Terry, Montana camping options extend beyond the city limits into public lands and nearby recreational areas. The region sits at approximately 2,250 feet elevation within Montana's eastern plains. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winters regularly drop below 0°F, creating distinct camping seasons from late spring through early fall.
What to do
River activities: The Yellowstone River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and rock collecting. BLM Mathews Recreation Area offers boat access and riverside camping. "Great scenic location by the river side with boat access," notes one camper. Another visitor mentions, "Quick hike down to the Yellowstone River where there is great rock picking and it's the perfect spot to cool off in the middle of a hot Montana summer."
Hiking and geology: The badlands landscape features unique rock formations and hiking trails. Strawberry Hill Recreation Area offers primitive camping with access to scenic trails. "Primitive style camping with a rough road leading to potential site. Definitely need AWD or 4WD. Views were beautiful and stargazing was awesome top tier," shares one visitor. Another notes, "Strawberry is a beautiful area and good for an overnight stay. There is a walking trail from the main parking lot."
Paleontology: Eastern Montana contains significant fossil deposits. Makoshika State Park Campground features dinosaur fossils and interpretive displays. "It seems like I've said every campground on my trip was awesome... Makoshika Stare Park has a Triceratops on the sign, how can you not get excited about checking it out! Kids would love this park," writes one reviewer.
What campers like
Affordability: Many campers appreciate the reasonable rates at campgrounds near Terry. "Upto 16 days camping and it is free," notes a visitor about Mathews Recreation Area. Another camper specifically mentioned value at a private campground: "Great stopover along your journey! This is a Journey KOA... We opted for a patio site and it had the cutest wooden swing to relax in after a weary-making day on the road."
Stargazing: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing. "Absolutely stunning views with calling off the beaten path... No highway noise but did get windy overnight," reports a camper at Strawberry Hill. Another camper simply states, "Stargazing was awesome top tier."
Privacy: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowds. Bonfield offers riverside camping with minimal development. "This is a beautiful spot right on the river, with an upgraded boat ramp. Pit toilet was a ways from sites but clean. There is only 2 designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings. One of the spots is well shaded with trees serving as a wind break."
What you should know
Water limitations: Eastern Montana's arid climate means limited water access at many sites. One camper at Mathews Recreation Area cautions, "No source of water other than the river, so bring your own."
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often requires appropriate vehicles. A Strawberry Hill visitor advises, "You definitely need awd or 4wd as the terrain is rugged getting to sites. The first one or two aren't terrible."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation for extreme conditions. A hardy camper at Makoshika notes, "I was able to make my way down here in January and happened to be the only fool camping in the Montana winter when a wind storm rolled through. Regardless of the wind, this is a wonderful campground with plenty of hiking and biking extremely close to the campground."
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds. "6 trains in the night just a quarter mile away," warns one camper at Mathews Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer amenities specifically for children. Miles City KOA provides structured activities. "This place is very relaxing a great little heated pool, playground and dog park... super clean bathrooms and a great communal pavilion with grills to use. Swings and sitting areas all around and a river close by that my kids and dog loved walking by/in."
Educational opportunities: Fossil displays and nature programs engage young campers. "The hiking was...well... Awesome! You can actually walk through the hills and on top and around. There were rabbits appearing and disappearing. There were benches in interesting places. Informational markers and interesting spots. Excellent place to bring the kids," notes a visitor to Makoshika State Park.
Budget considerations: Family camping costs vary significantly between sites. "The out of state fee is $28/night," mentions a camper at Makoshika, while primitive sites at places like Strawberry Hill are free.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many dispersed sites have limited access for larger rigs. "Sites access best suited for vans, pickup campers or small class C. Small trailer might be able to make it," notes a camper at Strawberry Hill.
Campground amenities: Some campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs. Terry RV Oasis provides basic amenities. "Small campground but clean. Owner was very accommodating as we wanted to switch sites. No wifi. Could only get 2 channels for tv. Quiet rural area."
Bridge clearance: Pay attention to height restrictions in town. "Pay attention to the directions given to get into the campground as there is an 11' clearance bridge in town," advises an RVer visiting Miles City KOA.
