100% (2) • 73 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Hays
American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
1. American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
19mi from Hays · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Antelope Creek Campground sits just off Highway 191 between mile markers 96 and 97.
While it is more accessible than other remote properties—you can reach us in a standard passenger car and park right by the bathhouse—the wilderness feels just as close. You can watch the local prairie dogs right from your lawn chair.
This is also one of the premier stargazing locations in Montana. With minimal light pollution and wide-open horizons, the Milky Way is brilliantly visible on clear nights, and meteor showers put on a spectacular show.
Wildlife & Exploration
In the spring, sage grouse leks come alive within a short walk of the camp. Our permanent residents, the prairie dogs, provide a constant soundtrack to the plains. For those looking to explore, the Antelope Creek Wilderness Study Area is accessible through a pedestrian gate just west of the walk-in tent sites, offering coulees, ponderosa pines, and total solitude in every direction.
The Surrounding Area
Our "Mars Vista" point sits near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, offering views toward the towns of Hays and Lodgepole, as well as Mission Canyon in the Little Rocky Mountains. If you need supplies, the town of Malta is just 20 minutes away and has everything you might have forgotten to pack.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
American Prairie Buffalo Camp
2. American Prairie Buffalo Camp
100%
(2)
45mi from Hays · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a remote property—roughly 2.5 hours from the nearest paved road, deep in Phillips County. Sun Prairie is where our conservation bison herd is most visible. Bands of bison move across rolling shortgrass prairie, graze near prairie potholes, and shift with the weather and season. Watching them cross an open horizon is one of the defining experiences of this landscape.
But bison aren't the only story. Prairie dog towns chirp with excitement. Telegraph Creek carves a riparian corridor that draws birds, mammals, and insects. Coyotes call at dusk. Larb Hills offer a sense of scale that photos can't quite capture. And at night, the stars are unreasonable.
This is still a ranched landscape with active grazing operations and, in season, active hunting areas nearby. You'll share the roads with pickups, cattle, RVs with boats pulled behind, and the occasional gate that needs opening and closing. Go slow. Respect the neighbors. That's part of it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
American Prairie Lewis And Clark Hut
3. American Prairie Lewis And Clark Hut
48mi from Hays · 1 site
For generations, this stretch of land where the Judith River empties into the Missouri has been a gathering place — for Indigenous peoples, for the Corps of Discovery, for ranchers and explorers who followed. It still draws people to it in a way that's hard to explain until you're standing at the confluence looking upstream.
American Prairie has built three small huts here — each distinct, each anchored to a chapter of this place's story. They're comfortable without being fancy. The design keeps your attention outside, where it belongs.
The surrounding landscape rewards curiosity: the Big Sag, a vast open depression visible from the property; miles of biking and hiking roads; Judith Landing State Park downstream; and the White Cliffs section of the Wild and Scenic Missouri River Breaks — one of the most dramatic landscapes in Montana — accessible by river float.
In September and October, bull elk gather in the river bottoms. Their bugles carry at dawn. Cows move through the cottonwood corridors. It's one of the best elk viewing opportunities in the region.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Antelope Creek Campground
4. Antelope Creek Campground
19mi from Hays
The Antelope Creek Campground at Mars Vista stands out as a unique lodging option due to its picturesque setting on rolling sage and shortgrass prairie, making it an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts. Conveniently located just seven miles north of the Missouri River along US 191, this campground offers easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures.
Guests can explore an interpretive hiking trail that winds through the stunning landscape, while a nearby prairie dog town provides a fascinating glimpse into local wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the wetlands that surround the area, perfect for observing a diverse range of bird species.
The campground features a variety of accommodations, including tent spaces, RV sites equipped with power, and cozy small cabins available for reservation. Visitors will also appreciate the convenience of a bathhouse with showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. Whether you're seeking solitude or a family getaway, Antelope Creek Campground offers a memorable experience in the heart of nature.
Edgewater Inn And RV Park
5. Edgewater Inn And RV Park
43mi from Hays
Discover the unique charm of the Malta Edgewater Inn and RV Park, a serene retreat nestled on 4 picturesque acres alongside the tranquil Milk River. This inviting motel and RV park is designed for year-round enjoyment, featuring an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and a fully equipped weight room. Pet-friendly accommodations ensure that your furry friends can join in on the adventure, with a nominal fee for motel rooms.
Guests staying in the motel can take advantage of convenient amenities such as a mini fridge, microwave, and air conditioning. RV park visitors will appreciate the private shower rooms, onsite laundry facilities, and specialized amenities for hunters, including a walk-in cooler, hanging shed, and dog kennels. To keep you connected, complimentary Wi-Fi is available for all guests.
In the lobby, you'll find a selection of beer, wine, soda, snacks, ammunition, jewelry, and unique gifts. The space is perfect for small gatherings, whether for parties or meals. The pool and hot tub area also provides ample seating for larger groups, complete with life jackets for younger guests.
Additionally, the Edgewater Inn has expanded its offerings with a private home set on 20 wooded acres, just 2.5 miles from the motel and downtown Malta. This charming house features three bedrooms and
Trafton
6. Trafton
44mi from Hays
Experience the charm of Trafton Park, where camping is offered at an unbeatable rate of just $5.00 per night. This unique campground provides a serene escape into nature, complete with essential amenities such as clean bathrooms and potable water. While there are no hook-ups available, the park's first-come, first-served policy ensures that you can enjoy a spontaneous outdoor adventure without the hassle of reservations.
In addition to camping, Trafton Park features picnic shelters that are perfect for family gatherings or a relaxing day outdoors. You can find additional picnic shelters at nearby Malta Skate Park and Riverview Park. One of the shelters at Trafton Park even includes electricity for a small fee of $10.00, making it an ideal spot for hosting events. To reserve this shelter and arrange for electricity, simply reach out to City Hall at 406.654.1251. Any shelters that are not reserved are available for public use, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Whether you're looking to unwind in nature, engage in outdoor activities, or explore nearby attractions, Trafton Park is the perfect destination for your next camping trip.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
T
Tim
2 weeks ago
Tent
Very remote. Great birding and wildlife. Bathrooms cleaned and stocked. Fire pits were not cleaned out and filled with cans and plastic. Owner was supposed to send directions via email and did not.
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paul
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Love being out on the prairie in the spring. Nice and quiet and pretty much have the camp ground to our self. Great sites and great access to tons of acres to enjoy. Thanks for all the work you guys are doing.
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