The best beach camping in Montana

·

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% (723)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bucketlist #1

3. Bucketlist #1

98%
(97)
2 sites · RVs · Big Arm, MT
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night
Rent out the six person plus float to float down the Clark Fork River. We drop you off at the swim hole that's within walking distance of The Roost and we pick you up at the end of a 2 hour float.

5. A Place of Tranquility

98%
(121)
9 sites · Tents, RVs · Thompson Falls, MT
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~
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Camp site

8. Wildhorse Ranch and Rentals

99%
(98)
2 sites · RVs · Belgrade, MT
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$63
 / night
Cabins on Montana's Ocean

11. Cabins on Montana's Ocean

98%
(22)
2 sites · Lodging · Bigfork, MT
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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$125
 / night
Dick's Blue Ribbon Fish Camp

13. Dick's Blue Ribbon Fish Camp

88%
(4)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · Troy, MT
Amazing new campsites: 2 directly on the banks of NW Montana's famous Blue Ribbon trout stream - the Kootenai River. And 4 campsites in the peaceful forest nearby. All with private access and unobstructed views up and down the river, Yaak Mountain, and the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. Catch wild rainbow, cutthroat, bull trout, and whitefish only steps from your spot. This stretch of the river has over 4,000 trout per mile and over 900 ft of private fishing with many more miles of stream access up and down the river. Launch your drift boat or pontoon for an easy 6 mile float to the Yaak River pullout. Rides may be available to ferry. We respectfully request catch and release fishing only with artificial lures and flies in order to preserve this precious wild resource. Easy access to many thousand acres of public land for hunting, hiking, fishing, exploring and sightseeing including the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness Area. Whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, lions, grizzly, wolf, and black bear viewing almost daily depending on the season. We see more animals within 10 miles here than the last few times we visited Yellowstone or Glacier Parks! Very basic amenities in a rustic peaceful setting: * 2 water only hookup spots on the river * 4 dry camping areas in the forest * Pets on a leash OK * Please refrain from loud music and generators * There is a waste dump site within 1 mile Access via a 200 yd driveway and 100 yd walk to the river spots. Follow the orange arrows to the river campsites and riverbank trail. Enjoy one of Montana's finest rivers !
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Orion Farmstead

14. Orion Farmstead

100%
(1)
3 sites · Lodging · Ovando, MT
Escape to Orion Farmstead’s Orion's Outpost, a working regenerative farm in Montana’s Blackfoot River Valley. Blending farmstead charm with celestial wonder, this modern tiny home features exposed beams, a full kitchen, a comfortable sleeping space, and stunning stargazing views. Unwind under the Orion constellation, explore the farm, or relax in the peaceful countryside. Perfect for nature lovers, stargazers, and anglers! The space Welcome to Orion Farmstead, a one-of-a-kind tiny home on a regenerative farm in Montana’s Big Sky Country. This modern-rustic retreat blends farmstead charm, celestial wonder, and fly fishing access, offering a peaceful escape for nature lovers, stargazers, and anglers alike. ✔ Outdoor seating to unwind under the stars ✔ 2/3 mile of Monture Creek flows through the property—a dream for fly fishers ✔ Catch & release fly fishing steps from your door ✔ Walk the regenerative farm trails and reconnect with nature ✔ Unwind under the Orion constellation and Montana’s dark skies ✔ Watch local wildlife, from grazing deer to soaring eagles ✔ Farmstead Serenity – Stay on a working farm with space to explore ✔ Premier Fly Fishing – Exclusive access to Monture Creek, teeming with trout ✔ Unmatched Stargazing – A dark-sky retreat with breathtaking celestial views ✔ Eco-Friendly Stay – Sustainable, off-the-beaten-path, and full of charm ✔ Easy Access – A short drive to Blackfoot River adventures, hiking trails, and charming Montana towns Cast a line, gaze at the stars, and experience farm life by the creek. Book your stay at Orion Farmstead! The Orion Farmstead Sauna & Hot Soak Experience Unwind and rejuvenate with Orion Farmstead’s wood-fired wellness retreat, featuring a traditional sauna, a wood-fired hot tub, and a refreshing cold plunge. This immersive setup is designed to reconnect you with nature while offering a deeply restorative experience. • Wood-Fired Sauna – Crafted for an authentic, detoxifying sweat, perfect after a day of adventure. • Hot Soak Under the Stars – Relax in the wood-fired hot tub, surrounded by Montana’s vast skies. • Cold Plunge Refresh – Boost circulation and invigorate your senses with a crisp, refreshing dip.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$129
 / night

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% (723)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bucketlist #1

3. Bucketlist #1

98%
(97)
2 sites · RVs · Big Arm, MT
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night
Rent out the six person plus float to float down the Clark Fork River. We drop you off at the swim hole that's within walking distance of The Roost and we pick you up at the end of a 2 hour float.

