The best camping near Smith River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Smith River State Park adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Smith River State Park and its renowned trout fishing.

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Community favorites near Smith River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Smith River State Park

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Montana Country & Stone Barns

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Great Falls, MT

Our 100 year old stone barns are on 20 acres just a few miles from Great Falls. Next to us is an alfalfa field with a great view of our maple tree and cottonwoods. Our home is nestled in trees with a patio deck for a picnic or drink.

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Mama Honey's RV Dry Camping

1 site · RV1 acre · White Sulphur Springs, MT

Learn more about this land:This is a rough unlevel plot of 4 city lots and is just over .4 of an acre with a hot spring creek running through it. There is no shade or development yet. But it is not grossly uneven, fine for tent camping or rolling a smaller RV onto.It is just across the street from the Spa Hot Springs Motel, where there is a bathhouse, hot spring, 3 pools, bathrooms, and showers. It is within walking distance to downtown White Sulpher Springs and the Golf Course. Nestled between 2 National Forests there is much to see and do. There is rockhounding, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, ghost towns, hot springs, museums, and so much more!It can be windy so take care to not let your stuff blow away. It can be dry if you are soaking lots, bring lotion. Afternoon storms can come through so always have rain gear handy. The Castle Museum is right in White Sulphur Springs as is Red Ants Pants Corporate Headquarters (workwear for women). There are numerous restaurants and a gallery. The famous Bair Museum is nearby as well. There are several reservoirs and countless trails into the national forest. Annually in July, there is the Red Ants Pants festival.

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Delpine Farms

4 sites · RVs30 acres · Martinsdale, MT

This region is home to many longstanding ranches but ours is a little unique for the area. We are a vegetable market garden with a large flock of laying hens for eggs and we also raise and process farm grown chicken. Our goal is to feed our community a bright variety of fresh and healthy food. We farm above and beyond organic standards, following regenerative practices with nature, not against it.Learn more about this land:Located just 1.3 miles off US HWY 12 on Spring Creek Road, best access to the Little Belt Mountains and endless public land in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Nothing fancy, but that's not what you come to the mountains for. Unload your ATV or UTV and explore, wander, hike and hunt the public lands to your hearts desire (we are not giving hunting, fishing or access permission on any private land owned by us, or any other private land owners). There is plenty of wildlife, be bear aware, keep all food, especially meat, safely stored and locked. Rock climbing is NOT PERMITTED. This is Montana and the weather can be it's own beast. Be prepared for all circumstances, snow, rain, wind, heat, it's all more extreme here.

Booked 11 times

Lakeview Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Helena Valley Northeast, MT

Are small startup hay farm that has beautiful views of Hauser reservoir with three recreational sites on it within a 15-minute drive as well as 15 minutes the other direction allows two access points to lake Helena. we have a large flock of chickens that free roam the property as well as dairy cow who wanders through the front yard and Hayfield. Nearby Lakeside Bar and Grill has a great menu with lake access and music on the weekends, that is within walking distance. about 2 miles from our property there in the Helena Reservoir that has lovely walking trails, that your pets can run off leash as well as fishing access.

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Date Street Cabin @ C Lazy M Meadow

1 site · Lodging7 acres · MT

A small cabin sleeps 4 with 2 queen beds and room to stake a tent or park a camper. Sits on 6 acres with a creek bed under large trees and overlooks a meadow. Includes an outhouse, potable water, grill, picnic table and a "smokeless" fire pit. Dishes, utensils, firewood and bedding included. Come stay in MT City; only 5 miles from all historic Helena has to offer! 4 restaurants/bars within walking distance(.5 mi.). 3 large lakes w/in 10 miles with beaches, boating and sight seeing opportunities; the Missouri river within 15 miles for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, hiking and biking. Come relax! Sleeps 4 in beds. Additional guests allowed with permission and fee (tents and/or or campers). While exploring Helena, we recommend the Walking Mall and the lower end of Last Chance Gulch for shopping and dining. You can also do a self guided tour of the Capitol building and then ride the tour train through Helena to get a quick history lesson. If you want to do something outside, we suggest Houser Lake at Lakeside with a bar and grill, a beach, fire pit, volley ball, etc. There is also guided boat rides at Gates of the Mountains on Holter Lake (about 20 miles towards Great Falls). If you are looking to go hiking, Mount Helena is a nice hike, but maybe a bit much for small kiddos, unless you have a backpack. If you'd like additional suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Hope you enjoy your stay! Party (Wedding) Tent available at additional charge.

