Best Campgrounds near Missoula, MT

Missoula, Montana serves as a gateway to multiple camping destinations within the surrounding national forests and public lands. Established campgrounds like Charles Waters and Lolo Creek provide tent and RV sites with standard amenities including picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings. Blue Mountain Forest Road offers dispersed camping options approximately 5 miles southwest of downtown, while KOA and Jim & Mary's RV Park cater to travelers seeking more developed facilities with hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations.

Camping in the area operates seasonally, with most developed campgrounds open from May through September or early October. Higher elevation sites typically remain snow-covered until late spring. "Beautiful spot very close to the highway," notes one camper about Russell Gates, highlighting the proximity to transportation corridors that characterizes many sites in the region. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate forest roads. Most established campgrounds near Missoula maintain accessible facilities, while dispersed camping areas may have limited amenities and require campers to pack out all waste. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds during summer weekends, particularly for sites with electricity or water hookups.

The Bitterroot Mountains and Clark Fork River provide scenic backdrops for camping experiences in the region. Campers frequently mention the quality of fishing access along the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers. One visitor described Charles Waters Campground as having "HUGE and so beautiful" sites, with Bass Creek just "50 yards from the camper and so clear." Mosquitoes can be problematic at waterfront locations, particularly at Chief Looking Glass Campground according to visitor reports. Noise considerations include train activity near some northern campgrounds and highway sounds at sites adjacent to major routes. Winter camping options are limited primarily to year-round RV parks, though some primitive sites remain accessible depending on snow conditions and road closures.

Best Camping Sites Near Missoula, Montana (143)

    1. Missoula KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Missoula, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-0881

    $75 - $192 / night

    "Great friendly and clean place to stay in Missoula Montana!"

    "Located right near the town of missoula, very convient."

    2. Jim & Mary's RV Park

    24 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 549-4416

    "Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer. We wish we would have stayed a few more nights."

    "Friendly staff and close to Missoula."

    3. Granite Peak RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 543-9400

    $40 - $150 / night

    "-WiFi -hook ups -small&big sites -clean showers -shop with stickers -gym -mini golf -en route to glacier via Missoula"

    "Granite Peak Rv

    Missoula, MT

    #58, gravel Pad, grass area, picnic table 

    OTA: 7 channels

    Verizon 4g/4 bars

    ATT 4g/3bars

    Internet pretty weak from our site."

    4. Yellowrock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 273-0141

    $27 - $47 / night

    "Full hook-ups are available, and it's close to everything yet nestled in the forest."

    "The employees were constantly running around keeping up with the place and kindly showed us to our camp spot. They had a golf game around the property and trail to the river."

    5. Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3814

    "On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs."

    "Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side. (Only in a truck). Awesome sunset spot and no one bothered me"

    6. Chief Looking Glass Campground

    14 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    $6 - $18 / night

    "We got a nice spot next to the river. It was really relaxing. There’s two pit toilets and 1 water pump near the entrance. It’s first come first serve."

    "Entry fee is $12 per camp and gate closes to get back in at 10pm

    I have camped here multiple times by tent and always enjoyed my stay."

    7. Charles Waters Campground

    20 Reviews
    Florence, MT
    21 miles
    Website

    "This is a National Forest campground about 25 miles from Missoula. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and they were spacious and VERY clean. Our site was HUGE and so beautiful."

    "Lots and f trail for hiking. Close enough to Missoula or the other communities in the bitterroot valley."

    8. Beavertail Hill State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Clinton, MT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5561

    $20 - $26 / night

    "We had been staying at different sites as we traveled to Montana from Iowa and this one was a favorite!. We will make it a point to stay there again when coming  out west."

    "The 1 mile Nature Trail around the area is really well maintained and beautiful. There are 2 Tipi sites you can rent as well."

    9. Lolo Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    $15 - $25 / night

    "We tried to drive out here and the gps location is on private land. The actual campground is to the east on the main highway on the south side of the road."

    "Tucked in away from everything. Nice little camping spot!"

    10. Out Post Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frenchtown, MT
    9 miles

    "And it’s a huge bonus to be outside and enjoying greasy air.

    The grounds were very close to the highway and easy to access."

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Recent Reviews near Missoula, MT

610 Reviews of 143 Missoula Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Holland Lake Picnic Site

    Heaven on Earth

    Embarrassing to say that I’m pushing 50 and this is my first time visiting Holland Lake. OMG! This place is gorgeous. I have taken some strolls on nearby paths and there are so many hidden gems of lakeside spots to enjoy the scenery. It is a very mellow weekend and wx has been cool and rainy. I could spend weeks here. I’m on the Bayview loop and they’ve locked up the bathrooms and put porta potties instead. Sign says it closed for the season in a few days 10/7. The other loops they’ve kept the bathrooms open oddly enough. I was not expecting to get service but T-Mobile I have 1 bar and sometimes I get 5G. Around the lake I’ve seen 3 bars of service. There are zero complaints. Quite a few spots show reserved and nobody showed up likely b/c of the wx but that’s still garbage to hold up a spot out of selfish greed. I’m so glad I came and I am so excited to visit with my family in the summer. There are a decent amount of walk up sites that imo should be reservable for $100nt they are so epic.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Basic and easy

    It is RIGHT off the road, I missed it coming back from town (having been to the site once already). Any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size.

