The best desert camping in Montana

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Montana’s desert stretches offer a different kind of camping—fewer crowds, big skies, and endless room to roam. You’ll find over 40 campsites that put you right in the heart of the state’s arid grasslands and sagebrush flats. Average sites run around $45 a night, with affordable options starting at $40. Top picks like Bear Trap Ranch (4 reviews) and Country RV And Tent Spots (3 reviews) set you up for days full of wildlife-watching, hiking, and even snow sports when the season is right. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules come standard at many spots, so you can recharge after a day under the sun or stars. If you’re after wide-open spaces and a slower pace, Montana’s desert sites deliver the essentials—plus a view you won’t forget.

92% (17) 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Montana

Bear Trap Ranch

1. Bear Trap Ranch

88%
(12)
Belfry, MT · 13 sites
High prairie, with incredible views of the Beartooth Mountains. We boarder a hundred square miles of the BLM, (public access lands) We have a stocked pond, where you can set your tent up. There are two bathhouses available for our campers. We have tipis that are available to rent, nightly, weekly, or monthly. Full service hook ups for trailers and RVs. A large fire pit sits in the middle of a lovely green space. We are 2 miles off the main road. There is a stocked pond too!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$55
 / night
Country RV And Tent Spots

2. Country RV And Tent Spots

100%
(8)
Dillon, MT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a 1 acre fully fenced property located south of Dillon. There are a variety of spots for you to set up an RV, tent, or car camp! We are close to many river access points! There's also room to park boats, ATVs and all the other toys you have! There's a water hose w/ potable water, electric access, garbage, and access to a full bathroom (shower included) at the owners residence. *pets are welcome, but please note their are 2 dogs on the property (we can make arrangements for them not to come into contact w/ your pets if needed!) There are free ranging chickens on the property so we ask that your pets do not harm the chickens. There is 1 cat roaming around as well.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Sagebrush Mountain View

3. Sagebrush Mountain View

Helena, MT · 5 sites
Wide open space with natural landscape and amazing view of the Helena Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. This land is undisturbed, aside from the road and parking pull-throughs that have been created for RV parking. Self contained units only and as they say, "Pack it in, pack it out". See what Lewis and Clark traveled through as they made their way west from the Missouri River. Prickly Pear Cactus, sagebrush and natural grasses are prevalent. Helena, the capital of Montana is a mere 20 minute drive, where all the amenities of a small town exist. National Forest abounds to the west and Canyon Ferry Reservoir is 20 minutes to the east. Access to the property is 4.25 miles from Interstate 15. This is a high mountain dessert with an elevation of 4090' above sea level. Average rainfall is 6", so campfires are not allowed due to the dry grasses and sagebrush. Pets are allowed on leashes and quiet time is from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. We are located approximately half way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Pets
from 
$45
 / night
Bannack State Park

4. Bannack State Park

State park in Montana · 25 sites
Discover the allure of Bannack State Park's historic charm and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shaw Residence

5. Shaw Residence

Billings, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
A Quiet, Convenient Stay Near Billings Shaw Residence offers a simple, peaceful spot just outside Billings — perfect for RV travelers or tent campers who need an easy overnight or a quiet place to unwind. The site includes electric hookups and room for vehicles up to 50 ft. Please note: there is no potable water, no toilet, and no campfires allowed, so come fully self-contained. Pets are welcome. A calm, no-frills retreat close to town — ideal for a restful stop with wide Montana skies overhead. Nearby Outdoor Recreation Options : Pictograph Cave State Park • About 5 miles south of Billings. • Features a ¾‑mile interpretive loop trail that takes you to three caves with rock art over 2,000 years old. • Great for history, archaeology, and bird watching. Riverfront Park Loop • A ~3.8‑mile flat trail along the Yellowstone River. • Ideal for walking, running, or biking, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnics. Four Dances Recreation Area • Open natural area with trails overlooking the Yellowstone River. • About a 3‑mile out‑and‑back trail with scenic viewpoints and modest elevation gain. Swords Rimrock Park & Skyline Trail • Trails across Billings’ Rimrocks (sandstone cliffs) with paved multi-use paths. • Skyline Trail connects to Swords Park for a continuous ~7-mile stretch with sweeping views of Billings and surrounding mountains.
Pets
Electrical hookup
from 
$30
 / night
Aztec Village RV Park

6. Aztec Village RV Park

Wickenburg, AZ · 87 sites
Discover the unique charm of Aztec Village, a serene campground nestled beneath the enchanting landscape of Wickenburg. This peaceful retreat is surrounded by lush, mature trees and features a magical horse ranch that borders the property, creating an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy direct access to the stunning Hassayampa River, a natural gem that enhances the park's appeal. Perfectly situated for outdoor enthusiasts, Aztec Village offers incredible horseback riding opportunities and some of the best ATV trails in the Southwest. Additionally, the park provides private access to the Wickenburg Boardwalk, allowing residents to explore the town's rich history, delightful restaurants, and vibrant rodeo culture. Choose from our fully furnished cottages or spacious full hookup RV sites, all designed to provide a clean, safe, and welcoming community. Our beautifully restored midcentury clubhouse and lighted outdoor gathering areas with turf for games enhance your stay. With onsite laundry and shower facilities, as well as easy access to the Valley Metro Rail station across the street, convenience is at your fingertips. Aztec Village is a favorite among traveling professionals, including nurses and construction workers, who appreciate its prime location and friendly atmosphere. Experience the charm, beauty, and adventure of Aztec Village, where you can create lasting memories in a

Montana’s desert stretches offer a different kind of camping—fewer crowds, big skies, and endless room to roam. You’ll find over 40 campsites that put you right in the heart of the state’s arid grasslands and sagebrush flats. Average sites run around $45 a night, with affordable options starting at $40. Top picks like Bear Trap Ranch (4 reviews) and Country RV And Tent Spots (3 reviews) set you up for days full of wildlife-watching, hiking, and even snow sports when the season is right. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules come standard at many spots, so you can recharge after a day under the sun or stars. If you’re after wide-open spaces and a slower pace, Montana’s desert sites deliver the essentials—plus a view you won’t forget.

