Searching for a tent camping spot in Montana? You can find tent campsites at RV parks and campgrounds, and even places to boondock for free. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Montana's most popular destinations.
Bowman Lake campground is located in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park approximately 32.5 miles from the west entrance and 30 miles from the Canadian border. The drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy ride on dirt roads. Trailers are not permitted. The campground is located close to the shore of Bowman Lake and camp sites are within trees for shade and some privacy. Tent campers looking for peace and quiet will enjoy Bowman Lake for its serenity and remote location.
Weather Dependent Primitive Fall Season
October 9–October 31
Bowman Lake Campground's typical summer season is from mid-May to early September. If weather permits, a primitive camping season can extend into the fall between early September and late October.
$10 - $15 / night
“Dispersed camping” is the term used for camping anywhere outside of a developed campground, including in some campgrounds with minimal development. Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest. Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition. Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed near developed recreation areas including campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas. Water, restrooms, and trash cans are not provided. Pack out all your trash. There is a 16-day stay limit at any site. After that you must move 5-miles away, and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Use existing fire rings. Avoid creating new fire rings. Your fire must be attended at all times and be dead out before leaving. Contact a local office about possible campfire restrictions before you go. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Additional rules or regulations may apply to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Flathead Wild and Scenic River corridor.
Kintla Lake campground is Glacier National Park's most remote frontcountry and car camping campground. It is located in the uppermost northwest section of the park known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles from the west entrance. Access is via a rough dirt road. Trailers not permitted. Due to its remote location, the campground is very quiet and rarely fills, offering tent campers a sense of solitude. The campground sits on Kintla Lake.
Kintla's summer season is typically early June to early September. Weather dependent, there is a primitive camping season from early September to the end of October. Note: In 2023, this campground will be closed for the fall due to construction beginning on September 6.
$10 - $15 / night
Located in the scenic Little Rockies near the small town of Landusky, the Montana Gulch Campground offers a quiet, stream-side setting with lots of shade. It lies within a 30-minute drive of the Camp Creek Recreation Area and several small bass and trout fisheries. T here are no amenities in Landusky.
10 camping units, restroom, tables and fire-rings, garbage collection, day-use picnic area
No fees for day use and parking, $8/night for camping, no reservations. All campground fees are used to supplement the maintenance costs for the site.
This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. Accessible - yes (toilet as well)
M-K is a free campground located 2.6 miles up the Main Fork Rock Creek Road #2421, not far from the Beartooth Highway. Mount Maurice Trail (#6) Corral Creek Trail (#9), Beartrack Trail (#8), Lake Fork Trail (#2), Parkside National Recreation Trail (#103), Hellroaring Plateau Trail (#11), Glacier Lake Trail (#3), Sheridan Campground, Rattin Campground, Parkside Campground, Limber Pine Campground and Greenough Lake Campground are also located in the Man Fork Rock Creek drainage.Camp sites: 10Max Trailer Length: 20ftHost: NoAccessible Facilities: Vault ToiletsTrash Pickup: NoFirewood: No. Don't move firewood to other areas or bring in outside firewood. Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it there.Reservations:No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. There is a 16 day stay limit. Some sites have bear resistant food storage lockers.M-K Campground remains open year-round. In the off-season there are no services, the campground is not maintained, and roads are not plowed. If you visit outside the peak fee season, please bring your own water, toilet paper (outhouse will remain open), and please pack out your trash.Directions from district office:Drive south on US Hwy 212 towards Cooke City for 10.9 miles. Turn right onto the Main Fork Rock Creek Rd (FR #2421). Drive 0.9 miles past Parkside, Greenough and Limberpine Campgrounds. Turn leftjust have to Limberpine Campground to continue on the Main Fork Rock Creek Rd. Drive 2.6 miles to the campground.*Please be advised the Main Fork Rd. is bumpy and rocky, especially beyond M-K campground. High clearance vehicles are recommended.Information:Beartooth Ranger District6811 Hwy 212Red Lodge, MT 59068(406) 446-2103
Guide
Pretty campground. Saw lots of deer running around. Pit toilets were clean and sites were nice. Enjoyed having a fire and it was free in the off season.
Guide
We needed an easy stop crossing from WA to the Midwest. When we arrived, a number of sites were being used, but they were just there for the day. We loved our spacious spot with an amazing view of the river. Few bugs in September. We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument.
Scout
Beginning off season, pull through site with water and electric. Uncrowded, convenient, but close to highway so a bit noisy. Bathrooms could use some heat and attention.
Scout
The words of encouragement and support that you have supplied me with are extremely meaningful to me, and I would like you to know that they mean the world to me. They have a great lot of importance to me as responsibilities. gacha life
Scout
The town of Eureka closed this park to overnight camping as they had trouble with people over staying there welcome.
GuideGreat location. Close to the park entrance and West Yellowstone. Pit toilets were in really good shape. And the camp host went way beyond to help us with a situation. The campground however, really needs to provide some place for waste water for those of us who are not camping in an RV. A bear had been sighted, and there were red Active Bear Area signs everywhere, so it was critical to keep a clean site.
Guide
We have always loved coming out here to camp. The mosquitoes can get pretty thick at times so be prepared.
GuideThere was no sign for this campsite on the highway. I just pulled off the highway where it said access to National Forest, and it appeared fairly close to the highway. There were only half a dozen sites or so, and no amenities. And of course, no cost. I think the actual Moose Creek Campground is farther up the road and away from the highway. But this was perfect for someone who is caravaning and needed a quick place to stop. It's right on the creek and it was delightful. There was one other camper in there the evening I was there.
Guide
For a dispersed BLM camping area, this is lovely. Plenty of sites that each have a picnic table and long gravel spot to park an RV. There’s a cute little river and some interesting rock features. Close to the freeway so an excellent stop for a night spot.
