Best Camping near Stanford, MT

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Stanford. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Stanford is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Stanford, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Stanford, MT (54)

    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek

    2. Thain Creek

    8 Reviews
    27 Photos
    57 Saves
    Highwood, Montana

    Thain Creek Campground is the only campground in the Highwood Mountains. One of the 19 campsites can accommodate a maximum trailer length of 40 feet. The campground is usually open from May through the middle of fall.A nearby trailhead leads up to Windy Mountain and back on a 6 mile loop trail, offering scenic views of the surrounding plains and faraway mountains. Other hikes are along Briggs Creek or from the North Fork Highwood Creek Trailhead. Please heed seasonal trail closures, as all trails in the Highwoods close either September 1st or Oct 15th .All campgrounds on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available. Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location. A campground fee is required. Please pay at the self-serve campground fee station. Campsites cannot be reserved by simply paying for the site; camper must be present. A food storage order is in effect from March 1st to December 1st to prevent human-bear conflicts on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Store all unattended food and attractants properly. Please see Food Storage Order for specifics. Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions. Please call the local district office or check our website. Leashed dogs are welcome. Horses are not allowed in campgrounds. Motorized OHVs must stay on the campground road. The campgrounds include access to potable water during the warmer months, and all have at least one handicap accessible vault toilet. Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill, and a picnic table. Even if water is unavailable, campground fees are still required.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground

    3. Aspen Campground

    8 Reviews
    31 Photos
    37 Saves
    Neihart, Montana

    6 campsites in the canyon carved by Belt Creek in the Little Belt Mountains. Fishing for brook trout in the creek. The Belt Creek Information Center is just to the north of the campground, and trails to the east of the visitor center connect to an extensive trail system.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park

    4. Kiwanis Park

    12 Reviews
    16 Photos
    22 Saves
    Lewistown, Montana
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Many Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Many Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Many Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Many Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Many Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Many Pines Campground

    5. Many Pines Campground

    5 Reviews
    19 Photos
    81 Saves
    Neihart, Montana

    5900-foot elevation. 22 campsites in the canyon carved by Belt Creek in the Little Belt Moutains. Fishing for brook trout in the creek. The Belt Creek Information Center is about 8 miles north of the campground, and trails to the east of the visitor center connect to an extensive trail system. Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Wolf Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Wolf Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Wolf Cabin

    6. Dry Wolf Cabin

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    5 Saves
    Neihart, Montana

    Overview

    Dry Wolf Cabin is located about 20 miles southwest of Stanford, Montana, in the Little Belt Mountains. The rustic cabin is conveniently located along Dry Wolf Creek, providing a pleasant setting for anglers, wildlife watchers and hikers. When snow arrives, access on the graveled county road is by four-wheel-drive only.

    Recreation

    Anglers seek brook and rainbow trout in Dry Wolf Creek. A variety of horseback riding and hiking trails originate within a few miles of the cabin. Trails for mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders are also in the area. Cross country skiing is popular in winter months.

    Natural Features

    The cabin is nestled along Dry Wolf Creek at an elevation of 5,600 feet. Dry Wolf Creek is a tributary of the Judith River and flows north for about 40 miles in the Little Belt Mountains. Surrounding peaks include Gibson Peak and Butcherknife Mountain.

    Nearby Attractions

    Groceries and fuel may be found in Stanford, approximately 20 miles from the cabin. Bandbox Mountain, about an hour's drive, is a good place to hunt for marine fossils that are more than 100 million years old.

