The best ranch campgrounds near Columbus, Montana

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Columbus, Montana? Hipcamp has over 230 ranch camping options for you to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned cowboy or just want to try your hand at ranching, you'll find the perfect spot to set up camp. With options starting as low as $18 per night, you can enjoy the beauty of the Montana countryside without breaking the bank. Check out top-rated campsites like Big Quiet Cowboy Camping (246 reviews), VanGoBoon Campground (135 reviews), and Ellison Ranch (107 reviews) to see what fellow campers have loved about their experiences. Enjoy amenities like campfires, pet-friendly locations, and cooking equipment, as well as activities such as paddling, exploring historic sites, and biking. So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable ranch camping adventure!

97% (422)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Columbus, Montana? Hipcamp has over 230 ranch camping options for you to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned cowboy or just want to try your hand at ranching, you'll find the perfect spot to set up camp. With options starting as low as $18 per night, you can enjoy the beauty of the Montana countryside without breaking the bank. Check out top-rated campsites like Big Quiet Cowboy Camping (246 reviews), VanGoBoon Campground (135 reviews), and Ellison Ranch (107 reviews) to see what fellow campers have loved about their experiences. Enjoy amenities like campfires, pet-friendly locations, and cooking equipment, as well as activities such as paddling, exploring historic sites, and biking. So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable ranch camping adventure!

97% (422)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Ellison Ranch

96%

(399)

47mi from Columbus · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Mc Leod, MT

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.

2. Montana Safari

92%

(12)

32mi from Columbus · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Billings, MT

Rolling high prairie, with some views, wildlife, and Texas Longhorns!! Hiking around the property, or on the neighboring square mile of state land. Bring your bicycles, or feet, and have fun!!

3. Cowtown Ranch

100%

(21)

28mi from Columbus · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Bridger, MT

110 Acre ranch nestled between the Pryor Mountains & the Beartooth Mountains gateway to Yellowstone Nat'l Park

4. Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

94%

(221)

42mi from Columbus · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Lockwood, MT

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.

5. Solitude on the Meadow by the River

100%

(27)

13mi from Columbus · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Absarokee, MT

The Stillwater River Wedding Ranch is a wedding venue on the Stillwater River. We also host wedding and cooprate retreats right on the beautiful Stillwater River. Learn more about this land: Surrounded by hay fields, stars, and the Stillwater River, this site is a little piece of heaven. The site has a clean portable outhouse. Spend the day fishing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. There are lots of whitetail and mule deer to watch for, as well as geese, ducks, cranes, foxes, coyotes, turkeys, and raccoons. Every once in a while, a black bear might travel through camp. It is solitude.

6. Beautiful S Central Montana RV Stay

100%

(6)

22mi from Columbus · 2 sites · RVs · Greycliff, MT

Park your RV and relax among rolling hills, spacious property and spectacular views that include mountains, horses, cows and Montana's amazing wildlife. Includes water and electric. There is a dump station in Livingston, MT. RV SITE: The RV site is located in an acre fenced area that houses a shop and barn and sits next to a fence with a Ranch House on another fenced acre that serves as a short-term rental (airbnb/vrbo). Enjoy a short hike to access Bridger Creek which runs through the property or hike to the top of the property "on top of the world" and enjoy spectacular views of the Crazy Mountains, Beartooth Mountains and the Yellowstone River. Just minutes from BLM, national forest and Yellowstone River fishing access, 1.5 hours from the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park and only 15 minutes from the quaint town of Big Timber, this property has everything families, hikers, hunters, anglers, cattlemen and rodeo goers could want. This property really does have it all. The property can accommodate horse and stock trailers too, for an additional fee. Cattle and horses can graze, roam and be worked in the round pen with reservations, depending on weather, and an additional fee. Hipcamp now requires that either the camper or the host has a toilet. Our RV sites have water and electricity but no sewage. If you choose to stay on our property, you must have your own toilet facility. GENERAL: Free WiFi ACCESS: ¾ of a mile from highway on level gravel road to property IT’S A WORKING RANCH: Livestock and horses onsite, often in view from the Ranch House, barn cats next door and wildlife all around. When available, bunnies, chickens, cats, cows and horses may be shown/visited with reservation. You’ll likely see ranch hand/family members around the property feeding and caring for animals, riding horses or quads, cleaning-up, etc.

