The best camping in Montana

·

Few places in the Lower 48 feel more wild and remote than Montana. This northwestern state on the border with Canada is home to both Glacier National Park and a section of Yellowstone National Park along with a wide range of state parks and recreation areas, friendly cities, spooky ghost towns, and more than its fair share of hot springs. While most visitors comein summer—when weather is pleasant enough for camping and hiking—the Treasure State offers unique experiences in every season, with fantastic winter skiing opportunities, spring wildflowers, and gorgeous fall colors.

95% (11.4K) 9,417 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Montana

Duck Lake Lodge & Campground

1. Duck Lake Lodge & Campground

92%
(470)
Babb, MT · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Duck Lake Lodge Campground is a family friendly and down to earth outdoorsman's lodge and property located just outside of Babb. Mt in the heart of North America's Backbone, Glacier National Park. Our location is surrounded by woods in a safe, cozy rustic and serene environment, just minutes from the park, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation rich with history and amazing culture. Our camping spots have wooded surroundings, secure bathrooms, showers-$5, coin laundry for and campers, trash facilities. Sites are nestled in the trees with picnic tables, campfire rings at each Tent site location. Pop up tents, camp vans, Rooftop tent should reserve an Electric Avenue Spot We have Electric Sites available for Car, Campvan, Rooftop tents, tents We recommend surge protectors. Our main lodge features a Breakfast Cafe Tuesday thru Saturday 7a-10a Wife access is available at the main lodge. We strive to maintain a quiet, safe and family friendly area, pets are welcome as well. You can also access a community bonfire area on the main lawn, as well as a pond area with numerous waterfowl. The lodge is open 7a-11a and 5p-8p Tuesday thru Saturday. On site staff may be reached thru Hipcamp messaging. Rich with wildlife you can see deer, moose, ducks, beavers, various bird species, as well as hummingbirds that are here to welcome you. Even the occasional bear or moose sighting. The sunset and sunrises are breathtaking. We invite you to come and explore Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It's a real home away from home Glacier Base Camp. The property is privately owned, and management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and will not be responsible for accidents or injury to guest or for loss of money, jewelry or valuables of any kind. We are in bear and wildlife country. Be aware, store food items away from tents, keep sites free from debris. Extinguish camp fires when not in use. Enjoy the beauty around us and all the areas of Glacier National Park. Thank you for camping with us. We love sharing our home with you!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
❤️ Glacier Park HipCamp 🏕️

2. ❤️ Glacier Park HipCamp 🏕️

99%
(1726)
Coram, MT · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
WELCOME TO GLACIER HIPCAMP 🌲 Enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful meadows near our home. Our 40-acre property features forested trails, a large pond, two smaller ponds, a creek, and frequent wildlife sightings—all under spectacular starlit skies. We offer a unique "Coolcation" experience as a peaceful alternative to crowded RV parks, located just 6 miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park! CHOOSING YOUR SITE ⛺ Please let us know if you have multiple tents or vehicles so we can recommend the best spot. 💧 DRY CAMPING: No hookups provided. What hydrants are available throughout campground. 🚛 LARGE RIGS: Sites 1–6 are best for larger vehicles. These are in an open, flat meadow with views of the pond. ⛺ SECLUDED TENTS: We recommend the "Back Meadow" (Sites 7–20) for more privacy, especially in July. 📏 LIMITS: Sites 7–20 accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 26 feet total length. 🚻 AMENITIES: All sites are back-in (except 13 and 17, which are pull-through) offer partial shade, and have access to clean vault toilets. GOOD TO KNOW 📢 Due to our proximity to the National Park and the main highway, some traffic and train noise may be heard. To keep our environment pleasant and reduce dust on Greens Road, please keep driving speeds to a minimum. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & ESSENTIALS 📍 We are a short bike ride (2 mins by car) from the Whiskey Barn, Paul Bunyan Bar & Grill, Glacier Hi-Line Ropes Course, and the Amazing Fun Center. 🚲 BIKING: Easy access to the Gateway to Glacier Bike Path; E-bike rentals across the street. ⛽ GAS: Cenex in Coram (1.5 mi). 🛒 GROCERIES/LAUNDRY: Canyon Foods in Hungry Horse (3.5 mi). 🏥 SERVICES: Columbia Falls (9 mi) for large stores, cafes, and urgent care. 🚛 RV DUMP/WATER: Free landfill dump 2.2 mi away (9626 US Hwy 2 E). Full RV dump/water fill at Mike’s Conoco in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi). SAM & MOLLY’S MERCANTILE 🪵 Located by our house in the middle of the property! We sell solar showers, sunscreen, bug spray, firewood, coffee, cream soda, and card games. EXPLORE THE GROUNDS 🎥 Watch our video tour to see the kid-friendly "Sand Pit" and our "Glamp Pod": https://youtu.be/EYYuGGWRtag
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jammin Jackalope Camping