Traveler
…unless it's late & you’re desperate for a camp site.
Plenty of available sites in October— other campers were mainly hunters (or fishers). No camp host; ADA pit toilet only one open (comfort station closed); all water was winterized & no elec hook-up available. (Fees sign— see photo-- left no indication that fees were seasonal; we were ready with our contribution but since nobody to collect, we didn’t leave it.) 24 sites (1 ADA) + 2 tipi sites, all nicely spaced & shrubbery for privacy; #1-12 by the river.
The biggest deterrent to this CG is the many trains that came through during the night— 3-4/hr, all night— and they all blasted their whistles 3-4 times each! I guess if you are immuned to that, this would be a great campsite.
Scout
The road in was narrow. Glad I didn’t have any problems with on coming riggs
Ranger
The campsites are big and spacious. Even though the sites are open, they still feel private thanks to the natural layout and surrounding trees. The lake is incredibly clear and beautiful. One of the highlights of our stay was the stunning sunrise over the water—waking up to those colors reflecting off the lake was absolutely breathtaking. There was only a few campers when we were there. Warning: there are bears in the area. We didn't see any, but saw some evidence of them.
Scout
Camping is free after September 25, but no water or wifi. Very quiet and peaceful.
Traveler
It's basically a park with 2 RV spots tucked in at the end that were taken. The rest of "camping" is free in the gravel lot. Water and pit toilets, picnic tables available. It was close to the freeway, so there was lots of road noise all night.
Guide
We picked this park for convenience while having travel trailer brake issues. Came at close of season, and thankful for a later evening check in. A little disconnect to obtain a bathroom Code. Fortunately we saw camp hosts walking dogs to gain access. Dog friendly, including nice gated area for off leash.
Guide
Stayed early October and only 1 other camper. Glad it was open, as information is limited and most areas close Sept 15th or Oct 1 and close gates for access. Basic sites, vault toilet. Underused, but great for horses with fence, etc. Only one other car camper. Beautiful stars at night!
Legend
KOA 8/24: The area we stayed in is for medium sized rigs or smaller. It was wooded and very nice for a KOA. The larger spaces are in a newer and less shady portion of the campground.
FUN POOL PARK, PLAYGROUND, PETTING ZOO, SHORT TRAIL. GREAT ICE CREAM
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4 Security: No locked gate Usage during visit: pretty full on weekends Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: close Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: yes Campground Noise: Fairly quiet Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: yes Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: very nice Showers: yes / nice Pull Throughs: most all Cell Service (AT&T): fine Recent Weather: very hot Insects: none Host: staff Rig Size: large
Ranger
We were on our way to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and needed an overnight.
This is BLM land for dispersed camping.
There is a pretty steep hill down. No problems with pickup camper.
Sites access best suited for vans, pickup campers or small class C. Smal trailer might be able to make it.
This is a beautiful area and was very quiet. There is a highway nearby but almost no traffic.
GuideThis place looks like a paid campground, only free! All the spots have a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. The mountain views all all around you are gorgeous. Some other folks camping here went trout fishing - so that's an option. Only downside is that my dogs had some trouble walking on the gravel.
GPS: 45.702416, -112.736869
Legend
Deadman’s Basin Montana FWP Campground 10/24 Stopover for one night in 10/24. The reservoir along which this cg lies is low this time of year. Reservoir must be prettier in the spring and early summer when the water level is higher. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4
Price 2024: See pricing in photo. Contrary to posted signs the website says that camping is free. Screenshot of website is also provided in photos .
Security: no
Usage during visit: our loop empty.
Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no
Site Spacing: good
Pad surface: dirt
Reservations: First come first serve
Campground Noise: According to signage some action has been taken.
Outside Road Noise: no
Through Traffic in campground: no
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: no
Potable Water Available: no
Generators: sb allowed
Bathroom: a clean pit toilet
Showers: no
Pull Throughs: yes
Cell Service (AT&T): 1 bar
Setting: near reservoir
Recent Weather: clear and w highs in70s and 80s.
Solar: very good
Insects: none
Host: no
Rig Size: large rigs should fit in some sites.
Sites: see pics.
ScoutWe stayed October 7&8 2023 and it's a good place to boondock. No services. A couple of fire pits. The pit toilet is far from the camping, so don't rely on it. This area was flooded a few years ago so rocks are everywhere. A nice 1 1/2 mile trail runs around the island. People take boats in and out at differing hours so there is some traffic, but is fairly quiet except for the train whistles which I enjoy but some may not. Tried to get coffee in town at the gas station, but the town's water supply is not working and no one knows when it will be repaired. Not sure if this is due to the flood a couple of years ago? We plan to return soon.
Guide
I really enjoyed this boondocking site. They have great tent options right beside the river but not too close for flooding. Also they have a hard structured bathroom which was nice. Would stay here again. Also the road was bumpy but I managed it with my Honda Accord.
ScoutCross the bridge at the exit and there is a wide turn around. I'd pull my teardrop down here, but unsure about longer trailers. Close to the interstate so a little noisy, but close to good fishing access.
TravelerStopped here on my way back home to Grand Teton. Super clean and large campsite with a few fire rings and an outhouse. A little noisy just because it’s right next to the interstate, but at night it’s fairly quiet.
GuideGood place to camp
GuideGreat camping spot. We camped over on a Friday night at the end of September. Free because it was out of the normal season, but because it was the last sliver of summer, it definitely filled up. However, they only had the first loop open (group and second loop of sites were closed). Being out of normal season, trash was all locked up but not a big deal.
Lake was spectacular and beautiful, would recommend!
Scout
Office staff and owners are great! Areas are clean and neat.
