Camping near Sheridan, Montana offers diverse options for outdoor recreation in the Pioneer Mountains region at elevations ranging from 5,000-8,000 feet. Temperatures fluctuate significantly between seasons, with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Camping areas often feature creek access and proximity to historic ghost towns.
What to do
Explore ghost towns: Bannack State Park allows campers to explore a well-preserved 1860s mining settlement. "You can go in to and check out just about every building in the town. The state park has a second campground, Road Agent, near this one," notes Dexter I. at Vigilante Campground.
Visit historical sites: Missouri Headwaters State Park offers camping where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers form the Missouri River. "Experience Camping near where Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped at the headwaters of the Missouri river in 1805," explains a visitor to the park.
Go fishing: Multiple rivers provide fishing opportunities within short distances of campsites. At Delmoe Lake, Nick T. reports, "Camp sites are fairly spread out... Boat launch available for easy access and a large enough parking lot to park your trailer. There's slight phone service in some spots."
Try ATV trails: Areas around some campgrounds connect to extensive trail systems. "Great place to bring your ATV," notes Nicholas F. about Delmoe Lake, which serves as a base camp for motorized recreation on surrounding forest roads.
What campers like
Proximity to water: Many campsites feature direct access to creeks, rivers, or lakes. Jeff W. at Vigilante Campground shares, "Awesome little campground next to Grasshopper Creek. Each space has plenty of room for the kids to run around and play. Caught a few fish on the fly too."
Flat, spacious sites: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers well-maintained camping areas with room to set up. "Large, flat campground with some large trees dotted throughout. Bathrooms were clean, showers were good," reports Amy R.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities despite remote locations. At Three Forks KOA Journey, a visitor notes: "The bathrooms are clean and the showers are hot, not to mention they have a laundry room which is helpful."
Easy interstate access: Some campgrounds offer convenient stopover locations for travelers. Deanna C. mentions, "Camp Three Forks is conveniently located off I-90 on 287 as you head south to Yellowstone. It's a beautiful campground with nice grassy sites and nice views of the mountains."
What you should know
Bear country precautions: Several campgrounds require proper food storage and bear awareness. At Spire Rock Campground, a reviewer cautions, "The camp host really stressed being bear aware, as this is grizzly country and he said they definitely do come through the camp on occasion."
Weather variability: Mountain locations experience sudden weather changes, especially in spring and fall. A camper at Spire Rock Campground reports, "We stayed two nights at site 13 and it was great. Bunch of sites open because of the weather."
Mosquitoes near water: Camping near creeks often means dealing with insects. Jeff W. warns about Vigilante Campground: "Mosquitos were bad, no surprise there with the creek close by."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may require careful driving. A camper at Spire Rock noted, "The dirt road was so pockmarked we had to turn around. Our campervan felt like it was going to tip over because of the ruts."
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Some state parks offer educational activities for children. "Did you know you can print out a packet for your little ones to become Cub Rangers at this State Park?" shares Sierra V. about Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play equipment. Michael B. notes about Lewis & Clark Caverns: "Also playground for the kids to play on. Had to use all our jack stands to combat the slope of our site (P007). Others looked much more level."
Yurt camping options: For families wanting a glamping experience near Sheridan, Montana, yurt camping provides a comfortable alternative to tents. The surrounding region offers several yurt and cabin rental options within state parks and private campgrounds.
Safe exploring areas: Open campgrounds allow better supervision. Heather mentions at Lewis & Clark Caverns: "We camped here with a group of families and the playground was nice for the kids. There aren't many trees and the land is flat but we were able to really keep a decent eye of the kids running around because of it."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require extra equipment for proper RV setup. Michael B. warns about Lewis & Clark Caverns: "Had to use all our jack stands to combat the slope of our site (P007). Others looked much more level."
Tight turns: Larger rigs may encounter navigation difficulties. A visitor to Butte KOA notes, "We have a big rig and was towing a trailer so the turns were somewhat tight getting in and out. But other than that it was very nice and clean."
Hookup variations: RV sites offer different levels of service across campgrounds. At 2 Bar Lazy H RV Campground, Michelle J. explains, "$35 a day for electric, $36 for water, $37 for full hookups. Laundry and showers available, but I did not use. Manager is on site, and while it's not a looker, it's kept nice."
Highway noise consideration: RV parks near highways provide convenience but with some drawbacks. Susan W. notes about 2 Bar Lazy H: "This campground is great for the quick overnight since it is right off the highway, so the activity is constant."
