Camping in Montana

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

93% (7491 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Montana

12 top campgrounds in Montana

96%
(1159)

Primrose Meadows

12 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Missoula, Missoula
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
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98%
(46)

Big-Enough Ranch

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Boulder, Jefferson
Horse ranch on 40 acres located just outside of Boulder, MT. Exceptional views and peace and quiet at this retreat cabin. 20 acres to the East has and old hunting cabin alongside a creek. Also an old mining test pit from the late 1800’s mining boom, as well as a hand built irrigation ditch that runs through the property.
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$80
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99%
(1177)

Glacier Park HipCamp

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · Coram, Flathead
Come enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful meadows near our home. We are located on 37 acres that include forested trails, a large pond, two small ponds, a creek, and frequent wildlife as well as spectacular stargazing at night. All sites have a campfire ring and picnic table. We provide a unique eco-camping experience in contrast to the crowded campground/RV park, and we are only 6 miles away from the entrance to Glacier National Park! Please let us know if you have multiple tents or vehicles as some sites may be a better choice for you than others. No hookups are provided – dry camping only. Parking for larger vehicles/trailers is available at sites 1-6 - an open, flat meadow with the pond on the other side of the road. Tents are welcome in all sites; although, we recommend the back meadow sites (7 and up) for more secluded tent campers (especially in July) as it has less traffic and more privacy. Sites 7-20 (the back meadow sites) have parking for vehicles 26' or less in total length. All sites have access to vault toilets, and all sites are back-in sites with partial shade. **Be sure to visit recreation.gov to purchase the $2 entry reservation to Glacier Park...if you can't get one try again at 8am the day before or you can enter the park after 4pm without a ticket. Contact us if you need alternative ideas to get into the park. Because of the proximity to Glacier National Park and the main HWY, traffic noise and train noise can be heard at the campsites. Visitors are ask to keep their speed to a minimum to reduce dust on the dirt on Greens Road. We are just a short bike ride away (two minutes by car) from attractions such as the Whiskey Barn, Josephine’s Speak Easy, Glacier Hi-Line Ropes Course, Glacier Grill Restaurant and the Amazing Fun Center, maze, and mini golf. It is also easy access to the Gateway to Glacier Bike path. E-bike rentals are across the street from us. Closest Gas station is the Cenex in Coram (1.5 mi away). Closest public (free) landfill dump is 2.2 miles toward Columbia Falls at 9626 Us HWY 2 E. Near Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill (which is also a good restaurant near us). Look for the gated entry and small sign marking Flathead Landfill. Closest grocery is in Hungry Horse at Canyon Foods Grocery (3.5 miles away). There is a laundromat next to this grocery store. Closest dump and water fill up for a vehicle with a holding tank is Mikes Conoco at 1645 9th st W in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi away). Closest town with wifi, cafes, restaurants, urgent care and larger grocery stores is Columbia Falls (9 miles away). There is a freshwater spring where you can fill up containers of water in Bad Rock Canyon (between Columbia Falls and Hungry Horse on the way here... 10 min away from us). Look for the large pull off areas between the river and the rock canyon walls and a white pipe coming out of the rock. We've personally filled up at this spring for years! Showers are available at Pinewood Park Outdoor Pool in Columbia Falls (next to Cedar Creek Lodge) - It is $2 per person to enter the pool during Public Swim (Mon-Sun 1:30-4:15pm and Mon-Fri 6:30 pm- 8:15pm) or during Lap Swim (Mon-Fri 12-1pm and 5-6pm). They have a private bathroom with a shower and also open showers in the changing rooms. The pool opens the second week of June and closes the first or second week of August. To watch a video tour of the campground: https://youtu.be/EYYuGGWRtag
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$40
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100%
(7)

Lost Paddle and Pole

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Columbia Falls, Flathead
Lost Paddle and Pole is conveniently located between Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Lost Paddle and Pole is great for a quick night while passing through, or as a base camp while exploring Glacier Park, Whitefish, and the north end of Flathead County. Please contact us to check on pet status, having fires, trailers, or other questions. Thanks, Don and Bree
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$25
 / night
97%
(59)

