The best camping near Placid Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Placid adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover Placid Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.  

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Community favorites near Placid Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Placid Lake State Park

96%
(1172)

Primrose Meadows

13 sites · Tents28 acres · Missoula, MT
We can’t wait to share our land with you! Get away from it all and get under the Big Sky. Close to the freeway for easy access but adjacent to over 200 acres of beautiful farmland, you’ll experience Montana’s wildlife and have beautiful Mountain views when you stay at Primrose Meadows. There are few trees in the property, it’s mostly rolling hills with some trails to walk and plenty of space between sites! This property has a railroad track that runs next to the property that sometimes toots it’s horn, if you’re a light sleeper this is something you should consider!We are close to Council Grove and Frenchtown Pond which are both great swimming holes! You can also coordinate with us for cross-country skiing or head to Snowbowl for local downhill skiing! We are close to Missoula should you need any services in town.
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$37
 / night
91%
(32)

Buck’s Paradise

2 sites · Lodging15 acres · Seeley Lake, MT
Learn more about this land: This is a non-smoking, Family friendly dry cabin. Pets are allowed as long as you clean up after them and don't allow them on the furniture. We love our fur babies! Property is located just north of Seeley Lake Beach. Lots of room to ride bikes with trails accessible nearby. Access to Deer Creek as well. Owner will be on the property from time to time staying at their cabin, so you may see them here and there. Excellent property to set up folf nets or just enjoy the quiet scenery of deer and listen to the birds. We just ask that you keep the property clean and be respectful. Pack in pack out.
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$65
 / night
78%
(20)

Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Greenough, MT
Learn more about this land:  Safely leave your camp in the shade, under tall pine trees.  Enjoy horses grazing nearby and explore Greenough, the last best place.  The best swimming hole on the Clearwater River is located less than a mile away.  World class fishing and floating on multiple rivers including the Big Blackfoot are nearby.  Salmon Lake and Seeley Lake have limited campsites but are located just 10 to 20 miles away from this spot for fabulous fishing and boating adventures. The Clearwater Game Range is 2 miles away for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.  I almost forgot to mention the well preserved and nearby ghost towns of Garnet and  Coloma.   This truly is, the last best campsite in the last best place. Large family reunions and gatherings welcome! I will open as many camp sites as you need.
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$30
 / night
88%
(20)

Geary Brothers Ranch

153 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ovando, MT
Located in the Blackfoot Valley you will enjoy the endless views and access to some of the best public hunting and fishing the state has to offer. Plenty of room for the kids and dogs to play. You will stay at the historic Helmville Rodeo Grounds and enjoy the privacy and endless views. Can't wait!
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$20
 / night
92%
(6)

Secluded "Ranchette" @ Waylon's Way

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Clinton, MT
On a case-by-case basis, I can pasture your horses. Currently, I only have grass available for them as I don't have a corral yet. Additionally, I can rent out my 15' camper to you on a case-by-case basis. Please feel free to contact me to discuss these options further. My property is located on 10 acres and has only one visible neighbor. It is situated on the edge of the Lolo National Forest and accessed through a private road. There is a creek running through the property, which is home to little native cuthroat trout and is suitable for fishing CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY! The location of the property is fantastic, with the Clark Fork River and numerous other high-quality fishing spots like Rock Creek just minutes away. Moreover, the Kettlehouse Amphitheater, known for its impressive lineup, is only 7.5 miles away via a frontage road. It is a convenient 22-minute drive from downtown Missoula, although staying here offers its own unique charm and appeal. We are dog-friendly and offer full hook-ups for your convenience.
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$85
 / night
Booked 1 time

Edge Of Missoula, Rattlesnake Creek

1 site · RV1 acre · Missoula, MT
Welcome to our no-frills, convenient stopover spot on the edge of Missoula! Situated just a mile from town, our property offers a quiet and scenic retreat for travelers passing through or exploring the area. While parked on our driveway pad, you'll enjoy peace and tranquility, with the soothing sounds of Rattlesnake Creek nearby. Although the creek isn't visible from your parking spot, you're welcome to take a short walk around the house to fully experience its beauty. For those looking to stretch their legs and explore, the Rattlesnake Valley offers excellent walking opportunities just moments away. Take in the picturesque surroundings and unwind in nature's embrace. Our property spans half an acre, providing ample space for you to relax and recharge during your journey. Whether you're passing through Missoula or planning to stay awhile, our convenient location and serene setting make it the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate. Thank you for considering our property for your stay. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring your visit is comfortable and enjoyable!
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$30
 / night
100%
(5)

Swan Adventure Acres

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Condon, MT
My property is less than a mile off MT-83, between Seeley Lake and Condon. I back up to both Lolo and Flathead National Forest. Less than a quarter mile from the back of my land are trail systems for all kinds of recreation. Off road, hunting, hiking, fishing. Minutes to Lindbergh Lake. Only 15 minutes to all Seeley Lake has to offer. Enjoy the wilderness as your backyard, but still have easy access to town and great ATT cell service. The access road is a little rough, but I can get my 40ft class A up with no issue.
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$55
 / night
90%
(5)

Seeley Lake - Level and paved!

