The best camping near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge adventure.

Discover the natural splendor of Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge.

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Community favorites near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge

Top-rated campgrounds near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge

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Primrose Meadows

13 sites · Tents28 acres · Missoula, MT

We can’t wait to share our land with you! Get away from it all and get under the Big Sky. Close to the freeway for easy access but adjacent to over 200 acres of beautiful farmland, you’ll experience Montana’s wildlife and have beautiful Mountain views when you stay at Primrose Meadows. There are few trees in the property, it’s mostly rolling hills with some trails to walk and plenty of space between sites! This property has a railroad track that runs next to the property that sometimes toots it’s horn, if you’re a light sleeper this is something you should consider!We are close to Council Grove and Frenchtown Pond which are both great swimming holes! You can also coordinate with us for cross-country skiing or head to Snowbowl for local downhill skiing! We are close to Missoula should you need any services in town.

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Mere's Magic Rainbow Trout Pond

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Ronan, MT

Stay on an Old Trout Farm around the pond and listen to the water flow through the property. The property looks out to the Mission mountain range and campers can drive right to their spot. We have shaded tree spots and glamping with a community kitchen and outdoor shower. There is potable water fill up, wifi, and firewood upon request. Its best to show up for sunset (before dark). Plus, on way out you can bypass the 93 highway new road construction by taking crow road west past the iconic old barn and then get back on the 93 going North to Flathead lake or Glacier Nat'l Park.

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Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents212 acres · St Ignatius, MT

We are an operating Farm/Ranch and Horse Facility. We offer not only camping but horsemanship lessons 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!

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(15)

Peaceful Mission Mountain Paradise

1 site · RV10 acres · Ronan, MT

Learn more about this land:Comfortable RV spot with quiet clean spot (no tent camping due to bear activity). Lots of hiking and biking within a mile of the location. Lots of wildlife to view. Be bear aware and no food items can be left outdoors and that includes trash. One hour from Glacier Park and 5 Hours from Yellowstone. 16 miles from beautiful Flathead Lake. Fishing and recreation is in your back yard. National Bison Range close by along with the majestic St. Ignatius Mission. Lots and lots to do and see. A conservation license is required to recreate on the reservation. We have 2 Australian Shepards who love to great everyone. We hope your stay with us is amazing!

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Mission Mountain Escape

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Ronan, MT

Learn more about this land:Nestled next to the rockies, we have 2 full hook up sites for any size RV. There is also space for small campers not needing hookups. The area is secluded yet only 3 miles to restaraunts and stores. There are several bike and hike trails close by. Wildlife is abundant., and a few farm animals as well. We are 2 hours from Glacier National Park and 5 hours from Yellowstone National Park.

Aktobe Ranch

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Kicking Horse, MT

Get away from it all when you stay under the stars. Aktobe means "white peak" in Kazakh. You will stay in the heart of the majestic Mission Mountains with breathtaking views to sit and relax. Located on beautiful Flathead Reservation near-by to historic St. Ignatius Mission, National Bison Range, and stunning Flathead Lake. Recreation available to guests for an additional price. Paddleboards available near-by Flathead Lake, Boat Tour, Guided Fishing Trip.

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Montana Rustic Ranch Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Ronan, MT

Learn more about this land: We are a small privately owned working ranch in the Mission Valley of Montana. We have 2 sites available for tent camping, trailer campers with a 360 degree view of the glorious Mission Mountains. . Come and enjoy the quiet, spacious ranch with cows, horses, pigs and a large vegetable garden where can pick fresh veggies for your meals. We are centrally located to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, Big Fork, National Bison Range, hiking, boating, fishing river rafting, Ninepipes museum, bird watching, star gazing and so much more. Wake up to the amazing sunrises and enjoy the evening watching the glorious sunsets around a cozy campfire.

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The Ponderosa

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Turtle Lake, MT

This property sits on a ridge line that ties into the Mission Mountains. Very close to town but definitely in the wild. Our views span the entire length of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains. A clear day shows the beautiful Glacier Park in the distance.

