The best forest camping near Virginia City

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In the heart of Madison County, Virginia City delivers history on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. The town’s gold rush past offers a view into the Old West, with heritage buildings and local museums revealing how residents lived in the 18th century. Head outside Virginia City’s borders to Yellowstone, America’s first national park, to witness active geysers and see some of the country’s most iconic nature spots. Then check out Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Helena-Lewis and Clark national forests for hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular mountain views. Park the RV in a national forest, pitch a tent among Christmas trees, or rent a cabin with toilets and drinking water—any way is a good way to enjoy natural beauty near Virginia City.

95% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds near Virginia City

1. Beehive Basin Basecamp

100%
(1)
27mi from Virginia City · 1 site · RV
Nestled high at 8200ft in the breathtaking Beehive Basin area of Big Sky MT, this RV/Van parking spot offers a true alpine escape for winter adventurers. Wake up to snow-capped peaks, crisp mountain air, and direct access to some of Big Sky’s most stunning winter scenery. Whether you’re here to ski Big Sky Resort, backcountry ski/snowshoe into Beehive Basin, or simply soak in the quiet of Montana’s winter wilderness, this spot offers a peaceful and private basecamp. Backcountry ski in/out to Beehive Basin Trailhead from campsite. Utilities that are included: 50 Amp electrical hookup Wifi Internet Well water hookup and septic access Trash What to Expect: My wife and I live on the property with our dog Ted. He is very friendly and loves to say hi. There is private property surrounding us, so please be mindful of where you are hiking. Follow directional signs for parking once on site. If towing a trailer, it must be lightweight off road style, no bigger than 16' long. 4WD or AWD WITH snow-tires/chains/or really good all seasons is mandatory Access from Beehive Basin Road (plowed regularly but always snow/ice packed) No 2wd as the roads are too steep, even with snow tires. Space for one RV/Van or small camper trailer 16' If towing a trailer, chains are mandatory with a powerful tow vehicle as the roads around here are very steep and windy. Panoramic views of Lone Peak and surrounding mountains Guest will have access to fire pit area and wood fired sauna. Firewood provided Excellent cell service for most carriers Endless winter recreation right from your doorstep — ski touring, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching Good to Know: Again: 4WD or AWD with snow-tires/chains/or really good all seasons is mandatory Please come prepared for cold temps and snowy conditions Big Sky Ski Resort is 10 minutes away Town Center amenities (shops, restaurants, groceries) are just a 20-minute drive away Come experience the quiet magic of Big Sky’s winter from your own cozy rig under a star-filled mountain sky.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$59
 / night

2. Big Hole Boondockin'

99%
(41)
43mi from Virginia City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Big Hole Boondockin' is located in Southwest Montana along the beautiful banks of the Big Hole River. River View Livestock, a 300 acre working cattle ranch, surrounds our camping areas which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a real Montana ranch experience. If you're not into the ranch lifestyle, hop on a raft, inner tube or kayak and float down the river enjoying a cold beverage. We also offer bank fishing on our private property. Stressed? Book some time with our emotional support animals and snuggle one of the pigs or cows to take some stress out of your life. These animals are part of our family and love to sit and relax with humans, begging for belly scratches and giving kisses. The cell service & wi-fi are very iffy here. T-Mobile works great. If you have Verizon or AT&T you will not have service right at the campsite. You may have to walk or drive a bit to get a signal or the local restaurant & bar has free wi-fi for patrons. Whatever your camping dream is, our focused, friendly staff will work to achieve it. We look forward to hosting you and your family and friends and sharing our day to day dream life.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night

