The best waterfall campgrounds near Frenchtown, Montana

Frenchtown’s waterfall campsites put you close to crashing water and forested trails, with over 440 options that let you wake up to the sound of the creek. Sites like Mere's Magic Rainbow Trout Pond (73 reviews) draw regulars for easy fishing and cool, clear swimming holes. You’ll also find local favorites like The Hohnstead (10 reviews) and Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat (9 reviews), both offering quick access to trails and shady spots for campfires. Most sites allow pets and offer showers, so you won’t have to rough it too hard. Prices start at $35 a night, with an average around $149. If you want waterfall hikes, a swim, or a quiet spot for wildlife-watching, Frenchtown’s got you covered.

94% (32)

Top-rated campgrounds near Frenchtown

Frenchtown’s waterfall campsites put you close to crashing water and forested trails, with over 440 options that let you wake up to the sound of the creek. Sites like Mere's Magic Rainbow Trout Pond (73 reviews) draw regulars for easy fishing and cool, clear swimming holes. You’ll also find local favorites like The Hohnstead (10 reviews) and Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat (9 reviews), both offering quick access to trails and shady spots for campfires. Most sites allow pets and offer showers, so you won’t have to rough it too hard. Prices start at $35 a night, with an average around $149. If you want waterfall hikes, a swim, or a quiet spot for wildlife-watching, Frenchtown’s got you covered.

94% (32)

Top-rated campgrounds near Frenchtown

1. Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

97%

(17)

21mi from Frenchtown · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We are an operating Farm/Ranch and Horse Facility. We offer not only camping but a real ranch feel and experience and incredible hospitality. We have not only a view of the mission mountains but the BEST view with both waterfalls in view. Our property sits off the road next to our peaceful hay field with wildlife, horses, donkeys, mules, milk cows and chickens galore! We cannot wait to meet you!

2. Lochsa Lodge

86%

(7)

42mi from Frenchtown · 5 sites · Lodging

Lochsa Lodge is a four-season lodge in the heart of wild Idaho! We have 19 different cabins to choose from, some rustic with no plumbing and some fully furnished with private bathroom. The main lodge has a restaurant & tavern serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner daily. Open 365 days a year. Something happens when you get way, way off the beaten path. Time gets a little slower. Your to-do lists go out the window. Out here, it’s just you and the Great Wild West, and this place is every bit as epic as the stories say. The stars are brighter, the rivers are wilder, the air is clearer, the snow is deeper. Heck, even the mountains seem higher. Before you know it, you’ll remember what it’s like to just be you, a little piece of this big earth. You’ll get back to your true nature in no time.

3. The Hohnstead

100%

(10)

27mi from Frenchtown · 6 sites · Lodging

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! 

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.

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5. Flathead National Forest

79%

(26)

300 sites · Swan Lake, Montana

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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6. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

87%

(27)

413 sites · Pierce, Idaho

Get out of town! No, really. Need a little vacation from everyday life? The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest provides premium “unplug and unwind” opportunities. The four million diverse acres offers breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing galore, ample hiking and backpacking trails, and basically any outdoor activity you can imagine. Whether you’re lookin’ for a cozy cabin escape, a family reunion getaway, or to explore the backcountry, folks of all strokes will be pleased with the array of overnight accommodations. From the dry rugged canyons, to the moist cedar forests. to the rolling uplands, the varied landscape is home to a myriad of animal inhabitants. Known for their wild character, nearly half of the forests are designated wilderness. Ready for some ragin’ rapids? The forests are home to three rivers, popular among adrenaline junkie floaters—the Selway, the Lochsa, and the Salmon. Whatever your MO, there’s a way to relax and recharge at this National Forest!

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7. Idaho Panhandle National Forests

88%

(39)

546 sites · Clark Fork, Idaho

It doesn’t get much prettier than the Idaho panhandle. Situated between Big Sky Country of Montana and the vibrant evergreen fields of Washington (which seriously look Photoshopped to the naked eye), this forest holds more than half the state’s surface waters, and wilderness vibes are guaranteed by the deer, elk, bear, caribou, and wolf populations who call this spot home. Moist maritime air comes in from the Pacific coast, and historic cabins dot the landscape. Near Spokane and the border can get busy on the weekends, but with this much acreage you can always find seclusion here. Make sure to check out at least a portion of the bikeable and walkable Hiawatha Trail—weaving 15 miles through tunnels and across high steel trestles in the Bitterroot Mountains, it’s been called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country.

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Public campgrounds near Frenchtown

Kreis Pond Campground

9.8mi from Frenchtown · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Lolo Creek Campground and Picnic Area

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

West Fork Butte Lookout

22mi from Frenchtown · 1 site · in Lolo National Forest

Quartz Flat Campground

25mi from Frenchtown · 84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

100%

(1)

Lee Creek Campground

26mi from Frenchtown · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Clearwater Crossing Campground

28mi from Frenchtown · 3 sites · in Lolo National Forest

100%

(1)

Trout Creek Campground

30mi from Frenchtown · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Thompson Peak Lookout Tower

33mi from Frenchtown · 1 site · in Lolo National Forest

Cascade Campground

33mi from Frenchtown · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Double Arrow Lookout

35mi from Frenchtown · 1 site · in Lolo National Forest

Lindbergh Lake Campground

36mi from Frenchtown · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Flathead National Forest

100%

(6)

Seeley Lake Campground

36mi from Frenchtown · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lolo National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

N

Nate

October 2025

16 ft car

4 nights at Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

There were great views and friendly dogs. Megan and Jay were very accommodating and responsive when I had any questions. I would stay here again in an instant!

O

Olivia

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

Beautiful property with amazing views, very tranquil. Easy check in process & great communication

D

Debra

July 2025

4 nights at Lochsa Lodge

We enjoyed the rustic cabin (no 7) with the porch seating. Showers and restrooms were sparkling clean! We enjoyed the campfires!

C

Chip

July 2025

28 ft toy hauler

12 nights at Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

Very quite, gracious hosts. You are at a high point overlooking the agricultural valley and at the foot of the mountains. Lots of wildlife and great sunrise and sunsets.

E

Eve

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

Megan and Jay were wonderful hosts!! Even though we arrived much later than expected, they were so kind to welcome us and guide us to our private, peaceful campsite. We woke up next to donkeys and horses, also being greeted by Tom the hipcamp dog! We were surrounded by mountains by day, and glimpses of the milky way by night. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful campsite.

B

Bonnie

June 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

Wow! This site far exceeded our expectations and made us wish we had more time to stay additional days. Don’t hesitate booking this site, it’ll be one of the best places you’ve ever stayed. Thanks Megan for sharing this paradise with us.