Desert camping in Montana

Soak in hot springs, hike through wilderness, or just take in the views of Big Sky Country.

95% (19 reviews)

United States
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Montana

95% (19 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Montana

2 top desert campgrounds in Montana

96%

(23)

Sage Oasis Garden Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Hot Springs, MT

Sage Oasis is a permaculture garden retreat center with a variety of lodging options located just outside the town of Hot Springs, Montana, an area known for its sweeping high desert views and unique mineral-rich hot soaking options. Evolving as a model of self-sufficient living in support of personal health and well-being at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. Sage Oasis hosts small hands-on workshops and retreat experiences for individuals and groups. We are located mid-way between Missoula and Kalispell, hot mineral soaks just minutes away in the Hot Springs valley of western Montana. It is 30 minutes from Flathead Lake, 45 minutes to the National Bison Range, and under 2 hours to Glacier National Park. All the activities and features listed here are within an hour's drive. We allow one pet per unit for a fee of $15 per trip, which you may kindly add to your payment. Please request permission for additional pets, as we often have several on the property and try to limit the numbers. Thank you.

Saved 1 time

Fire Hole Canyon

1 site · RV1 acre · Old Agency, MT

Stay with me on this newly landscaped lot in remote Dixon, MT! If you are a bicyclist traveling down the Paradise Canyon, this is the perfect pitstop. The Canyon runs East and West, creating a similar effect seen only in the Ojai mountains. The Cantina has delicious food, and restroom facilities are available off-site.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Bannack State Park

Dillon, Montana

Desert camping in Montana guide

Overview

Few places in the Lower 48 feel more wild and remote than Montana. This northwestern state on the border with Canada is home to both Glacier National Park and a section of Yellowstone National Park along with a wide range of state parks and recreation areas, friendly cities, spooky ghost towns, and more than its fair share of hot springs. While most visitors comein summer—when weather is pleasant enough for camping and hiking—the Treasure State offers unique experiences in every season, with fantastic winter skiing opportunities, spring wildflowers, and gorgeous fall colors.

Where to go

Glacier Country

Northwestern Montana's Glacier Country is characterized by massive forests, craggy peaks, and long expanses of wilderness, with plenty of wildlife to boot. It's also home to Glacier National Park, where you'll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails along with tons of developed and backcountry camping options.

Southwest Montana

In the heart of Montana's Big Sky country, just west of Yellowstone National Park, this region is characterized by cute towns (notably Butte and Helena), historic ghost towns (a remnant of the region's historic mining industry), and relaxing hot springs. Popular camping areas include Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park and Bannack State Park.

Yellowstone Country

If you're headed to Yellowstone Country, it's likely with a visit to Yellowstone National Park in mind, but there's plenty more to do in the region, from hiking the Lake Fork Trail to checking out the restaurant and brewery scene in Bozeman. Yellowstone itself is, of course, a must-visit, but if you can’t find camping in the massive—and ever so popular—national park, you may have better luck snagging something in Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Central Montana

Central Montana offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoor recreation, rain or shine. Summer activities include fishing, horseback riding, and camping, while spots such as Showdown Mountain, Teton Pass Ski Resort, and Bear Paw Ski Bowl offer skiing and snowboarding. The region also has plenty of state parks, including Sluice Boxes State Park, Giant Springs State Park, and First Peoples Buffalo State Park.

Eastern Montana

Vast and expansive, eastern Montana features sparse landscapes dotted with the occasional herd of cattle, and plenty of room to get out and explore. You can take in views of the Badlands from Makoshika State Park or the Badlands Wilderness Study Area, or camp under the open sky in the expansive Custer National Forest. If you'd like to get out on the water, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is the place to go, with boat rentals available.