92% (17) 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Montana

Bear Trap Ranch

1. Bear Trap Ranch

88%
(12)
Belfry, MT · 13 sites
High prairie, with incredible views of the Beartooth Mountains. We boarder a hundred square miles of the BLM, (public access lands) We have a stocked pond, where you can set your tent up. There are two bathhouses available for our campers. We have tipis that are available to rent, nightly, weekly, or monthly. Full service hook ups for trailers and RVs. A large fire pit sits in the middle of a lovely green space. We are 2 miles off the main road. There is a stocked pond too!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$55
 / night
Country RV And Tent Spots

2. Country RV And Tent Spots

100%
(8)
Dillon, MT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a 1 acre fully fenced property located south of Dillon. There are a variety of spots for you to set up an RV, tent, or car camp! We are close to many river access points! There's also room to park boats, ATVs and all the other toys you have! There's a water hose w/ potable water, electric access, garbage, and access to a full bathroom (shower included) at the owners residence. *pets are welcome, but please note their are 2 dogs on the property (we can make arrangements for them not to come into contact w/ your pets if needed!) There are free ranging chickens on the property so we ask that your pets do not harm the chickens. There is 1 cat roaming around as well.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Sagebrush Mountain View

3. Sagebrush Mountain View

Helena, MT · 5 sites
Wide open space with natural landscape and amazing view of the Helena Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. This land is undisturbed, aside from the road and parking pull-throughs that have been created for RV parking. Self contained units only and as they say, "Pack it in, pack it out". See what Lewis and Clark traveled through as they made their way west from the Missouri River. Prickly Pear Cactus, sagebrush and natural grasses are prevalent. Helena, the capital of Montana is a mere 20 minute drive, where all the amenities of a small town exist. National Forest abounds to the west and Canyon Ferry Reservoir is 20 minutes to the east. Access to the property is 4.25 miles from Interstate 15. This is a high mountain dessert with an elevation of 4090' above sea level. Average rainfall is 6", so campfires are not allowed due to the dry grasses and sagebrush. Pets are allowed on leashes and quiet time is from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. We are located approximately half way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Pets
from 
$45
 / night
Bannack State Park

4. Bannack State Park

State park in Montana · 25 sites
Discover the allure of Bannack State Park's historic charm and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shaw Residence

5. Shaw Residence

Billings, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
A Quiet, Convenient Stay Near Billings Shaw Residence offers a simple, peaceful spot just outside Billings — perfect for RV travelers or tent campers who need an easy overnight or a quiet place to unwind. The site includes electric hookups and room for vehicles up to 50 ft. Please note: there is no potable water, no toilet, and no campfires allowed, so come fully self-contained. Pets are welcome. A calm, no-frills retreat close to town — ideal for a restful stop with wide Montana skies overhead. Nearby Outdoor Recreation Options : Pictograph Cave State Park • About 5 miles south of Billings. • Features a ¾‑mile interpretive loop trail that takes you to three caves with rock art over 2,000 years old. • Great for history, archaeology, and bird watching. Riverfront Park Loop • A ~3.8‑mile flat trail along the Yellowstone River. • Ideal for walking, running, or biking, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnics. Four Dances Recreation Area • Open natural area with trails overlooking the Yellowstone River. • About a 3‑mile out‑and‑back trail with scenic viewpoints and modest elevation gain. Swords Rimrock Park & Skyline Trail • Trails across Billings’ Rimrocks (sandstone cliffs) with paved multi-use paths. • Skyline Trail connects to Swords Park for a continuous ~7-mile stretch with sweeping views of Billings and surrounding mountains.
Pets
Electrical hookup
from 
$30
 / night
Aztec Village RV Park

6. Aztec Village RV Park

Wickenburg, AZ · 87 sites
Discover the unique charm of Aztec Village, a serene campground nestled beneath the enchanting landscape of Wickenburg. This peaceful retreat is surrounded by lush, mature trees and features a magical horse ranch that borders the property, creating an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy direct access to the stunning Hassayampa River, a natural gem that enhances the park's appeal. Perfectly situated for outdoor enthusiasts, Aztec Village offers incredible horseback riding opportunities and some of the best ATV trails in the Southwest. Additionally, the park provides private access to the Wickenburg Boardwalk, allowing residents to explore the town's rich history, delightful restaurants, and vibrant rodeo culture. Choose from our fully furnished cottages or spacious full hookup RV sites, all designed to provide a clean, safe, and welcoming community. Our beautifully restored midcentury clubhouse and lighted outdoor gathering areas with turf for games enhance your stay. With onsite laundry and shower facilities, as well as easy access to the Valley Metro Rail station across the street, convenience is at your fingertips. Aztec Village is a favorite among traveling professionals, including nurses and construction workers, who appreciate its prime location and friendly atmosphere. Experience the charm, beauty, and adventure of Aztec Village, where you can create lasting memories in a

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Top state and regional parks in Montana