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Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground offers designated pet-friendly sites along the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers where Lewis and Clark camped during their historic journey. The campground permits dogs throughout its 17 sites, requiring leashes in common areas. Three Forks KOA Journey also accommodates pets with spacious, grassy tent sites and a large dedicated dog exercise area where dogs can run off-leash. Both campgrounds provide full hookup options for RV campers traveling with dogs and basic tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. The KOA features clean shower facilities and a camp store for pet supply emergencies, while Missouri Headwaters maintains vault toilets and provides water stations accessible to pets and humans. The campground host at Missouri Headwaters is known for being particularly helpful and friendly to campers with dogs.
Trails at Missouri Headwaters State Park offer short, dog-friendly hiking paths with historical markers where pets can explore the confluence of the three rivers. KOA Journey's location provides easy access to nearby fishing spots where dogs can cool off during summer months when temperatures rise. Campers note the KOA's sprinklers sometimes run overnight, potentially soaking gear left outside—something to consider when camping with pets. During June and July, Missouri Headwaters experiences significant mosquito activity around sunset that affects both humans and pets, though activity diminishes about an hour after sunset. Neither location imposes breed restrictions, though standard leash rules apply in most areas. For longer hiking adventures, several dog-friendly trails exist within a short drive, and Three Forks has veterinary services available for emergency pet care.
"Near the town of Three Forks, to which there are both short/scenic bike trails and an 18-miler. 6 of the 17 tent sites are 1st-come, 1st-serve."
"This campsite is located in a beautiful remote area of Montana, only a short hike away from the beginning of the Missouri River. Large site. The only problem was there were many mosquitoes."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Decent dog park. Decent playground. I did not use the bath house so can’t comment on that. No pool, but did have a nice patio area with tables and chairs behind the store."
from $58 - $70 / night
Check Availability"The layout of this state park was somewhat unusual: there are five loops within one larger loop with 32 sites plus seven additional pull-through sites on the outside of the loop."
"Once you are up near the caverns there is plenty of parking for RVs or cars. There is also a shady area to kennel your dogs for a fee, as they are not allowed in the caverns."
from $8 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Nice dog park across the street, sites are a little tight but its perfect for a couple night stay. Awesome that its only 35 miles to Big Sky and its a gorgeous drive."
"We were very close to the path to go to the hot springs which wound up being a nice feature for us, even though it meant a bit of cut-through from other campers."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."
"Harrison Lake FAS campground is a large spacious campground with most campsite being well spread out from each other. "
"This review is for nearby Tobacco Hills campground and Potosi Hot Springs (this was the nearest campground I could find)."
"We pulled off to the side of the General Store next to the RV park for check-in, which was quick and easy."
"This is a nice camping area although the sites are fairly close to each other. There are bugs because of the nearby pond."
"I love the small number of camping spaces and the rules that all campers actually follow (no loose dogs, no generators)."
"Dog and kid friendly!"
from $33 - $44 / night
Check Availability"The area is just beautiful, with the river only a few steps away, and there is plenty of room for people and pets to run and play. Lots of fun hiking trails nearby."
"It is in the dry part of Montana so each site is exposed to one another. The campground host is very particular."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Cute spot next to the river, free. Couple trains go by around 1am. Gets a little windy but there are some trees/brush that help. Gravel road, Easily accessible with 2wd."
"Lower Toston Damp Campground is located a half mile below Toston Dam. The Campground features two camp sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings."
LegendNear the town of Three Forks, to which there are both short/scenic bike trails and an 18-miler. 6 of the 17 tent sites are 1st-come, 1st-serve. With a ton of historical displays, friendly park rangers, an open-air, welcoming vibe and a sprawling variety of other things to explore, staying here will put a smile on your face. There's decent distance between some of the sites, but some of them aren't very large.
GuideCamp 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. The wind seemed to blow a lot here which was nice considering I was there in summer. Bathrooms were nice & clean.
GuideNot the best experience. The entrance is quite tricky and very steep. We missed the entrance and had to find a place to unhook and turn around. (We’re in a 36’ RV pulling a Jeep) The hookup spaces are so close together you can touch your neighbor, so we missed the beautiful views the partial hook up guys were able to enjoy. It’s a little run down and quite pricy. The dog “park” isn’t fenced, so if your hoping to let your dogs stretch there legs, this isn’t the place for you. We will find another stop next time we come through.
GuideNice dog park across the street, sites are a little tight but its perfect for a couple night stay. Awesome that its only 35 miles to Big Sky and its a gorgeous drive. Our sire only had electric/water but i know there are some with full hookups. Picnic tables and fire rings and sites are gravel.
LegendThis is a small KOA. Super friendly staff. Sites are shady unless you have a big rig - that area does not have shade. Decent dog park. Decent playground. I did not use the bath house so can’t comment on that. No pool, but did have a nice patio area with tables and chairs behind the store. I just stayed one night as we are on the road home. I do have one complaint and that is the sprinklers that came on overnight - it soaked the chairs and picnic table by our camper. I think the friendliness of the staff and the shady sites are the main reason for 5 stars.