3. Jammin Jackalope Camping

99%
(555)
Livingston, MT · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Jammin Jackalope Camping, nestled in the heart of nature! Whether you prefer tent camping, van or truck camping, or staying in cabins or tipis, we have the perfect accommodation for your outdoor adventure. Located in a picturesque setting, our property boasts a small intermittant creek that meanders through the land, creating a serene atmosphere. With half of the property covered in an enchanting forest, you'll feel connected to the natural beauty that surrounds you. For music lovers, Pine Creek Lodge, a renowned music venue, sits adjacent to our property. Enjoy the lively tunes from the lodge while relishing in the tranquil ambiance of our camping grounds. While campfires are not permitted, you can still enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends, as our property is pet-friendly. Additionally, we provide potable water, flush toilets, and sweet showers. One vehicle is included in your nightly rate. Additional vehicles and boat parking are $20 each and can be added online as an "extra guest" or paid on arrival. We are conveniently situated 45 miles from the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park and 12 miles from the quaint town of Livingston. If you're craving a city escape, the vibrant town of Bozeman is just 40 minutes away, offering a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Embrace the call of the wild as you hike, fish, and commune with nature. The opportunities to connect with the great outdoors are endless, making your stay with us an unforgettable experience. Book your stay now and embark on a remarkable adventure in the heart of nature!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Lolo National Forest

4. Lolo National Forest

92%
(12)
National forest in Montana · 395 sites
You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Flathead National Forest

5. Flathead National Forest

79%
(26)
National forest in Montana · 300 sites
The Flathead National Forest is all about its geography. It lies in the heart of the Rockies, just west of the continental divide, and a pinch south of the Canadian Border. With geography like this, landscape magic is bound to occur, and it does. With over 2.4 million acres, the Flathead features three wilderness areas, impressive ski areas, commanding wild ranges, meandering streams, and raging rivers (this list could go on). Spend your days hiking, rafting, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and fishing. At night shack up in a Forest Service cabin or pitch a tent beneath the northern lights. Get the fire roaring, raise your bottle, and make a toast to the Flathead and her geographic magic!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North

6. Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North

Gardiner, MT · 71 sites · RVs, Lodging
Discover the unique charm of Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North, formerly known as Rocky Mountain RV Park, where breathtaking views and proximity to Yellowstone National Park create an unforgettable experience. Nestled just a quarter-mile from the park entrance, this campground is surrounded by majestic mountains and overlooks stunning canyons, offering guests unparalleled scenery. At Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North, adventure awaits just minutes from your doorstep. Explore the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, where you can witness the beauty of nature firsthand. Enjoy fishing in nearby streams, hiking scenic trails, and marveling at iconic sites like Tower Falls. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including buffalo and wolves, as they roam freely in their natural habitat. Embrace the beauty and excitement of Montana during your next vacation. With a variety of activities and attractions nearby, Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North is the perfect destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss out on this incredible getaway—reserve your spot today!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Primrose Meadows

7. Primrose Meadows

95%
(1553)
Missoula, MT · 20 sites
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 300 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 its 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Glacier getaway 2.0

8. Glacier getaway 2.0

98%
(220)
Babb, MT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled on the shores of Ducklake this 2 acre parcel is an ideal location to kick back , enjoy and explore the eastern side of Glacier park. We are 20 mins from the park gates, 20 mins from Many Glacier and about 40 mins to Waterton park. The gradual sloping beach is perfect for all kinds of water sports and recreation. Many grassed areas or shady treed sites and the sites on the beach with breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and most amazing stars at night. Ducklake is well known for its trophy rainbow trout as well. We have 4 kayaks, a canoe, paddle boat, little fishing boat with electric motor, an assortment of rods and lures, propane BBQ, solo smokeless campfire pits ( firewood can be purchased on site) and propane fire pits. All for guest to enjoy and use on a first come first serve basis.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Creekside getaway