6. Cozy Cabin On 10 Acres!

100%
(2)
47mi from Virginia City · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to the Bunkhouse at Almosta Ranch! This is a cozy studio cabin in a convenient location for guests traveling through, or looking to be close to the Airport. Situated less than 5 minutes from I-90, with good trailer access, this could be a good location for those towing a trailer, or those traveling with livestock. The location of this cabin is about 10 minutes to Belgrade, 12-14 minutes from Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, 1 hour from Big Sky Resort, 37 minutes from Bridger Bowl, 21 minutes from Bozeman, 1.5 hours from Yellowstone's North Entrance, and 1.75 hours from Yellowstone's West Entrance. This charming cabin rental is situated on the 10 acre, picturesque Almosta Ranch, where cowgirl-chic meets rustic elegance. Nestled amidst shady cottonwoods and the soft sounds of nature, this beautifully appointed cabin is the perfect getaway for those seeking a taste of the cowboy lifestyle. Baker Creek is only a 1/4 mile walk through a bucolic horse pasture, with some friendly equines. Across the street, you will find a 1/4 section of State Land, where you are welcome to ride with your horses, hire an outfitter to take you, or just go for a leisurely stroll along the creek. Depending on the time of year, a guest can enjoy mushroom picking along the cottonwoods of Baker Creek, and White Ditch, or birdwatch and horseback ride year-round. Step inside to find a warm and inviting space adorned with vintage Western-eclectic decor, reclaimed wood accents, original sliding barn door, and vibrant kitchen tiles that echo the spirit of the ranch. The open-concept living area features cozy seating, a dining area, and sleeping for 2 in a queen bed. The kitchenette features a cooktop, microwave, and fridge, with a sink and all necessary utensils, plates, cups, and bowls, as well as meal prep utensils and tools. Outside on the patio, you will find a grill and BBQ tools, with outdoor seating and table. For entertaining indoors, there is WiFi, and a SmartTV which is available for your streaming platforms. If you'd like to take a walk, you can head left from the front door, past the house on your left, and through the horse pasture, where you will find a gate that leads to Baker Creek.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$108
 / night

8. Madison Islands

78%
(29)
46mi from Virginia City · 15 sites · RVs
This property is located on the Madison River at the headwaters of the Missouri River! It has views of surrounding mountain ranges including the Bridgers, Tobacco Roots, & the Spanish Peaks. It is also minutes from downtown Three Forks, MT for dining and shopping. On-site activities include fishing , swimming, hiking, biking, boating/floating, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and stargazing under the big sky. The camping area even has enough space to accommodate grazing horses. With open grassy fields and a large wooded area there is plenty to be explored in this Montana outdoor paradise. Address and Directions: On I-90 exit on 278 you will be on "Frontage Rd" go east to "Old Town Road" than turn east on "Old Town Main Street" LOOK FOR THE YELLOW ARROWS (they say Madison Islands). Once you’re off the freeway and on old town Road come to an intersection which is old town Main Street. Turn right at old town Main Street and very quickly on your left. You’ll see an old rustic building on your left with a fifth wheel parked next to the fence. You enter the property between the old rustic building and the fifth wheel RV to get into the field and you’ll see several reflectors with numbers on them. Easiest entry is off of Main Street. Enter just in front of the Parked RV and make your way into and through the field.
Pets
from 
$35
 / night

9. Bodhi Farms

100%
(8)
43mi from Virginia City · 9 sites · Lodging
Bodhi Farms is a 35 acre organic, permaculture farm nestled up against the Gallatin Mountains on the outskirts of Bozeman, Montana with a beautiful creek running through it. Through the spring, summer and fall seasons on the farm you’ll find activities that include open air nordic tipi yoga, farm stay activities, a wood fired sauna, guided onsite and offsite fly fishing excursions as well as an outdoor creekside farm-to-table restaurant. Excursions are nearly unlimited with abundant day trips to include fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, not to mention Yellowstone National Park just an 80 mile beautiful drive away. We offer nine glamping tipis that are carefully placed alongside our creek, offering privacy and a truly authentic lodging experience. Five of our tipis offer king beds and four of them feature two twin beds. Extra cots are available as each tipi has a maximum occupancy of 4 people. These nine tipis share two full luxe tipi bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. For our overnight guests, a farm fresh continental breakfast is included every morning as well as a shared campfire with complimentary s'mores every evening. Our goal is to provide an authentic experience surrounded by the beauty of Montana in a sustainable way. Come hang out with us in the beautiful outdoors. Come to eat & drink, come to celebrate, come to relax and be well. Learn more about this land: Bodhi Farms is a 35 acre organic, permaculture farm nestled up against the Gallatin Mountains on the outskirts of Bozeman, Montana with a beautiful creek running through it. Through the spring, summer and fall seasons on the farm you’ll find activities that include open air nordic tipi yoga, farm stay activities, a wood fired sauna, guided onsite and offsite fly fishing excursions as well as an outdoor creekside farm-to-table restaurant. Excursions are nearly unlimited with abundant day trips to include fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, not to mention Yellowstone National Park just an 80 mile beautiful drive away. We offer nine glamping tipis that are carefully placed alongside our creek, offering privacy and a truly authentic lodging experience. Five of our tipis offer king beds and four of them feature two twin beds. Extra cots are available as each tipi has a maximum occupancy of 4 people. These nine tipis share two full luxe tipi bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. For our overnight guests, a farm fresh continental breakfast is included every morning as well as a shared campfire with complimentary s'mores every evening. Our goal is to provide an authentic experience surrounded by the beauty of Montana in a sustainable way. Come hang out with us in the beautiful outdoors. Come to eat & drink, come to celebrate, come to relax and be well.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$315
 / night

