Top-rated campgrounds near Townsend
The DET Place Hideaway
1. The DET Place Hideaway
100%
(11)
1.3mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Unplug under the endless Montana sky at “The DET Place” — a private 12-acre retreat tucked away just a mile outside Townsend.
Set up camp in wide open space with epic views of Mount Baldy, a cozy campfire, and frequent visits from whitetail deer, pheasants, and the occasional sandhill cranes.
Perfect for tent campers and stargazers, the site is close to Canyon Ferry Lake, the Missouri River, and town conveniences - but feels like a world away.
Watch the sunrise with the resident horses, visit with the barn cats, or just sit back and take in the silence.
Whether you're paddling, fishing, hiking, or glamping out under the stars, The DET Place offers a Montana experience you'll never forget.
*Everyone is welcome here!*
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
CedarRose
2. CedarRose
99%
(204)
20mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
CedarRose
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp
3. Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp
95%
(64)
21mi from Townsend · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Our property is in a close proximity to the Fairweather Fishing access on the Missouri River. Camping is not allowed at the access so we would be the closest camping site to this great outdoor playground. There is opportunity for fishing, floating, boating, hunting and swimming in the summer . There are groves of mature trees and open sites available. This is directly off of paved county road. The property adjacent to ours has the original ranch house and barn and other outbuildings that were part of the Ponderosa Pine Ranch which owned most of the valley we're in. The ranch house and buildings were divided away from our part of the property several years ago, so we have our home here and what was mostly pasture. The campsites are all pasture grass with trees for shade.
We do not have cell phone service here. We have one site that has 30 amp electricity. Also we do not have trash service .
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Helena National Forest
4. Helena National Forest
100%
(3)
National forest 36mi from Townsend · 109 sites
The Helena National Forest straddles the continental divide and offers adventurers a whirlwind of majestic scenery and recreation. Nicknamed the “million acre backyard” you’re gonna love exploring the hiking, biking and off roading trails in Gates of the Mountains and the Helena River Valley, which boasts jaw dropping views of the Big Belt Mountains. Anglers will need to be yanked out of the crystal clear Missouri River—the trout are just begging to be caught. Campgrounds are close by and backcountry lovers will find plenty of chances to explore the trails and see incredible wildlife. Don’t pass up a chance to hop the Continental Divide trail or visit Helena National Forest. You’re gonna feel like you’re on top of the world!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Missouri Headwaters State Park
5. Missouri Headwaters State Park
100%
(2)
State park 28mi from Townsend · 18 sites
Discover the confluence of rivers and history at Missouri Headwaters State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Homestead
6. The Homestead
100%
(18)
24mi from Townsend · 2 sites
The Homestead is located in Clancy, Montana on a 600 acre portion of a private ranch. This is a camping experience...think upscale tent camping for the adventurous soul! The tents are nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountain Range and sit right above the Strawberry Creek trail. You will be surrounded by stunning views of Sheep Mountain to the west, Casey Peak to the east, and the Helena Valley and Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to the north. Mountain bike, hike, trail run, explore and/or relax! Just a short 20 minute drive to Helena, MT for more trails, dining or other activities.
