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The best beach camping in Montana

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Montana has no shortage of mountains and wide open grasslands but beaches….really? You might be surprised by the extensive beach camping opportunities in Montana. Some are rocky, like the shorelines of Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park and others are soft and sandy like the riverside campsites on the Clark Fork River near Superior. Take a trip to Fort Peck Reservoir in Central Montana and you will find over 1,500 miles of shoreline with road access campgrounds and boat-in only campsites. The same boat-in only style campsites are also found on Canyon Ferry Lake. Flathead Lake is a true gem with local cherry orchards, swimming holes, and state parks offering beach camping. You can essentially scour the maps of Montana to locate an abundance of rivers and lakes with beach camping. Always show up early and book ahead at popular destinations like Flathead Lake to ensure you get the best beachside spots.

95% (1.8K) 3,366 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Montana

❤️ Glacier HipCamp 🏕️

1. ❤️ Glacier HipCamp 🏕️

99%
(1782)
Coram, MT · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
WELCOME TO GLACIER HIPCAMP 🌲 🏕️ 🦌 Enjoy peace in the beautiful meadows near our home. Our 40-acre property features forested trails, a large pond, two smaller ponds, a creek, and frequent wildlife sightings—all under spectacular starlit skies. We offer a unique "Coolcation" experience as a peaceful alternative to crowded RV parks, located just 6 miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park! CHOOSING YOUR SITE ⛺ Please let us know if you have multiple tents or vehicles so we can recommend the best spot. 💧 DRY CAMPING: No hookups provided. Hydrants are available throughout the campground. 🚛 LARGE RIGS: Sites 1–6 are best for larger vehicles. These are in an open, flat meadow with views of the pond. ⛺ SECLUDED TENTS: We recommend the "Back Meadow" (Sites 7, 8, 10-17, 19-20) for more privacy, especially in July and August. 📏 LIMITS: Sites 7–20 accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 36 feet total length because of an access bridge. 🚻 AMENITIES: All sites are back-in (except 13 and 16, which are pull-through), offer partial shade, and have access to clean vault toilets. GOOD TO KNOW 📢 Due to our proximity to the National Park and the main highway, some traffic and train noise may be heard. To keep our environment pleasant and reduce dust on Greens Road, please keep driving speeds to a minimum. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND ESSENTIALS 📍 We are a short bike ride (2 mins by car) from the Whiskey Barn, Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill, Glacier Hi-Line Ropes Course, and the Amazing Fun Center. 🚲 BIKING: Easy access to the Gateway to Glacier Bike Path; E-bike rentals across the street. ⛽ GAS: Cenex in Coram (1.5 mi). 🛒 GROCERIES/LAUNDRY: Canyon Foods in Hungry Horse (3.5 mi). 🏥 SERVICES: Columbia Falls (9 mi) for large stores, cafes, and urgent care. 🚛 RV DUMP/WATER: Free landfill dump 2.2 mi away (9626 US Hwy 2 E). Full RV dump/water fill at Mike’s Conoco in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi). SAM AND MOLLY’S MERCANTILE 🪵 Located by our house in the middle of the property! We sell solar shower bags, sunscreen, swag, firewood, coffee, and more. EXPLORE THE GROUNDS 🎥 Watch our video tour to see the kid-friendly "Sand Pit" and our "Glamp Pod": https://youtu.be/EYYuGGWRtag If you have any other questions, contact us.
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Electrical hookup
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Glacier getaway 2.0

2. Glacier getaway 2.0

98%
(243)
Babb, MT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled on the shores of Ducklake this 2 acre parcel is an ideal location to kick back , enjoy and explore the eastern side of Glacier park. We are 20 mins from the park gates, 20 mins from Many Glacier and about 40 mins to Waterton park. The gradual sloping beach is perfect for all kinds of water sports and recreation. Many grassed areas or shady treed sites and the sites on the beach with breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and most amazing stars at night. Ducklake is well known for its trophy rainbow trout as well. We have 4 kayaks, a canoe, paddle boat, little fishing boat with electric motor, an assortment of rods and lures, propane BBQ, solo smokeless campfire pits ( firewood can be purchased on site) and also have propane fire pits available. All for guest to enjoy and use on a first come first serve basis.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stillwater Getaway