7. Lazy JR Ranch Retreat

100%

(1)

18mi from Columbus · 4 sites · Lodging · Absarokee, MT

Welcome to the Lazy JR ranch retreat! We offer a unique Montana glamping experience. Whether you want to relax with a loved one or take a group hunting, we have it all and everything in between! The hopeless Romantic-$300 Queen Bed with all bedding Inside and Outside Decor and Seating Table for two Smores Bar Fire Pit and Fire wood Hot Coffee and Muffin/Scone Basket doorstep delivered in the Morning Can Add: Chocolate Covered Strawberries- $50 Bottle of Wine or Champagne - $25 Fresh Flowers - $50 Camp Cook Stove and Cookware - $75 Come experience the tranquility the Lazy JR ranch has to offer. You will be set up with a tent furnished inside and out with panoramic mountain views and all the privacy of the country. Come see why Montana is called the Big Sky Country while you star gaze around the fire pit. Fly Fish the Rosebud-$300 One Queen Bed or 2 Full Beds or 4 Twin Beds Inside Decor and Furnishings Outdoor seating Fire Pit with Fire wood Camp Cook stove with cookware French Coffee Press Add ons: Fly pole and Reel with flies - $75 Hot Coffee and Breakfast Delivered Door Step - $75 Breakfast Board - $50 Relax and Recharge in this quiet tent down by the river. Nestled in the aspen trees next to west Rosebud Creek with an unshared 40 acres makes for the perfect getaway. You will have full access to the Rosebud Creek running through the ranch. If you feel like venturing out we are close to the stillwater and yellowstone rivers and just a few miles from scenic hiking trails Hunting Party-$600 Two full size beds or 4 Twin Beds Inside Decor and Furnishings Inside Camp stove for warmth Outside Fire pit and fire wood Cook Stove and Cookware Outside Seating Coffee and Coffee Pot Access to 700 Huntable Acres Add ons: Smores bar - $25 Hot coffee and breakfast brought to door step in the Morning - $75 Extra Bed Rolls (bedding not included) Nestled in the Absarokee Valley we are offering a unique hunting tent already set up and furnished on huntable acres. These tents offer exactly what you need for a few days of hunting, quiet and private yet close to town for food and drink, or bring your food and use our camp cook stove. Glamp with Mini Cows-$200 One Full bed or two twin Beds Inside décor and furnishings Can add extra bed rolls Treat Jar for the Mini Cows Add ons: Outdoor seating and furnishings - $100 Fire Pit - $20 Smores Bar - $25 Camp cook stove and cookware - $75 Bottle of Wine - $25 Chocolate Covered Strawberries-$50 Breakfast Board - $50 Come experience the uniqueness of glamping with mini cows! You will be fenced in and protected but have full views and petting abilities of these fuzzy little loves. We supply you with a jar of their favorite treats which is sure to win their hearts over. Please keep in mind you will be staying on a fully operational working ranch.

Camper favorites near Columbus

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

94%

(221)

42mi from Columbus · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Lockwood, MT

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.

Solitude on the Meadow by the River

100%

(27)

13mi from Columbus · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Absarokee, MT

The Stillwater River Wedding Ranch is a wedding venue on the Stillwater River. We also host wedding and cooprate retreats right on the beautiful Stillwater River. Learn more about this land: Surrounded by hay fields, stars, and the Stillwater River, this site is a little piece of heaven. The site has a clean portable outhouse. Spend the day fishing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. There are lots of whitetail and mule deer to watch for, as well as geese, ducks, cranes, foxes, coyotes, turkeys, and raccoons. Every once in a while, a black bear might travel through camp. It is solitude.

Beautiful S Central Montana RV Stay

100%

(6)

22mi from Columbus · 2 sites · RVs · Greycliff, MT

Park your RV and relax among rolling hills, spacious property and spectacular views that include mountains, horses, cows and Montana's amazing wildlife. Includes water and electric. There is a dump station in Livingston, MT. RV SITE: The RV site is located in an acre fenced area that houses a shop and barn and sits next to a fence with a Ranch House on another fenced acre that serves as a short-term rental (airbnb/vrbo). Enjoy a short hike to access Bridger Creek which runs through the property or hike to the top of the property "on top of the world" and enjoy spectacular views of the Crazy Mountains, Beartooth Mountains and the Yellowstone River. Just minutes from BLM, national forest and Yellowstone River fishing access, 1.5 hours from the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park and only 15 minutes from the quaint town of Big Timber, this property has everything families, hikers, hunters, anglers, cattlemen and rodeo goers could want. This property really does have it all. The property can accommodate horse and stock trailers too, for an additional fee. Cattle and horses can graze, roam and be worked in the round pen with reservations, depending on weather, and an additional fee. Hipcamp now requires that either the camper or the host has a toilet. Our RV sites have water and electricity but no sewage. If you choose to stay on our property, you must have your own toilet facility. GENERAL: Free WiFi ACCESS: ¾ of a mile from highway on level gravel road to property IT’S A WORKING RANCH: Livestock and horses onsite, often in view from the Ranch House, barn cats next door and wildlife all around. When available, bunnies, chickens, cats, cows and horses may be shown/visited with reservation. You’ll likely see ranch hand/family members around the property feeding and caring for animals, riding horses or quads, cleaning-up, etc.

