Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Montana with fishing

United States
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Montana

93% (3345 reviews)

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86%

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The Sanctuary

63 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Superior, MT

YIPPIE-KI-YAY WINTER IS OVER AND WE ARE OPEN WITH FULL SERVICES!! IT'S IN THE 70°S, 80°S, 90'S DURING THE DAY! Welcome Patriots of America and Canada! At the sanctuary you will find like-minded people that love our countries and love the outdoors! Remember you are in Montana, "while in Rome be a Roman", thus when in Montana be a Montanan! We love our land and we love our wild animals please respect both! We are a multipurpose off-grid campground. We have designated camping spots like all other commercial campgrounds, but we also have cabin rentals, we have multiple sized group campgrounds, we have bike camp for bicycles and motorcycles, we have off the grid wolf camps, and we have winter hunting camping. We offer restrooms and showers, we have an RV dump, we have steel safety fire pits, we have hiking trails with incredible views, we have ATV roads, and we have four wheel drive roads, we have volleyball and badminton courts. We also have the best views in all of Mineral County. Don't be fooled by other farmers and ranchers on hip camp that tell you to go over next to a swamp or a pond, or at riverbed and let your fend for yourself with no amenities and charge you more than we charge you. If you want to be pure off grid, we have our Wolf Camp Mountain, but at least you can come back to the main compound and get a shower and relax at the lodge. We are just 3 miles off of Interstate 90, exit 47, in the small town of Superior, Montana. We have 5 restaurants, 4 bars with 3 casinos. Darlows is a wonderful grocery store including full service deli, beer, wine, and liquor and five churches of different denominations. The Sanctuary is up the canyon mountain via Pardee Creek Road. We are backed up into 50K of USFS acreage! The Clark Fork River on edge of property provides boating, rafting, and fishing fun! Our property plus USFS property provides miles of hiking, ATV, horseback, motorcross roads and trails. There are three cabins to rent, 25 RV dry spaces, 4 Group areas, and can accommodate over 200 tents! Heat in the winter is wood stove. We have restrooms, showers, cooking facilities, and a lodge with satellite internet connection.

99%

(323)

Jammin Jackalope Camping

21 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Livingston, MT

Welcome to Jammin Jackalope Camping, nestled in the heart of nature! Whether you prefer tent camping, van or truck camping, or staying in cabins or tipis, we have the perfect accommodation for your outdoor adventure. Located in a picturesque setting, our property boasts a small intermittant creek that meanders through the land, creating a serene atmosphere. With half of the property covered in an enchanting forest, you'll feel connected to the natural beauty that surrounds you. For music lovers, Pine Creek Lodge, a renowned music venue, sits adjacent to our property. Enjoy the lively tunes from the lodge while relishing in the tranquil ambiance of our camping grounds. While campfires are not permitted, you can still enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends, as our property is pet-friendly. Additionally, we provide potable water, flush toilets, and sweet showers. One vehicle is included in your nightly rate. Additional vehicles and boat parking are $20 each and can be added online as an "extra guest." We are conveniently situated 45 miles from the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park and 12 miles from the quaint town of Livingston. If you're craving a city escape, the vibrant town of Bozeman is just 40 minutes away, offering a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Embrace the call of the wild as you hike, fish, and commune with nature. The opportunities to connect with the great outdoors are endless, making your stay with us an unforgettable experience. Book your stay now and embark on a remarkable adventure in the heart of nature!

97%

(131)

River Ranch - Private beach

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Kalispell, MT

Beautiful 5 acres wrapped by the Stillwater River. Great fishing with a private beach. The land is surrounded by large cottonwood and willow trees. The ground has large areas of leveled wood chips that make it easy for setting up camp. There is a restroom with a bath/shower available. Located just minutes from downtown Kalispell, 15 minutes from whitefish and 30 minutes from Glacier National Park.

