RV sites near Ulm, Montana range from primitive to full-service options along the Missouri River corridor where the plains meet the Rocky Mountain Front. Summer temperatures typically average 70-85°F with persistent winds common throughout the region. Cell service varies significantly by location, with stronger signals available at campgrounds closer to Great Falls.
What to do
Explore riverside areas: The Missouri River near Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground offers fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Down by the river. Bring bug spray... My 7yr old enjoyed catching soft shell turtles," notes camper Jean L.
Visit historic Fort Benton: Located just a short walk from camping areas in the region. "Set on the edge of Historic Fort Benton, this is a great place to land for a night or a week or more. Lots to see, explore and experience in the area... 5 minute walk to downtown," reports Mimi.
Try mini-golf: Some campgrounds offer on-site recreation. Choteau Mountain View RV Campground features "a small mini-golf area" according to Norma S., who appreciated this family-friendly activity during hot weather.
Walk nature trails: Several campgrounds maintain walking paths. At Gateway FamCamp, "There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp," according to Vanessa S.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained restrooms. At Choteau Mountain View RV Campground, "Restrooms were always clean, even very early in the morning," notes Norma S., while Jessica B. confirms the grounds are "very clean and well kept."
Friendly hosts: Campground personnel receive positive mentions. At Great Falls KOA, "staff was extremely helpful and friendly" according to Brooke, while Melanie A. described their experience as "clean and efficient."
River views: Scenic outlooks add value to camping experiences. "The cliff on the other side of the river was a gorgeous view when the sun was setting," writes Carter W. about Chouteau County Fairgrounds Campground, while Mimi enjoys "Sitting here enjoying the setting sun on the bluffs along the Missouri."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds provide tranquil settings despite their proximity to towns. "We were the only nomads all the other campers were local seasonal fishing guides so it was very quiet," reports Bille W. about their stay at 7R Guest Ranch Motel & RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions impact stays: Weather patterns affect camping experiences year-round. Robert R. notes about Benton RV Park, "We were here in mid July and it was 94° with about a 35 mph wind howling across the Prairie. Quite a shock considering we had just come down from the mountains!"
Mosquitoes can be problematic: Insect activity varies by location and season. Jean L. warns campers at Chouteau County Fairgrounds to "Bring bug spray" while Amy H. reports, "We couldn't even sit outside at night because of the mosquitoes."
Wildlife encounters are common: Campers should prepare for natural inhabitants. At Prewett Creek RV Park, MickandKarla W. "spotted deer casually strolling through the campground and bighorn sheep doing their thing up on the rocks."
Reservation policies vary: Many campgrounds operate on different booking systems. Mimi notes about Chouteau County Fairgrounds, "First come first served," while MickandKarla W. appreciated that at Prewett Creek RV Park, "We booked online and got a super helpful email with everything we needed."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds provide entertainment: Dedicated play areas help keep children occupied. Angela G. notes that Great Falls KOA is "a very kid friendly campground" with "a large playground, volleyball court, basketball, and pools."
Choose sites strategically: Not all campgrounds accommodate family dynamics. At Benton RV Park & Campground, Gary A. cautions about unsupervised children: "Our campsite was overrun by a group of 6 kids. Playing and cutting through the entire time we stayed there."
Consider camp kitchens: Shared cooking facilities benefit family meal preparation. Michael B. notes that Great Falls KOA has "outside kitchens" while Mimi mentions the amenities at Choteau Mountain View include "a dishwashing sink" and other helpful facilities.
Evaluate swimming options: Water features appeal to children during hot weather. Judy K. highlights that Great Falls KOA has "an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub" making it ideal for families seeking relief from summer heat.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies: Electrical service differs between campgrounds. At Brady RV Park, both 30 and 50-amp connections accommodate smaller rigs, while Vanessa S. describes Gateway FamCamp as having "concrete pads [that] are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level. Water, sewer and electric are provided."
Bridge clearance matters: Some routes have height restrictions. MickandKarla W. warn about approaching Prewett Creek RV Park: "We got a super helpful email with everything we needed—directions, campground info, Wi-Fi password, rules, and even a bridge clearance warning at Exit 244."
Site sizes differ significantly: RV length limitations should factor into planning. Dave S. notes about Great Falls RV Park, "The sites are small and the campground is busy," while MickandKarla W. found their site at Prewett Creek RV Park "was nice and long, with room to park across."
Connectivity considerations: Internet and cell service vary widely among RV sites near Ulm, Montana. According to MickandKarla W., "Verizon gave us 1 bar, T-Mobile 2 bars, and the campground Wi-Fi wasn't too shabby" at Prewett Creek RV Park.