*** This mountain destination takes you one mile on a dirt, two track road though a field to reach the tents so AWD is highly recommended.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Relax Inn Montana
7. Relax Inn Montana
98%
(32)
25mi from Townsend · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Half way between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park - Perfect place to stop and rest between adventures : )
Outdoor Living at its finest : ))
2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting -
Tent Site 1 - has 2 Secluded improved Spaces
Tent Site 2 - Open field unimproved 3 or 4 tent spaces
Bld 1 is pet friendly and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups -
Cabin 1 - sleeps 2
Cabin 2 - sleeps 5
Bld 2 is pet free and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups
Cabin 3 - sleeps 4
Cabin 4 - sleeps 2
10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana
5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake )
Surrounded by prime hunting areas - 45 min to skiing
A set of cast iron tubs that are always nice to take a soak after a hot days hike - a yin yang patio with gas firepit for a relaxing evening of sharing - a quiet (phone free) gazebo great for reflection - a covered BBQ pavilion with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions apply accordingly) - purest of potable well water on spigot in fire ring area - Solars that light the paths in the night - Pets are welcome just need to pick up after them ! A Greenhouse full of games camping chairs and tents if needed - An oversized porta potty between the cabins making it easier for families with kids
5 miles from 3 lakes for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks - also around the corner you can dig for sapphires - 4 hours to Glacier National Park - 4 hours to Yellowstone National Park - Crystal Park or maybe a boat ride at The Gates of the Mountains - A tour train of downtown Helena - Too much to list around here -
I am new at this so bear with me as I navigate this process and continue to improve spaces for your enjoyment - as always your feedback is appreciate for future improvements - and a guest book is in each cabin and the Gazebo for your comments : )
It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : )
This is my private sanctuary that I have the honor of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena and make your own amazing memories
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White Bridge Lane Private Campsite
8. White Bridge Lane Private Campsite
99%
(70)
26mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent, RV
Dawson Family Ranch is a family-run business with a focus on sustainable land and agriculture practices. The ranch is located along a mile of the Boulder River between the Elkhorn and Bull Mountain Ranges. The river offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Public land access is within a short drive (2-7 miles depending on direction) and offers different recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, and motorized recreation. Boulder Hot Springs is less than 4 miles away.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Old Town River Ranch
9. Old Town River Ranch
92%
(74)
28mi from Townsend · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Old Town River Ranch is a serine river front escape located in beautiful Three Forks Montana. We offer a private off grid camping experience directly on the Jefferson riverfront. We provide a limited number of campsites to maintain privacy for our guests, with just three riverfront spots and three creekside spots. Large aspens and willows span the property. Plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing including bird watching. We do have a portable toilet on-site that is serviced weekly, otherwise this is a pack-in-pack-out site.
Located just minutes off Interstate 90 (Exit 278) Old Town River Ranch offers a secluded getaway that’s close to all that Three Forks Montana has to offer, Sacajawea, farmers markets, shopping and Bridger Brewing for concerts and just 30 minutes to Bozeman. Stop by to see our friends at the Old Town Farm Stand just before the entry to our Ranch to get your fresh home baked goods & farm raised produce. Come stay a night, or a few, we think you'll enjoy it.
Campsite & Camper Sizes.
Campsites #1 #2 & #3 can accommodate large campers (up to 35 feet) with fair amount of room to maneuver.
Campsite #4 is limited to Truck Campers, Sprinters or very small towables.
Campsites #5 (up to 20ft) and Campsite #6 (up to 25ft) can accommodate mid-sized campers with limited but manageable room to maneuver.
Notice.
We implemented a comprehensive weed management program so campgrounds should be dramatically improved this year.
Believe it or not some people don't know this. This is a campground on a river bottom in Montana. We keep it well but its fairly "raw" here. There can be wildlife - large & small game, maybe a few lost cows at times. There can be bugs - mosquitoes & spiders. There can be weeds. Water levels in the river vary dramatically depending on the time of year - sometimes high & fast other times low & slow. Sometimes it'll be really hot, dry & dusty, other times humid & muddy, maybe even flooded in areas, sometimes it can be cold & icy. If these things concern you it might be best to find an alternative. For everyone else, come on in and enjoy, we welcome you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black Sandy State Park
10. Black Sandy State Park
State park 34mi from Townsend · 34 sites
Discover Black Sandy State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lewis And Clark Cavern State Park
11. Lewis And Clark Cavern State Park