5. A Place of Tranquility

98%
(121)
9 sites · Tents, RVs · Thompson Falls, MT
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~
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Camp site

8. Wildhorse Ranch and Rentals

99%
(98)
2 sites · RVs · Belgrade, MT
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$63
 / night
Cabins on Montana's Ocean

11. Cabins on Montana's Ocean

98%
(22)
2 sites · Lodging · Bigfork, MT
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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$125
 / night
Dick's Blue Ribbon Fish Camp

13. Dick's Blue Ribbon Fish Camp

88%
(4)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · Troy, MT
Amazing new campsites: 2 directly on the banks of NW Montana's famous Blue Ribbon trout stream - the Kootenai River. And 4 campsites in the peaceful forest nearby. All with private access and unobstructed views up and down the river, Yaak Mountain, and the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. Catch wild rainbow, cutthroat, bull trout, and whitefish only steps from your spot. This stretch of the river has over 4,000 trout per mile and over 900 ft of private fishing with many more miles of stream access up and down the river. Launch your drift boat or pontoon for an easy 6 mile float to the Yaak River pullout. Rides may be available to ferry. We respectfully request catch and release fishing only with artificial lures and flies in order to preserve this precious wild resource. Easy access to many thousand acres of public land for hunting, hiking, fishing, exploring and sightseeing including the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness Area. Whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, lions, grizzly, wolf, and black bear viewing almost daily depending on the season. We see more animals within 10 miles here than the last few times we visited Yellowstone or Glacier Parks! Very basic amenities in a rustic peaceful setting: * 2 water only hookup spots on the river * 4 dry camping areas in the forest * Pets on a leash OK * Please refrain from loud music and generators * There is a waste dump site within 1 mile Access via a 200 yd driveway and 100 yd walk to the river spots. Follow the orange arrows to the river campsites and riverbank trail. Enjoy one of Montana's finest rivers !
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Orion Farmstead

14. Orion Farmstead

100%
(1)
3 sites · Lodging · Ovando, MT
Escape to Orion Farmstead’s Orion's Outpost, a working regenerative farm in Montana’s Blackfoot River Valley. Blending farmstead charm with celestial wonder, this modern tiny home features exposed beams, a full kitchen, a comfortable sleeping space, and stunning stargazing views. Unwind under the Orion constellation, explore the farm, or relax in the peaceful countryside. Perfect for nature lovers, stargazers, and anglers! The space Welcome to Orion Farmstead, a one-of-a-kind tiny home on a regenerative farm in Montana’s Big Sky Country. This modern-rustic retreat blends farmstead charm, celestial wonder, and fly fishing access, offering a peaceful escape for nature lovers, stargazers, and anglers alike. ✔ Outdoor seating to unwind under the stars ✔ 2/3 mile of Monture Creek flows through the property—a dream for fly fishers ✔ Catch & release fly fishing steps from your door ✔ Walk the regenerative farm trails and reconnect with nature ✔ Unwind under the Orion constellation and Montana’s dark skies ✔ Watch local wildlife, from grazing deer to soaring eagles ✔ Farmstead Serenity – Stay on a working farm with space to explore ✔ Premier Fly Fishing – Exclusive access to Monture Creek, teeming with trout ✔ Unmatched Stargazing – A dark-sky retreat with breathtaking celestial views ✔ Eco-Friendly Stay – Sustainable, off-the-beaten-path, and full of charm ✔ Easy Access – A short drive to Blackfoot River adventures, hiking trails, and charming Montana towns Cast a line, gaze at the stars, and experience farm life by the creek. Book your stay at Orion Farmstead! The Orion Farmstead Sauna & Hot Soak Experience Unwind and rejuvenate with Orion Farmstead’s wood-fired wellness retreat, featuring a traditional sauna, a wood-fired hot tub, and a refreshing cold plunge. This immersive setup is designed to reconnect you with nature while offering a deeply restorative experience. • Wood-Fired Sauna – Crafted for an authentic, detoxifying sweat, perfect after a day of adventure. • Hot Soak Under the Stars – Relax in the wood-fired hot tub, surrounded by Montana’s vast skies. • Cold Plunge Refresh – Boost circulation and invigorate your senses with a crisp, refreshing dip.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$129
 / night

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