Beavertail Hill State Park Campground sits along the Clark Fork River approximately 25 miles east of Missoula. At an elevation of about 3,400 feet, the campground experiences warm summer days with cooler nights, typical of western Montana's continental climate. The small pond and riverside location create a microclimate that supports diverse vegetation compared to the surrounding drier areas.
What to do
River activities: Clark Fork River access provides excellent recreation opportunities at Beavertail Hill State Park Campground. "Great river access and shady spots with some full hookups available," notes one visitor at Ekstrom's Stage Station about similar river camping in the region.
Explore ghost towns: Garnet Ghost Town is about 30 miles from Seeley Lake and offers a glimpse into Montana's mining past. "The rocks are the most beautiful and rock collectors' dream!" writes a camper at Jocko Hollow Campground, highlighting the geological interests in the region.
Nature trails: One-mile hiking paths wind through native Montana landscapes. A visitor at Kreis Pond mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Peaceful surroundings: Natural quiet despite proximity to highways. A camper at Town of Drummond Campground shared, "Older campground in city park. Well worth $10 for the night. Playground for kids, and river nearby. Occasional train goes by but much rather that than noise of trucks in Walmart parking lots."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms are appreciated by visitors. "Nature trail was fun and bathrooms were excellent. Very clean. Camp host was friendly as well. Power hook ups. Firewood vending machine!!!!!" reports a camper about their experience at Beavertail Hill.
Yurt camping near Seeley Lake: Unique accommodations including yurts and tipis make camping more accessible. "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities," notes a visitor at Kreis Pond Campground, which offers amenities similar to yurt camping options near Seeley Lake, Montana.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: May through October is the typical camping season for most sites. "We showed up LATE and left early because we were just passing through. There didn't seem to be designated camping spots but it wasn't bad at all," shares a camper about Town of Drummond Campground.
Campground access: Some locations require dirt road travel. "Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road," warns a camper about Kreis Pond Campground.
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects some campgrounds. A camper at Mizner Memorial Campsite had a different experience, noting, "We stumbled up on this campground by accident. We were looking for Lakeside campground, it was closed. Found Lake Inez and it's closed for camping. 6 sites. Picnic tables and fire rings."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Kid-friendly amenities make camping more enjoyable. "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!" reports a family who stayed at Missoula KOA Holiday.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Guided experiences teach children about local ecosystems. "This place is on my shortlist for favorites for my week long getaway with my daughter who is 5... they have all the amenities that they have in Billings. I think some of the other reviews do not paint a quality picture of this place from a child's eye," shares a parent who visited Missoula KOA Holiday.
Water safety: River conditions vary throughout the season. "Be careful camping next to the rivers as in early spring, waters rise in the evenings and will flood out the lower Plains," advises a camper from Jocko Hollow Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Space considerations vary widely between campgrounds. "We loved the site we were in (9). It was along the water and opened up to a grassy area and the river. The park is relatively small, but the sites all seemed large enough and well spaced. There were a few large RVs there," notes a visitor at Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground.
Utility hookups: Power and water availability differs by location. "Dump station is nice too! There was a water advisory during our visit so drinking water was provided," shares an RVer about their experience at Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground.
Seasonal yurt accommodations: Alternative to traditional RV camping offers unique experiences in the Seeley Lake area. "Very clean, nice people, weird that we need a code to get into the bathroom..." mentions a camper who stayed at Missoula KOA Holiday, which offers accommodations similar to yurt camping options near Seeley Lake, Montana.