10. Countryside RV Park

38mi from Virginia City · 11 sites
Welcome to Countryside RV Park, where breathtaking views and spacious accommodations set us apart from the rest! Nestled in the heart of Southwestern Montana, our park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it the perfect destination for RV enthusiasts. At Countryside RV Park, we provide 44 full-service sites that cater to both 30 amp and 50 amp RVs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stunning scenery and clear blue skies. Our long, roomy sites are designed to accommodate even the largest rigs, and we pride ourselves on offering the most competitive weekly and monthly rates in the area. Due to high demand, our monthly spaces fill up quickly, so we encourage you to reserve your extended stay as soon as possible. Conveniently located just south of Dillon, Montana, our park is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your getaway. Guests can take advantage of our clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, satellite-friendly sites, and complimentary WiFi. At Countryside RV Park, our top priority is to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Whether you're looking to explore nearby outdoor activities, relax in nature, or visit local restaurants and shops, we have everything you need for a memorable experience.

In the heart of Madison County, Virginia City delivers history on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. The town’s gold rush past offers a view into the Old West, with heritage buildings and local museums revealing how residents lived in the 18th century. Head outside Virginia City’s borders to Yellowstone, America’s first national park, to witness active geysers and see some of the country’s most iconic nature spots. Then check out Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Helena-Lewis and Clark national forests for hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular mountain views. Park the RV in a national forest, pitch a tent among Christmas trees, or rent a cabin with toilets and drinking water—any way is a good way to enjoy natural beauty near Virginia City.

95% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds near Virginia City

1. Beehive Basin Basecamp

100%
(1)
27mi from Virginia City · 1 site · RV
Nestled high at 8200ft in the breathtaking Beehive Basin area of Big Sky MT, this RV/Van parking spot offers a true alpine escape for winter adventurers. Wake up to snow-capped peaks, crisp mountain air, and direct access to some of Big Sky’s most stunning winter scenery. Whether you’re here to ski Big Sky Resort, backcountry ski/snowshoe into Beehive Basin, or simply soak in the quiet of Montana’s winter wilderness, this spot offers a peaceful and private basecamp. Backcountry ski in/out to Beehive Basin Trailhead from campsite. Utilities that are included: 50 Amp electrical hookup Wifi Internet Well water hookup and septic access Trash What to Expect: My wife and I live on the property with our dog Ted. He is very friendly and loves to say hi. There is private property surrounding us, so please be mindful of where you are hiking. Follow directional signs for parking once on site. If towing a trailer, it must be lightweight off road style, no bigger than 16' long. 4WD or AWD WITH snow-tires/chains/or really good all seasons is mandatory Access from Beehive Basin Road (plowed regularly but always snow/ice packed) No 2wd as the roads are too steep, even with snow tires. Space for one RV/Van or small camper trailer 16' If towing a trailer, chains are mandatory with a powerful tow vehicle as the roads around here are very steep and windy. Panoramic views of Lone Peak and surrounding mountains Guest will have access to fire pit area and wood fired sauna. Firewood provided Excellent cell service for most carriers Endless winter recreation right from your doorstep — ski touring, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching Good to Know: Again: 4WD or AWD with snow-tires/chains/or really good all seasons is mandatory Please come prepared for cold temps and snowy conditions Big Sky Ski Resort is 10 minutes away Town Center amenities (shops, restaurants, groceries) are just a 20-minute drive away Come experience the quiet magic of Big Sky’s winter from your own cozy rig under a star-filled mountain sky.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$59
 / night

2. Big Hole Boondockin'

99%
(41)
43mi from Virginia City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Big Hole Boondockin' is located in Southwest Montana along the beautiful banks of the Big Hole River. River View Livestock, a 300 acre working cattle ranch, surrounds our camping areas which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a real Montana ranch experience. If you're not into the ranch lifestyle, hop on a raft, inner tube or kayak and float down the river enjoying a cold beverage. We also offer bank fishing on our private property. Stressed? Book some time with our emotional support animals and snuggle one of the pigs or cows to take some stress out of your life. These animals are part of our family and love to sit and relax with humans, begging for belly scratches and giving kisses. The cell service & wi-fi are very iffy here. T-Mobile works great. If you have Verizon or AT&T you will not have service right at the campsite. You may have to walk or drive a bit to get a signal or the local restaurant & bar has free wi-fi for patrons. Whatever your camping dream is, our focused, friendly staff will work to achieve it. We look forward to hosting you and your family and friends and sharing our day to day dream life.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night