GuideThis place seemed promising at first. It was hard to find a decent spot at night due to only using headlights of my van. Most of the road is extremely rugged/uneven/full of large holes. The only place I was able to stay for the night was the road leading up to the locked gate. This is about the only nice spot. Other than that this place is • quiet w/occasional traffic along the high way (right next to reservoir) • very few people here, but far enough away from me • no fee required • provides OK view to the mountains • great when you bring along a pet • you will need to be fully prepared for primitive camping
TravelerWow this was a very unique camping experience up in the boulders. Had a lot of fun walking my dogs and cat up in there. (Yes my cat goes camping too). There was no water pumps on the campground, however there is a nice little creek running through that one could get water. Also there were vault toilets and the one we used was closer to the entrance of the campground. It was clean, however the door didn't lock. Really wish we didn't go on a holiday weekend as it sounded like a dirt bike ho-down and wasn't very relaxing. We will try again during the week or a non holiday weekend. The stars were gorgeous, and the bird watching was phenomenal. At least when there weren't dirt bikes.
ScoutOur favorite campground to date! The hosts are wonderful, helpful, and kind people. The area is just beautiful, with the river only a few steps away, and there is plenty of room for people and pets to run and play. Lots of fun hiking trails nearby. Two big loops for campers (one first-come first-serve, one for reservations); the hosts were happy to point out the best spots to accommodate our 36-ft fifth-wheel. Clean restrooms with water spigots at each. We all love everything about this place!
GuideThe views from this campground are amazing! The host was super friendly & informative. Pets are allowed off leash (if well behaved). Lots of trailheads near the campgrounds.
Missouri Headwaters State Park sits at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, where the Missouri River officially begins. The Three Forks area contains diverse camping options within a 30-minute drive radius, from established campgrounds with full hookups to dispersed sites on public lands. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during July and August, with cooler 40-50°F nights even during peak season.
Explore mountain biking trails: Copper City BLM offers dispersed camping near extensive mountain bike trail networks. "Great spot right on parts of the trial! It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits," notes Ashley M.
Visit historical markers: Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground features interpretive signs about the Lewis and Clark expedition. "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," writes Dexter I., adding that "historical signs about the Corps of Discovers stay at the headwaters of the Missouri and their journey are located throughout the park."
Soak in hot springs: Day passes at Norris Hot Springs are discounted for campers ($3/person instead of $8). The hot springs feature live music on weekends. Katherine B. explains, "Come for the hot spring and stay steps away in a great tent or RV site! The RV sites have water and electric hook ups, and there is a portable toilet by the tent sites."
Spacious, grassy sites: Harrison Lake Campground offers well-spaced lakeside sites. "Harrison Lake FAS campground is a large spacious campground with most campsite being well spread out from each other. The fishing access site has several vault toilets, which is nice for how large of an area the campground occupies," shares Dexter I.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain tidy restrooms despite high usage. At Lewis and Clark Caverns, Amy R. reports, "Bathrooms were clean, showers were good- cost 50¢ per minute with a minimum of 6 minutes, there was a change machine outside the bathrooms."
Quiet camping atmosphere: Most campgrounds enforce evening quiet hours. At Three Forks KOA Journey, Joshua T. mentions, "Quiet hours where at 10pm and a lot of their guests go to sleep at that time, so they enforce that rule. If you are looking for a quiet place after 10 though, this is a great spot."
Seasonal timing considerations: Spring runoff can affect water levels at area lakes and rivers. Dexter I. notes at Harrison Lake, "The lake is really hurting for water this year, I would say that about only 25% of the lake volume was left on my visit, so this lake and all of Montana could really do with some rain."
Exposure to elements: Many sites lack natural shade. At Red Mountain Campground, Brad T. cautions, "Some small trees but not a lot of shade....would be hot in the summer months."
Water and irrigation systems: Campgrounds with sprinkler systems may surprise overnight campers. Maggie C. at Three Forks KOA Journey notes, "I do have one complaint and that is the sprinklers that came on overnight - it soaked the chairs and picnic table by our camper."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Sierra V. explains, "There are great amenities for both camping and RVs with a child's playground located on the camp. With a short walk up and into the mountain you can tour the caverns."
Educational opportunities: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers junior ranger programs for children. "Did you know you can print out a packet for your little ones to become Cub Rangers at this State Park?" adds Sierra V.
Dog-friendly hiking options: Nearly all area campgrounds allow pets on trails with standard leash rules. At Red Mountain Campground, Kelly S. writes, "The area is just beautiful, with the river only a few steps away, and there is plenty of room for people and pets to run and play. Lots of fun hiking trails nearby."
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for potentially uneven RV sites at some campgrounds. Michael B. shares about Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, "Had to use all our jack stands to combat the slope of our site (P007). Others looked much more level."
Road accessibility: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. At Bozeman Hot Springs Campground, Elise A. notes, "Very easy to find in the dark at 10:30 pm because driveway is well lit with little lights, however the driveway is gravel hill going down and very bumpy."
Site privacy considerations: RV sites vary in spacing and screening between neighbors. At Norris Hot Springs, Katherine B. explains, "The RV sites have water and electric hook ups... The sites are close together but are divided by trees and lattice fencing."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Three Forks, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Three Forks, MT is Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Three Forks, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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