YELLOWSTONE’S HOME-BASE HOOKUPS

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Cameron, Madison
Our family purchased this 21 acre property in the middle of 2021 with the hopes of making some lasting memories and allowing others to do the same. Since it's so close to Yellowstone (30 min drive), Henry's Lake (10 min drive), Ennis (45 mins drive) & Bozeman (2 hours), we knew it would be a perfect "home base" for us to explore everything Montana has to offer. Learn more about this land: 21 acres near Cliff and Wade Lakes is set up for an RVs. * 2 - 50 amp power service w/ hookup * Drilled a 190'/20 gpm well w/ hookup * Installed a septic system - not hookup. Only for dumping. * RV corral to park in There are two pads (Site 1 & Site 2), which are rented out separately, however if you would like to grab both, please shoot me a message. Both sites have water & power hookup's. PLEASE NOTE: There are NOT a sewer/septic hookup's. We do have a dump station onsite for you to use. We also do not have trash service, so we kindly ask you pack-in and pack-out. The views are outstanding and you are minutes from fishing, hiking, hunting and exploring in Yellowstone National Park (30 min drive), Hebgen Lake (10 mins drive), Henry's Lake (10 min drive), the Madison River and Island Park. Please reach out if you would like more suggestions on what to do while staying at our home base hookups. We would love to share our favorite spots!
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$49
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98%
(48)

Bitterroot Panorama

1 site · RV20 acres · Stevensville, Ravalli
**Have friends or family that want to tag along? I have added an extra to allow for extra campers at the same site. See the extras section for details.**    Resting in the foothills of the sapphire mountains, just outside the town of Stevensville Montana, this beautiful 20 acre property is conveniently located halfway between Hamilton and Missoula; it is also a good midway point between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. The outdoor activities are endless. Biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, trail riding, snow skiing and more are all within reach. Deer, turkey, osprey, killdeer, nighthawks, and eagles frequent the property as well as the occasional elk herd; and the Lee Metcalf wildlife refuge is about 15 minutes away.    The property sits about 400’ above the valley floor; giving spectacular panoramic views of the bitterroot valley and mountains, as well as incredible sunsets.    The paved road ends about 1 mile before the property, the remaining mile is a gravel road. There is also a one lane bridge right before you get to the property. Firewood is available for use at no charge.  Sewer hookup has not been run to the site yet but if you have a portable tank, or want to pull the camper over to the house, it can be dumped as needed beside the garage; just ask and I can show you where the pipe is.  There is a nema 14-50 hookup providing 50 amp power at the site; if needed I do have a 50 to 30 amp adapter you can borrow during your stay.  Water hookup is also available at the site, but may be limited in freezing weather.  If temperatures are to cold we can turn on the water to fill your tank as needed and then blow the line back out.  If you need to borrow a potable water hose let me know as i keep those in the garage unless needed.  There is a non-potable water hose that is available at the site, with a spray nozzle, incase you need to rinse or wash off gear, vehicles, etc.   SpaceX Starlink high speed internet is available via WiFi. You can also charge your electric vehicle, if needed, with the power at the campsite or I have another nema 14-50 plug available at the garage of the main house. Be sure to let me know if you will need the plug at the garage so I can make sure it is accessible.  If you have other questions feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer them. ****The first 10 photos were posted by me and are taken from the actual hipcamp spot. Photos posted by guests may be from the spot or surrounding areas****
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$55
 / night
100%
(12)

Bitterroot Getaways

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Hamilton, Ravalli
--Enjoy the quiet of a small treed clearing and follow a path down to the banks of the beautiful Bitterroot River--Nature-lover's paradise: Hear sand hill cranes calling as they fly over, watch kingfishers and osprey dive for fish, admire the resident elk herd as they graze in the hills --World-class fly fishing opportunities on the Bitterroot River
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$124
 / night
96%
(77)

Montana Country & Stone Barns

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Great Falls, Cascade
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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$25
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96%
(324)

