This camp ground is tucked into a residential area, and far enough off the interstate to not hear the noise, but close enough to town and all the other amenities to make it very convenient."

    "This KOA sits right along the Yellowstone River along the eastern outskirts of Billings."

    10. Bakers Hole Campground

    46 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 823-6961

    "Great location. Close to the park entrance and West Yellowstone. Pit toilets were in really good shape. And the camp host went way beyond to help us with a situation."

    "Just outside the west entrance to Yellowstone (I think it's only 3-4 miles away from the entrance) is a good backup campground in case you can’t get a campsite in the park (a common problem in the summer"

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Recent Reviews in Montana

5915 Reviews of 1484 Montana Campgrounds

  • L
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Green Valley Campground

    Ghost Campground

    Stopped for one night 07/19/26 without a reservation, while traveling west on HWY I94 in our 30' RV pulling a motorcycle trailer.  Exit #213 HWY 16 north 1/2 mile to Green Valley Ln.  Hard to find as the sign on HWY 16 is illegible.  The place looked deserted with the exception of 3 seasonal campers, a couple of abandoned campers, and a delapidated trailer house.  The  only people we saw during our stay was an elderly lady leaving one of the seasonal campers, and a group of MT WIldlife & Fisheries biologist, who had staged their boats and equipment at the campground for a Paddlenose Sturgeon survey they were conducting on the nearby Yellowstone river.    The grounds may have been mowed this season, but was littered with downed branches.  It was obvious that this campground has been neglected for many years, and gets very little use by local, and transient campers alike.  The previous owners were an elderly couple, and the current owner is an elderly man (or so we were told).  It has potential under new (younger) ownership, and an infussion of $$$ and labor.  We used the 30A power to run our AC during the evening without any issues, but didn't use the water or sewer (but they were there).  Payment is cash on the honor system, paid through a slot on the office building door ($30 for site w/elect).  Why did we stay?  I was too exhausted to drive any further.  Would we stay again?  NO.

  • KThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Mountian Ridge RV Park

    Excellent booking and host

    Booking was a breeze. Check-in at the office was less than 5 minutes.

    One thing to note is the $30 additional cost for premier camping is not worth it in my opinion. You are literally behind the office about 100yards from the general RV area. You have maybe double space that’s all. Save your money

  • CThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 14, 2026

    The Lodge & Resort at Lake Mary Ronan

    Great place on a nice lake.

    Beautiful view. The lodge next to the campsites is great! Sunday's in the summer go to the all you can eat BBQ!

  • CThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 13, 2026

    Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    Great area close to entrance

    Pretty good area with good spots. Very close to the west entrance of glacier. Super dusty but not the worst.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 13, 2026

    General Custer Fishing Access Road

    At least a beautiful spot to camp at right next to the Yellowstone

    About 45 minutes from the nearest big grocery stores but lots of peace and serenity and great views of the river, if you don't mind hearing the BNSF railroad horn every couple of hours, including throughout the night. Lots of level ground and room for big rigs and great cell service with T-Mobile.

  • David Z.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 12, 2026

    Yellowstone Hot Springs Resort

    Ok- but lacking

    Easy access to Gardiner (about 10 minutes) on the river. We were shoehorned into the corner where spot 40, had a 40a added and 39 all essentially shared the same pull in. The host drove around on her golf cart in the evenings sort of "checking" on things. Bathhouse was sorta dirty. Place did the job, as we really just wanted electricity. Tons of transient RV rentals in and out. Try to get a pull through or closer to the river.

  • K
    Aug. 12, 2026

    Kiwanis Park

    DID NOT FEEL SAFE

    We camped here on our way back from glacier and there were some seemingly unstable locals staying/living in the area and they were screaming and yelling curse words and incoherent sentences. My friend and I were planning on staying in a tent but felt so unsafe we ended up sleeping in the car. If you are not with a large group in a camper/RV I would NOT RECOMMEND.

  • CThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 12, 2026

    Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed

    Amazing quiet and secluded spot

    Trail is pretty rough and rocky, couple flat pull off spots to park with a great view

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 12, 2026

    St Mary/East Glacier KOA

    Nice destination campground

    This works for a great stay that’s super close to Glacier’s east entrance. The property is huge, and has a wide variety of sites. Everyone we interacted with was pleasant and welcoming. The amenities are many - from a pool/hot tub, large laundry, well-stocked camp store, many (clean!) bathrooms, a lovely nature trail leading to Lower St Mary lake, and ice cream and a mini restaurant. The views of the mountains are impressive. There’s not much shade on the RV sites, but the tent sites are very secluded and wooded. It was the perfect location for starting each day’s adventure in Glacier. Minus 1 star for the fact that the internet didn’t work for the entire 4 days we were there.

