Lakeside camping in Montana with fishing
Soak in hot springs, hike through wilderness, or just take in the views of Big Sky Country.
94% (1606 reviews)
- Montana
94% (1606 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Montana
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top lakeside campgrounds in Montana with fishing
99%
(1178)
❤️ Glacier Park HipCamp 🏕️
22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Coram, MT
Come enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful meadows near our home. We are located on 40 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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$42
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Glacier getaway 2.0
6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Babb, MT
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 aswell. We have 2 kayaks, a canoe, little fishing boat with electric motor, an assortment of rods and lures, propane BBQ, and solo smokeless campfire pits. All for guest to enjoy and use on a first come first serve basis.
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$60
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96%
(461)
The Mooseshroom
13 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Coram, MT
The Mooseshroom is an awesome camping community that is just 7 miles from the west side of Glacier National Park. Community fire pits near the Commons are a short walk from whichever tent spot guests are assigned. The Commons also houses the bathrooms and inside/outside kitchen areas. There is plenty of seating, hammocks and picnic tables for guests to use as well. We also have two yurts available for booking on our property.
The Mooseshroom is a licensed business that is limited to hosting 18 guests per night. Guests should expect a quiet, peaceful camping experience with plenty of room to enjoy their surroundings.
***This property is adjacent Highway 2 and there is a fair amount of road noise. There's also a train that's fairly close. The noise kinda comes with the territory, guests are also 10 minutes from the west entrance to the park. The noise does tend to subside considerably at night, but for those bothered by this type of noise, you might consider an alternate location. Most guests are truly fine with it.
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$49
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Booked 7 times
Triple G's Resort
24 sites · Lodging10 acres · Essex, MT
Eco Luxury Resort offering Geodomes, cabins, treehouses and RV;s located only 15 minutes from West Glacier entrance. This resort will give you and your family an experience of a lifetime!
We have a bar and restaurant on site with various boards and lawn games for guests to enjoy.
2 outdoor firepits
4 communal outdoor BBQs
Various seating and hammocks spread through out the trails and forest even a STAGE where we host various artists and performances through out the year.
Visit Triple G's Resort website to see restaurant menu and hours as well as the activities page where you can book horse back riding, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting and ATV rentals!
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$150
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86%
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Mad RIver Farm Camping
7 sites · Tents40 acres · Ennis, MT
Please read bullet points below before you book with us.
Wake up to the impressive scenery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the sun shining over the Madison range on this nearly 50 acre farm in McAllister, Montana. You'll be camped in a wide open grass pasture JUST OFF Hwy 287, 1.5 miles from Ennis Lake and the Madison River which offers some of the most diverse fly fishing in Montana. The Madison River runs through this scenic valley and is flanked by the towering Madison, Gravelly and Tobacco Root ranges which are all visable from our campsites. Our land is filled with wildlife including fox, coyotes, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, osprey, deer and antelope. Horses in the pasture to the North and cattle to the South.
Crash in our field and you're only about 1 hour from Yellowstone, without the Yellowstone prices and congestion. The town of Ennis is 7 miles and the best steakhouse in the valley is 2 minutes north up HWY 287. Plan an easy afternoon trip to the historic Old West town of Virginia City (20 miles). We are surrounded by endless trails for hiking, 4 wheeling and trail riding. Big Sky Ski Resort is an hour and 30 minutes over the Madison Range. Take an evening to go to Norris Hotsprings (9 miles). Lewis and Clark Caverns one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America is only 28 miles away. The list of activities goes on and on, but there is always the option to just relax and feel comfortable doing nothing. This is the perfect place to choose to be disconnected and unplugged for a while, but not to far off the beaten path so its an easy camp.
45°26'15.5"N 111°43'53.8"W
https://goo.gl/maps/i7jR4qSxP4SkU1QTA
-Parking is just off HWY 287, very easy access by bike or vehicle. Vehicles will stay in the designated parking are and campers will walk to any area of the pasture they wish to set up camp!
-This is a field, a pasture where grass grows to feed cattle. The views of the Madison Range and Tobacco Root Mountains is incredible. There are a few areas of trimmed grass, but for the most part this is a pasture with long grass. This area is not maintained like a KOA. This is not at all what would call "roughing it" but I grew up in Montana and we have different standards here.