Ellison Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents2000 acres · Mc Leod, Park
This ranch was homesteaded in 1896 by a German immigrant, and has been in the family for 120 years. We enjoy sharing that history with anyone who is interested. We have 5 designated drive-in sites along the West Boulder River. Each is separate and well spaced. Only #1 has any close traffic - and that is occasional ranch vehicles.
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$40
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92%
(50)

Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town

28 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Anaconda, Deer Lodge
This 1880s mining & ghost town converted Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to live out your cowboy/cowgirl dreams and experience the Old West.  We offer all the modern amenities we have come accustomed to, yet maintain the original appearance of being transported back in time.  Available for film production rental, weddings, retreats, reunions or any special event.  Dry camping and horse camping available in addition to our amazing units. 
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$55
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99%
(88)

Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Pray, Park
This is a wild property bordered by public land. No electricity, no plumbing. Just an exceptional piece of land, with a cold rushing creek to beat the heat, meadows with butterflies and flowers, privacy, and great views of the valley and surrounding mountains. We have three cabins spread across the lot. Enjoy the smell of fresh milled wood and the sounds of the nearby creek. The cabins are spread far enough apart to offer privacy to each party, but know that you may still see other travelers on the land during your stay. In addition to the cabins, enjoy the outdoor picnic and dining area, an outdoor gas stove, and a gas-powered fire pit. Outhouse with bucket toilet + cedar chips + bucket liners. Please pack it in, pack it out.
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$50
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79%
(19)

Rising Wolf Johnson Ranch RV Cabins

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · East Glacier Park Village, Glacier
The ranch is situated between the east and west entrances to Glacier National Park. The camp site is in an ideal location to explore both sides of the park. This option is ideal for those who are interested in trekking out on their own and exploring the local attractions, most notably Glacier National Park, Blackfeet Reservation. Campers can stay on either side of Hwy 2. We have an open field where you my chose to camp. We offer 3 cabins, , 2 RV hookup, you may dry camp in your RV and many Tent sites. Go to Mile Marker 212 east tan about 1/4 of a mile more, just ahead you will see three cabins on the right and on the left, you will see a set of green corrals. Rising Wolf/Johnson RV Campground and Ca 48927'27.5"N 11310'59.1"W 48.457651, -113.183091. i 1min
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$35
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Camping in Montana guide

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not all camping in Montana is free, you can find free camping options in Montana's national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Dispersed camping is allowed in these areas, but amenities are usually not available, so be prepared for primitive camping experiences. Some popular national forests in Montana include Lewis and Clark National Forest, Lolo National Forest, and Gallatin National Forest.

When camping in Montana, it's essential to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and outdoor activities. Here are some must-haves for your Montana camping adventure:

  1. Tent and sleeping gear: A sturdy, weather-resistant tent, sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures, and a sleeping pad or air mattress for comfort.
  2. Clothing: Dress in layers, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers. Don't forget hats, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots.
  3. Backpack: A comfortable and spacious backpack to carry your essentials during hikes and outdoor activities.
  4. Navigation tools: A map, compass, or GPS device to navigate Montana's vast wilderness areas.
  5. Food and water: Bring enough food and water for your trip, plus extra in case of emergencies. A portable water filter or purifier can be helpful for longer trips.
  6. Cooking gear: A portable stove, fuel, cookware, and utensils for preparing meals at your campsite.
  7. First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit for treating minor injuries and ailments.
  8. Bear safety: Montana is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Bring bear-resistant food containers, bear spray, and follow proper food storage and bear safety guidelines.
  9. Insect protection: Bug spray and possibly a bug net or screen for your tent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
  10. Lighting: Headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns for navigating and setting up camp in the dark.
  11. Emergency gear: A whistle, multi-tool, fire starter, and extra batteries for your electronic devices.
  12. Camera or binoculars: Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Montana with a camera or enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting with binoculars.

Remember to check the specific requirements and regulations for the area where you'll be camping, as different parks and campgrounds may have additional rules or recommendations.

Yes, wild camping is legal in Montana. Dispersed or primitive camping is allowed in national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and some state lands. Some popular areas for wild camping in Montana include Missoula, West Yellowstone, and Roundup. Always follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams, and check for any local regulations or restrictions before setting up camp.

Top regions in and near Montana

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