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% (3.3K) • 3,482 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Montana

❤️ Glacier HipCamp 🏕️

1. ❤️ Glacier HipCamp 🏕️

98%
(1463)
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. Non-Potable 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: Full RV dump/water fill at Mike’s Conoco in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi). 🗑️ TRASH: Pack in Pack out: Free landfill dump 2.2 mi away (9626 US Hwy 2 E). SAM AND MOLLY’S MERCANTILE 🪵 Located by our house in the middle of the property! We sell sunscreen, swag, firewood, coffee, and more. If you have any other questions, contact us.
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Glacier getaway 2.0

2. Glacier getaway 2.0

99%
(335)
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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Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

3. Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

94%
(260)
MT · 15 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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Lolo National Forest

4. Lolo National Forest

94%
(17)
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%
(28)
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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Stillwater Getaway

6. Stillwater Getaway

86%
(44)
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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Boulder Creek Lodge & RV Park

7. Boulder Creek Lodge & RV Park

98%
(27)
Hall, MT · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located in a valley halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, you’ll find Boulder Creek Lodge and RV Park. Our place is special for what surrounds it, but it’s also special for what we have right here on the property. We offer travelers RV sites (with hookup), tent and van camping sites, and ten fully furnished, clean and comfortable cabins, Tipis and Conestoga Wagon for the glamping (glamorous camping) experience. Bedding provided for cabins, tipis and wagon. Guests have access to the shower house (showers, toilets, sinks) with laundry facilities (2 coin-op washers - 2 dryers), property playground, and the Lodge with game room, sitting room, communal kitchen and recently updated bathrooms/showers. All guests are welcome to use horseshoe pit, community fire pits and wi-fi access. Our guests can unplug, kick back, and relax with their families in one of the country's most beautiful locations.
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Aspen Grove Duck Lake: Near GNP

8. Aspen Grove Duck Lake: Near GNP

99%
(36)
Babb, MT · 1 site
Find private lakeside tranquility on the shores of Duck Lake in rural Glacier County, MT. You can enjoy bird-watching and the most glorious sunrises and sunsets you’ve ever seen. Just 15 miles from the St. Mary entrance to Glacier National Park, and 11 miles from the Many Glacier entrance. This .26 acre RV site has water, electricity, and septic that will accommodate one unit. (Location via Google Maps can be problematic in this area. The site may also be identified as “Lot 16”.) MAXIMUM RV LENGTH: 30 FEET
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Full hookups
Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

9. Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

99%
(81)
Alberton, MT · 1 site
A sanctuary away from everyday life, where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Yurt has electricity, a wood stove for heat in winter, a beautiful outdoor kitchen and bathhouse, and a year round creek nearby. Only 45 minutes from Missoula Montana. Games and books in the yurt. Cedar outhouse. Lots of extras to make for a truly remarkable glamping experience. We offer breakfast and french press organic coffee for an additional fee. Mostly secluded, situated above our garden and raspberry patch, so we are on that side of the garden early on summer mornings.
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Glacier National Park

10. Glacier National Park

97%
(389)
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

77%
(13)
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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Terra Nova Cabins

14. Terra Nova Cabins

West Yellowstone, MT · 40 sites
Escape the crowds and stay near the water—just 20 miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. Terra Nova Cabins offers a peaceful retreat by Hebgen Lake, minutes from world-class fishing, hiking, and adventure.
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Farm Land Escape

15. Farm Land Escape

100%
(13)
Helena, MT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Please contact me through here 1-2 days prior to your arrival so I can get your area ready. As there may be one other camper from time to time as well. I want you to have the privacy and the experience as if it was only you and you’re family staying. This 53 acres use to be owned by a guy named John Helberg which is who the road is named after. It’s the original homestead land dated over 100 years ago where they farmed for there dairy cows and other livestock. This is right off a dead end road. You will have a view of a Montana farm field with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Dark nights out of the town means the stars will be out and about! This is a quiet secluded area there is a house near by, he is an older gentlemen you won’t even know he’s there. Depending on time of year there will be a field full of crop or the farm getting farmed. There very well could be some horses near by to pet!! Located 10 minutes from the lakes. 5 minutes from a reservoir. 10 minutes from town. 15 min to closest hiking areas. Helena really is the heart of fun very centralized for all directions of fun! Very easy pull in and pull out area. Please not there may be other campers enjoying as well Black Sandy State Park and Helena National Park are both under 15 miles away. Enjoy hiking and If you’re the boating type, head down the Missouri river in search of a rumored rope swing or jump off the boat for a dip in the crystal waters of Hauser Lake. Looking to avoid all the crowds or enjoy a solitary weekend under the endless Montana sky? Just head to Black Sandy during the winter months! You’ll find the same great stunning views and an ice skating experience that will put your grandparents’ childhood tales to shame. I do have power 50 amp, fresh water, grey water hook up, no black water. This option may not be available all of the time. Nearby is a brown shop this is area is rented out and off limits to camp stayers. The patio area on shop is not for the hipcampers thank you
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Private 10 acres in the country

