The best desert campgrounds in Montana

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bear Trap Ranch

88%

(12)

13 sites · RVs · Belfry, MT

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!

2. Country RV And Tent Spots

100%

(8)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Dillon, MT

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.

3. Sagebrush Mountain View

5 sites · RVs · Helena, MT

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.

4. Shaw Residence

1 site · Tent, RV · Billings, MT

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.

Public campgrounds in Montana

100%

(1)

Vigilante Campground

17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bannack State Park

Road Agent Campground

8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bannack State Park

Stories from the community

R

Ruby

September 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Trap Ranch

Kim was very helpful! We arrived after dark and she came out to help us find our way. The campground was quiet and a good landing place to explore the area!

M

Melissa

August 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Bear Trap Ranch

First time RV owner and wanted somewhere close to "practice" all the things. Kim was the best! AND the sunset was amazing!

C

Carl

July 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Country RV And Tent Spots

Loved the agricultural/rural/natural setting. Ali’s chickens were a little intimidated by our dog, but thanks for the teaching opportunity.

S

Sophie

July 2025

30 ft Class C

With kids

1 night at Country RV And Tent Spots

Ali is super friendly and helpful. The campsite has a very nice view and is nice and quiet.

B

Benjamin

July 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Country RV And Tent Spots

Cool little spot tucked among the farms just Southwest of town! Ali was a very responsive and gracious host, and the animals (chickens, roosters, dog, cat, etc.) were all very friendly. Very quiet at night so we slept really well! We were just passing through, so didn't get to spend a ton of time onsite, but would definitely stay again!

B

Brandee

June 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Group trip

4 nights at Country RV And Tent Spots

Nice spot close to some fun things to do including Bannack State Park. Ali was very quick to message back with answers to my questions even though she was on vacation herself.

M

MaryAnn

June 2025

17 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Country RV And Tent Spots

Ali was very kind and welcoming and had a lot of great tips and advice. She had chickens running around and she even gave us a few eggs. The spot was private and level. The bathroom and shower are in her home. Wry nice place!

M

Macy

June 2025

18 ft Class C

1 night at Bear Trap Ranch

The host was fantastic! She offered us great recommendations for Red Lodge and we loved it! Bathrooms were available with nice pressure and hot water. The ranch itself is off the beaten path but the view is incredible.

D

David

June 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Country RV And Tent Spots

Very nice area. Pleasant host. Quiet and friendly chickens!

c

colleen

April 2025

23 ft Class C

1 night at Country RV And Tent Spots

Ali was so helpful and gracious, an excellent host! I was just there for a quick overnight, so didn't get to spend too much time with her. Highly recommend!