3. Stillwater Getaway

95%
(31)
Olney, MT · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Family and pet friendly lakeside cabins, wall tents, and campsites. Come enjoy a true Montana experience at Stillwater Getaway, located 15 miles North of Whitefish on Lower Stillwater Lake bring your paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake. There is a bath house with showers and toilets and outhouses around the property as well. We have a shared Mess Hall with a full kitchen with a BBQ grill, coffee, and WiFi.
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Lolo National Forest

4. Lolo National Forest

93%
(14)
National forest in Montana · 395 sites
You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.
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Flathead National Forest

5. Flathead National Forest

79%
(26)
National forest in Montana · 300 sites
The Flathead National Forest is all about its geography. It lies in the heart of the Rockies, just west of the continental divide, and a pinch south of the Canadian Border. With geography like this, landscape magic is bound to occur, and it does. With over 2.4 million acres, the Flathead features three wilderness areas, impressive ski areas, commanding wild ranges, meandering streams, and raging rivers (this list could go on). Spend your days hiking, rafting, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and fishing. At night shack up in a Forest Service cabin or pitch a tent beneath the northern lights. Get the fire roaring, raise your bottle, and make a toast to the Flathead and her geographic magic!
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Lakeshore Cabins & Campground

6. Lakeshore Cabins & Campground

Mcallister, MT · 4 sites
Lakeshore Cabins and Campground (established as Lake Shore Lodge) first opened its gates under the original owners, ES and Helyn Carroll, in 1971. Linn and Kevin Krieg, ranchers in the Madison Valley, bought Lakeshore in 1981, and their family retains ownership today. In the early days, Lakeshore felt hidden away: a short drive down a dirt road, tucked away in a stand of mature cottonwood trees. Lakeshore soon became a family summer retreat where guests returned year after year. The seclusion and shade of the cottonwood trees, the proximity to Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park, and the extraordinary outdoor sporting opportunities made Lakeshore a perfect getaway—not too far away but far enough to escape and enjoy the beauty of the Madison Valley. In October 2022, Lakeshore closed for property-wide renovations. It reopened in July 2024 with updated utilities, beautifully appointed cabins, and a new General Store. We remain the only lakefront RV campground with mature trees, plentiful shade, a private marina, and the finest guest cabins on the lake. Lakeshore Cabins and Campground, as it was in the early days, is a perfect getaway—not too far away but far enough to escape.
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Showers
Camp Ka Papa Old US Hwy 93

7. Camp Ka Papa Old US Hwy 93

98%
(98)
Elmo, MT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a family-oriented eco-friendly campsite located on the beautiful Flathead Lake of Elmo, Montana. With direct access to the lake and an hour's drive to Glacier National Park. Whether you are a family or only one person, we are here to make your stay at our campground an enjoyable one. Our campground is one of the last places along the shores of Flathead Lake that is pristine and undeveloped.
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Missoula Rest And Relaxation

8. Missoula Rest And Relaxation

91%
(73)
Missoula, MT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Hello, we have three acres with ClarkFork River access . Easy access to everything in Missoula. Very close to bike trails. Just a block west of Reserve Street. 10 minute drive to university. We are excited to share our wonderful property and excellent location with you. We welcome tents, RVs and campers. Non-vicious dogs are allowed. You must pick up after your dog. We are located in a part of town that is near Eco compost so on occasion if they turn a pile or if the wind shifts it is noticeably. If you use google maps it will direct you to our neighbors property. Please look for orange construction cone next to blue house to turn into the property.
Pets
Picnic table
A Place of Tranquility