    All sites are close together, though we are here by ourselves. You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn’t bother either of us. Saw deer so far.

    It’s tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience, it got 4 stars for that. Lost the 5th for no view.

  • L
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Johnsrud Park FAS

    Day Use Area- No overnight

    Beautiful boat ramp and very large day use area. Plenty of river access for fishing and boat ramp access. Plentiful parking, pit toilets, and a large group day site with picnic tables. Only saw 2 other humans while I visited.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Jim & Mary's RV Park

    Lovely, manicured RV Park

    This rv park is serene and beautiful. Whoever takes care of the grounds is meticulous and has two green thumbs. I felt safe which is of utmost important to me. The staff was welcoming and efficient. Would stay here again any time.

    My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine.

    There’s plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn’t hear this at all.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richmond Marshall hookup trail dispersed campsite

    Logging Logging Spur MTN view

    Acesss logging road in good shape. Narrow in places . Fire ring at the edge of the embankment. Tight place to turn around. Can hear a creek deep in the gorge. Only saw one other person. Vegetation is very dry. Nice open view for camping. Most of the road cuts through tall trees. Good cell service . No services just a fire ring and cell reception.

  • Lady Phyre  ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    A clearing & an Outhouse

    It's a clearing with a clean outhouse . It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charles Waters Campground

    Clean with flat pads

    What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Stayed one night

    We are on the way to Glacier Park and needed to be close enough to get there in a few hours the next day. Pros: convenience. Close to highway and town. Large site, we were on the first loop site 1. Picnic tables and fire rings provided at each site. Site was free (after Labor Day 2025) Cons: Logging has created Mess, downed trees litter the area, however this resulted in plenty of available firewood. Vault toilets are not clean(understandable as there are no hosts on site this time of year) Synopsis: this site accommodated us for the purpose we were looking for, It would be hard for me to stay here longer than one day, however it may be suitable for longer periods if you have an interest in touring the area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lolo Hot Springs Campground

    Spot for a quick stay

    Water and electricity hook up only. Bring a portable RV waste tank to the pump out station. Or walk to the bathroom /showers. Tent sites are also available. Restaurant / Bar / hot Springs pool is across the road. Spacious.


Guide to Missoula

Camping options near Missoula, Montana range from riverside tent sites to full-service RV parks situated at elevations between 3,200 and 4,000 feet. The surrounding Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests provide over 250,000 acres of public land access, with most dispersed camping areas located along forest roads. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during July and August, while early and late season campers should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.

What to do

Paddling activities on Lolo Creek: Visitors can bring non-motorized boats to Chief Looking Glass Campground for flatwater paddling. "There is a beautiful flat water river with two access points and locals tube and paddle here," reports one visitor who appreciated the riverside setting.

Mini golf at family campgrounds: Several RV parks offer on-site recreation, including Granite Peak RV Resort which features a course for families. "They had a mini golf course that I wanted to play at," mentioned one camper, though noting they "had no time" during their visit.

Hiking on Blue Mountain: Forest roads southwest of Missoula provide both camping and trailhead access. "Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping is allowed west of road 365," notes a regular visitor to the area's extensive trail system.

Sapphire hunting day trips: Visitors staying at campgrounds west of town can take a memorable day trip for gem hunting. "I recommend heading out to gem mountain for some Montana sapphire hunting. Fun day trip, and was great for the kids," advises a camper from Jim & Mary's RV Park.

What campers like

Private, wooded campsites: Charles Waters Campground receives high marks for site privacy. "Sites are close-ish together but very private because of the tree cover. The creekside sites are especially lovely," explains one reviewer who enjoyed the natural separation between sites.

Affordable tent camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the pricing at national forest campgrounds. Charles Waters Campground offers "$10 per night" with a "16 day stay limit" according to one reviewer who also noted the "paved roads, large sites" and "water spigots throughout."

Swimming and fishing access: Water activities rank high among camper priorities. "There is a beautiful flat water river with two access points and locals tube and paddle here," mentions one visitor to Chief Looking Glass Campground, highlighting the dual recreation potential.

Natural soundscapes: Campers value the natural audio environment at sites away from the interstate. "You can hear the cascading water at the sites, peaceful," writes one Charles Waters visitor, emphasizing how creek sounds enhance the camping experience.