6. Cozy Cabin On 10 Acres!

100%
(2)
47mi from Virginia City · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to the Bunkhouse at Almosta Ranch! This is a cozy studio cabin in a convenient location for guests traveling through, or looking to be close to the Airport. Situated less than 5 minutes from I-90, with good trailer access, this could be a good location for those towing a trailer, or those traveling with livestock. The location of this cabin is about 10 minutes to Belgrade, 12-14 minutes from Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, 1 hour from Big Sky Resort, 37 minutes from Bridger Bowl, 21 minutes from Bozeman, 1.5 hours from Yellowstone's North Entrance, and 1.75 hours from Yellowstone's West Entrance. This charming cabin rental is situated on the 10 acre, picturesque Almosta Ranch, where cowgirl-chic meets rustic elegance. Nestled amidst shady cottonwoods and the soft sounds of nature, this beautifully appointed cabin is the perfect getaway for those seeking a taste of the cowboy lifestyle. Baker Creek is only a 1/4 mile walk through a bucolic horse pasture, with some friendly equines. Across the street, you will find a 1/4 section of State Land, where you are welcome to ride with your horses, hire an outfitter to take you, or just go for a leisurely stroll along the creek. Depending on the time of year, a guest can enjoy mushroom picking along the cottonwoods of Baker Creek, and White Ditch, or birdwatch and horseback ride year-round. Step inside to find a warm and inviting space adorned with vintage Western-eclectic decor, reclaimed wood accents, original sliding barn door, and vibrant kitchen tiles that echo the spirit of the ranch. The open-concept living area features cozy seating, a dining area, and sleeping for 2 in a queen bed. The kitchenette features a cooktop, microwave, and fridge, with a sink and all necessary utensils, plates, cups, and bowls, as well as meal prep utensils and tools. Outside on the patio, you will find a grill and BBQ tools, with outdoor seating and table. For entertaining indoors, there is WiFi, and a SmartTV which is available for your streaming platforms. If you'd like to take a walk, you can head left from the front door, past the house on your left, and through the horse pasture, where you will find a gate that leads to Baker Creek.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$108
 / night

8. Madison Islands

78%
(29)
46mi from Virginia City · 15 sites · RVs
This property is located on the Madison River at the headwaters of the Missouri River! It has views of surrounding mountain ranges including the Bridgers, Tobacco Roots, & the Spanish Peaks. It is also minutes from downtown Three Forks, MT for dining and shopping. On-site activities include fishing , swimming, hiking, biking, boating/floating, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and stargazing under the big sky. The camping area even has enough space to accommodate grazing horses. With open grassy fields and a large wooded area there is plenty to be explored in this Montana outdoor paradise. Address and Directions: On I-90 exit on 278 you will be on "Frontage Rd" go east to "Old Town Road" than turn east on "Old Town Main Street" LOOK FOR THE YELLOW ARROWS (they say Madison Islands). Once you’re off the freeway and on old town Road come to an intersection which is old town Main Street. Turn right at old town Main Street and very quickly on your left. You’ll see an old rustic building on your left with a fifth wheel parked next to the fence. You enter the property between the old rustic building and the fifth wheel RV to get into the field and you’ll see several reflectors with numbers on them. Easiest entry is off of Main Street. Enter just in front of the Parked RV and make your way into and through the field.
Pets
from 
$35
 / night