    • Reservable
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping

    $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Judith River State WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground

    8. Spring Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    33 Photos
    192 Saves
    Martinsdale, Montana

    Located only 4 miles from Highway 12, Spring Creek Campground is easily accessible. The 10 campsites are in a lush riparian zone along Spring Creek. Campers can wade in the creek, or fish Spring Creek Campground can only accommodate a maximum trailer length of 35 feet, and is not recommended for campers with large RVs. The campground is usually open from May through the middle of fall.An ATV trailhead in the campground connects to a non-motorized trail with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges.All campgrounds on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available. Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location. A campground fee is required. Please pay at the self-serve campground fee station. Campsites cannot be reserved by simply paying for the site; camper must be present. A food storage order is in effect from March 1st to December 1st to prevent human-bear conflicts on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Store all unattended food and attractants properly. Please see Food Storage Order for specifics. Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions. Please call the local district office or check our website. Leashed dogs are welcome. Horses are not allowed in campgrounds. Motorized OHVs must stay on the campground road. The campgrounds include access to potable water during the warmer months, and all have at least one handicap accessible vault toilet. Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill, and a picnic table. Even if water is unavailable, campground fees are still required.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Judith Guard Station
    Camper-submitted photo from Judith Guard Station
    Camper-submitted photo from Judith Guard Station
    Camper-submitted photo from Judith Guard Station
    Camper-submitted photo from Judith Guard Station
    Camper-submitted photo from Judith Guard Station

    9. Judith Guard Station

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    4 Saves
    Stanford, Montana

    Overview

    Judith Guard Station is a historic Ranger Station dating back to the early 1900s. Designated as a National Historic Site, the cabin is decorated with historically accurate furnishings and wallpaper. It is just a stone's throw from the Middle Fork of the Judith River and a small campground with a picnic area. Mandatory bear food storage requirements apply, with specfic compliance information posted at the cabin. The cabin, located about 30 miles south of Stanford, may be accessed by regular passenger vehicle until snow season. The road is usually plowed within 2 miles of the station, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle can often make the trip. In times of heavy snowfall, the last half-mile to the cabin may require a snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.

    Recreation

    Hiking, OHVing, hunting and mountain biking opportunities abound. Nearby hunting includes deer and elk in designated areas. Snow shoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities during the winter months.

    Natural Features

    Judith Guard Station sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet on the northern banks of the Middle Fork of the Judith River. The region boasts wooded hills topped with Ponderosa Pine, lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk, bear, bobcats and montain lions.

    Nearby Attractions

    Judith River State Wildlfe Management Area lies north of the cabin and Middle fork of the Judith River in close proximity .Grocery stores and gas is available in Stanford, about 30 miles from the cabin. Sapphire Village 5 miles to the northeast

    • Reservable
    • Cabins
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Wolf
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Wolf

    10. Dry Wolf

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    16 Saves
    Neihart, Montana

    Total Capacity: 135 Dry Wolf Campground is located along Dry Wolf Creek among meadows, spruce and fir trees at an elevation of 5900 feet. There are 26 campsites in this is scenic and tranquil campground. It was a Kiwanis Club project in 1930, and in 1937 it was improved by the WPA. The campground reflects all these influences plus improvements made by the Forest Service during the 1960s. The Bandbox Mountain surrounds the campground where marine fossils can be found. Fee charge of $5 per day per site. Limit of 10 people per site. Please limit your stay to 16 days. Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.

    • Pets
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    $15 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 54 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Stanford

Recent Reviews in Stanford

124 Reviews of 54 Stanford Campgrounds


  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Creek Campground
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Moose Creek Campground

    Quiet and Private

    There was no sign for this campsite on the highway. I just pulled off the highway where it said access to National Forest, and it appeared fairly close to the highway. There were only half a dozen sites or so, and no amenities. And of course, no cost. I think the actual Moose Creek Campground is farther up the road and away from the highway. But this was perfect for someone who is caravaning and needed a quick place to stop. It's right on the creek and it was delightful. There was one other camper in there the evening I was there.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Thain Creek

    Thaine creek campgound

    This is a nice back in the woods campground with spots right on the creek. Our spot was 4 nice table on the creek with lots of sound. A lot if shade. Semi secluded from other campsites. The fire pits are really high so standing up is required for heat. Need chainsaw to gather wood. Lots of birds in the area. Lewis and Clark national forest. Highwood mountains. Lots of potholes drive with care.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Newlan Creek Reservoir
    May. 12, 2024

    Newlan Creek Reservoir

    Nice gem

    Was able to get a spot right on the water late on a Saturday night. Quiet, fire rings tables and restrooms. Not much to complain about.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Selkirk Primitive Camping
    Aug. 19, 2023

    Selkirk Primitive Camping

    Quiet, small, cozy little get away

    Small areas. there is a vaulted toilet. I had a camper so never used it so I can’t comment on that. Meet up with friends and we all had campers. Plenty of room for all of us. Lots of mosquitoes so bring bug spray!!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Many Pines Campground
    Jul. 28, 2023

    Many Pines Campground

    Lovely

    Beautiful campground. Space between most sites. Road noise during the day, but not overly bothersome. Camp host on site and very friendly.