9. Creekside getaway

99%
(242)
Victor, MT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Stunning creekside campsites, glamping on a working ranch with views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, and stunning star gazing. Historic homeland of the Salish (Flathead) tribe. Eighty acres featuring an old apple orchard, boulders, two creeks, and open areas for hiking, birding, stargazing, and wildlife watching. Bathroom provided next to RV site. Potable water at nearby well head and table provided. Numerous hiking and farm experiences are nearby. Some of the property could have cows grazing, depending on the time of the year. We also have wildlife come through including deer, elk and eagles. This mostly applies to the RV spot we have. Pets are welcome, so bering them along! You are also allowed to have campfires so snuggle up with your favorites by the warm glow at night!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Glacier National Park

10. Glacier National Park

97%
(338)
National park in Montana · 809 sites
With over 700 miles of trails to explore, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s dream.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Custer Gallatin National Forest

11. Custer Gallatin National Forest

84%
(59)
National forest in Montana · 936 sites
Find wilderness camping near Yellowstone National Park and beyond.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

12. Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

73%
(11)
National forest in Montana · 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
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

13. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

94%
(8)
National park in Wyoming · 185 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Bighorn Canyon's vast landscapes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
North American RV & Yurt Village

14. North American RV & Yurt Village

95%
(112)
MT · 19 sites · RVs, Lodging
Family owned and operated. Located Only 5 Minutes from Glacier National Park! 108 Full Hookup RV Sites 4 Yurts, 5 Camping Cabins - Restroom, Shower &; Laundry Facilities. 24 Hour Access to our guest lounge which features satellite television, comfy couches, book exchange, Microwave, Toaster, Coffee, Shuffleboard and Pool table. Onsite Arcade, Playground, Dog Park, Walking Trail, Wi-Fi
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Lost Paddle and Pole

15. Lost Paddle and Pole

99%
(69)
Columbia Falls, MT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Lost Paddle and Pole is conveniently located between Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Lost Paddle and Pole is great for a quick night while passing through, or as a base camp while exploring Glacier Park, Whitefish, and the north end of Flathead County. There is some highway noise, but it usually isn't too bothersome. Please contact us to check on pet status, trailers, or other questions. Thanks, Don and Bree
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground

16. American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground

Zortman, MT · 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
Stillwater Getaway

17. Stillwater Getaway

94%
(27)
Olney, MT · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Family and pet friendly lakeside cabins, wall tents, and campsites. Come enjoy a true Montana experience at Stillwater Getaway, located 15 miles North of Whitefish on Lower Stillwater Lake bring your paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake. There is a bath house with showers and toilets and outhouses around the property as well. We have a shared Mess Hall with a full kitchen with a BBQ grill, coffee, and WiFi.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Outback Montana RV Park & Campground