9. A Place of Tranquility

98%
(124)
Thompson Falls, MT · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Whether you’re seeking adventure or solitude, you’ll find it here in Big Sky Country. From the jagged Rocky Mountains to the expansive Great Plains. Green Acres Ranch is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in the country. The town of Thompson Falls is filled with friendly residents, affordable eatery’s and unique trinket shopping. It's a 20-minute walk or 10-minute bike ride to the famous High Bridge that takes you to the island into town, along with swimming and fishing. Need some space. You’ll find it on our green fields of 10 acres, or 5 acres of forest. Inviting the wild turkeys, geese, elk, eagles and deer. Views are filled with panoramic serene mountains and majestic blue skies. Portable toilets will not be available until the beginning of May and we've got The Best Drinking Water. ~Thank You~
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Glacier National Park

10. Glacier National Park

97%
(365)
National park in Montana · 809 sites
With over 700 miles of trails to explore, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s dream.
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

11. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

94%
(8)
National park in Wyoming · 185 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Bighorn Canyon's vast landscapes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Whitefish Lake State Park

12. Whitefish Lake State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Montana · 23 sites
Discover Whitefish Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
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Campfires
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

13. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

79%
(14)
National forest in Montana · 633 sites
Adventuring in the largest national forest in Montana should definitely be added to your summer (or winter!) to do list. Activities abound in The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, including wilderness trekking, scenic drives to killer views, camping among smallish forest sites, downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, lake fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic wild-west ghost towns in the summer. You can also check out parts of the Continental Divide trail which crosses through this park, and cheer on thru-hikers in the final stretch of their epic journey. You may just have to flip a coin to decide between the plethora of outdoor fun in this 3.35 million acre forest. The choice is yours, all you have to do is pick one and get going!
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Triple Bridges Campground

14. Triple Bridges Campground

91%
(93)
Alberton, MT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Primitive camping with no water or trash service, pack in / pack out. There is a portable toilet. Note, work has begun on the nearby highway bridge. Located in the Alberton Gorge on the Clark Fork River, this is a premier location for the whitewater enthusiast. Take advantage of the class II, III rapids in your kayak or raft, or even surf. Alternatively, enjoy the relaxing Sandy Beach just a few minutes walk from the campground to swim and gaze at the beautiful argilite cliffs. The campground is near both the Interstate and a railroad so there is some ambient noise. Note: we have cameras on the surf shack (container) that can see the entrance and the portable toilet area. We're happy to share the images with anyone concerned.
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Picnic table
Bucketlist #1

15. Bucketlist #1

99%
(102)
Big Arm, MT · 2 sites
Drive-in, park, and begin enjoying all the crazy, fun, or just relaxing things you want out of your private lakefront property. You're on the shores of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake, this side of the Mississippi, and home of Wildhorse Island, where the Boone and Crocket world record Bighorn Sheep was discovered, killed by winter weather. This 2160 acre island is also the home of deer, mountain lions, bears, several species of eagles, and wild horses. Day hiking is allowed and is a 5-minute boat ride from your beach spot. Just slightly over an hour to Glacier National Park and access to all the mountain lakes, rivers and streams to explore, you won't be bored. Right around the corner, you have access to a boat ramp at one of the state-owned Parks with public showers, if the lake water is too cold. If you want to make her an honest women, while you're here, you're staying on our wedding and event venue (www.flatheadlakeforevers) and we will help make that happen too. Tell us what you want and we'll help you make it happen. Pictures posted on this site are all from this 34 acre, 900 ft. of lake frontage venue. Don't miss this one. Sorry no more instant booking, we don't ever want another Tod on our property.
Pets
Full hookups
York Montana Hideaway

16. York Montana Hideaway

83%
(6)
Helena Valley Northeast, MT · 1 site
As opposed to the thousands of runoff creeks in Western Montana, the unique Trout Creek Canyon has one of the few spring fed streams. It's rather large volume of water flows from several groups of canyons and drainages in the Little Belt mountains, bubbling out of the ground six miles up at the foot of the beautiful Vigilante canyon and terminating in the Missouri River three miles further down. Over the last 150 years a  number of gold and silver mines have operated in the gulches at the side of the canyon. A pictorial history is available at the community park and in the social hall. If you're lucky you might even still see a few mountain goats on your way up the canyon.
Electrical hookup
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Cabins on Montana's Ocean