State park 38mi from Townsend · 43 sites
Explore the geological splendor of Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Custer Gallatin National Forest
12. Custer Gallatin National Forest
84%
(59)
National forest 207mi from Townsend · 936 sites
Find wilderness camping near Yellowstone National Park and beyond.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
13. Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
73%
(11)
National forest 156mi from Townsend · 421 sites
It is only right that the land named after some of America’s raddest explorers would be totally epic! Covering a whopping seven mountain ranges, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is your front door to adventure in Montana. If winter is your happy place, then come make turns at Silver Crest Ski Area, or snowshoe trails through peaceful forests. In the summer, day trippers can roam among prairielands and flowering cacti on the Sulphur Springs Trail, while offroaders and bikers and zip down the OHV trails. Stay in an epic lookout tower on top of the Castle Mountains, or enjoy a remote campsite all to yourself. However you choose to spend your time at Lewis and Clark, you’ll find yourself thanking these two OG adventurers for discovering such an incredible place!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mountain Biker's Getaway
14. Mountain Biker's Getaway
100%
(20)
29mi from Townsend · 1 site
We have a 20 acre parcel where we live that is right next to the trail system and also 5 minutes from downtown Helena. We love hosting our friends who come to mountain bike and enjoy Helena and are happy to host you! We have a small trail cut into the property that is available for your use and a forest for you to play in
Pets
Gallatin River Getaway
15. Gallatin River Getaway
97%
(538)
30mi from Townsend · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This property has been a farm and ranch since 1863 it was used as a stage stop for travelers going to the gold fields in Bannock and Virginia City Montana. Come check us out.We offer two private campsites on the Gallatin River near Logan, Montana, 1/4 mile apart on a working farm and ranch. Ranch also is located below ATT and Verizon cell towers. Five minutes from entrance gate to interstate ninety. We are thirty minutes from Bozeman, six miles from Three Forks, MT, three miles from Headwaters State Park (Headwaters of the Missouri River), 12 minutes from the Copper City Mountain biking trails, 20 minutes from Lewis and Clark Caverns, eight miles from Madison Buffalo Jump. Yellowstone National Park is two hours south of the property. Easy full recreational access to the Gallatin River, including fishing if you follow Montana FWP rules and regulations. Gallatin River is a blue-ribbon trout stream and there are four additional blue-ribbon trout streams that are within close proximity. Inhabited by most major indigenous species of Montana, except bison and mountain goats. This is a working farm and ranch and equipment and activities related to the operation should be expected also a train runs close to property. Host lives on the property and is available to contact.
Pets
Campfires
》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《
16. 》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《
93%
(14)
30mi from Townsend · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
PLEASE BE AWARE! There are no toilets onsite and no water available from October 1st to May 1st. We are open through the winter, but you'll need to be fully containted, and not need water or toilets.
Fantastic Hauser Lake, causeway, and National forest basecamp or for a quick overnight stay when you're passing through. We are a great spot for a quick overnight when you just need a place to stay, maybe some power to plug into
Sprawling 20 acres set in the center of 4 lakes in the Helena Valley.
1 1/2 miles from Lakeside, a haven for boaters, swimmers, and not much further to Helena National Forest, and York. Lakeside offers a gas station, convenience store, and wonderful bar/restaurant. Several boat launches and walking paths are also in the area.
9 miles from Helena.
Experience a beautiful Prairie setting with awesome sunsets, chickens, roosters, horses, guinea fowl, a herford steer, and stunning views of Hauser Lake and several mountain ranges.
Talk to Granny Julie about our horses, chickens, guinea fowl, and other fun stuff to view at the farm! Animals do make noise, and we do have roosters. Guinea Fowl are watchdogs and alert to danger, so they can be noisy from time to time. The horse likes to let us know she wants treats. :) We are a family farm, so children do visit Granny; please drive accordingly.
Please note! We are adding picnic tables to the sites to better serve you.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Farm Land Escape
17. Farm Land Escape
100%
(10)
30mi from Townsend · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Please contact me through here 1-2 days prior to your arrival so I can get your area ready. As there may be one other camper from time to time as well. I want you to have the privacy and the experience as if it was only you and you’re family staying.
This 53 acres use to be owned by a guy named John Helberg which is who the road is named after. It’s the original homestead land dated over 100 years ago where they farmed for there dairy cows and other livestock.
This is right off a dead end road. You will have a view of a Montana farm field with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Dark nights out of the town means the stars will be out and about! This is a quiet secluded area there is a house near by, he is an older gentlemen you won’t even know he’s there.
