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The best lakeside camping in Montana

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Picture yourself stretched out on a tranquil lake with mountain peaks reflected on the water. Montana lake camping is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors—primarily because the opportunities are nearly endless. Major lake destinations like Flathead and Seeley Lake draw visitors for the scenery, water sports, fishing, and great summer swimming, but the state map is dotted with blue spots offering a large array of reservoirs and natural lakes to explore. Clean, cold water is perfect for cooling off in the summer heat with lakefront public and private campgrounds across the state. The spring thaw and fall months also offer few crowds and quiet campsites at some of the most coveted lakeside destinations. When you’re not roasting s'mores over a fire or casting a line, grab supplies or a cold beer at one of the state’s many famous breweries in towns like Bigfork, Helena, Ennis, Dillon, and more.

97% (3K) 3,467 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Montana

❤️ Glacier HipCamp 🏕️

1. ❤️ Glacier HipCamp 🏕️

99%
(1769)
Coram, MT · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
WELCOME TO GLACIER HIPCAMP 🌲 🏕️ 🦌 Enjoy peace in the beautiful meadows near our home. Our 40-acre property features forested trails, a large pond, two smaller ponds, a creek, and frequent wildlife sightings—all under spectacular starlit skies. We offer a unique "Coolcation" experience as a peaceful alternative to crowded RV parks, located just 6 miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park! CHOOSING YOUR SITE ⛺ Please let us know if you have multiple tents or vehicles so we can recommend the best spot. 💧 DRY CAMPING: No hookups provided. Hydrants are available throughout the campground. 🚛 LARGE RIGS: Sites 1–6 are best for larger vehicles. These are in an open, flat meadow with views of the pond. ⛺ SECLUDED TENTS: We recommend the "Back Meadow" (Sites 7, 8, 10-17, 19-20) for more privacy, especially in July and August. 📏 LIMITS: Sites 7–20 accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 36 feet total length because of an access bridge. 🚻 AMENITIES: All sites are back-in (except 13 and 16, which are pull-through), offer partial shade, and have access to clean vault toilets. GOOD TO KNOW 📢 Due to our proximity to the National Park and the main highway, some traffic and train noise may be heard. To keep our environment pleasant and reduce dust on Greens Road, please keep driving speeds to a minimum. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND ESSENTIALS 📍 We are a short bike ride (2 mins by car) from the Whiskey Barn, Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill, Glacier Hi-Line Ropes Course, and the Amazing Fun Center. 🚲 BIKING: Easy access to the Gateway to Glacier Bike Path; E-bike rentals across the street. ⛽ GAS: Cenex in Coram (1.5 mi). 🛒 GROCERIES/LAUNDRY: Canyon Foods in Hungry Horse (3.5 mi). 🏥 SERVICES: Columbia Falls (9 mi) for large stores, cafes, and urgent care. 🚛 RV DUMP/WATER: Free landfill dump 2.2 mi away (9626 US Hwy 2 E). Full RV dump/water fill at Mike’s Conoco in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi). SAM AND MOLLY’S MERCANTILE 🪵 Located by our house in the middle of the property! We sell solar shower bags, sunscreen, swag, firewood, coffee, and more. EXPLORE THE GROUNDS 🎥 Watch our video tour to see the kid-friendly "Sand Pit" and our "Glamp Pod": https://youtu.be/EYYuGGWRtag If you have any other questions, contact us.
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Glacier getaway 2.0

2. Glacier getaway 2.0

98%
(242)
Babb, MT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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 as well. We have 4 kayaks, a canoe, paddle boat, little fishing boat with electric motor, an assortment of rods and lures, propane BBQ, solo smokeless campfire pits ( firewood can be purchased on site) and also have propane fire pits available. All for guest to enjoy and use on a first come first serve basis.
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Electrical hookup
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Stillwater Getaway

3. Stillwater Getaway

95%
(30)
Olney, MT · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Family and pet friendly lakeside cabins, wall tents, and campsites. Come enjoy a true Montana experience at Stillwater Getaway, located 15 miles North of Whitefish on Lower Stillwater Lake bring your paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake. There is a bath house with showers and toilets and outhouses around the property as well. We have a shared Mess Hall with a full kitchen with a BBQ grill, coffee, and WiFi.
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Lolo National Forest

4. Lolo National Forest

93%
(14)
National forest in Montana · 395 sites
You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.
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Flathead National Forest

5. Flathead National Forest

79%
(26)
National forest in Montana · 300 sites
The Flathead National Forest is all about its geography. It lies in the heart of the Rockies, just west of the continental divide, and a pinch south of the Canadian Border. With geography like this, landscape magic is bound to occur, and it does. With over 2.4 million acres, the Flathead features three wilderness areas, impressive ski areas, commanding wild ranges, meandering streams, and raging rivers (this list could go on). Spend your days hiking, rafting, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and fishing. At night shack up in a Forest Service cabin or pitch a tent beneath the northern lights. Get the fire roaring, raise your bottle, and make a toast to the Flathead and her geographic magic!
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Island Lake

