The best lakeside camping near Missoula

16mi from Missoula · 6 sites · Lodging

(10)

We are modern-day homesteaders who have worked from bare land to build simple necessities into suitable amenities, into small luxuries. For us, having a roof over our head, a campfire to share stories with our guests, an outdoor shower, electricity, water, a peaceful forest that surrounds us - they are all luxuries that we love, and sharing them with our guests makes hosting the best job ever! 

2. Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

99%

(78)

20mi from Missoula · 15 sites · Lodging

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.

3. Swan Adventure Acres

94%

(18)

40mi from Missoula · 2 sites · RVs

My property is less than a mile off MT-83, between Seeley Lake and Condon. I back up to both Lolo and Flathead National Forest. Less than a quarter mile from the back of my land are trail systems for all kinds of recreation. Off road, hunting, hiking, fishing. Minutes to Lindbergh Lake. Only 15 minutes to all Seeley Lake has to offer. Enjoy the wilderness as your backyard, but still have easy access to town and great ATT cell service. The access road is a little rough, but I can get my 40ft class A up with no issue.

4. Lolo National Forest

92%

(12)

395 sites · Alberton, Montana

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.

Campfires

5. Bitterroot National Forest

237 sites · Conner, Montana

(12)

The Bitteroot National Forest provides sugar-sweet offerings to your senses. You can smell the aroma of wildflowers, taste the trout sizzl’n in your skillet, feel the wintry water as you dive into alpine lakes, hear the roar of raging rapids, and view the rugged peaks of the Bitteroot Ranges silhouetted by Montana sky. Hot damn! This is the place to be. With over 1.6 million acres, the Bitteroot provides heaps, loads, and bundles of outdoor recreational bliss. The forest has plentiful big game, the rivers are calling your kayak's name, the camping is otherworldly, and you can rent log cabins or fire lookouts (ooohwee)! What you waiting for, cowgirls and cowboys? Time to saddle up and experience the best the big sky country has to offer.

Electrical hookup

6. Boulder Creek Lodge

46mi from Missoula · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

(18)

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), camping sites, and ten fully furnished, clean and comfortable cabins, Tipis and Conestoga Wagon for the glamping (glamorous camping) experience. Linens 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.

7. Last Best Place

85%

(34)

30mi from Missoula · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:  Safely leave your camp in the shade, under tall pine trees.  Enjoy horses grazing nearby and explore Greenough, the last best place.  The best swimming hole on the Clearwater River is located less than a mile away.  World class fishing and floating on multiple rivers including the Big Blackfoot are nearby.  Salmon Lake and Seeley Lake have limited campsites but are located just 10 to 20 miles away from this spot for fabulous fishing and boating adventures. The Clearwater Game Range is 2 miles away for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.  I almost forgot to mention the well preserved and nearby ghost towns of Garnet and  Coloma.   This truly is, the last best campsite in the last best place. Large family reunions and gatherings welcome! I will open as many camp sites as you need.

8. Willow Pond at Bar Diamond Ranch

43mi from Missoula · 1 site · Tent, RV

Our ranch is cozied up along the Blackfoot River and 9 miles away from Brown's lake, both of which are excellent sources of recreation. We are located off the highway on the back county road. This pristine camp spot is on our 5th generation cattle ranch and depending on the grazing schedule you may be serenaded by the sound of soothing "moo's" from our cow and calf pairs as you fall to sleep. Along with our cows, there are chickens and horses nearby, as well as multitudes of wildlife. Three couples of Trumpeter Swans call our pond home, as well as ducks, geese, loons, sandhill cranes, and a whole cascade of other bird varieties. Deer, grizzlies, black bear, badgers, elk, foxes, and rabbits also call our ranch home and can usually be spotted nearby. The camp site itself is along our pond. This pond unfortunately does not have any fish, but it is very relaxing to paddle a kayak or canoe in and out of the willow branches that surround it. You will have a quiet, serene and private location, hidden by the canopy of willows that grow along the pond. The views are spectacular and the nearby activities make this a great spot for any outdoor enthusiast!

9. Placid Lake State Park

40 sites · Seeley Lake, Montana

(3)

Discover Placid Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Electrical hookup

23 sites · Seeley Lake, Montana

10. Salmon Lake State Park

Discover the serene beauty of Salmon Lake State Park.

Electrical hookup

300 sites · Swan Lake, Montana

11. Flathead National Forest

79%

(26)

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!

19mi from Missoula · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Missoula

Lolo Creek Campground and Picnic Area

Charles Waters Campground

21mi from Missoula · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bitterroot National Forest

West Fork Butte Lookout

21mi from Missoula · 1 site · in Lolo National Forest

Norton Campground

25mi from Missoula · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Kreis Pond Campground

25mi from Missoula · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

26mi from Missoula · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Dalles Campground

26mi from Missoula · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Harry's Flat Campground

Grizzly Campground

26mi from Missoula · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

27mi from Missoula · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Lee Creek Campground

30mi from Missoula · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Placid Lake State Park

(3)

Placid Lake Campground

Bitterroot Flat Campground

30mi from Missoula · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Double Arrow Lookout

31mi from Missoula · 1 site · in Lolo National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Interior Yurt, complete with comfy king size bed (and bedding), couch, table and chairs, bookcase and wood stove,

J

Jill

September 2025

We really enjoyed our stay in the yurt. It was very private and comfortable. We hope to go back soon.