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Mud Lake RV

2 sites · RVs7 acres · Polson, MT

Bring your RV and escape the hustle and bustle of town. Enjoy waking up to a beautiful mountain view from our 7-acre property. Just off the main highway we are in a quiet area and only a few minutes from downtown Polson and Flathead Lake. We have two RV sites with water & 30/50 amp service. (No Sewer) Gravel parking for your RV, concrete patio, and picnic table. Large field to play or throw a ball for your dog. If you're looking for adventure, there is plenty to do in the area with white water rafting, hiking, boat rentals & Mission Valley Speedway close by. We are approximately 100 miles from Glacier National Park and 25 miles from the National Bison Range. Sewer dumps are at Cenex in Ronan or Polson Bay next to Pizza Hut in Polson.

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Eagles Acres

3 sites · RVs9 acres · Saint Ignatius, MT

We are a regenerative/permaculture family farm situated at the foot of majestic Mission Mountains. We have Scottish Highland cows (hairy hippy cows), pastured pigs and over hundred chickens rotated daily in chicken tractors. Half of our property is pasture, half is serene woods. We have residential bald eagles on our property, hence the name of our farmstead, Eagles Acres. We were a full timing RV family until 2023, so we think we know what camping families want: Nature and solitude. Land where the kids can run around and be kids. We are master naturalists and permaculturists and would love to give you a tour of the farm and talk about how we grow our food.

Turtlehead Farm

3 sites · Tents8 acres · Charlo, MT

Our small farm is located on a Glacial moraine in the Montana Mission Valley. The property borders a waterfowl production area with access to hiking trails, wildlife, waterfowl, and beautiful scenery. On our farm we raise sheep, KuneKune pigs, heritage turkeys, peacocks, and free range chickens. Let us know if you'd like a tour.

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Flathead Lake Hillside Escape

1 site · RV6 acres · Polson, MT

We have 5.5 acres of Parradise overlooking Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains which is part of the Rocky Mountain Range. Our driveway is a little steep so we recommend putting your vehicle in 4 WD low. Also out of respect for our neighbors we would appreciate not driving over 15 mph once the road turns to gravel. You will wake up to amazing sunsets and watch the deer, eagles, hawks and our local fox sometimes hunting for food. The National Bison Range is about 40 minutes south of us. Glacier National Park is about 90 miles away. Boating and white water rafting is in town as is renting a boat or kayaking or swimming. There is also a great brewery in town called Glacier Brewing among bars and restaurants.

The best camping near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge guide

Overview

About

Camping near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, an exceptional wetland complex in Montana, is an experience rich with remarkable sights and sounds. The refuge spans over a 1,770-acre reservoir and includes more than 800 glacial potholes, making it a haven for waterfowl and shorebirds. Here, a vast range of wildlife thrives thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. As a testament to this, around 200 bird species grace the skies above the refuge. Ease of access is a highlight of the Ninepipe refuge. An access road and a barrier-free paved trail lead you to a jointly managed viewing area located just off US Highway 93, on the eastern side of the reservoir. From there, campers can observe the thriving birdlife in their natural habitat. On the west side of the refuge, the road presents another opportunity: the chance to observe nesting great blue herons and double-crested cormorants. Travel along SR 212 on the refuge's north shore for 2 miles and you'll find a dike entrance. Here, you can spot ducks, grebes, and even short-eared owls. For an equally intriguing experience, Duck Road provides a 2-mile route offering views of the unique pothole ponds. Amid the symphony of bird calls and the rustling of the prairie grass, camping near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is sure to thrill all campers who seek the tranquility of nature.

When to go

The best time to visit Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is from July 15 to the start of the waterfowl season, when the entire refuge is open for exploration. Winter offers a unique charm with opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. However, access is limited during the breeding season from March 1 to July 14 and during the waterfowl season for wildlife protection.

Know before you go

Be mindful of seasonal access restrictions to protect nesting birds and other wildlife.
Check for special closures due to events like low water or fire danger before your visit.
Walking and wading are the primary means of exploring the refuge; off-road vehicles are not permitted.
Pets must be leashed and controlled at all times within the refuge.
Remember that Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, with no public use permitted at night.