18. Outback Montana RV Park & Campground

91%
(68)
Bigfork, MT · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
WELCOME TO OUTBACK MONTANA RV PARK! Nestled between Woods Bay and Downtown Bigfork, Outback Montana RV Park is in a prime location for you to explore the BEAUTY that is Flathead Lake and Montana’s most spectacular national forests. Our campsite is unique in that it is heavily forested, shaded, and outdoorsy. We’re not one of those paved glorified parking lots. Outback is an authentic camping experience. We provide everything from 50/amp pull-thru with full water and septic, to grassroots campsites where you can sit back and enjoy the stars. A stone's throw from Flathead Lake, our park is a short distance to several boat launches, and minutes from restaurants and activities ON THE WATER! Come and enjoy Montana with us, we offer exceptional service and our staff is here to help with every aspect of your vacation in paradise! OUR STORY Established in 1976, Outback has a rich history within the Bigfork community. Home to many craftsmen, artists, ranchers, and entrepreneurs. Bigfork was originally a frontier town, and has grown into what some refer to as “The Jewel of the Flathead Valley”. Minutes away, Outback has been a vital support system for the community for over 45 years, housing guests and locals year-round. Outback is proud to support our travelers from abroad, and introduce them to all of the colorful events and festivities that make Bigfork such a wonderful destination! Learn more about local events here. With so many opportunities, and resources yet untapped, we are always upgrading and growing. Learning new things, and new ways to create and support experiences within this beautiful space. Join us! We are so happy to meet you along the way. OUTBACK & BEYOND Outback is proud to support our travelers from abroad, and introduce them to all of the colorful events and festivities that make Bigfork such a wonderful destination! From Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, boating on Flathead Lake, to running the Spartan Race, or braving the rapids in our Annual Category 4 Whitewater Festival! Outback is your base camp for mission MONTANA THINGS TO DO: •FLATHEAD LAKE Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. Recreation on and around the lake includes sailing, power boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. In the summer, roadside stands along the east shore offer a variety of locally grown cherries, apples, plums, and other fruits. •GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Explore Glacier National Park and discover what awaits you. •FLY FISHING The Flathead River system of northwestern Montana offers memorable fishing opportunities. From sites of easy access to that remote wilderness, the Flathead waters can provide diverse fishing experiences. Three main branches, the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork, eventually come together to form the main stem of the Flathead River that flows into the 28-mile-long Flathead lake. Access to the three forks and the main Flathead is readily available in places, but to effectively fish the best of the Flathead, floating is suggested. The hardest thing about fly fishing in this part of northwestern Montana is keeping your eye on your fly and not the spectacular scenery. •BIGFORK SUMMER PLAYHOUSE The Bigfork Summer Playhouse was founded in 1960 by Dr. Firman ‘Bo’ Brown and his wife Margery Hunter Brown as a place for University of Montana theatre students to perform in the summer. In the early days of the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, the company ate group meals, rehearsed, and lived in the same place. There were no facilities to build scenery, nor extra storage of any kind. As a matter of fact, the building didn’t even belong to the Bigfork Summer Playhouse — it was a Community Hall owned by the Masons and the Eastern Star and seated approximately 200 people. The summer group would rent the facility and bring in the stage, risers, and seats for the audience. We’re pleased to say that now the playhouse is a 435-seat air-conditioned theater with great fly space, a spacious lobby that contains a concession area, and wonderfully comfortable continental-style seating for hundreds of guests. Numerous spaces off-site to accommodate production needs including a dormitory facility for the actors; living quarters for the directors, technicians, and musicians; costume shop; scene shop; and rehearsal space. •SPARTAN RACE Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. They are held in the US and have been franchised to 30 countries including Canada, South Korea, Australia, and several European countries. The series includes the Spartan Sprint, the Spartan Super, the Spartan Beast, and the Spartan Ultra. •WHITEWATER FESTIVAL The Bigfork Whitewater Festival is celebrating 46 years of extreme whitewater action and community-oriented fun! This is the longest-running event in Bigfork and is one that the entire Flathead Valley looks forward to each year. Participants come from around the world to race. Spectators are also a huge part of this festival and come to enjoy the races and other events held in town. •BIGFORK FESTIVAL OF ARTS It was in May of 1978 when the idea of a Bigfork Festival of the Arts was first proposed. As so often happens in Bigfork, it started with a conversation on Electric Ave. between members of the community. The first festival was held on the first weekend in August of 1978. It was a resounding success despite the committee’s inexperience. The feedback from the community was very positive and the group agreed that it should become an annual event. Over the years, the festival has grown steadily to its current size. In 2019, there were more than 140 booths representing a wide variety of arts and crafts by nationally and internationally recognized artists and craftsmen. Festival attendance is estimated to be more than 6,000. •4TH OF JULY PARADE Bigfork knows how to throw a party. And when it’s our country’s birthday, Bigfork really knows how to celebrate. The centerpiece of the celebration is the annual parade through Bigfork which begins at noon. Bring your whole family to view our great parade to celebrate the birth of our country. The 4th of July Parade in Bigfork has been voted “Best Parade in the Flathead” year after year.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
VanGoBoon Campground

19. VanGoBoon Campground

83%
(866)
Bozeman, MT · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
BEFORE MAKING A RESERVATION IN MAY: The main bathroom/shower is not available until the first of June. There is porta potty on property however. PLEASE NOTE: VanGoBoon is a campground, not a RV Park! Much like a NFS campsites but close to town, with easy access off Hwy 90. There's water on the property available in several areas of the campground. Some sites have water at the site. Otherwise we are considered a "dry" campground. Welcome to our campground! We are a "Roadside" Campground that offers the convince of easy on/off access to Hwy 90 and the close proximity to Bozeman. We are adjacent to Hwy 90 and the Montana Rail System. We have a variety of options that should suit just about anyone. We are near Yellowstone National Park as well as Bozeman, MT which offers all types of recreational opportunities e.g. hiking, fishing, climbing, skiing, cycling and running trails. VanGoBoon is the perfect "Pull-in for the Night" as well as week-long stays! Most of our sites are SELF-CONTAINED. We have 4 sites that have electric and water hookups. (20,30,50amp) The lawn area has horseshoes, frisbee golf, and corn toss. We mostly offer dry campsites for overnight stays for vans, tents or RVs . Most sites are on concrete slabs so they are level and the property has grass areas with trees as well. FYI: Great site if you like trains! An important part of Montana’s commerce is transportation by rail so there will be highway and train noise. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to have noise-cancelation devices handy. Private spots between trees but near freeway for easy access. Our 2 horses have been a favorite with young campers along with the open yet private campsites! We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Montana Basecamp near Yellowstone