Depending on time of year there will be a field full of crop or the farm getting farmed. There very well could be some horses near by to pet!! Located 10 minutes from the lakes. 5 minutes from a reservoir. 10 minutes from town. 15 min to closest hiking areas. Helena really is the heart of fun very centralized for all directions of fun! Very easy pull in and pull out area. Please not there may be other campers enjoying as well
Black Sandy State Park and Helena National Park
are both under 15 miles away. Enjoy hiking and
If you’re the boating type, head down the Missouri river in search of a rumored rope swing or jump off the boat for a dip in the crystal waters of Hauser Lake. Looking to avoid all the crowds or enjoy a solitary weekend under the endless Montana sky? Just head to Black Sandy during the winter months! You’ll find the same great stunning views and an ice skating experience that will put your grandparents’ childhood tales to shame.
I do have power 50 amp, fresh water, grey water hook up, no black water. This option may not be available all of the time.
Nearby is a brown shop this is area is rented out and off limits to camp stayers. The patio area on shop is not for the hipcampers
thank you
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!
18. The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!
98%
(132)
32mi from Townsend · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This five-acre oasis was once a landscape nursery. So given the close proximity to downtown we are a hidden sanctuary from the outside world, secluded by cottonwood trees and mature foliage. The site now serves as a wedding venue and offers views of Mount Helena to the South and the Sleeping Giant to the North.
Learn more about this land:
Pitch a tent in our aspen grove or park your camper/RV in the grassland field.
You're close to downtown
with lots of privacy/scenery. You'll have views of regal Mount Helena to the South and The Sleeping Giant to the North.
The South Hill trail complex is a great place to explore as well as the Scratchgravels. The Missouri River is only 20 minutes away as well as Lake Hauser and Canyon Ferry.
If new to the area and interested in history, we recommend the Tour Train. We also have several great breweries - our favorites include Ten Mile and Blackfoot Breweries (a perfect stop you can ride to after a trail ride/hike in the South Hills).
This site is perfect for those wanting to explore Downtown Helena, it's renowned trail systems, but still sleep under the stars.
Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. There is water throughout the property that you are welcome to use for cleaning, but it is not potable.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Campsite at the Causeway
19. Campsite at the Causeway
100%
(10)
33mi from Townsend · 1 site
This 6 acre property is perfectly situated to accommodate lake fun, river boating and just 10 minutes to all the conveniences of Helena. The RV site has plenty of space to bring you boat for a perfect summer camp out with the family and tons of access to multiple bodies of water within minutes of the property, and the Causeway Chalet Bar n’ Grill is within walking distance. There is a tiny house on site which can also be rented, otherwise you will have the place to yourself.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Serenity Sheep Farm Stay
20. Serenity Sheep Farm Stay
95%
(39)
35mi from Townsend · 3 sites
NO DOGS!
This is a working farm and we have dogs, sheep, goats as well as other animals. Adding yours into the mix of animals has proven to be more hassle than what it's worth.
I've been at this for 16 years. Please ask questions before booking. Sneaking your dog(s) in doesn't work.
We live on 40 acres of my husband's grandfather's original 160 acre homestead. We are the only ones still farming. They rest of the family have either sold off their land for big bucks or have built homes on it. We enjoy sharing our little piece of paradise in the Gallatin Valley.
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Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
G
Gary
3 days ago
36 ft travel trailer
With pets
We really enjoyed the camping area. It's very private and we loved the sunsets. It's a great combination of nature and groomed space. Jamie went out of her way to make sure we had all of the info we were looking for. We highly recommend.
Thanks Jamie!
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K
Kamil
April 2026
16 ft car
Would recommend. Easy access and electric hookup. Good stop during my road trip.
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Joe and Lisa
April 2026
25 ft Class B
Great spot with beautiful views from every window! Nice level space and easy access from freeway. Enjoyed my stay and would recommend!