1 site · RV1 acre · Seeley Lake, MT
We want to share the location that we have been blessed to own for ten years.  We use and rent the main cabin (in the pictures) throughout the year - but thought we could share our large parking lot with those who want to see Seeley Lake or are just traveling through!Learn more about this land:Beautiful level paved lot ready for your trailer or RV - right off Highway 83 in downtown Seeley Lake (no gravel).  We are sharing our large parking area (50 amp power and water hookup) with you! We periodically use our cabin, which is a renovated general store.  Our location is on the corner of Cedar Lane and Hwy 83 (downtown Seeley Lake). We have a very safe location with good lighting, water and 50 amp electric hookup. Our Hipcamp gives you a paved/level lot that provides you close access to a range of lakes (Seeley one mile north - access through Big Larch Campground, Salmon 8 miles south, Inez 10 miles north  and Alva 18 miles north) forest, trails, rivers and the walkability of downtown Seeley Lake (Ice Cream, restaurants, post office, etc,). We are about one hour north of Missoula and 2 plus hours south of Glacier National Park.  Book your spot now!
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$40
 / night
97%
(58)

Ridgeline Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Missoula, MT
My wife, Nicole, and I were so very fortunate to have found this place. The homestead consists of 70 acres of mountainous forest in the wild lands of Montana. The cabin is totally off the grid but provides every creature comfort one could hope for.
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$60
 / night
100%
(2)

Blue Mountain BaseCamp

1 site · RV1 acre · Missoula, MT
Nestled at the base of the majestic Blue Mountain, our property offers a great opportunity to camp with just a brief 0.23-mile stroll to the trailhead, granting easy access to trails awaiting your exploration. Trailside Convenience: The convenience of having a trailhead within reach, complete with a pit toilet. Our site: Camping within city limits of Missoula is limited to the KOA. Our site is perfect for those wanting a convenient place to camp with plans to head out to the trails or to Missoula. Our home is nestled on one acre with Ponderosa pine trees, Aspen, and Birch. We are located in a neighborhood and we have two kids and two friendly dogs. There is a photo of how close our site is to our house letting you know that when the Aspen trees have no leaves, the site is not as private as when they do. Perfect Balance: Located just 1.5 miles beyond Missoula city limits, our site strikes the perfect balance between access to nature and the city. Start your day with a refreshing hike, revel in the natural beauty, and then seamlessly transition into town for the city's offerings, all within easy reach. Whether you seek a quiet morning walk along scenic trails or desire the vibrancy of city life, our property serves as the ideal base for your Blue Mountain adventure. Experience the best of both worlds at Blue Mountain BaseCamp !
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$34
 / night
Saved 10 times

Firewood farms

1 site · RV4 acres · Seeley Lake, MT
Learn more about this land:We’re located in the middle of the mountains with a beautiful creek and a swimming hole in early summer. There are hiking trails, river rafting and lakes within 5 miles. There’s a small grocery store, gift shops and restaurants in town within 10 miles
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$250
 / night

Montana Safari Tent - Blackfoot

2 sites · Lodging43 acres · Bonner, MT
Experience the charm of Montana's wilderness while indulging in the comforts of home at P-7 Base Camp, named after our family's historic livestock brand. Nestled on 43 acres in the picturesque Potomac Valley, just minutes from Missoula and the famed Blackfoot River, our peaceful retreat offers a unique glamping experience unlike any other. With only 4 sites available, including 2 safari tents and 2 Conestoga Wagons, we invite you to immerse yourself in luxury with our thoughtfully curated accommodations. Each glamping tent features luxurious bedding, electricity, a heater, coffee bar, mini fridge, wine glasses, S'Mores roasting sticks, solar lanterns, heated mattress pads, a picnic table, and Adirondack chairs. Plus, enjoy the convenience of two communal bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Our property, a working hay farm, offers a glimpse into rural life in Montana. During the summer months, you can witness the hay being irrigated, cut, baled, and stacked for winter use. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including deer, coyotes, herons, eagles, hawks, and sandhill cranes, who also call this property home. Explore the beauty of the Potomac Valley, one of Western Montana's best-kept secrets, with easy access to Missoula's vibrant downtown scene, hiking trails, museums, art galleries, and more. Spend your days floating, kayaking, or trout fishing on the Blackfoot River, or venture to nearby lakes for boating or paddleboarding. Dog-friendly trails at Lubrecht Forest are just a short drive away, while Garnet Ghost Town offers a glimpse into Montana's rich history. After a day of adventure, relax by the campfire and watch the sunset over the mountains, soaking in the tranquility of the Montana wilderness. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or simply a peaceful escape, P-7 Base Camp offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature in the heart of Big Sky Country.
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from 
$100
 / night

The best camping near Placid Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

It’s 6 a.m., the waters are sparkling in the morning sun and smooth as a stick of butter. It must be time for some waterskiing! Take advantage of the placid placidity of Placid Lake, the calmest water west of the Mississippi. Nestled into the nook of the Clearwater and Swan River valleys, this park is a boating and fishing paradise with mountain views so high and mighty you have to be careful not to hurt your neck as you take it all in. As you wander through the lakeside forest, marvel at the enormous larch stumps in your path—these are all that are left behind from long-ago logging practices. They’re so big, you can plop down on the stump with a picnic. End the day with a game of horseshoes or volleyball, and then rest your legs to take in the mountain vistas. With water so flat and calm reflecting the mountains, you won’t know which way is up or down.

Notable campgrounds

  • The Hike-Bike Campsite caters to cycling enthusiasts with bike racks, a maintenance stand, and a covered shelter.
  • Electric Campsites offer the convenience of power hookups, perfect for RV camping or charging your devices.
  • Family Campsites are spacious and equipped with fire rings and bear-resistant food lockers for a worry-free stay.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak summer months, as sites at Placid Lake State Park fill up quickly.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back often for newly available spots.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Placid Lake State Park is during the summer season, from May 1 to November 30, when all facilities are open and the weather is most conducive for camping and water sports. Winter offers a serene, day-use only experience, with the park closed to motorized traffic.

Know before you go

  • Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, especially during road construction periods.
  • Remember to store all food and attractants in bear-resistant containers to keep wildlife and your family safe.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with ADA accessible options available for an inclusive experience.
  • Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.
  • Nonresidents should be prepared to pay a day use entrance fee, with discounts for walk-ins and cyclists.

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