The best camping in Montana with wildlife watching

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking to immerse yourself in wildlife watching in the beautiful wilderness of Montana, we've got you covered. With over 2,000 options specifically tailored to your activity/terrain preference, you'll have no shortage of incredible campsites to choose from. Whether you're on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, our accommodations range from as low as $10 to an average of $50 per night. Looking for highly-rated campsites? Check out Primrose Meadows (652 reviews), Glacier Park HipCamp (353 reviews), and The Mooseshroom (190 reviews). Popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, potable water, and campfires are available to enhance your camping experience. While climbing, surfing, and paddling are popular activities, you're sure to find plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching in the great outdoors of Montana. Happy camping!

97% (10.1K) • 5,242 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Montana

Primrose Meadows

1. Primrose Meadows

95%
(1677)
Missoula, MT · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
We can’t wait to share our land with you! Get away from it all and get under the Big Sky. Close to the freeway for easy access but adjacent to over 300 acres of beautiful farmland, you’ll experience Montana’s wildlife and have beautiful Mountain views when you stay at Primrose Meadows. There are few trees in the property, it’s mostly rolling hills with some trails to walk and plenty of space between sites! This property has a railroad track that runs next to the property that sometimes toots its horn, if you’re a light sleeper this is something you should consider! We are close to Council Grove and Frenchtown Pond which are both great swimming holes! You can also coordinate with us for cross-country skiing or head to Snowbowl for local downhill skiing! We are close to Missoula should you need any services in town.
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❤️ Glacier HipCamp 🏕️

2. ❤️ 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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Jammin Jackalope Camping

3. Jammin Jackalope Camping

99%
(567)
Livingston, MT · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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" or paid on arrival. 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!
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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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Glacier getaway 2.0

6. 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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Glacier Park RV

7. Glacier Park RV

94%
(221)
Coram, MT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to my property, just a stones throw from Glacier Five minutes from Glacier National Park. Five minutes to grocery store. Property used to be the old Grizzly bear park that you could drive through to see the bears. Driveway is directly across from North American RV Park. Driveway is marked Hipcamp. Pets are allowed. Need to be leashed Please make sure you pick up after them.
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VanGoBoon Campground

8. VanGoBoon Campground

83%
(772)
Bozeman, MT · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
PLEASE NOTE: VanGoBoon is a campground, not a RV Park! Much like a NFS campsites but close to town, with easy access off Hwy 90. There's water on the property available in several areas of the campground. Some sites have water at the site. Otherwise we are considered a "dry" campground. Welcome to our campground! We are a "Roadside" Campground that offers the convince of easy on/off access to Hwy 90 and the close proximity to Bozeman. We are adjacent to Hwy 90 and the Montana Rail System. We have a variety of options that should suit just about anyone. We are near Yellowstone National Park as well as Bozeman, MT which offers all types of recreational opportunities e.g. hiking, fishing, climbing, skiing, cycling and running trails. VanGoBoon is the perfect "Pull-in for the Night" as well as week-long stays! Most of our sites are SELF-CONTAINED. We have 4 sites that have electric and water hookups. (20,30,50amp) The lawn area has horseshoes, frisbee golf, and corn toss. We mostly offer dry campsites for overnight stays for vans, tents or RVs . Most sites are on concrete slabs so they are level and the property has grass areas with trees as well. FYI: Great site if you like trains! An important part of Montana’s commerce is transportation by rail so there will be highway and train noise. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to have noise-cancelation devices handy. Private spots between trees but near freeway for easy access. Our 2 horses have been a favorite with young campers along with the open yet private campsites! We look forward to welcoming you!
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Ellison Ranch

9. Ellison Ranch

97%
(283)
Mc Leod, MT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
This ranch was homesteaded in 1896 by a German immigrant, and has been in the family for 120 years. We enjoy sharing that history with anyone who is interested. We have 5 designated drive-in sites along the West Boulder River. Each is separate and well spaced. Only #1 has any close traffic - and that is occasional ranch vehicles.
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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.
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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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Wineglass Ranch

14. Wineglass Ranch

97%
(217)
Livingston, MT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a horse boarding ranch south of Livingston that caters to people traveling with horses or other people traveling and camping. We have an outdoor arena, indoor arena, a bathroom, a shower, barn stalls, barn stalls with runs and paddock areas for horses. Leashed dogs are welcome, but we ask that you clean up after your dog so another camper doesn't have the misfortune of stepping in it. We are located exactly 2 miles from the interstate south of the lovely town of Livingston. We will not allow large party gatherings for local concerts. I will give a forewarning that Livingston is a windy place, especially when storms are coming through. I try to help accommodate tents during these times by letting people set them up in the barn if needed. Please stay attention to checking the weather during your stay so I can try to hep accommodate. Learn more about this land: Quiet, private place with views of the Crazy mountains and the Absaroka mountains south of Livingston that caters to overnight people camping with their horses. We are allowing people to stay without horses. There is plenty of room for larger rigs. Electricity may be available depending on availability and the area you chose to camp in. We are 2 miles exactly from the interstate south of Livingston and 50 miles from Yellowstone Park. There is a bathroom with a sink and toilet along with a separate shower for usage by guests. We have a playground open for use by our guests. We offer a Keurig coffee station. We also have a microwave, a toaster oven, and a pay for use washer and dryer.
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Hidden Meadow Ranch

15. Hidden Meadow Ranch

99%
(223)
Deer Lodge, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
Small irrigated ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley, surrounded by mountains, access to public lands and beautiful scenery. East side of acreage has the Clark Fork River running through it, even though the neighbors are close still lots of privacy. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent or park your RV on a very basic flat field with 360 views all around, (note my River camp site and access to the River is closed due to state reclaimation and cleanup of the River). Site is 7 miles from Deer Lodge, MT. Small fire pit, not great but available for guests unless fireban is on during dry conditions short drive to several acres of public ground, ATV access, hiking, and mountain biking and fishing This is an 80-acre working ranch with cows, irrigation and hay so you may have to drive through the cows and there will be cowpies :-). Great cell service and private property on both sides, easy access to campsite. 10-minute drive to historic Grant Kohrs Ranch, old prison museum and many other unique Montana experiences.
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A Place of Tranquility

16. A Place of Tranquility

98%
(126)
Thompson Falls, MT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Whether you’re seeking adventure or solitude, you’ll find it here in Big Sky Country. From the jagged Rocky Mountains to the expansive Great Plains. Green Acres Ranch is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in the country. The town of Thompson Falls is filled with friendly residents, affordable eatery’s and unique trinket shopping. It's a 20-minute walk or 10-minute bike ride to the famous High Bridge that takes you to the island into town, along with swimming and fishing. Need some space. You’ll find it on our green fields of 10 acres, or 5 acres of forest. Inviting the wild turkeys, geese, elk, eagles and deer. Views are filled with panoramic serene mountains and majestic blue skies. Portable toilets will not be available until the beginning of May and we've got The Best Drinking Water. ~Thank You~
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Old Town Rustic Retreat

17. Old Town Rustic Retreat

100%
(9)
Three Forks, MT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy wildlife, including a variety of birds, deer, and even the occasional moose. We have 10 acres of beautiful, park-like paths and open space to explore. Enjoy the peace of the countryside while being just minutes from city shopping and great dining. You'll also have quick and easy access to several outdoor attractions, including Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance (110 miles), Headwaters State Park (5 miles), and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (17 miles), just to name a few. Then come home to relax and recharge in a quiet country setting with incredible stargazing. Or you could just stay at the retreat and swim in our pond and sunbathe on Turtle Beach. On site homeowners available if assistance is needed while still respecting guests privacy. We are currently improving all of our sites and opening up more as they become more ready for guests.
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Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

18. Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

94%
(78)
Three Forks, MT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Our property is in a close proximity to the Fairweather Fishing access on the Missouri River. Camping is not allowed at the access so we would be the closest camping site to this great outdoor playground. There is opportunity for fishing, floating, boating, hunting and swimming in the summer . There are groves of mature trees and open sites available. This is directly off of paved county road. The railroad is directly across the road from us. And it is loud at all hours of the night depending on its schedule. We would love to be able to somehow control that schedule! We hope the trees help muffle the sound! The property adjacent to ours has the original ranch house and barn and other outbuildings that were part of the Ponderosa Pine Ranch which owned most of the valley we're in. The ranch house and buildings were divided away from our part of the property several years ago, so we have our home here and what was mostly pasture. The campsites are all pasture grass with trees for shade. We do not have cell phone service here. We have one site that has 30 amp electricity. Also we do not have trash service .
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Judith River RV Camp & Storage

19. Judith River RV Camp & Storage

100%
(15)
Hobson, MT · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
We do require a form to be signed upon reservation or when you arrive. This is a PMA, which means you agree to the terms and conditions of the property. This is setup to allow private camping on my land. If you can't electronically sign, we ask that you sign upon arrival. We have a wishing well we have set up with PMA forms available, and there is a mail box to deposit signed forms in. River Road RV Camp & Storage is 3/4 of a mile off of HWY 87 and 2 miles north of Hobson. We use 5 acres for camping tent or RV. The Judith River is just down the road. If you enjoy hiking, the mountains are just minutes away. Ackley Lake is a short drive for fishing, swimming and boating. Crystal lake would be a perfect day trip. While on your drive to the mountains you can seek out Charlie Russell's sod cabin. We are close to where the local Yogo Sapphires are mined. There are local establishments who sell jewelry made with these fine stones. There are local favorite eating establishments in the area to try as well.
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Cottonwood Camp

20. Cottonwood Camp

94%
(24)
Fort Smith, MT · 48 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 and 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 and sounds of Big Sky Country, you can't go wrong with Cottonwood Camp!
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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