17. Cabins on Montana's Ocean

98%
(23)
Bigfork, MT · 2 sites
These are great sleeping cabins nestled in the trees, with easy access. They are just steps away from a large pebble beach on beautiful Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is surrounded by Swan Range in the north, the Salish Mountains in the west and the Mission Mountains in the east. Relax on the beach chairs or bring your kayak and enjoy a great day on the Lake. Sit around the camp fire in the evening, and watch the sunset. The Lake delivers firewood daily. There are numerous other adventures waiting for you in the area. Drinking water is available, barbecue & grill on the beach, with power in the cabins, port-a-potty . Fun restaurants, bars & music are within walking distance. Flathead National Forest is just east of us. Enjoy hiking and amazing site seeing. For mountain biking you have Jewel Basin Road, Intermediate, 16.0 ; Legacy Bike Park, 5 ; Old Bigfork Canyon Road, Easiest, 4.0 ; Peters Ridge Trail #37. Bring your kayak, canoe, & paddle boat, or rent one near by. Glacier Park West entrance is only 48 miles away, where you can find climbing and hiking as well. We also have snow sports cover with Ski area Big Mtn &Whitefish Mtn 45miles, Nordic trails Junction Foothills and, Jewel Basin Rd, Bigfork, MT 59911. No pets allowed.
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Potable water
The Centennial Train Car

18. The Centennial Train Car

100%
(3)
Nashua, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
Enjoy your own private camp spot! This corner lot holds a historic Centennial Train Car that once made its way across the country to the 1964 World Fair in New York City! Close to river and lake fishing so you won't get bored, plus it is walking distance to the Dredge Cuts swimming and recreation area. It's also just minutes drive to the Interpretive Center, Fort Peck Summer Theatre, restaurants and amenities. Water hookups plus 30 and 50 Amp power included. Plenty of room for Large RVs hauling boats. The entire lot is rented to one person/ group so the space is yours to sprawl out! Complete turnaround graveled area and easy off the highway access.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Wildhorse Ranch and Rentals

19. Wildhorse Ranch and Rentals

98%
(105)
Belgrade, MT · 2 sites
Quiet RV Sites with Big Views – Just Minutes from Bozeman Escape to our peaceful slice of Montana, just a few minutes off the Belgrade exit. Tucked behind a shop in an open field, our RV spots offer a quiet, out-of-town feel with easy access to all the restaurants, shops, and attractions in Belgrade and Bozeman. Enjoy wide open skies, beautiful views of the Bridger Mountains, and the peacefulness of rural life. We offer two RV sites: • One with 50/30 amp service • One with 30 amp service Each site includes a level gravel pad and picnic table for your comfort. There’s also a rustic fire pit available—please bring your own firewood (sold at nearby gas stations). Extras for your stay: • A super clean porta-potty is available on-site from May 1 to September 30 You’ll hear roosters crowing every morning, and you might spot horses, goats, or other friendly farm animals nearby. It’s all part of the authentic Montana farm experience. We’re close to rivers, trails, and mountain adventures. Big Sky and Yellowstone are easy day trips from here—making this a great basecamp for exploring Montana.
Electrical hookup
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Yellowstone River Ranch

20. Yellowstone River Ranch

Glendive, MT · 3 sites
The Yellowstone River Ranch is just outside of Glendive Montana. The property is home to a Red Angus cattle herd, sheep and goats. The Yellowstone River provides a Northern boundary for the property with most camp/RV sites being within a stone’s throw of the water. Guests will be able to observe farm and ranch activities as they happen around them and if there is interest they can also tag along with us as we caretaker animals, put up hay, or perform other ranching activities.
Pets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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