The best camping near Clark's Lookout State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Clark's Lookout State Park adventure.

Discover history and nature at Clark's Lookout State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Clark's Lookout State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Clark's Lookout State Park

100%

(3)

Big Hole Boondockin'

1 site · RV, Tent325 acres · Twin Bridges, MT

Big Hole Boondockin' is located in Southwest Montana along the beautiful banks of the Big Hole River. River View Livestock, a 325 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. 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.

86%

(25)

Mad RIver Farm Camping

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Ennis, MT

Please read bullet points below before you book with us. Wake up to the impressive scenery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the sun shining over the Madison range on this nearly 50 acre farm in McAllister, Montana. You'll be camped in a wide open grass pasture JUST OFF Hwy 287, 1.5 miles from Ennis Lake and the Madison River which offers some of the most diverse fly fishing in Montana. The Madison River runs through this scenic valley and is flanked by the towering Madison, Gravelly and Tobacco Root ranges which are all visable from our campsites. Our land is filled with wildlife including fox, coyotes, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, osprey, deer and antelope. Horses in the pasture to the North and cattle to the South. Crash in our field and you're only about 1 hour from Yellowstone, without the Yellowstone prices and congestion. The town of Ennis is 7 miles and the best steakhouse in the valley is 2 minutes north up HWY 287. Plan an easy afternoon trip to the historic Old West town of Virginia City (20 miles). We are surrounded by endless trails for hiking, 4 wheeling and trail riding. Big Sky Ski Resort is an hour and 30 minutes over the Madison Range. Take an evening to go to Norris Hotsprings (9 miles). Lewis and Clark Caverns one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America is only 28 miles away. The list of activities goes on and on, but there is always the option to just relax and feel comfortable doing nothing. This is the perfect place to choose to be disconnected and unplugged for a while, but not to far off the beaten path so its an easy camp. 45°26'15.5"N 111°43'53.8"W https://goo.gl/maps/i7jR4qSxP4SkU1QTA -Parking is just off HWY 287, very easy access by bike or vehicle. Vehicles will stay in the designated parking are and campers will walk to any area of the pasture they wish to set up camp! -This is a field, a pasture where grass grows to feed cattle. The views of the Madison Range and Tobacco Root Mountains is incredible. There are a few areas of trimmed grass, but for the most part this is a pasture with long grass. This area is not maintained like a KOA. This is not at all what would call "roughing it" but I grew up in Montana and we have different standards here. -We ask that you please give room to other campers, you'll have so much room it should never be an issue. -There is now a porta potty and fire pit! both of which are for all campers to use. Please do not set up camp right next to the firepit, right next to the porta potty or in the parking area. -This is a pasture alongside the road in Montana. There are no parking lot lights. There is no wifi. There are no trees or shelters. It is not private because it is an open field along HWY 287. That being said there are rarely ever more than 1-2 camping groups at a time. -The Campfire is communal. Everyone needs to be able to enjoy. There are several area to set up camp. We usualy will only have 1-2 campers at any given time. The most we have ever had at once is 4. -You're free to walk around and find your perfect spot. You can walk through the tall grass or you can camp in one of the spots that is trimmed down. You have that freedom! We trim down the "road", the firepit, a couple campsites and the area around the garbage and porta potty. We dont want to completely mow down our pasture. We like to keep it wild. When Hipcampers are not using the area its a place for deer, antelope, cyotes and sandhill cranes. If you want to have a campground with manicured walkways/camping spots this is not the green pasture for you. 🇺🇸 July 4th update FYI the 2 track road down to the canvas wall tent has irrigation water covering it. Don’t go down the path to the tent, you will get stuck. There are plenty of places to camp without driving down toward the canvas tent. There is a saw horse blocking the road. Please do not move the saw horse or drive down the road.

Chokecherry Cattle Company

3 sites · RVs3 acres · Twin Bridges, MT

Three Unique and Exclusive RV sites near the Big Hole River! Full water, power and sewer hook ups located directly between two fishing accesses. Incredible views of the Pioneer Mountain Range. Plenty of room to park your boat as well. Enjoy watching the native bird and deer population. Hike the unique geological landscape of McCartney Mountain. If you are a fly fisherman, this is a dream location! Perfect amenities for a family reunion or group camping trip!

Booked 1 time

Gold Camp 420

7 sites · Tents50 acres · Sheridan, MT

50 gorgeous acres with mountains, trails, and rushing creek. Established in 1863 and 1864 as patented mining claims in the gold rich Tabacco Root Mountains of Montana. Bring your detectors and gold pans, just please fill in any holes you dig. Ghost towns Virginia City and Nevada City are 20 minutes down the road. Excellent world class fly fishing and hunting. Yellowstone National Park, historic Butte, Bozeman, and natural hot springs all nearby.

Lightning Ridge A-Frame

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Polaris, MT

This is a dry cabin with electricity perched mountainside with stunning views of the Pioneer Mountains. This peaceful setting is near Maverick Mountain Ski Resort, Elkhorn Hot Springs, Crystal Park, the Pioneer Scenic Byway, Coolidge Ghost Town, and dozens of lovely hiking trails in both the east and west Pioneers.

100%

(3)

Blaine Creek Boondocks

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Ennis, MT

This property is a rural oasis. Located just ten miles from Ennis and two miles from the Madison river, this is the perfect camp spot to call home for day hiking, biking and fishing adventures. The spot is flat with grass for a tent or large enough to pull in a camper. It’s in a rural neighborhood surrounded by mostly residents and some vacation rentals. The views are endless. You have access to a spring red creek for fishing, swimming and relaxing.

The best camping near Clark's Lookout State Park guide

Overview

About

Camping near Clark's Lookout State Park takes you back in time, right into the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery. It was here on August 13, 1805, when the legendary explorers paused their strenuous journey, searching for a passage to the Pacific Ocean, and stumbled upon a vista that was nothing short of breathtaking. The encounter was so profound that it led to the naming of this place as Clark's Lookout State Park.

As you hike the trail that leads to the park's summit, you can imagine the awe and anticipation that must have coursed through William Clark as he first surveyed the land. As you climb higher, the Beaverhead Valley unfurls below in a stunning panorama, just as it did for the Corps of Discovery. It's a vista that has stood the test of time, a silent witness to the march of history.

The trail's end rewards you with more than just a view; it's also the site of a unique tribute to this historic event. There, atop the lookout, a granite monument stands like a sentinel. Shaped like a compass, it's an homage to the pocket-sized instrument that was a trusted companion of Clark during the expedition. Its three readings, proudly displayed, mirror the ones Clark took in 1805, serving as an enduring testament to the exploratory spirit that helped shape this nation.

A Clark's Lookout State Park camping expedition is more than your run of the mill trek. It's a journey back in time that offers an intimate encounter with history. So, come to camp, to explore, and to walk the same trails once trekked by some of the country's earliest pioneers. Let the panoramic vistas inspire you just as they did the Corps of Discovery, and who knows? You might just discover something incredible yourself.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Clark's Lookout State Park is between May 1 and September 30, when the park is open and fully accessible. Enjoy long summer days with ample sunlight, perfect for exploring the park's rich history and natural beauty. Outside of these months, the park may have limited access due to seasonal closures.

Know before you go

Check the latest Alerts and Closures for any restrictions that might affect your visit.
Remember that some amenities are seasonal, so plan your trip accordingly.
Pets are allowed, but ensure they are under control to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Adhere to the pack-in/pack-out principle to keep the park pristine.
Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.