Glamping options near Troy, Montana range from climate-controlled yurts to riverside cabins, with most sites available from May through October. The region sits between the Cabinet Mountains and Kootenai National Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,900 feet in town to over 8,700 feet in the surrounding mountains. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s while spring and fall nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Swimming holes: Access multiple spots along the Yaak River near Yaak Falls Campground, where campers can enjoy natural water features. "Just a pit toilet and small campsites punctuate this FF jewel. In late July 2020 I arrived about noon and quickly rinsed off in the surprisingly clear bottom of the falls," reports one visitor. The horizontal rock falls create unique swimming opportunities.
Gold panning: Try your luck at public access areas near Howard Lake Campground. Located 15 miles down a well-maintained road with views of the Cabinet Mountains, this free campground offers a different activity than the typical water recreation. "There's a public access gold panning area near this campground. There's also a nice little lake here," notes one camper.
Hiking: Explore forest trails at several campgrounds in the area. At Whitetail Campground, "We spent the afternoon with our chairs on the riverbank and dangling our feet in the water." The area features multiple connecting trails with varying difficulty levels, from easy lakeside loops to more challenging mountain routes.
What campers like
River access: Multiple entry points to both Yaak and Kootenai Rivers at Whitetail Campground. "Our site had a nice open meadow and was right next to access to the river," one visitor notes. The campground provides direct water access where campers can set up chairs along the riverbank.
Shade and privacy: Wooded sites offer relief from summer heat at many locations. At Yaak River Campground, a camper describes it as a "Very cute campground, quiet, no service, right along the beautiful Yaak River and within walking distance to Yaak Falls." The forested setting creates natural barriers between many sites.
Off-season solitude: Significantly fewer visitors in spring and fall months when weather permits. One visitor to Howard Lake noted, "I was there a Saturday in July and only two campsites were being used." The shoulder seasons offer a different experience with less competition for prime spots and greater wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
RV size limitations: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller rigs only due to narrow access roads and tight turns. At Yaak River Campground, one camper warned: "Nicely wooded campground right on the river but we couldn't stay there. We have a 20ft camper and there was no way that I could back up into any spot that I saw. Looks like it would be nice for a van camper or tent but not ideal for anything longer than that."
Limited services: Most campgrounds offer vault toilets only with no showers or electricity. Water sources are typically limited to spigots or natural sources requiring treatment. "There is a pit toilet a short distance from the campground. The only water source is the pond but it's easy to get to," reports a Howard Lake visitor.
Traveler