  • Christopher G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Jul. 7, 2023

    Aspen Campground

    Not Bad

    Only six spots right off the road. We stayed on site #5, which I believe is the most spacious. Being right off the road is not an issue, there's not much traffic to hear.  A creek is on the other side of the road which is relaxing to hear all night. The one out house is nice and clean. No bear boxes so put food in vehicles.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Lake Group Campsite
    Sep. 24, 2022

    Crystal Lake Group Campsite

    Nobody there

    Friday night and not a soul in sight. Like other reviews- very open. Staying on the outside provides better privacy, but with no one there - lots of privacy.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Sep. 24, 2022

    Kiwanis Park

    Quick stop

    A rest stop where you can actually spend the night. No fire rings, but a park like atmosphere. Road noise disappears at night.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Aug. 29, 2022

    Kiwanis Park

    Great spot for water and relaxation

    Minor noise from the road. Many spots were available. Got some fresh spring water from one of the spigots. Very clean and clear skies. Next to an airport, but absolutely no traffic.

  • Mark & Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grasshopper
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Grasshopper

    Castle Mountains

    Small sites.  Very rough road going in.  Vault toilets.  Beautiful little creek running through the campground.

  • Samantha H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Aug. 10, 2022

    Ackley Lake State Park Campground

    Absolutely beautiful

    So beautiful. Found it randomly passing through, just looking for a place to stay for the night. So much wildlife on our drive to it, in the fieds that surround the lake. They only have 26 spots, first come first serve. So we were skeptical at first thinking we might not find a spot. But there was plenty of room. And all of the campsites are right on the water. I would stay there again for sure. No hook ups. only $24 a night for out of state residents. Well worth it to me for the beauty.

  • Sterling C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Thain Creek

    Great Weekend Getaway

    This is probably one of the best campsites around the Great Falls area. The site are really well maintained and beautiful with a lot of trees and vegetation in the area. You are also not too close to other campsites (not side by side, but fairly close). I didn’t find a single problem in the site. 10/10 for campin!

  • Jean L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Logging Creek
    Jul. 13, 2022

    Logging Creek

    Adventure.

    Not going to lie. I didn't know what to expect and white knuckled a but driving my little old motorhome down into this ground. This is a bit of a trek.

    TOTALLY worth it if you are up for the adventure though.

    The campsites are beautiful, seclided, and shaded. There is water for kids to play in. There is a camp host. And several toilets. Endless trail. If you do some research in that area there is a place where there are some caves to explore, and another with fossils.

    No cell service. But one of my favs so far.

  • Tarrah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ackley Lake State Park Campground
    Jul. 12, 2022

    Ackley Lake State Park Campground

    Adequate

    This was a one night pass though. There are lean-to's with picnic table and fire ring. Vault toliets, no water. No trees and the other campsites are very close. When the wind is blowing you take the brunt of it since there is not trees.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Jun. 18, 2022

    Kiwanis Park

    Nice little campground

    We were here on June 17, 2022. It was somewhat crowded but we managed to snag a spot for our 38’ fifth wheel. They have a ten day limit on your stay which is free. No electric but they do have some water spigots spaced throughout. Our AT&T has 2-3 bars of data and running 13 mbps. No designated sites just find a place to park.

  • Janet M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Kiwanis Park

    Very good

    Everything is booked, so this is great stop on mt200 trying to get to great falls & on to Glacier. Like a rest area !

  • Mary S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    Jun. 15, 2022

    Kiwanis Park

    Great harbor in a storm!