16. Private 10 acres in the country

100%
(9)
Ronan, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
🌲 Crow Creek Homestead | Private Montana Camping with Pond, Creek & Mission Mountain Views Escape to your own private camping area on our peaceful 20-acre working homestead at the base of Montana's beautiful Mission Mountains. Guests enjoy exclusive access to 10 acres of private camping space with multiple primitive sites available for tents, vans, and RVs up to 30 feet. Choose a site nestled among shaded trees, in the open pasture, beside the creek, or near our private pond. Need more space? RV accommodations for vehicles longer than 30 feet may be possible on a case-by-case basis with advance notice and approval. We can also accommodate larger groups of 20+ guests with advance planning and host approval to ensure we can provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone. A flowing creek winds through the property, and our private 1-acre pond is perfect for swimming, floating, relaxing, and enjoying Montana’s peaceful outdoors. Wildlife commonly seen on the property includes deer, wild turkeys, and many species of birds, with occasional foxes, coyotes, and bears passing through. Although we are only 4 miles from Ronan, Crow Creek Homestead feels quiet, remote, and surrounded by nature. 🔒 Private, Peaceful & Secure Your campsite is accessed through a separate private entrance at the end of the road, providing a quiet and secluded camping experience with limited traffic and exceptional privacy. The camping area is completely separate from the main residence, while still offering the comfort and security of having the main house within easy walking distance should you need anything during your stay. Enjoy the feeling of being away from it all while knowing your hosts are nearby and available to help make your visit comfortable and memorable. 🐐 Meet Our Friendly Farm Animals Crow Creek Homestead is a working family homestead and home to: Four rescue horses Three bottle-raised goats who love going on walks Friendly miniature Hereford cattle that enjoy treats and attention A livestock guardian dog who watches over the animals Guests are welcome to observe the animals or request a scheduled meet-and-greet. For everyone's safety, please do not feed the animals or enter animal areas unless invited, the fence is electric. 🥚 Farm Fresh Organic Eggs Fresh organic eggs are often available from our homestead. Availability varies daily and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 💧 POTABLE WATER 💧 DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE Potable drinking water (near the corral) – Guests can pull up or back their RV to within approximately 10 feet of the hydrant for easy filling. A 50-foot hose is available for guest use. Please note that the hose is not rated as a drinking water hose, so guests may prefer to bring their own drinking-water-safe hose for filling fresh water tanks. 🔧 Amenities Clean, regularly serviced porta-potty Fire pits Limited complimentary firewood No hookups Pet-friendly (dogs must remain leashed) 🚻 Porta-Potty We work hard to keep our on-site porta-potty clean, well-stocked, and regularly serviced for our guests’ comfort. Please help us keep it that way by using it only for its intended purpose. Please do not dump RV holding tanks, portable toilets, or any other waste into the porta-potty. Thank you for helping us maintain a clean and enjoyable amenity for everyone. 🎣 Enjoy the Property Swim or float in the private pond Walk beside Middle Crow Creek Fish the pond (catch and release with a valid CSKT fishing permit) Stargaze under dark Montana skies Watch wildlife throughout the property 📍 Places to Explore Nearby 🦬 Bison Range (formerly National Bison Range) Approximately 20 minutes away. Drive one of Montana’s most scenic wildlife routes and look for bison, elk, pronghorn, deer, bear and many species of birds. 🚤 Flathead Lake About 25 minutes north. The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi offers swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and beautiful lakeside parks. 🏔️ Mission Mountains Wilderness Just minutes away. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and excellent photography opportunities. 🦢 Ninepipes National Wildlife Refuge Approximately 15 minutes away. A peaceful refuge known for waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, and excellent birdwatching. ⛪ St. Ignatius Mission About 15 minutes south. Visit one of Montana’s oldest and most beautiful historic missions, famous for its stunning interior murals. 🏞️ Séliš Ksanka Qĺispé Dam (formerly Kerr Dam) Around 30 minutes away. Enjoy scenic overlooks and views of the impressive Flathead River. 🚗 National Parks Glacier National Park – Approximately 2 hours north Yellowstone National Park – Approximately 5½ hours southeast ☕ Favorite Coffee & Chai Spots Nearby Dobson Creek Coffee A cozy local stop known for great coffee, chai, and friendly service. The Great Gray at Ninepipes Located near Ninepipes National Wildlife Refuge, this charming café offers excellent coffee, chai, and light bites in a peaceful setting. 🍽️ Places to Eat Nearby Sweet Cakes by Melissa A local favorite for homemade baked goods, desserts, sandwiches, and burgers. Ronan Café A welcoming small-town café known for hearty breakfasts and classic comfort food. Lakeview Dining and Spirits ("The Shoe") – Polson An upscale dining experience offering steaks, seafood, cocktails, and beautiful lake views. 400 Horse Casino A nearby option for dining, drinks, gaming, and evening entertainment. 🚐 Nearby RV Services Cenex Ronan 📍 63932 US Highway 93 S, Ronan, MT 59864 Free potable drinking water Propane sales and fills Please note: Their free RV dump station is currently out of service. Diamond S RV Park & Campground 📍 46711 Old US Highway 93, Ronan, MT 59864 RV dump station – $10 Potable drinking water – $10 🎟️ Guest Bonus Planning to visit the Bison Range? Ask us about borrowing our Bison Range pass during your stay, subject to availability. A CSKT Conservation Permit is required for recreation on most Tribal lands within the Flathead Reservation, including fishing. A permit is not required for access to Flathead Lake. ✅ Good to Know Your reservation includes exclusive use of the camping area—only one guest group is booked at a time. This is a working homestead, and our livestock guardian dog may bark while protecting the animals, especially at night. We are in bear country. Please store food securely and never leave food unattended. Children must always be supervised around livestock, the pond, and the creek. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times. Please do not feed the animals unless invited during a scheduled visit. 💚 Welcome to Crow Creek Homestead We’re a homesteading family who love sharing this special place with others. Whether you’re floating in the pond, walking along the creek, stargazing around the campfire, or taking a stroll with our curious goats, we hope your stay at Crow Creek Homestead is peaceful, relaxing, and unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming you!
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Camp Chicory in Paradise Valley

17. Camp Chicory in Paradise Valley

99%
(198)
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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Potable water
BnR Horse Ranch

18. BnR Horse Ranch

100%
(27)
Libby, MT · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Are you looking for an adventure and opportunities to explore the wilderness and Lake Koocanusa? We offer amazing trail rides with scenic views and lessons with an experienced guide and trainer. 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 for ages 14 & up. Trail rides are only conducted by appointments in advance. If you are not comfortable riding a trail ride, we offer riding lessons and 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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The Mooseshroom

19. The Mooseshroom

97%
(461)
Coram, MT · 2 sites
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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Camp Lazy Bear

20. Camp Lazy Bear

100%
(3)
Stryker, MT · 14 sites · Tents, Lodging
Choice of Community Camping, or Glamping privately and in comfort with basic furniture and bedding. Surrounded by mature trees, beautiful clearings for camping spots, and at night, lights turn on like a fairy-tale come life. The 10 acres property borders State and National Forrest Grounds. Nearby you will find Trails, Mount Marston, Stillwater River, State and National Forrest, Lakes, Creeks, and anything else nature. It's the ideal staging area for climbing, swimming, ATV, hiking, motor boating, fishing, and much more. * 30 mins to Eureka, Lake Koocanusa, Canadian Border * 30 mins to Whitefish, Ideal for Big Sky Festival * 5 mins to Dickey Lake * 60 mins to Glacier West Entrance
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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