A

Anne

August 2025

2 nights at Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

We loved our time at Sanctuary Farm. The farm itself is on a private road, off a minor country road in a heavily treed area - The drive there is spectacular. You know you are in for something special! The yurt was placed well away from the owner's home, which gave lots of privacy and the night sky is DARK, so perfect for stargazing. The composting sawdust outhouse was a short walk from the yurt & surprisingly pleasant - no odor or flies and plenty of ventilation. 1000 times nicer than a port-o-potty. The solar heated camp shower provided by the host worked great. Just be sure to shower in the evening after the water has had all day to heat up! The optional breakfast was delish - definitely worth the cost & we ate out for our other meals, so never used the outdoor kitchen. We enjoyed our time here & would definitely recommend it to others seeking a stay off-the-beaten path.

“Tamarack” space. Both spaces offer enough room for a 40ft RV and car. As well as easy turn around in circular driveway

J

Jennifer

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Swan Adventure Acres

Quiet campsite with a fire pit and electricity. Come prepared to find a level spot though! It was a nice relaxing weekend.

J

Jennifer

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Swan Adventure Acres

Quiet and a great view from the fire pit area of the mountains. Electricity onsite was a bonus.

K

Kristyna

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Last Best Place

The place was as described. Thanks to Mary Ann's note about the location it was also easy to find.

S

Sophie

July 2025

30 ft Class C

With kids

1 night at Swan Adventure Acres

Directions were clear and Niccole was very responsive. Nice quiet and seccluded spot.

K

Kristie

July 2025

10 ft campervan

With pets

4 nights at Last Best Place

I loved camping here! I rented the most private site, which opened up the entire SW corner area of their property. There aren’t roads, but they keep the land really clean and there are cleared routes. It’s uphill; steepish but my Subaru was fine, and once you crest the bench it’s a park! I literally went to the SW corner and it was flat, private, open and shady. Just perfect. As were the visits from the gorgeous, friendly horses. There is no avoiding the highway noise, but a good attitude and a little music and you don’t notice. Great hosts too. Easy communication and really generous with the land and my privacy. So glad I landed there!

A

Ashley

July 2025

3 nights at Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

This was such a cozy slice of heaven out in the Montana back country. We got up at 3 am and saw the Milky Way and so many stars. The outdoor kitchen made meals scenic and beautiful. Would stay here again 10/10.

D

Douglas

July 2025

26 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Last Best Place

This location provided a safe place to leave our camper to explore the area and was exactly what we were looking for. Mary Ann's recommendation for paddling our kayaks on nearby Salmon Lake was a perfect alternative to more crowded lakes in the area.

J

Jaclyn

June 2025

A little taste of Heaven! Sanctuary Farm was a peaceful retreat. The yurt was rejuvenating and comfortable. Everything was a perfect balance of both comfort and function. There was electricity and minimal wifi, which was wonderful to be unplugged for a short while. Matt met us upon arrival and made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed, and he gave us privacy and was respectful. Water was provided upon arrival which was much needed. We loved seeing their kittens, goats, sheep, and cattle dog Huckleberry. I definitely recommend the breakfast, the sourdough waffle sandwich was delicious and he was so kind to accommodate my vegetarian preference. I wish we could have stayed longer. I enjoyed reading the guestbook of all who have graced the sanctuary. It was the perfect start to our trip. A creek ran right through the property, which was wonderful to listen to from our home-away-from-home. It would be a pleasure to visit again; I highly recommend staying here if you’re anywhere near the area. It’s worth the drive, and has a saloon not too far up the road. Five stars and hope to be back soon. So peaceful and comfortable. Thank you, Matt and Liz!

K

Karen

June 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Swan Adventure Acres

Nice location. Private with power hookup. We had a nice getaway at Nicole’s. We would book again!

N

Nolan

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

One of the most incredible places I’ve ever stayed. The Sanctuary and yurt is a beautiful, peaceful location with wonderful hosts!

M

Mark

June 2025

Sanctuary Farm is a really cool property and the Yurt is next level awesome!

C

Christopher

June 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Group trip

1 night at Last Best Place

Wonderful area that suited our needs perfectly. Mary Ann was very pleasant to interact with and was very accommodating. It’s very close to the highway but if you’re alright with that I would definitely recommend. There were hardly any bugs to deal with. There’s a swimming hole in the river 3 minutes up the road and salmon lake is only 11 minutes away.

Meagan

June 2025

With kids