What you should know

Limited cell coverage in some areas: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Lolo Creek Campground has "no cell service at nor near the campsite," according to a recent visitor, while other campgrounds closer to town maintain reliable connections.

Gate closure hours: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle access overnight. "The gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so," warns a Chief Looking Glass visitor who found this limitation problematic.

Train noise considerations: Railroad tracks run parallel to several campgrounds. At Beavertail Hill State Park, "there is also a set of RR tracks that run along the freeway. There were 8-10 trains that went by daily.. honking at the RR crossing," reports one camper.

Dusty forest roads: Access to dispersed camping requires driving on unpaved routes. "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards," warns a Blue Mountain visitor who experienced a flat tire from "sharp rocks."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Square Dance Center and Campground offers activities for younger campers. "They have a little putting course for kids among the trees. It is a good family campground," observes one visitor who appreciated the child-oriented options.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting animals at campgrounds. "There are three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them," wrote a parent whose daughter was delighted by the resident wildlife at Missoula KOA.

Accessible swimming spots: Water access ranks high for families with children. "The creek was just 50 yards from the camper and so clear," notes one Charles Waters visitor, highlighting the convenient proximity to water play areas.

Insect preparation: Parents should pack appropriate protection, especially at waterfront sites. "Mosquitoes can be problematic at waterfront locations," notes one visitor to Chief Looking Glass, suggesting families bring adequate repellent during summer months.

Tips from RVers

Varying hookup availability: RV campers find diverse utility options across the Missoula area. Jim & Mary's RV Park offers "full hookups" that made one visitor's "stay enjoyable," while also noting "there is a small dog park" though "it's mostly in the sun."

Sewer hose length requirements: Some RV parks have unusual utility layouts. At Granite Peak RV Resort, you "need about 20 foot of sewer hose to reach the sewer drain," according to one RVer who found this setup inconvenient.

Laundry facility limitations: Campers planning extended stays should note laundry access varies. Square Dance Center "only washes in cold" and "they don't have a dryer," forcing campers to use clotheslines, while others noted limited washer availability at some parks.

Premium site considerations: Higher-priced sites don't always deliver proportional value. One Missoula KOA visitor who paid for a "deluxe extra wide site" with their 27-foot Class C motorhome found they couldn't fully extend their slide-out, noting "here we are with the slide 4 inches from going out all the way."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Missoula, MT?

Missoula is surrounded by exceptional campgrounds within a short drive. Charles Waters Campground stands out about 25 miles from town with spacious sites, clean vault toilets, and beautiful Bass Creek access with crystal-clear water. For RV travelers, Jim & Mary's RV Park offers a clean, well-maintained option with plenty of shade to escape Montana's summer heat. Other excellent options include Beavertail Hill State Park Campground (30 minutes east), Blodgett Campground (20-30 minutes away with spectacular mountain views), and Gird Point Campground in the Bitterroot National Forest. Many campgrounds are situated along scenic waterways, offering fishing opportunities and gorgeous Montana landscapes that make the Missoula area a camping paradise.

Are there any free camping areas around Missoula?

Yes, free camping options exist around Missoula for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed offers free dispersed camping with drive-in access. Big Pine Campground provides first-come, first-served free sites, some with creek access, perfect for smaller rigs and tent campers looking for peaceful boondocking not far from Missoula. For overnight parking needs, Cracker Barrel in Missoula has designated RV/bus spots in a quiet section of town. The surrounding national forests also contain numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads, typically offering 14-day stay limits. Always practice Leave No Trace principles at free sites, and be prepared for minimal or no amenities.

What tent camping options are available near Missoula?

Tent campers near Missoula have numerous scenic options to choose from. Dalles Campground offers an extremely rustic and gorgeous setting along Rock Creek, with a beautiful drive through a small valley south of Missoula. Lee Creek Campground in Lolo National Forest provides a cooler escape during hot summer days. Harpers Lake campground, situated along the Clearwater River with two small lakes within walking distance, offers great opportunities for fishing and water activities. Beavertail Hill State Park, about 30 minutes east of Missoula, features mountain views and riverside camping with short hiking trails. Most tent sites in the area are in natural settings with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but limited or no cell service.

Which campgrounds near Missoula offer first-come, first-served sites?

Russell Gates Memorial campground, located along the picturesque Blackfoot River on Highway 200, operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While scenic, its proximity to the highway means it can be noisy and frequently fills up. Lolo Creek Campground also offers first-come, first-served sites with water and toilet facilities. Big Pine Campground has 4-5 non-reservable sites, some with creek access, perfect for smaller vehicles and tent camping. Many of the National Forest campgrounds in the region operate entirely or partially on a first-come basis, especially during shoulder seasons. Arriving mid-week or early in the day significantly improves your chances of securing a spot, as weekends can fill quickly, particularly during summer months.