❤️ 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

Miner Creek Campgrounds & Camper

6 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Wineglass, MT

Nestled on 60 acres you'll find a private campground in a cottonwood grove on the creek. Across the driveway nestled in the willows you'll find a vintage camper in a private setting near the creek. Further down the gravel driveway you'll find one last campground that is tucked way back in a secluded cottonwood grove. The campgrounds and camper are just 5 minutes to the charming historic downtown of Livingston and the Yellowstone River, 20 minutes to Bozeman and an hour to Yellowstone National Park. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are friendly to other dogs. Our dogs freely roam the property. The Miner Creek Campground 1 has a picnic table, fire ring (bring your own firewood), two hammocks, solar lighting, a small portable charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal) and an outhouse. The vintage camper (about 40 yards away but out of sight) has running water, a 4 burner cooktop, outdoor seating, table, solar lighting, small outdoor grill and fire pit (bring your own charcoal and firewood) and an indoor toilet and shower. The parking areas of the two independent sites are across from one another but the camping sites themselves are out of view from one another. Although you can car camp at the Campground 1, please note that the camper parking spot is just off the driveway, and not across the creek where the tent site, picnic table and fire pit are located. The "Not for the Faint of Heart" campsite, is just that! It's a 1-2 minute hike from the parking spot on an uneven trail through the trees. It has a fire ring (bring your own firewood), two camp chairs, solar lighting, a small portable grill (bring your own charcoal) and a small portalet. Do NOT rent this tent site unless you are ready, to explore and do not need to be close by your car. Make sure you arrive before dark because although the trail is lit by solar lights even with headlamps it can be tricky to find your way through the trees. The trail is tight and uneven and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. The creek is not right by the tent site like it is in the "Creekside Oasis" campsite. There is a small break in the bushes that gives creek access. For all sites we recommend storing your food in your vehicle overnight.

12 top river, stream, or creek 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

Jammin Jackalope Camping

21 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Livingston, MT

Welcome to Jammin Jackalope Camping, nestled in the heart of nature! Whether you prefer tent camping, van or truck camping, or staying in cabins or tipis, we have the perfect accommodation for your outdoor adventure. Located in a picturesque setting, our property boasts a small intermittant creek that meanders through the land, creating a serene atmosphere. With half of the property covered in an enchanting forest, you'll feel connected to the natural beauty that surrounds you. For music lovers, Pine Creek Lodge, a renowned music venue, sits adjacent to our property. Enjoy the lively tunes from the lodge while relishing in the tranquil ambiance of our camping grounds. While campfires are not permitted, you can still enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends, as our property is pet-friendly. Additionally, we provide potable water, flush toilets, and sweet showers. One vehicle is included in your nightly rate. Additional vehicles and boat parking are $20 each and can be added online as an "extra guest." We are conveniently situated 45 miles from the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park and 12 miles from the quaint town of Livingston. If you're craving a city escape, the vibrant town of Bozeman is just 40 minutes away, offering a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Embrace the call of the wild as you hike, fish, and commune with nature. The opportunities to connect with the great outdoors are endless, making your stay with us an unforgettable experience. Book your stay now and embark on a remarkable adventure in the heart of nature!

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.

The Sanctuary

63 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Superior, MT

YIPPIE-KI-YAY WINTER IS OVER AND WE ARE OPEN WITH FULL SERVICES!! IT'S IN THE 70°S, 80°S, 90'S DURING THE DAY! Welcome Patriots of America and Canada! At the sanctuary you will find like-minded people that love our countries and love the outdoors! Remember you are in Montana, "while in Rome be a Roman", thus when in Montana be a Montanan! We love our land and we love our wild animals please respect both! We are a multipurpose off-grid campground. We have designated camping spots like all other commercial campgrounds, but we also have cabin rentals, we have multiple sized group campgrounds, we have bike camp for bicycles and motorcycles, we have off the grid wolf camps, and we have winter hunting camping. We offer restrooms and showers, we have an RV dump, we have steel safety fire pits, we have hiking trails with incredible views, we have ATV roads, and we have four wheel drive roads, we have volleyball and badminton courts. We also have the best views in all of Mineral County. Don't be fooled by other farmers and ranchers on hip camp that tell you to go over next to a swamp or a pond, or at riverbed and let your fend for yourself with no amenities and charge you more than we charge you. If you want to be pure off grid, we have our Wolf Camp Mountain, but at least you can come back to the main compound and get a shower and relax at the lodge. We are just 3 miles off of Interstate 90, exit 47, in the small town of Superior, Montana. We have 5 restaurants, 4 bars with 3 casinos. Darlows is a wonderful grocery store including full service deli, beer, wine, and liquor and five churches of different denominations. The Sanctuary is up the canyon mountain via Pardee Creek Road. We are backed up into 50K of USFS acreage! The Clark Fork River on edge of property provides boating, rafting, and fishing fun! Our property plus USFS property provides miles of hiking, ATV, horseback, motorcross roads and trails. There are three cabins to rent, 25 RV dry spaces, 4 Group areas, and can accommodate over 200 tents! Heat in the winter is wood stove. We have restrooms, showers, cooking facilities, and a lodge with satellite internet connection.