-We ask that you please give room to other campers, you'll have so much room it should never be an issue.
-There is now a porta potty and fire pit! both of which are for all campers to use. Please do not set up camp right next to the firepit, right next to the porta potty or in the parking area.
-This is a pasture alongside the road in Montana. There are no parking lot lights. There is no wifi. There are no trees or shelters. It is not private because it is an open field along HWY 287. That being said there are rarely ever more than 1-2 camping groups at a time.
-The Campfire is communal. Everyone needs to be able to enjoy. There are several area to set up camp. We usualy will only have 1-2 campers at any given time. The most we have ever had at once is 4.
-You're free to walk around and find your perfect spot. You can walk through the tall grass or you can camp in one of the spots that is trimmed down. You have that freedom! We trim down the "road", the firepit, a couple campsites and the area around the garbage and porta potty. We dont want to completely mow down our pasture. We like to keep it wild. When Hipcampers are not using the area its a place for deer, antelope, cyotes and sandhill cranes. If you want to have a campground with manicured walkways/camping spots this is not the green pasture for you.
🇺🇸 July 4th update FYI the 2 track road down to the canvas wall tent has irrigation water covering it. Don’t go down the path to the tent, you will get stuck. There are plenty of places to camp without driving down toward the canvas tent. There is a saw horse blocking the road. Please do not move the saw horse or drive down the road.
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$23
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97%
(115)
Wildiron Bigfork
14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · MT
We live on 10 acres of mixed forest and field. In the summer we have an active blacksmithing school and flower farm here. The idea of a sustainable, self reliant lifestyle has always been part of our life and passing it down to others is a joy for us. We sustainably manage our food and forest to be the best stewards we can for our environment and our neighbors. Our Cabin and structures were built primarily of materials that were recycled or milled on site. which makes them warm and inviting. The Cabin is located close to our shop which houses an active blacksmithing school in the summer months where the rest of the structures are separate and in an area tucked away on the edge of the woods.Jeffrey and Betsy work to make your stay as welcoming as possible. We maintain a small orchard of fruit trees, a garden which feeds us year round and a small flower farm on the property. Avid skiers, bikers, paddlers and hikers, offering the property for others to enjoy was a conscious decision made when planning all of our infrastructure. Come and enjoy all the beautiful Flathead Valley has to offer.
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$30
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100%
(1)
Wildhorse Island Overlook
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Dayton, MT
Private camping pad on 5 acres right off Highway 93 on Flathead Lake. One of the best views on the entire lake. Overlooks Wildhorse Island and the Mission/Swan Mountain range. 3 minutes from gas/convenience store and 15 minutes from groceries/amenities in the town of Lakeside.
Lake access is just short walk away and plenty of State Parks/recreation areas nearby.
The pad has a fire pit with a picnic table and a 20'x20' shed where you can store items and escape the rain. Will accommodate a RV up to 35ft. No RV Hook Ups.
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$50
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99%
(44)
MeadowSweet Farm
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Bigfork, MT
Historic farm acreage featuring rolling hills and a stunning view of the Swan Mountains. Centrally located to enjoy Flathead Valley - 10 minutes to Flathead Lake, 45 minutes to Glacier National Park, 15 minutes to Jewel Basin trailhead, 10 minutes to Historic downtown Bigfork and so much more.
We light the community fire pit most evenings and children can enjoy a large swing set in the field.
You'll find your hosts working on several projects as we're continuing to restore this 100 year old property. We enjoy sharing all the work we've done to turn the land and outbuildings into a great place to visit!
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$39
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94%
(8)
Nature Resort on the Bighorn River
33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Fort Smith, MT
Cottonwood Camp is nestled under towering cottonwood trees on 17 historical acres, overlooking 3 Mile Access on the legendary Bighorn River. These hallowed grounds are surrounded by 300 wildlife filled acres of Bighorn Canyon National Rec' Area land. Excellent boating, water sports, and additional fishing opportunities are a short 15 minute drive away at Bighorn Canyon Lake.
Our 14 cabins all have a personality of their own with occupancy capacity ranging from 2 all the way up to 18! All feature a fully equipped kitchen + outdoor social space w/ bbq grill.
