The best campgrounds near Butte, Montana with swimming

In Butte, campers with swimming on their minds have over 370 site options, with nights averaging $100 and some spots dipping as low as $55. You’ll find campsites set along creeks, tucked near old mining trails, and close to swimming holes that locals don’t advertise. Top picks include Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town (43 reviews), where abandoned buildings and wide-open skies set the scene; Big Hole Boondockin' (18 reviews), favored for its clear water and room to roam; and A Creek runs through it! (6 reviews), where the name says it all. Most sites offer showers, toilets, and let you bring pets. Between swims, you can saddle up for horseback rides, cast a line for trout, or watch deer drift through the grass at dusk. This is Butte: rugged, unpolished, and always close to the water.

97% (80)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Butte, campers with swimming on their minds have over 370 site options, with nights averaging $100 and some spots dipping as low as $55. You’ll find campsites set along creeks, tucked near old mining trails, and close to swimming holes that locals don’t advertise. Top picks include Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town (43 reviews), where abandoned buildings and wide-open skies set the scene; Big Hole Boondockin' (18 reviews), favored for its clear water and room to roam; and A Creek runs through it! (6 reviews), where the name says it all. Most sites offer showers, toilets, and let you bring pets. Between swims, you can saddle up for horseback rides, cast a line for trout, or watch deer drift through the grass at dusk. This is Butte: rugged, unpolished, and always close to the water.

97% (80)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Big Hole Boondockin'

99%

(41)

18mi from Butte · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Melrose, MT

Big Hole Boondockin' is located in Southwest Montana along the beautiful banks of the Big Hole River. River View Livestock, a 300 acre working cattle ranch, surrounds our camping areas which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a real Montana ranch experience. If you're not into the ranch lifestyle, hop on a raft, inner tube or kayak and float down the river enjoying a cold beverage. We also offer bank fishing on our private property. Stressed? Book some time with our emotional support animals and snuggle one of the pigs or cows to take some stress out of your life. These animals are part of our family and love to sit and relax with humans, begging for belly scratches and giving kisses. The cell service & wi-fi are very iffy here. T-Mobile works great. If you have Verizon or AT&T you will not have service right at the campsite. You may have to walk or drive a bit to get a signal or the local restaurant & bar has free wi-fi for patrons. Whatever your camping dream is, our focused, friendly staff will work to achieve it. We look forward to hosting you and your family and friends and sharing our day to day dream life.

2. Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town

93%

(54)

25mi from Butte · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Anaconda, MT

Step back in time and camp under the wide-open skies of Montana’s Wild West! Gunslinger Gulch is a real-deal ghost town turned Old West experience, nestled just outside Anaconda in the heart of Big Sky Country. This is dry camping with a twist — surrounded by rustic buildings, rolling hills, and the spirit of the frontier. ⛺ What You’ll Get: Large, level spots for tents, vans, trailers, or RVs (no hookups) Community Campfire available (fire conditions/weather permitting) Epic sunrises, star-studded skies, and wide-open space Access to authentic Western movie sets, vintage photo ops, and cowboy history. Peace, quiet, and a front-row seat to Montana’s natural beauty Experience More: Add-on trail rides (2026), ghost town tours, or chuckwagon dinners (in season) Take unforgettable old-time photos in full costume. Catch special events, reenactments, and live music throughout the year. 🚫 What to Know Before You Go: This is DRY camping — no water, electric, or dump station (bring your own supplies) We’re rustic, just like the pioneers liked it Pets welcome (must be leashed and picked up after) Horse camping also available. Please inquire. Cell service may be limited, wifi available— a perfect excuse to unplug! 📸 Perfect for: Travelers looking for a unique overnight stay, road-trippers with a taste for the Old West, off-grid enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone craving something different. Come camp where legends once rode — only at Gunslinger Gulch.

3. Amish Daily Farm

26mi from Butte · 4 sites · Lodging · Whitehall, MT

Experience a WORKING (formerly Amish) farm in the heart of rural southwest Montana. Off-grid (solar) yet cozy, we are the perfect fit for those looking to escape the stress of the city for a simple farm experience. Your experience will be rustic, grounded, and unique. Local attractions include Hot Springs, Hiking, Rafting, Biking, Dirt biking, 4-wheeling, Fly Fishing, ATVs, Caverns, National Parks, Ringing Rocks, and Mining Towns. 17 minutes S of I-90. We are an active farm, so do not expect the "Ritz" or any fancy gardens. We do have free-range poultry, so expect some animal droppings on the property. Experience the stars as you've never seen them before. Our views are unbeatable and your experience with us will be memorable. Bring your binoculars - you never know when you might get a glimpse of the majestic Montana wildlife! Meet the farm animals or watch for bald eagles and deer and even possibly meet our resident moose family. We are surrounded by National Forest and untamed rivers that make us the perfect location for your next adventure.

4. Wagon Box RV And Campground

100%

(1)

294mi from Butte · 45 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Story, WY

Experience the charm of our unique campground, nestled among the serene Pine Trees of Story, Wyoming, where the soothing sounds of bubbling creeks create a tranquil atmosphere. Located adjacent to the Wagon Box Inn, a full-service resort, our cabins offer a perfect blend of comfort and nature. We proudly feature 15 spacious campsites, each equipped with full hook-ups for water, sewer, and electric service. Our amenities include pull-thru sites, big rig access, and waterfront access, ensuring a convenient stay for all guests. Enjoy the shade provided by mature trees, and rest easy knowing that pets and tents are welcome. Our family-friendly environment makes it an ideal destination for creating lasting memories in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to explore nearby natural features, enjoy outdoor activities, or visit local restaurants and shops, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures.