    Perfect place to duck into and park during high winds/rain. Extremely clean restroom. Be aware, Waze directed me to a totally different place but Google Maps pointed me to the exact location. You just find a place on the grass or in an actual site and be sure to honor them with a donation!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fergus County Fairgrounds
    Jun. 11, 2022

    Fergus County Fairgrounds

    Fairgrounds camping

    Full hookups for $38. Sites are average size. I have a 38-ft travel trailer and I had to unhook to fit in the space. The sites are not incredibly level. But for an overnight stop it works great. Easy in and out

  • Leah N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiwanis Park
    May. 25, 2022

    Kiwanis Park

    Decent

    Not too bad for a quick overnight stay. Right next to the highway so lots of traffic. The grass is nice but they are having a problem with prairie dogs. Restrooms were clean!

  • Steve P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Lake Campground
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Crystal Lake Campground

    Sad

    This use to be the most beautiful campgrounds in Montana, until the USFS said the trees were dangerous. They had every tree in the campgrounds cut down and hauled off. Not much privacy now as every camp site can be watched by all the other campers in the other campsites.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jumping Creek Campground
    Nov. 24, 2021

    Jumping Creek Campground

    Secluded and private in the Lewis and Clark national forest

    Great place to stay. We had the whole campground to ourselves. We stayed right next to the creek and had a very peaceful stay with beautiful scenery



Guide to Stanford

Camping near Stanford, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing and swimming: Ackley Lake State Park Campground is a great spot for fishing and swimming. One visitor mentioned, "Good spot for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking!" This campground has a lovely lake where you can enjoy a day on the water.
  • Hiking: Many Pines Campground is surrounded by trails. A camper noted, "Well laid out campsites with plenty of space... the creek is nearby as well as great hiking spots." This makes it perfect for those who love to explore nature on foot.
  • Wildlife watching: Thain Creek Campground is known for its wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Lots of birds in the area," making it a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms at places like Kiwanis Park. One visitor said, "Extremely clean restroom," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Secluded spots: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered at Thain Creek. A reviewer mentioned, "Semi secluded from other campsites," which is ideal for those wanting a quiet experience.
  • Beautiful surroundings: The natural beauty of campgrounds like Ackley Lake State Park is a big draw. One camper described it as "so beautiful," highlighting the stunning views and wildlife.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Campgrounds like Aspen Campground have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "The one out house is nice and clean," but be prepared for limited services.
  • Road noise: Some campgrounds, such as Many Pines Campground, experience road noise during the day. One camper mentioned, "Road noise during the day, but not overly bothersome," so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to sound.
  • First-come, first-served: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, like Ackley Lake State Park. A camper shared, "They only have 26 spots, first come first serve," so arriving early is a good idea.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Kiwanis Park, which has a park-like atmosphere. One reviewer said, "A rest stop where you can actually spend the night," making it a convenient option for families.
  • Plan for activities: Campgrounds like Many Pines Campground offer plenty of space for kids to play. A camper noted, "Space between most sites," which is great for families needing room to spread out.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Since some campgrounds have limited amenities, it's smart to bring your own food and drinks. One camper at Ackley Lake State Park mentioned, "No water," so be prepared.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: If you're bringing an RV, make sure to check the size of the sites. A reviewer at Many Pines Campground mentioned, "Some bigger ones may have trouble fitting into the spaces," so plan accordingly.
  • Be cautious on gravel roads: Campgrounds like Thain Creek are accessible via gravel roads. One visitor advised, "Lots of potholes drive with care," which is good advice for RV drivers.
  • Bring extra supplies: Many campgrounds, such as Logging Creek, have limited services. A camper noted, "This is a trash in, trash out campground," so be sure to pack out what you bring in.

Camping near Stanford, Montana, provides a chance to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Stanford, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Stanford, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 54 campgrounds and RV parks near Stanford, MT and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Stanford, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stanford, MT is Ackley Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stanford, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Stanford, MT.

  • What parks are near Stanford, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Stanford, MT that allow camping, notably Lewis and Clark National Forest and Helena National Forest.