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Alicia
April 2026
21 ft campervan
With pets
I was really thrilled when I saw the spot. There are three spots that I was the only one there so it was very private. . .with beautiful views of ranches and mountains. My dog loved the little creek. I didn't mind it being close to the road, the sound of cars don't bother me except for the yoho's at midnight squealing tires and acting the fool. But that certainly isn't the fault of the hipcampers.
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J
Jennifer
March 2026
22 ft campervan
This is the second time I've booked this spot and will be my go to every time. Peaceful and convenient when visiting my son in Bozeman!
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A
Adam
March 2026
25 ft Class B
Nice wide open and flat area. Super convenient getting into Bozeman. Short walk down to rivers edge. Solar lights are nice addition at night. There is a bit of road noise and also quite a few trains but kind of blends in after a bit. Overall very nice spot - definately will be back.
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T
T
January 2026
22 ft Class B
The views amazing. Creek trickling added to the ambiance. Mountains for days.
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M
Mike
October 2025
21 ft campervan
This is a great spot if you want to be close to Bozeman. The site is easy to access and has a spectacular view of the sunrise. The port-a-potty is clean with automatic lights for easy middle-of-the-night access. Another reviewer mentioned that it felt like you're "camping on someone's front lawn" but we didn't feel that at all: The house is 600' away and we didn't feel like we were even on their property. A reviewer also suggested the option to filter water from the stream, but given the amount of agriculture land upstream, I wouldn't do that.
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Darci
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
Jamie's land was perfect for our last camping trip of the season. The spot is beautiful and so peaceful. It is close enough to downtown to be convenient, yet feels like you are out in the country. Jamie was super helpful and attentive. We will definitely be back next time we are in Helena.
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Nicholas
October 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Easy access, great walking area, and nice and clean. A little loud due to road and train proximity.
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J
Jessie
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Group trip
Quiet, beautiful area but close to Bozeman. The bathroom was clean, we would stay here again.
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L
Lisa
September 2025
Tent
I loved the openness, hiking trails available, adjacent to public land. The skies were clear & allowed the billions of stars to shine. Chris cares for his campers & wants to ensure them a wonderful experience.
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Brett
September 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful property, excellent hosts, fantastic area to explore around. We visited with two kids (9 and 12) and two dogs. Will be back next season!
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J
Jim
September 2025
35 ft Class A
With pets
Great place to stay with potable water and electricity (30 or 50 amp).
Close to all amenities. We stayed there three seperate times this year.
Will be back next year
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Frank
September 2025
45 ft Class C
With pets
This was a great location for visiting friends in Bozeman. The directions to the site were good and the site was clean, level, completely fenced, and offered electricity and water. We travel with two golden retrievers and after checking with our host, they were allowed to roam freely on the large, fenced property. We are very satisfied RVers and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Wild Horse.
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R
Robert
September 2025
40 ft travel trailer
With pets
Lovely quiet spot. We had our dog so we took several walks - on the Host's land and along the quiet gravel road. Easy to find a flat spot to park. We had a great chat with the Host, who was quite helpful.
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T
Tiffany
September 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With kids
Great directions. Was nice to have wifi and hookups. Responsive host. Clean well maintained site. Farm life is talkative early and reminded us of home.
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alex
September 2025
35 ft Class A
Group trip
We enjoyed our one night stay river was great thanks!
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Jennifer
September 2025
22 ft campervan
My folks stayed in Space 1 and I was in Space 2 for this visit. It worked out perfect for us. Clean and simple. Just what we needed for the night. The chickens reminded me of home! Thanks Michael!
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J
Jason
September 2025
1 night at The DET Place Hideaway
McKenzie was great. She was very quick to reply to questions and super accommodating. Our check in time changed a couple of times d/t unforeseen delays getting to Montana - but she was really easy to work with and understanding.
The 5th wheel was great. Lots of space and well kept. Bedrooms were a nice surprise (bigger than appeared in the pics). Shower was hot and plenty large enough for me (6 ft and 245lbs) to clean up. Water and heat were included and welcome.
The view of the mountains out of the camper door were a pleasant way to wake up and her property was secluded enough and well kept. Easy instructions and only about an hour north of Bozeman.
Would def stay with her again if we made it back up this way.
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