Tahoe Acres RV Park

7 sites · RVs2 acres · Townsend, MT

Conveniently located RV Park in charming Townsend, MT! Pull thru RV spaces with electric & water hookups, RV dump, and laundry. Close to Canyon Ferry Reservoir, the Elkhorn Mountains, the Jefferson River and more! Stay nightly, weekly, or even monthly*, the choice is yours! (*For stays longer than 30 days, please contact us directly to reserve your space) 406-924-9483 tahoeacresRV@gmail.com

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The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Helena, MT

This five-acre oasis was once a landscape nursery. So given the close proximity to downtown we are a hidden sanctuary from the outside world, secluded by cottonwood trees and mature foliage. The site now serves as a wedding venue and offers views of Mount Helena to the South and the Sleeping Giant to the North. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our aspen grove or park your camper/RV in the grassland field. You're close to downtown with lots of privacy/scenery. You'll have views of regal Mount Helena to the South and The Sleeping Giant to the North. The South Hill trail complex is a great place to explore as well as the Scratchgravels. The Missouri River is only 20 minutes away as well as Lake Hauser and Canyon Ferry. If new to the area and interested in history, we recommend the Tour Train. We also have several great breweries - our favorites include Ten Mile and Blackfoot Breweries (a perfect stop you can ride to after a trail ride/hike in the South Hills). This site is perfect for those wanting to explore Downtown Helena, it's renowned trail systems, but still sleep under the stars. Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. There is water throughout the property that you are welcome to use for cleaning, but it is not potable.

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Big Black Barn on the Lake

1 site · RV10 acres · Helena, MT

Welcome to beautiful Helena, Montana! We have over 10 acres on Lake Helena with direct access to the lake! You will see cranes, pelicans, bald eagles, all kinds of water fowl, otters, muskrats, jack rabbits, ground squirrels, deer and more! You will have access to fish, paddle board, kayak, whatever your heart desires! We are also 5 minutes from Lake Hauser so if you would like to boat or jetski, that is also just right around the corner! There is a horsetrail right across the street and you can head straight up into the mountains from there if you wish. Hiking in every direction, and the mighty Missouri river just minutes away for world class fishing and an amazing float in the summer! This is your stop for close access to all your wild life adventures!

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Stone Lodge Pastures

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Ulm, MT

Learn more about this land:Located on 20 acres in the tiny community of Ulm, MT. You’ll be accompanied by some wonderful horses 😃🐴 -Beautiful sunsets every night overlooking the Big Belt Mountains and Rocky Mountain front 🌅 - 2 minute drive from Missouri River access at the Ulm Bridge...fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, floating 🏊‍♂️ 🎣 🚣‍♂️ -5 minute drive to Great Falls, MT -1 hour drive to Helena, MT and Broadwater Hot Springs -1 minute drive to delicious Beef N Bone steakhouse..one of the best restaurants in the Great Falls area -40 minute drive to my hometown of Belt, MT (call if you want a tour guide/hang out partner 😃) fishing and swimming at Belt Creek. Cliff jumping at the Sluice Boxes. Visit Harvest Moon Brewing: one of the oldest, most popular, and best breweries in the state. Horseback riding. Hikes up Belt Butte. Close access to the Highwood and Little Belt Mountain ranges.

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Flying M Ranch

5 sites · Tents300 acres · Winston, MT

A gorgeous piece of land nestled at the bottom of the Elkhorn mountains. Enoy the sunrise as it crests the peak of the Range and wind down to amazing hues of pink and purple as the sun sets. You will be able to choose from gaining some elevation as you hike through the Elkhorn national wildlife refuge or go down to relax at Canyon Ferry Lake and try to catch some dinner.

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The Junkyard

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · East Helena, MT

The junkyard is a nice pet friendly spot about 6 miles from downtown Helena. Right near a creek, hikes, and the lake. It is a commercial area, as I run a towing company, but pretty quiet, you might even find some camper parts! I have water and power on site as well. I really enjoy the van life and nomad community and love to help out.

Booked 1 time

Ten Mile Creek Retreat

1 site · RV1 acre · Helena West Side, MT

Located right off HWY 12 on a 1/4 acre, this retreat offers Ten Mile creek frontage with private easy access, a fire pit, firewood, and picnic table. Enjoy the sunrise and listen to the birds! If you are around in springtime, a moose has even been spotted. It’s a great spot to rest and just listen to the water.

The best camping near Smith River State Park guide

Overview

About

A Smith River State Park camping expedition delivers the ultimate nature experience. Discover the joys of an enchanting 59-mile river journey brimming with opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife photography.

Due to its distinct allure, access to this incredible river is granted through an exclusive permit lottery system, akin to certain big game licenses in Montana. Yet, even if the draw doesn't favor you, Camp Baker, the river's starting point, near White Sulphur Springs, offers an equally delightful experience. A short drive south of Great Falls, this location transforms into a serene sanctuary after the day's floating parties have embarked, perfect for campers who want to enjoy fishing, bird-watching, or a summer swim in solitude.

Eden Bridge, the traditional endpoint for Smith River float trips, marks the conclusion of this captivating park. Here, you'll be met with an inviting rest stop to recoup after their river adventure. Camping near Smith River State Park offers an unrivaled chance to immerse in the untouched charm of one of Montana's great outdoor adventures.

When to go

The prime time to visit Smith River State Park is from mid-April through mid-July, when the river's flow is ideal for floating. Outside of these months, river conditions can be unpredictable, with low flows making navigation challenging. Early reservations are crucial as permits are limited and highly sought after.

Know before you go

Secure a permit through the annual lottery for a chance to experience the Smith River's exclusive float trip.
Prepare to pack out all human waste with approved portable toilet systems.
Be aware of the 'day use only' policy at Camp Baker, with exceptions from September 1 through November 30.
Remember, there are no public services from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge; bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water.
Check for any restrictions and closures before your visit, especially during fire or flood seasons.