Guide to Montana

Camping in Montana offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From serene lakes to rugged mountains, there's something for everyone, whether you're a tent camper or an RV enthusiast.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Montana is home to beautiful parks like Kiwanis Park, where you can enjoy a park-like atmosphere. One camper mentioned, “Road noise disappears at night,” making it a peaceful spot for relaxation.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Ackley Lake State Park Campground, you can fish, swim, and kayak. A visitor shared, “Good spot for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking!”
  • Hiking: The James Kipp Campground offers great hiking trails. One camper noted, “We took a nice hike along the river,” highlighting the scenic views.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and well-maintained sites. A review from Chief Joseph City Park stated, “The bathrooms are clean and have flushing toilets.”
  • Wildlife Sightings: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Deadmans Basin said, “Great views! It was pretty windy the night we were there,” indicating a connection with nature.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Petrolia Reservoir offer a peaceful experience. A camper mentioned, “We woke up to cows mooing and a beautiful sunrise over the lake.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crystal Lake Campground, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A visitor remarked, “There is not much privacy now as every camp site can be watched by all the other campers.”
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. At Ackley Lake State Park, a camper noted, “They only have 26 spots, first come first serve.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Mountain Acres RV Park is open from May 1 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for parks with playgrounds and activities. Chief Joseph City Park has a five-star play area for kids, making it a great choice.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Kiwanis Park enjoyed the park-like atmosphere, saying, “No fire rings, but a park-like atmosphere.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Ackley Lake State Park mentioned, “We stocked up on some snacks,” which is always a good idea for family trips.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mountain Acres RV Park noted, “Sites are big,” which is helpful for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A camper at James Kipp Campground mentioned, “There was no water available during my stay.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. One RV traveler at Deadmans Basin said, “It’s a beautiful place to stay,” encouraging exploration of the surrounding area.

Montana camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV-friendly camping sites in Montana?

Montana offers numerous RV-friendly camping options. North American RV Park & Yurt Village is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the West Glacier Park entrance with full hookups and amenities. Trout Creek Motel & RV Park near the Idaho border provides peaceful sites with easy access to local amenities. For those visiting Yellowstone, several RV parks around West Yellowstone offer convenient access to the national park. Many KOAs throughout Montana are excellent for RVers, featuring pull-through sites, full hookups, and amenities like laundry facilities and WiFi. National Forest campgrounds sometimes accommodate RVs, but check size restrictions and hookup availability before arrival.

Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Montana?

Montana offers several affordable camping options for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Peck Gulch Campground provides basic amenities like vault toilets and water access at minimal cost while offering stunning views. Indian Road Campground near Townsend offers reasonably priced camping along the Missouri River. Many National Forest campgrounds throughout Montana provide primitive camping for low fees, often between $5-15 per night. For completely free options, dispersed camping is allowed in most national forests with a 16-day stay limit. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas also offer free dispersed camping throughout the state. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations as they may change seasonally.

What are the best campgrounds in Montana for scenic views?

Montana offers breathtaking scenic views at numerous campgrounds. Crystal Lake Campground provides peaceful lakeside camping with clear waters, surrounding meadows filled with summer wildflowers, and beautiful hiking trails. Gird Point in the Bitterroot National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas from its elevated location. For riverside beauty, consider camping along the Madison River between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. Glacier National Park campgrounds are also exceptional for scenery, with options providing views of mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. The diverse landscapes across Montana ensure scenic camping experiences, whether you prefer mountain views, riverside serenity, or alpine lake settings.

What's the best time of year for camping in Montana?

The prime camping season in Montana runs from late June through early September when temperatures are most comfortable and high-elevation sites are accessible. Apgar Campground in Glacier National Park is typically open May through September, with July-August offering the warmest conditions. Basin Campground and other mountain locations shine in summer when wildflowers bloom and hiking trails are fully accessible. Be aware that summer wildfires can affect air quality, particularly in August. Spring (May-June) offers fewer crowds but potential snowmelt and mud. Fall (September-early October) brings beautiful colors and fewer visitors, though nights get quite cold. Most high-elevation campgrounds close by mid-October, while some lower-elevation sites remain open year-round with limited amenities.

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