Montana’s Best Campgrounds
Camping in Montana is never short of breathtaking views. With mountain ranges, rivers and lakes the camping experiences here are like none other. The cool crisp air at night with big bright stars is something you won’t soon forget. The forests in Montana make great backdrops for your campsite photo album.
Find below our list of 10 Best Places to Camp in Montana:
Beavertail Hill State Park
This small state park is well-known for its fishing, but it has a lot more to offer than just that. Set on the Clark Fork river, this park provides access to the river without the crowds of other public beaches. It’s also home to an 18-hole disc golf course, hiking trails and a volleyball court.
“It’s so nice here,” said one reviewer on Yelp.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Located near Whitehall in central Montana, this park provides camping on the banks of the Missouri River, exploring two caves and featuring 18 miles of hiking trails. If you’re looking for some adventure beyond your campsite, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is home to an interpretive center dedicated to the ongoing exploration of the Marias River Region. It’s also one of few day-use state parks that offer overnight camping.
“We went cave tubing and the kids loved it,” said one reviewer on Trip Advisor . “The tour was very interesting.”
Hungry Horse Dam Campground
This campground is adjacent to Hungry Horse Reservoir, just north of Glacier National Park in west-central Montana. It provides easy access to some of Montana’s most popular outdoor attractions, including the Whitefish Bike Trail and Glacier National Park. The Hungry Horse Reservoir is a popular fishing destination, too, where anglers typically snag largemouth bass, northern pike and rainbow trout.
“The campsites were clean,” said one Yelper . “It’s a great place to camp with family and friends!”
Avalanche Campground
Located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park, this private campground offers drive-in campsites along two lakes. The scenery is gorgeous, with opportunities for hiking, fishing and swimming during the day. At night the stars are bright in this remote area of Montana, far from city lights that would hinder your view of the night sky.
“So beautiful here! Everyone was very friendly,” said one reviewer. “We loved our stay.”
Two Medicine Campground
Nestled between Glacier National Park and Bob Marshall Wilderness, Two Medicine Campground offers spectacular views of the mountains surrounding this area. The campground is ideal for hikers, with access to several trails that lead into the backcountry. Anglers will also enjoy the proximity to Two Medicine Lake, where anglers can expect to reel in a mix of rainbow trout and brook trout.
“This campground is lovely,” said one Trip Advisor reviewer. “There are no showers but it more than makes up for that with its outstanding setting.”
Big Arm State Recreation Area
This campground is located south of Kalispell on Flathead Lake in western Montana. The lake offers great fishing and boating opportunities, plus there’s a small beach for swimming. You can hike the trails here, too, or visit the nearby state park.
“We stayed here for our anniversary and it was beautiful,” said one Yelp reviewer.
Heart Butte Indian Days Campground
Located in Heart Butte, Montana, this campground provides a chance to experience Montana’s Native American culture. The campsites are dispersed throughout the valley among grasslands and juniper trees. The Heart Butte Dam is popular for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
“Camping here you feel like you’re out in the country,” said one Yelper . “The stars are so bright, it’s beautiful!”
Soda Butte Campground
Located one mile east of Cooke City on US 212, the campground sits so that you can see Granite Peak off to the north and where you can access backcountry trails and enjoy wildlife viewing.
“I have stayed in several state park campgrounds in Montana,” said one Yelp reviewer.
Kintla Lake Campground
Located near the northwest corner of Glacier National Park in west-central Montana, this campground provides some of the most stunning views in the state. The crystal clear waters of Kintla Lake are popular for canoeing and kayaking, while boaters gather along its shoreline to catch native cutthroat trout.
“This is a hidden gem,” said one Yelper . “The people are incredibly nice. We will definitely be back again!”
Greek Creek Campground
Greek Creen is near Big Sky, Montana. Fun fact: Big Sky is home to some of the best night sky views in the country, making it a popular destination for stargazers and astronomers alike. The campground provides easy access to the ranch, which offers activities like horseback riding and swimming in crystal clear lakes.
“The scenery is amazing!” said one reviewer . “I really enjoyed hiking around the area.”