9. Bodhi Farms

100%
(8)
43mi from Virginia City · 9 sites · Lodging
Bodhi Farms is a 35 acre organic, permaculture farm nestled up against the Gallatin Mountains on the outskirts of Bozeman, Montana with a beautiful creek running through it. Through the spring, summer and fall seasons on the farm you’ll find activities that include open air nordic tipi yoga, farm stay activities, a wood fired sauna, guided onsite and offsite fly fishing excursions as well as an outdoor creekside farm-to-table restaurant. Excursions are nearly unlimited with abundant day trips to include fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, not to mention Yellowstone National Park just an 80 mile beautiful drive away. We offer nine glamping tipis that are carefully placed alongside our creek, offering privacy and a truly authentic lodging experience. Five of our tipis offer king beds and four of them feature two twin beds. Extra cots are available as each tipi has a maximum occupancy of 4 people. These nine tipis share two full luxe tipi bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. For our overnight guests, a farm fresh continental breakfast is included every morning as well as a shared campfire with complimentary s'mores every evening. Our goal is to provide an authentic experience surrounded by the beauty of Montana in a sustainable way. Come hang out with us in the beautiful outdoors. Come to eat & drink, come to celebrate, come to relax and be well. Learn more about this land: Bodhi Farms is a 35 acre organic, permaculture farm nestled up against the Gallatin Mountains on the outskirts of Bozeman, Montana with a beautiful creek running through it. Through the spring, summer and fall seasons on the farm you’ll find activities that include open air nordic tipi yoga, farm stay activities, a wood fired sauna, guided onsite and offsite fly fishing excursions as well as an outdoor creekside farm-to-table restaurant. Excursions are nearly unlimited with abundant day trips to include fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, not to mention Yellowstone National Park just an 80 mile beautiful drive away. We offer nine glamping tipis that are carefully placed alongside our creek, offering privacy and a truly authentic lodging experience. Five of our tipis offer king beds and four of them feature two twin beds. Extra cots are available as each tipi has a maximum occupancy of 4 people. These nine tipis share two full luxe tipi bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. For our overnight guests, a farm fresh continental breakfast is included every morning as well as a shared campfire with complimentary s'mores every evening. Our goal is to provide an authentic experience surrounded by the beauty of Montana in a sustainable way. Come hang out with us in the beautiful outdoors. Come to eat & drink, come to celebrate, come to relax and be well.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$315
 / night

10. Countryside RV Park

38mi from Virginia City · 11 sites
Welcome to Countryside RV Park, where breathtaking views and spacious accommodations set us apart from the rest! Nestled in the heart of Southwestern Montana, our park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it the perfect destination for RV enthusiasts. At Countryside RV Park, we provide 44 full-service sites that cater to both 30 amp and 50 amp RVs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stunning scenery and clear blue skies. Our long, roomy sites are designed to accommodate even the largest rigs, and we pride ourselves on offering the most competitive weekly and monthly rates in the area. Due to high demand, our monthly spaces fill up quickly, so we encourage you to reserve your extended stay as soon as possible. Conveniently located just south of Dillon, Montana, our park is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your getaway. Guests can take advantage of our clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, satellite-friendly sites, and complimentary WiFi. At Countryside RV Park, our top priority is to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Whether you're looking to explore nearby outdoor activities, relax in nature, or visit local restaurants and shops, we have everything you need for a memorable experience.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best forest camping near Virginia City guide

Where to go

Yellowstone National Park

With 2.2 million acres of parkland, Yellowstone is home to active geysers, waterfall hikes, scenic drives, and cozy campsites. The 12 campgrounds offer group camping and tent camping, with one RV campground featuring 50-amp hookups and a dump station. After setting up camp, admire Yellowstone’s unique geology from the comfort of the roads with a trip around the Grand Loop. Or, hike the expansive trail system to see Yellowstone Lake, multiple backcountry waterfalls, and spring wildflower blooms. If you can’t snag a campsite in the park, consider a Hipcamp just outside the Yellowstone entrance.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

The largest national forest in Montana, Beaverhead-Deerlodge offers a scenic escape for camping, paddling, mountain hikes, and lakeside lounging. A host of campgrounds fill this 3.3 million-acre forest, with everything from cabin rentals and group camping to dispersed tent camping and RV campsites. Enjoy stunning mountain views in every season, but check campground amenities to see which spots offer winter access if visiting in the colder months.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Spanning seven mountain ranges, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is an outdoor hub for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and snow sports. Chase adrenaline in the winter with skiing and snowmobiling along the peaks, or wander through the meadows on scenic summer walking trails. For a unique holiday celebration, pick up a permit to cut a Christmas tree from the national forest. Find easy access to natural beauty with a stay at one of the forest’s many campgrounds, where most tent camping, RV campsites, and cabins offer basic amenities like toilets and drinking water.

When to go

Camping near Virginia City is most popular from June to September, when warm summer days make it inviting to explore mountain trails and lakeside hikes. Temperatures average in the low 80s. Nights can get chilly during the shoulder season, so bring extra layers to keep evenings around the campfire fun and cozy. Snowy winters make Montana an exciting destination for snow sports and winter scenery. Check up on Montana’s road condition report to plan a route through parks and forests.