In addition we have FHU & W/E RV sites and plenty of pitch tent sites that have use of our two bathhouses. Guests are greeted in our full service fly shop that can get you hooked up on a guided trip, shuttle, or drift boat rental.
Whether you want an action packed day on the Bighorn, a relaxing day on the Lake or just wanna escape your day to day to hear the sights & sounds of Big Sky Country, you can't go wrong with Cottonwood Camp!
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$40
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94%
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Flathead Lake Cherry Farm Camping
7 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Polson, MT
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy lake view camping on an all Organic Cherry Farm.
This 20-acre farm is nestled in the forest on Finley Point on Flathead Lake. It gives you a wide-open and cradled feeling at the same time. There is a view of the lake and mountains from almost all the camp spots.
There are deer and turkeys that continuously roam the orchard. Enjoy the Big Montana Sky at night with an amazing view of the stars.
You can pick your own fresh organic cherries for only $2 a pound. You can also just snack on some from your campsite. Cherry season this year will be from July 18th to Aug 5th.
Nearby attractions include:
Access to Flathead Lake is less than a 1/2 mile down the driveway.
Flathead Lake (Finley Point) State Park is only 2 miles away.
At the entrance to Finley Point, we have two great Restaurants, Finley Point Grill and the Smokehouse (Highly Recommended!).
The town of Polson is 20 minutes away. You can find everything you need from supplies, to bars, restaurants, boat rentals, public parks, and even a casino.
The town of Big Fork is only 45 minutes away and is a must-see. This town has an old-west feel with great shops, restaurants, a live theater, and an old iron bridge over the river.
Glacier National Park is an hour and twenty minutes away.
The driveway up to the orchard is made of gravel and is a bit steep at the beginning, At times there can be a few ruts so be cautious. Most standard passenger cars can make it up the driveway with no problem. Due to campers having trouble navigating the driveway with trailers we no longer allow trailers or RV's over 22 feet. Lowered vehicles are not recommended.
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$50
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90%
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YNP & River Basecamp
4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Emigrant, MT
Ken and Debbie DeGraaf purchase the land and built the house in 2004
Learn more about this land:
Our home is located in Emigrant, Montana. We are approx. 34 miles from YNP and less than 10 minutes to the nearest Yellowstone River access. As the name implies, our campsite provides a convenient "basecamp" for exploring YNP or experiencing the Yellowstone River through Fly Fishing or water sports such as kayaking, white-water rafting, canoeing and or SUP. Our campsite provides the perfect retreat after hiking and experiencing Yellowstone. After spending the day doing whatever you please in Paradise Valley or the surrounding areas, come back to your campsite and relax in the hot tub and prepare dinner on the BBQ & amp; Star Gaze. In Emigrant, there is a bank and a post office as well as a bakery and a BBQ restaurant and The Old Saloon. Additionally, there is a small gas station, laundromat and a general store.
We offer 20Amp electrical-hook up. We do offer water hook up through a hose. The nearest dump station is 1/2 hour in either direction (Gardiner or Livingston). There are NO on-site outdoor SHOWERS or BATHROOMS, you must be totally self-sufficient in that area. Ken Leaves for work Sun.- Thur. around 4:00 AM. We also rent a room in our house, so other guests may be on site.
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Camp Lakeside
2 sites · RVs3 acres · Lakeside, MT
Located 2 miles from the public beach at Flathead lake, this beautiful and shaded campsite is the perfect place to soak up the peace and quiet of country living while enjoying the views of the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
This is the ultimate base camp for adventures in Lakeside, Montana. Our Humble 2.5 Acre property has two campsites. Our sites are private and close to public lake access, Fishing, trailheads, Legacy Bike Park, Blacktail Ski Mountain, Wild Bill OHV trail system, Alpine Coaster, Far West Boast Tours, Huckleberry and Cherry picking, local restaurants and a grocery store.
We are located only 45 minutes from Glacier National Park so you will find plenty of activities to do outside of our charming community. Each site was designed with privacy and a special experience in mind.
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Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Montana
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Lakeside camping in Montana with fishing guide
Overview
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.
States near Montana
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