Camping options near Ulm, Montana include both developed campgrounds and primitive sites along the Missouri River. This area, located in the transition zone between plains and mountains at approximately 3,400 feet elevation, experiences warm summers with occasional high winds typical of central Montana. Winter camping remains available at select locations with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing the Missouri River: Pelican Point Fishing Access Site provides direct river access via a concrete boat ramp. Campers use this spot for fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding. "Great spot to SUP and play around," notes Jean L., though she mentions, "This is a high traffic area with lots of fisherman and their boats coming and going."
Wildlife viewing: Great Falls KOA includes a dedicated nature trail and small petting zoo. "The area we stayed in is for medium sized rigs or smaller. It was wooded and very nice for a KOA," shares Roger W., adding that amenities include "FUN POOL PARK, PLAYGROUND, PETTING ZOO, SHORT TRAIL."
Recreational water activities: Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground offers direct lake access for boaters. "The boat dock parking area allowed camping along the perimeter. A few paved walking paths near the beach area," writes Z S., who also notes, "No pets on the fairly small swim beach. All other water access has large rocks for erosion mitigation."
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Great Falls RV Park offers sites that provide adequate separation. "The campsites are plentiful and not as close to each other as others," reports Melissa P., who appreciated that "after hours check-in was a breeze."
Natural surroundings: Mid-Canon Fishing Access Site features riverside camping spots. "Beautiful spot! Right by the river! We got the last spot down by the river and the pit toilet," shares Angie A., who found it "by far my favorite spot this trip" despite noting campers should "bring your own toilet paper, the toilet was not stocked very well."
Proximity to services: Great Falls KOA balances natural settings with urban convenience. Angela G. observed that despite being "in an area of mostly open fields, this KOA is filled with nice trees" and while it's "close to town" there's "no city noise."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Ulm have limited amenities during shoulder seasons. At Great Falls KOA, Melanie A. found that "most everything was shut down for the season which is something to keep in mind if you visit in the fall."
Limited services: Prewett Creek Fishing Access Site lacks hookups or potable water. Dexter I. notes this "small very busy campground" has "seven sites... but be warned, this is a busy campground" and "does not have trash service or water."
Road noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campsites. At American Legion Lions Park, Dexter I. observed that "the campground sits along side the interstate so you will have plenty of road noise throughout the night."
Campsite restrictions: American Legion Lions Park in Cascade limits camping to parking pads only. Dexter explains this is "due to not wanting damage to their sprinkler system" and notes "camping is limited to three nights."
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground features swimming areas appropriate for children. Skyla S. describes it as "clean" with "outhouses" and notes it's "pet and family friendly" and "right on the water."
Kid-friendly amenities: Great Falls KOA offers numerous recreational options for children. Judy K. shares, "KOA has everything you need. An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, tent, cabin and rv spots. Outside kitchens. Shower area, small store, playground, and wifi."
Wildlife encounters: Pet-friendly campgrounds near Ulm sometimes feature wildlife viewing opportunities. At Prewett Creek RV Park, C.W. observes, "Rams and deer come right up to your RV," though noting "the facility itself is dated."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Prewett Creek RV Park offers full hookups in a scenic setting. MickandKarla W. explain they "did a bit of the ol' RV shuffle to back in our 40' 5th wheel" but found "the site was nice and long" with "hookups well placed—electric toward the back, water and sewer mid-site."
Connectivity considerations: Several pet-friendly camping areas near Ulm have variable signal strength. At Prewett Creek RV Park, MickandKarla W. report "Verizon gave us 1 bar, T-Mobile 2 bars, and the campground Wi-Fi wasn't too shabby (6.03 Mbps down/1.05 up)."
Utilities and services: Local services for RVers include propane and supplies. MickandKarla W. note that in Cascade "the 486 Market was surprisingly well-stocked with reasonable prices. It also has a gas station with diesel, offers 20 lb propane cylinder exchanges, and fills propane tanks."
Legend