6. Island Lake

100%
(1)
Libby, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
Lakeshore campsite, West shore of Island Lake. Approximately 45 miles from Kalispell, 57 miles from Libby, partly on gravel road. REMOTE - 90 minutes from either Kalispell or Libby. Primitive camping, car, tent, RV, no services. There is trail access to lake, for boat access use Public Boat launch, on south end of lake. Great location for fishing, hunting, or quiet enjoyment. Important: IF you are coming from the Libby area- don't use GPS directions to get here from Libby- it will try to send you on what seems a more direct route, But it is a terrible road. Please go to McGregor Lake, on Highway 2, before you follow GPS directions.
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Duck Lake Lodge & Campground

7. Duck Lake Lodge & Campground

92%
(490)
Babb, MT · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Duck Lake Lodge Campground is a family friendly and down to earth outdoorsman's lodge and property located just outside of Babb. Mt in the heart of North America's Backbone, Glacier National Park. Our location is surrounded by woods in a safe, cozy rustic and serene environment, just minutes from the park, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation rich with history and amazing culture. Our camping spots have wooded surroundings, secure bathrooms, showers-$5 (pre-purchase with booking), coin laundry for campers, trash facilities. Sites are nestled in the trees with picnic tables, campfire rings at each Tent site . Pop up tents, camp vans, Rooftop tent should reserve an Electric Avenue Spot We have Electric Sites ( 21ft max) available for Car, Sprinter Van , Rooftop tents, tents We recommend surge protectors. Our main lodge features a Breakfast Cafe Monday thru Saturday 7a-9:30a Wife access is available at the main lodge. We strive to maintain a quiet, safe and family friendly area. You can also access a community bonfire area on the main lawn, as well as a pond area with numerous waterfowl. The lodge is open 7a-11a and 5p-8p Tuesday thru Saturday. On site staff may be reached thru Hipcamp messaging. Rich with wildlife you can see deer, moose, ducks, beavers, various bird species, as well as hummingbirds that are here to welcome you. Even the occasional bear or moose sighting. The sunset and sunrises are breathtaking. We invite you to come and explore Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It's a real home away from home Glacier Base Camp. The property is privately owned, and management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and will not be responsible for accidents or injury to guest or for loss of money, jewelry or valuables of any kind. We are in bear and wildlife country. Be aware, store food items away from tents, keep sites free from debris. Extinguish camp fires when not in use. Enjoy the beauty around us and all the areas of Glacier National Park. Thank you for camping with us. We love sharing our home with you!
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Full hookups
Wildiron Bigfork

8. Wildiron Bigfork

98%
(176)
MT · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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The Mooseshroom

9. The Mooseshroom

96%
(605)
Coram, MT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Glacier National Park

10. Glacier National Park

97%
(362)
National park in Montana · 809 sites
With over 700 miles of trails to explore, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s dream.
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Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

11. Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

75%
(12)
National forest in Montana · 421 sites
It is only right that the land named after some of America’s raddest explorers would be totally epic! Covering a whopping seven mountain ranges, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is your front door to adventure in Montana. If winter is your happy place, then come make turns at Silver Crest Ski Area, or snowshoe trails through peaceful forests. In the summer, day trippers can roam among prairielands and flowering cacti on the Sulphur Springs Trail, while offroaders and bikers and zip down the OHV trails. Stay in an epic lookout tower on top of the Castle Mountains, or enjoy a remote campsite all to yourself. However you choose to spend your time at Lewis and Clark, you’ll find yourself thanking these two OG adventurers for discovering such an incredible place!
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

12. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

94%
(8)
National park in Wyoming · 185 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Bighorn Canyon's vast landscapes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Whitefish Lake State Park

13. Whitefish Lake State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Montana · 23 sites
Discover Whitefish Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
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Camp Chicory in Paradise Valley

14. Camp Chicory in Paradise Valley

100%
(275)
Pray, MT · 1 site
We purchased our 6-acre home in Paradise Valley in 2010 and have our own little slice of paradise nestled between the Absaroka and Gallatin Mountain Ranges. * 38 miles north of Yellowstone National Park * 10-minute drive to music venues * 360-degree mountain views * 5 minutes from Chico Hot Springs * 20 minutes to Dailey lake / 5 minutes to the Yellowstone River
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Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

15. Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

94%
(237)
MT · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
4 miles from Billings. 1000 acres. We try to keep things as natural as possible except we do mow the common area in the trees. For security reasons, we will meet you at the gates and escort you to your camping spot upon 1st arrival. Fire wood available for sale $10 - needs to be discussed before hand. Camping available on the butte for viewing of northern lights. Lots of room to explore. Long term camping is available. 1 porta-potty on site. There is 1 mile of dirt road after leaving the pavement. We are 6 miles from Walmart. This is a working cattle ranch and the cows come through time to time. The listing computer keeps putting us in LOCKWOOD but we are actually 4 miles north of Billings. Last minute bookings are fine, if we are around -we will let you stay. We live 1 mile from the camp site and 2 miles from the gates where we will meet you. If you are looking for a RV park or campground - this is not it. We have cows, birds, wild animals and dirt roads. There is no power but we could hook you up to a generator if needed. The morning of you arrival, please send an ETA so we know how to plan our day, then give us a 30 minute heads up before arrival so we can meet you at the gates. Sometimes we also are 30 minutes away. A lot of the time you may be the only campers out here. We now have an area for SCOUT TROOPS / CHURCH CAMPS in Hipcamp for large groups of tent campers
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Camp Ka Papa Old US Hwy 93

16. Camp Ka Papa Old US Hwy 93

98%
(96)
Elmo, MT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a family-oriented eco-friendly campsite located on the beautiful Flathead Lake of Elmo, Montana. With direct access to the lake and an hour's drive to Glacier National Park. Whether you are a family or only one person, we are here to make your stay at our campground an enjoyable one. Our campground is one of the last places along the shores of Flathead Lake that is pristine and undeveloped.
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Bucketlist #1

17. Bucketlist #1

98%
(99)
Big Arm, MT · 2 sites
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.
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Full hookups
Glacier Basecamp 🏕️

18. Glacier Basecamp 🏕️

100%
(5)
Coram, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
Glacier Basecamp is a secluded and tranquil RV site nestled in the pines just minutes from Glacier. Located in the back of our Glacier Hip Camp Tent Sites, this spot is secluded with plenty of shade and songbirds. You'll see glimpses of the lake on the property through the pines. Also included on the site is a fire pit, wood picnic table, and full hook up for electric (20 amp 120 plug, 30 amp 120 plug, and a 50 amp 240 plug - 25 amps max draw), water and sewer. The Basecamp site is located in a tree lined area and requires backing in. Please arrive during daylight hours to be able to back into this site. Max vehicle length (Truck and Trailer) is 35 Feet. Site is not suitable for Class A RV or Large Trailers. The Basecamp site is the only Full Hookup site at the Glacier HipCamp; dry campsites are also available and share use of the vault toilet, gazebo, and pond. Amenities available for purchase onsite: Firewood, Solar Shower Bags, Bear Spray Rental, Coffee
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Full hookups
Fox Lane Private Campsite

19. Fox Lane Private Campsite

100%
(23)
Trout Creek, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
Secluded campsite all to yourself. Located off of Swamp Creek Loop Road on Fox Lane this 21 acre property offers amazing views of Twenty Peak Gulch and backs up to Green Mountain. Just three and a half miles to the North Shore boat launch on the Noxon Reservoir which boast some of the best sport fishing in Western Montana. Five miles from the town of Trout Creek. A quarter mile to Swamp Creek and one mile to the Swamp Creek Trail trailhead. Quite, peaceful and secluded, yet offers modern comforts such as water and power.
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Electrical hookup
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BnR Horse Ranch

20. BnR Horse Ranch

100%
(23)
Libby, MT · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Are you looking for an adventure and opportunities to explore the wilderness and Lake Koocanusa? Come experience camping off grid in the true beautiful nature and wildlife of Montana. We have an off grid ranch on 161 acres bordered by the Kootenai National Forest and Lake Koocanusa just down the dirt road. It's very wooded but does have a few open meadows. Our land is very private surrounded by beautiful mountains, forestry, wildlife and streams/creeks. The lake has a great beach front for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, etc. There's a boat launch 3 miles away for bigger boats or pontoons. Our property also provides direct access to hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, horse trail riding, biking, snowmobiling and 4-wheeling. Trail riding is available to experienced riders only. We do not have docile horses that walk a worn in trail. You must show confidence and control over a large animal that may spook at a moments notice. Trail rides are only conducted by appointment weeks in advance when the property owners are present.The owners are endurance riders and are often away competing. If you are not experienced you can still interact with the horses by feeding, petting, grooming, learning horsemanship skills, riding in a controlled round pen or arena. No matter what you do you will be happy with your horse experience. Oh, don't forget the Nigerian Dwarf goats. They love people too. Want to bring your own horse? We also offer horse camping, trail riding with overnight trail camping options and stall boarding. Round pen and outdoor arena available. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent or park your RV next to the creek or anywhere on our 161 acres surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest. Full access to Lake Koocanusa for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, etc. Immediate access to Kootenai National Forest with hundred miles of trails for hiking, 4-wheeling, biking, etc. Tour Libby Dam and visitor center located about 4 miles away. Also offer horse camping and trail riding.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

Top state and regional parks in Montana