Gallatin River Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · Three Forks, MT

This property has been a farm and ranch since 1863 it was used as a stage stop for travelers going to the gold fields in Bannock and Virginia City Montana. Come check us out.We offer two private campsites on the Gallatin River near Logan, Montana, 1/4 mile apart on a working farm and ranch. Ranch also is located below ATT and Verizon cell towers. Five minutes from entrance gate to interstate ninety. We are thirty minutes from Bozeman, six miles from Three Forks, MT, three miles from Headwaters State Park (Headwaters of the Missouri River), 12 minutes from the Copper City Mountain biking trails, 20 minutes from Lewis and Clark Caverns, eight miles from Madison Buffalo Jump. Yellowstone National Park is two hours south of the property. Easy full recreational access to the Gallatin River, including fishing if you follow Montana FWP rules and regulations. Gallatin River is a blue-ribbon trout stream and there are four additional blue-ribbon trout streams that are within close proximity. Inhabited by most major indigenous species of Montana, except bison and mountain goats. This is a working farm and ranch and equipment and activities related to the operation should be expected also a train runs close to property. Host lives on the property and is available to contact.

94%

(26)

Huckleberry Camp -near Glacier Park

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · West Glacier, MT

Tent and RV Camping at Heavens Peak Lodge & Resort. Located 2 minutes from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park gives you convenient access to the park. Our sites accommodate tents, teardrops or up to a 34' RV with one vehicle. The sites are on level gravel. Located right off of HWY 2 in our Lower Lot, is near the road and has a variety of sites with different amenities water/electric and some with water only. Full Hook Ups are only in our upper lot in a cleared wooded area. We offer a NEW OUTDOOR SHOWER, secured with a code/lock included in your reservation( request a code from HIPCAMP HOST) a well maintained, clean port-a-potty toilets, and a bear-proof trash dumpster located up the hill behind our lodge. Each Guest is required to dispose of trash before leaving the property in this designated area. Table and chairs will be available on or near each site for community use, and shared propane BBQ grill is available for use in the lower tent area. Late July 2023 we will have our outdoor shower available for our guests!!! Please help us keep our property and sites better than you found them for the next guest! Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

Miner Creek Campgrounds & Camper

6 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Wineglass, MT

Nestled on 60 acres you'll find a private campground in a cottonwood grove on the creek. Across the driveway nestled in the willows you'll find a vintage camper in a private setting near the creek. Further down the gravel driveway you'll find one last campground that is tucked way back in a secluded cottonwood grove. The campgrounds and camper are just 5 minutes to the charming historic downtown of Livingston and the Yellowstone River, 20 minutes to Bozeman and an hour to Yellowstone National Park. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are friendly to other dogs. Our dogs freely roam the property. The Miner Creek Campground 1 has a picnic table, fire ring (bring your own firewood), two hammocks, solar lighting, a small portable charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal) and an outhouse. The vintage camper (about 40 yards away but out of sight) has running water, a 4 burner cooktop, outdoor seating, table, solar lighting, small outdoor grill and fire pit (bring your own charcoal and firewood) and an indoor toilet and shower. The parking areas of the two independent sites are across from one another but the camping sites themselves are out of view from one another. Although you can car camp at the Campground 1, please note that the camper parking spot is just off the driveway, and not across the creek where the tent site, picnic table and fire pit are located. The "Not for the Faint of Heart" campsite, is just that! It's a 1-2 minute hike from the parking spot on an uneven trail through the trees. It has a fire ring (bring your own firewood), two camp chairs, solar lighting, a small portable grill (bring your own charcoal) and a small portalet. Do NOT rent this tent site unless you are ready, to explore and do not need to be close by your car. Make sure you arrive before dark because although the trail is lit by solar lights even with headlamps it can be tricky to find your way through the trees. The trail is tight and uneven and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. The creek is not right by the tent site like it is in the "Creekside Oasis" campsite. There is a small break in the bushes that gives creek access. For all sites we recommend storing your food in your vehicle overnight.

Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Pray, MT

This is a wild property bordered by public land. No electricity, no plumbing. Just an exceptional piece of land, with a cold rushing creek to beat the heat, meadows with butterflies and flowers, privacy, and great views of the valley and surrounding mountains. We have three cabins spread across the lot. Enjoy the smell of fresh milled wood and the sounds of the nearby creek. The cabins are spread far enough apart to offer privacy to each party, but know that you may still see other travelers on the land during your stay. In addition to the cabins, enjoy the outdoor picnic and dining area, an outdoor gas stove, and a gas-powered fire pit. Outhouse with bucket toilet + cedar chips + bucket liners. Please pack it in, pack it out.

River Ranch - Private beach

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Kalispell, MT

Beautiful 5 acres wrapped by the Stillwater River. Great fishing with a private beach. The land is surrounded by large cottonwood and willow trees. The ground has large areas of leveled wood chips that make it easy for setting up camp. There is a restroom with a bath/shower available. Located just minutes from downtown Kalispell, 15 minutes from whitefish and 30 minutes from Glacier National Park.

100%

(31)

White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Boulder, MT

Dawson Family Ranch is a family-run business with a focus on sustainable land and agriculture practices. The ranch is located along a mile of the Boulder River between the Elkhorn and Bull Mountain Ranges. The river offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Public land access is within a short drive (2-7 miles depending on direction) and offers different recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, and motorized recreation. Boulder Hot Springs is less than 4 miles away.

83%

(6)

Madison Islands

15 sites · RVs24 acres · Three Forks, MT

This property is located on the Madison River at the headwaters of the Missouri River! It has views of surrounding mountain ranges including the Bridgers, Tobacco Roots, & the Spanish Peaks. It is also minutes from downtown Three Forks, MT for dining and shopping. On-site activities include fishing , swimming, hiking, biking, boating/floating, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and stargazing under the big sky. The camping area even has enough space to accommodate grazing horses. With open grassy fields and a large wooded area there is plenty to be explored in this Montana outdoor paradise. Address and Directions: On I-90 exit on 278 you will be on "Frontage Rd" go east to "Old Town Road" than turn east on "Old Town Main Street" NOTE: (You will see a old Victorian house on the west side of the street. Old Town Main street is on the optimist side of the road). Easiest entry is off of Main Street. Enter just in front of the larked RV and make your way into and through the field.

83%

(3)

Mountain Runner Retreat

1 site · RV1 acre · Gardiner, MT

This little gem is 5 miles from the North entrance of Yellowstone Park. It is up a dirt road that gets you up and away from the crowds where you can relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. The site sits has private access to Bear Creek, a pristine stream with minimal access locations. When you are down by our creek, you are in a forest oasis. The RV/Trailer site is a back-in only site with trees, picnic table, electric, water and sewer hook ups. Nearby is our turn of the century barn with chickens doing "chicken things". Jardine itself is a historic mining town, with several trail-heads nearby. Mountain biking can be enjoyed on the many dirty roads above Jardine.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

99%

(235)

Glacier National Park

Babb, Montana

71%

(14)

Kootenai National Forest

Yaak, Montana

100%

(11)

Bitterroot National Forest

Conner, Montana

River, stream, or creek 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.