5. Camp A Way

100%

(8)

871mi from Butte · 45 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lincoln, NE

Located at the crux of Interstate 80 and Highway 34 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Camp A Way is the best-loved, year-round campground in the area. For over 50 years, Camp A Way has been the leader in providing the best guest experiences and amenities.

Public campgrounds near Butte

Fleecer Cabin

5mi from Butte · 1 site · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Beaverdam Campground and Picnic Area

5.7mi from Butte · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Basin Canyon Campground and Picnic Area

6.1mi from Butte · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

High Rye Cabin

11mi from Butte · 1 site · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Pigeon Creek Campground

14mi from Butte · 6 sites · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Toll Mountain Campground

15mi from Butte · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Delmoe Lake Campground and Picnic Area

16mi from Butte · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Lowland Campground and Picnic Area

18mi from Butte · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Canyon Creek Cabin

19mi from Butte · 1 site · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Canyon Creek Campground and Picnic Area

23mi from Butte · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Pettengill Campground

24mi from Butte · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Pintler Campground and Picnic Area

24mi from Butte · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Stories from the community

A

Andrew

October 2025

With pets

4 nights at Wagon Box RV And Campground

What a beautiful place to stay. Wonderful people working there. Very hospitable. Love that it is dog friendly. Will definitely be back again for a visit. 5/5 stars.

lisa

September 2025

45 ft travel trailer

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

We loved the green tractor for pics! Waking up to the beautiful stream sounds was lovely. Holly is very communicative and helpful. The property is beautiful although I wasn’t sure where the property lines were so I hope I didn’t intrude on someone’s land. We missed the pigs though.

S

Szonja

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Big Hole Boondockin'

This was an amazing camping experience. We were the only campers so had the whole grassy area to ourselves. It is right on the river and there are a few other public river access spots nearby so we checked out all of them. We biked up the mountain and around town as well — there is a school playground a block or two away that my kids (ages 4-9) liked. The spot is at the end of a small town (Melrose)—so not in the middle of nowhere, just FYI. The piggies were the best part! They’re such funny creatures and we enjoyed getting to know them. Holly is such a nice person and obviously cares about her guests and pets! Definitely recommend.

B

Brian

August 2025

40 ft Class A

With kids

Weekend Trip to Big Hole Boondockin'

Awesome location and property. Hosts are exceptional. Highly recommend staying here!

i

ian

August 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With kids

4 nights at Big Hole Boondockin'

This was an awesome spot to get away with the family. Holly was a great host and her property is top notch. Easy access to fishing and lots of activities, plus a great treat getting to visit the pigs. We had excellent cell service at the site and the town of Melrose had a few food options when cooking wasn't in the cardmla. Definitely recommend!!

T

Tanner

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

This was great! I personally fly fish more than I should, and my wife is an animal lover! The best of both worlds! I’m surprised my wife didn’t try to steal a pig! Holly, the host, and her entire family were welcoming, friendly and fun to chat with! This spot is perfect! Highly recommend you stay in the Silo! As this is almost and exact half way point for a trip that we make often, we definitely will be coming back!

Curtis

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Big Hole Boondockin'

Beautiful location and the pig encounter was an amazing touch!

Jackie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Big Hole Boondockin'

I had a great night camping on Holly’s land! The mountain views were gorgeous! I especially loved the tour of Holly’s pig farm - I learned so much, and the pigs were absolutely adorable. As a woman traveling alone, I felt very safe camping there. I wish I could have stayed longer!

D

David

July 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Big Hole Boondockin'

Holly was an incredible host, the camp site was just beautiful, the river, the Cranes all around, and all the other wildlife to view. We will definitely come back for another stay.

J

Jim

July 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

Great camping spot right on the banks of the river. Nice views and very peaceful.

L

Liz

July 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Big Hole Boondockin'

We had both campsites to ourselves which was awesome!

M

Mary

July 2025

15 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Big Hole Boondockin'

Right on the river, beautiful views, large site, great accommodating hosts. Close to town. Beware no cell or wifi at site for most carriers.

C

Chris

June 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Big Hole Boondockin'

This was a great spot right on the river. The hosts were some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met, and it was a very clean and comfortable place to be. Would absolutely stay here again!

J

Jessica

June 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

Holly was the most gracious host and the site was just gorgeous! Loved all of the little touches!

R

Richard

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

There’s not a more lovely space to camp. If you are seeking a place to sleep, comfort, or a place to spiritually heal, this is the place. Feet from the river, you can be lulled to sleep by its gentle babbling. At night, you can see thousands of stars. If you enjoy birds as I do, then you will be thrilled as I saw approximately 30 different types of birds in a three hour time span. Do take a tour of the barnyard, as the pigs are absolutely delightful.

Desirae

May 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

What a fantastic host and great spot!!!! Holly accommodated us last minute, and we are so grateful. The directions were great, and her communication was amazing. The spot on the river was gorgeous. We would love to stay again. Thank you for having us;)