Lazy JR Ranch Retreat

100%

(1)

18mi from Columbus · 4 sites · Lodging · Absarokee, MT

Welcome to the Lazy JR ranch retreat! We offer a unique Montana glamping experience. Whether you want to relax with a loved one or take a group hunting, we have it all and everything in between! The hopeless Romantic-$300 Queen Bed with all bedding Inside and Outside Decor and Seating Table for two Smores Bar Fire Pit and Fire wood Hot Coffee and Muffin/Scone Basket doorstep delivered in the Morning Can Add: Chocolate Covered Strawberries- $50 Bottle of Wine or Champagne - $25 Fresh Flowers - $50 Camp Cook Stove and Cookware - $75 Come experience the tranquility the Lazy JR ranch has to offer. You will be set up with a tent furnished inside and out with panoramic mountain views and all the privacy of the country. Come see why Montana is called the Big Sky Country while you star gaze around the fire pit. Fly Fish the Rosebud-$300 One Queen Bed or 2 Full Beds or 4 Twin Beds Inside Decor and Furnishings Outdoor seating Fire Pit with Fire wood Camp Cook stove with cookware French Coffee Press Add ons: Fly pole and Reel with flies - $75 Hot Coffee and Breakfast Delivered Door Step - $75 Breakfast Board - $50 Relax and Recharge in this quiet tent down by the river. Nestled in the aspen trees next to west Rosebud Creek with an unshared 40 acres makes for the perfect getaway. You will have full access to the Rosebud Creek running through the ranch. If you feel like venturing out we are close to the stillwater and yellowstone rivers and just a few miles from scenic hiking trails Hunting Party-$600 Two full size beds or 4 Twin Beds Inside Decor and Furnishings Inside Camp stove for warmth Outside Fire pit and fire wood Cook Stove and Cookware Outside Seating Coffee and Coffee Pot Access to 700 Huntable Acres Add ons: Smores bar - $25 Hot coffee and breakfast brought to door step in the Morning - $75 Extra Bed Rolls (bedding not included) Nestled in the Absarokee Valley we are offering a unique hunting tent already set up and furnished on huntable acres. These tents offer exactly what you need for a few days of hunting, quiet and private yet close to town for food and drink, or bring your food and use our camp cook stove. Glamp with Mini Cows-$200 One Full bed or two twin Beds Inside décor and furnishings Can add extra bed rolls Treat Jar for the Mini Cows Add ons: Outdoor seating and furnishings - $100 Fire Pit - $20 Smores Bar - $25 Camp cook stove and cookware - $75 Bottle of Wine - $25 Chocolate Covered Strawberries-$50 Breakfast Board - $50 Come experience the uniqueness of glamping with mini cows! You will be fenced in and protected but have full views and petting abilities of these fuzzy little loves. We supply you with a jar of their favorite treats which is sure to win their hearts over. Please keep in mind you will be staying on a fully operational working ranch.

Stories from the community

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.

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.

E

Ellodee

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

1 night at Montana Safari

This was a wonderful place to camp! We stayed 3 nights and added a 4th. Great views, very quiet, the dogs had room to run off-leash and play ball, and the greeters as we pulled in were a beautiful herd of about 20 Longhorns! We met Megan and her daughter - really nice folks. The road in is gravel but extremely well maintained. We were in a 30ft. pull trailer. Thanks so much to Ryan and Megan!! Great stay!!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

d

darilyn

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Montana Safari

My new favorite Hipcamp!!! So beautiful, so secluded, so simple, so quiet.

C

Cloudy

August 2025

14 ft toy hauler

1 night at Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Excellent porta, clean and Moo Cows greeted us in the morning. Very communicable with messaging for our late arrival and accommodating. Would recommend for a ranch prairie kind of stay

k

kim

August 2025

13 ft pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

It was a wonderful, private place to spend the night! Our dog could run free and the host couldn’t have been kinder. Very much felt like wide open big sky!

L

Luke

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Nice folks, quiet spot, clean, etc. Felt safe. No issues really. It was buggy in August so heads up on that. There is a tank for water that is probably clean enough to drink but we still only used it for boiling applications (cooking, coffee, etc.) Definitely a recommended spot.

M

Melissa

August 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Montana Safari

The campsite is located in bare prairie with some nice views of the countryside. We went for the longhorn feeding and this did not disappoint - it was a great experience. During our weekend stay we were graced by a full moon, which made a beautiful Montana sky even more stunning.

S

Scott

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

Sabra and Bill were wonderful hosts. Very communicative. They have a lovely spot with amazing view. We were treat to a sunset and moon rise in the same evening. We were lucky to have the spot to ourselves. Bring bug spray. Bonus sighting of Pronghorned antelope on the drive out.