Richard M.
Scout
ScoutHomestake Pass Dispersed
Homestake Pass Dispersed
Great internet & Very well maintained & Relaxing, Great Spot
Best Campgrounds in Montana
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 (1,492)
1. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park
64 ReviewsWest Glacier, MTWebsite+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
63 ReviewsWest Glacier, MTWebsite+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
57 ReviewsGardiner, 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
54 ReviewsWest Glacier, MTWebsite+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
56 ReviewsCoram, MTWebsite"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. St Mary Campground - Glacier National Park — Glacier National Park
56 ReviewsBabb, MTWebsite+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."
7. Glacier Campground
53 ReviewsWest Glacier, MTWebsite+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."
8. Many Glacier Campground — Glacier National Park
49 ReviewsSiyeh Bend, MTWebsite+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."
"There is a store and restaurant close by in walking distance along with showers and laundry(you have to pay). Multille hiking trails, fishing and an abundance of wildlife."
9. Itch-Kep-Pe Park
51 ReviewsFishtail, MTWebsite+1 (406) 322-5313"Close to the Yellowstone. We camped on the second loop and at the end near the boat dock is a trail that follows the river. We enjoyed the walk with our dogs. Lots of folks fishing."
"Only a 5 min drive off the highway so it’s very convenient as a road trip stop. It has lots of shade and is located right next to the Yellowstone River."
10. Bakers Hole Campground
47 ReviewsWest Yellowstone, MTWebsite+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"
Recent Camping Photos in Montana
1216 Photos of 1492 Montana Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in Montana
6092 Reviews of 1492 Montana Campgrounds
- SShawn R.
TravelerTravertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
Travertine boondock
Fantastic place. It’s QUIET , like very very QUIET. Got the last spot on right side before the private area with gorgeous views overlooking the valley. There is a bit of view of the Yellowstone road but easier to see headlights at night
- DDevon C.Scout
Deer Lodge A-OK Campground
It’s AOK!
We were looking for a quick pass through stop for the night, needed to charge up our battery system, but also needed a dog friendly place. When we first pulled in we almost left because it seemed like a tiny little parking lot camping area. The owner Mike came out and told us that there was a little more behind the front of the space. It opened up into a little field with a dog friendly place, with electric hookups along a little stream that had ducks swimming around. Mike just exudes good vibes, the bathrooms were super clean, and it was a really pleasant overnight stop.
Kim G.
LegendHelena North KOA
Good overnight stop
This clean and neat KOA is just outside of Helena. We were arriving late so I spoke with a super friendly man in the office about after hours check-in (which was very smooth). Super clean and modern bathrooms. Quiet campground. Would stay again if passing through
Jason R.ScoutChewing Blackbones Campground
Loved it
Loved it. Spent four nights in West Glacier at Apgar and then came here to tour East Glacier after a poor experience with the KOA. Quiet, beautiful views, very friendly staff, great location. I will be back. This is the perfect mix of in park experience with amenities to make it comfortable. Baths/ Showers were definitely nicer than the park baths.
Judy S.TravelerYellowstone Holiday Resort
Nice quiet lake views
Check in was easy and staff was friendly. We had to move sites mid stay and every site has nice views. Pads were level and lots of space and privacy. Nice litter store with nice clean laundry facilities. Just a few miles outside of town.
- SSusan S.Scout
Grant Marsh
Grant Marsh
Nice place to camp. Sites are far apart, so some privacy too.
Corey.Annetta L.ScoutFalls Creek
Beautiful!
Road is bumpy the farther in you go. Lots of nice dispersed sites near water. You can walk up and down the Boulder. Great for fishing farther in.
- Kim G.Legend
St Mary/East Glacier KOA
Nice RV Park, ok staff
We stayed here overnight after Labor Day. They were nice and let us leave our bikes locked up before we could check in so we could fold our bike rack and not violate the 21’ length limit on Going to the Sun road. But when we came back to check in the person checking us in was not so nice or welcoming. Maybe it is end of season tiredness, but for the price, I would have liked a warmer welcome. Typical KOA amenities. Main bathrooms attached to the office very good with nice hot showers. Pretty views of Glacier mountains from the site we were in. We’d come back and hope that the staff would be more welcoming.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring