The best great views campgrounds near Columbus, Montana

Looking to go camping near Columbus, Montana? Hipcamp has over 228 camping options in that area, with prices ranging from as low as $10 per night. You'll find a variety of campsites to choose from, each offering its own unique amenities and activities. Some of the top campsites with rave reviews include Big Quiet Cowboy Camping (246 reviews), Jammin Jackalope Camping (65 reviews), and Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes! (69 reviews). Whether you're into hiking, wind sports, swimming, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, you'll find the perfect camping spot for your adventure. Popular amenities include cooking equipment, trash facilities, and pet-friendly sites. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in Columbus, Montana!

96% (481)

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbus

Looking to go camping near Columbus, Montana? Hipcamp has over 228 camping options in that area, with prices ranging from as low as $10 per night. You'll find a variety of campsites to choose from, each offering its own unique amenities and activities. Some of the top campsites with rave reviews include Big Quiet Cowboy Camping (246 reviews), Jammin Jackalope Camping (65 reviews), and Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes! (69 reviews). Whether you're into hiking, wind sports, swimming, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, you'll find the perfect camping spot for your adventure. Popular amenities include cooking equipment, trash facilities, and pet-friendly sites. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in Columbus, Montana!

96% (481)

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbus

1. Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

94%

(221)

42mi from Columbus · 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 3 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. There is a new camper on site that may be rented ( owned by a different party) message us for details. 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.

2. Ellison Ranch

96%

(399)

47mi from Columbus · 5 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.

3. Mystic View RV Site

93%

(15)

24mi from Columbus · 2 sites · RVs

Experience stunning views of the Beartooth Mountains from your exclusive RV site at Mystic View. This scenic location allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Take a hike or fish in nearby streams during the day, then cozy up to a campfire under the stars at night. With panoramic vistas of one of Montana's most breathtaking mountain ranges, Mystic View is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come seeking adventure? South central Montana won't disappoint! Experience the raging Woodbine Falls in Nye. Hike the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, Custer National Forest or the Beartooth Mountain Range. Wildlife abound including elk, moose, deer, mountain goats, big horn sheep, black bear, grizzly, mountain lions, wolves, and bald eagles often visit the area. Mystic View makes a perfect base location for a day trip to Red Lodge by way of the famous scenic Beartooth Highway. If fishing is your Montana dream, the Stillwater River is known for some of the best fly fishing in the state. A few minutes drive from our property check out Stillwater County's multiple fishing accesses. Please note there is not water spigot at the site. However just a few steps away is a water hose available for you to fill your fresh water tank as often as you need.

4. Big Sky Vistas

99%

(171)

5.7mi from Columbus · 11 sites · Tents, RVs

Peaceful and quiet surrounded by lots of wildflowers, wildlife, and the pleasant aroma of sagebrush. Parking area is reasonably flat. Remote subdivision on 4500-foot ridge, 10 miles from Columbus exit 408, off of Interstate 90. Your camping spot is near the road for easy access, but the road is private and dead-ends just beyond my property, so traffic is very minimal. I aim to treat all my guests as if you were a long-time friend. I try to be your personal concierge, so anything you need or want to know, just ask.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kelly

November 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

With pets

1 night at Big Sky Vistas

Nice, mostly level spot. There was an area for walking your dogs. Many deer in the area. Was able to pull through with our 35 foot 5th wheel.

J

Jim

November 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Ellison Ranch

Wonderful site by the river! I’ve stayed here a few times and it’s great!

K

Kara

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Due to recent rain I did not stay at the advertised spot, but I’m grateful to the host for reaching out before my arrival to discuss alternative options or allow me to cancel and book elsewhere. I took them up on the alternative option and had a great stay. Thanks for being so communicative and looking out for me!

T

Tim

October 2025

19 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Ellison Ranch

Peaceful, isolated but always felt safe. Great stream fifty feet away.

A

Abby Riley

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Ellison Ranch

Camped in spot 3, very beautiful spot! The directions are accurate but finding the pull off was a bit difficult. It is before the bridge; don’t cross the bridge it is behind you. GREAT little spot to stay and the water that runs through makes it a very peaceful area. Highly recommend!

J

Joyce

October 2025

30 ft toy hauler

1 night at Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Quiet site. Private so my dogs didn’t bother other campers. Great communication. Antelope and yipping coyotes were a bonus.

Dave A

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

For our last trip of the year, we needed a quiet relaxing weekend, away from people, but close to home, and we found it here! We had the entire place to ourselves. We were invited to hike the property, but we spent our trip relaxing. Even in later September, bring "sketter" spray or a thermocell. See you next year!

G

Greg

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Quiet, open, far from the main highway so absolutely no road noise, big views. My late September stay did include mosquitoes and required repellent. All in all I enjoyed it.

Monica

September 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Ellison Ranch

The Ellison ranch is the epitome of hipcamping! Big ranch, lots of space and privacy. The dogs so enjoyed it!! They also loved when I would get in the river with them for fun :) Kent and his ranch hand are there if you need them! I've always enjoyed ranchers because I come from ranchers. Good people! The sights around the area are spectacular not to mention the wildlife!! Do not miss Natural Bridge Falls. It isn't far away at all. The drive alone is spectacular! I rode my bike for 13 miles from the ranch down a forest road and it was breath taking. I really enjoyed my time in Big Timber as well. I love small towns where people are polite, helpful and friendly. If you have an rv, Big Timber Tire has an rv dump even after hours.

F

Frasier

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Big Sky Vistas

Great place to sleep and see the Milky Way!!!!!!!!

Duane

September 2025

45 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Amazing camp in a cottonwood grove surrounded by grazing cattle on the hillsides. Plenty of sites with shade, a deck with tables for evening conversation and even a furnished MH for dining if the weather is bad. Lulled to sleep with the leaves rustling in the wind, awoke to birds singing and Pronghorn crossing the meadow. Our dogs spent hours running around and throughly enjoyed being off-leash. If you enjoy nature and solitude, this is it. Thanks, Sabra and Bill, for sharing your ranch with us.

Jim

September 2025

36 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at Ellison Ranch

Beautiful valley and location. Host was great with regard to communication.

A

Andrea

September 2025

32 ft Class C

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mystic View RV Site

Our second time camping here. Beautiful view, clean and well maintained.

alexa

September 2025

22 ft Class B

1 night at Big Sky Vistas

Justin met us upon arrival and was very communicative. His space is private , a Lovley view of the Mtns and peaceful :)

K

Kenneth

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ellison Ranch

Had a great time at Ellison Ranch! We were at spot #2 and it was amazing. Will definitely be back.

Lindsay

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Ellison Ranch

Camping site #4 was very peaceful and tucked away along the river. We enjoyed the beautiful views and easy access to the river to hang out on the rocks, and our pup loved the wide open freedom. Thank you for sharing your amazing property with us!

B

Bill

September 2025

38 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Dogs were able to run free. Site was pull through and fairly level.

L

Leslie

September 2025

39 ft fifth wheel

1 night at Big Sky Vistas

Even though somewhat marred by some from northern fires, the views were still beautiful. Very quiet and peaceful. Justin was great, very flexible when a problem with our rv caused us to be a day late. He was very helpful in getting us situated so our camper was level.

C

Cheyanne

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Big Sky Vistas

Beautiful views and a relaxing time. The dogs and us enjoyed it very much. Justin was very accommodating!

J

Jasper

August 2025

42 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Awesome place to stay! We stayed for 2 nights and loved it! Nice place to watch the stars, there are tons of antelope (one was hanging out less then 60 yards from my camper for most of the morning) we saw a few deer also. There is a nice bluff on the property to go hick to that has a very nice vew of the ranch and Rattlesnake Reservoir. The owners are super friendly!