20. Montana Basecamp near Yellowstone

96%
(70)
Pray, MT · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land: Welcome to your serene retreat in Emigrant, Montana, nestled alongside the picturesque Yellowstone River. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature while enjoying modern comforts at our charming property. Perched beside the Yellowstone River, our site offers breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Step outside and embark on a canoeing adventure right on our private pond, surrounded by lush greenery and the grandeur of the Montana landscape. Whether you're an avid angler, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking solace, the Yellowstone River provides an idyllic backdrop for your escape. Convenience meets rustic charm as our property boasts proximity to local gems. Just a stone's throw away, the renowned Chico Hot Springs invites you to unwind in its soothing mineral waters, providing the perfect après-canoe experience. For a taste of history and local flavor, the Old Saloon is your go-to spot, where you can savor hearty meals and live entertainment. Craving variety? Explore the plethora of eateries dotting the area, each offering a unique culinary experience that caters to every palate. As the day winds down, gather around with your family & friends and exchange stories under the starlit Montana sky. The tranquility of the river, the charm of the property, and the convenience of the location make our Emigrant haven an ideal choice for your Montana getaway. Book your stay today and experience the magic of the Yellowstone River from the comfort of your own private retreat. Your adventure begins here.
Pets
Toilets
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Montana camping guide

Where to go

Glacier Country

Northwestern Montana's Glacier Country is characterized by massive forests, craggy peaks, and long expanses of wilderness, with plenty of wildlife to boot. It's also home to Glacier National Park, where you'll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails along with tons of developed and backcountry camping options.

Southwest Montana

In the heart of Montana's Big Sky country, just west of Yellowstone National Park, this region is characterized by cute towns (notably Butte and Helena), historic ghost towns (a remnant of the region's historic mining industry), and relaxing hot springs. Popular camping areas include Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park and Bannack State Park.

Yellowstone Country

If you're headed to Yellowstone Country, it's likely with a visit to Yellowstone National Park in mind, but there's plenty more to do in the region, from hiking the Lake Fork Trail to checking out the restaurant and brewery scene in Bozeman. Yellowstone itself is, of course, a must-visit, but if you can’t find camping in the massive—and ever so popular—national park, you may have better luck snagging something in Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Central Montana

Central Montana offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoor recreation, rain or shine. Summer activities include fishing, horseback riding, and camping, while spots such as Showdown Mountain, Teton Pass Ski Resort, and Bear Paw Ski Bowl offer skiing and snowboarding. The region also has plenty of state parks, including Sluice Boxes State Park, Giant Springs State Park, and First Peoples Buffalo State Park.

Eastern Montana

Vast and expansive, eastern Montana features sparse landscapes dotted with the occasional herd of cattle, and plenty of room to get out and explore. You can take in views of the Badlands from Makoshika State Park or the Badlands Wilderness Study Area, or camp under the open sky in the expansive Custer National Forest. If you'd like to get out on the water, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is the place to go, with boat rentals available.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not all camping in Montana is free, you can find free camping options in Montana's national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Dispersed camping is allowed in these areas, but amenities are usually not available, so be prepared for primitive camping experiences. Some popular national forests in Montana include Lewis and Clark National Forest, Lolo National Forest, and Gallatin National Forest.

When camping in Montana, it's essential to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and outdoor activities. Here are some must-haves for your Montana camping adventure:

  1. Tent and sleeping gear: A sturdy, weather-resistant tent, sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures, and a sleeping pad or air mattress for comfort.
  2. Clothing: Dress in layers, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers. Don't forget hats, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots.
  3. Backpack: A comfortable and spacious backpack to carry your essentials during hikes and outdoor activities.
  4. Navigation tools: A map, compass, or GPS device to navigate Montana's vast wilderness areas.
  5. Food and water: Bring enough food and water for your trip, plus extra in case of emergencies. A portable water filter or purifier can be helpful for longer trips.
  6. Cooking gear: A portable stove, fuel, cookware, and utensils for preparing meals at your campsite.
  7. First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit for treating minor injuries and ailments.
  8. Bear safety: Montana is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Bring bear-resistant food containers, bear spray, and follow proper food storage and bear safety guidelines.
  9. Insect protection: Bug spray and possibly a bug net or screen for your tent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
  10. Lighting: Headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns for navigating and setting up camp in the dark.
  11. Emergency gear: A whistle, multi-tool, fire starter, and extra batteries for your electronic devices.
  12. Camera or binoculars: Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Montana with a camera or enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting with binoculars.

Remember to check the specific requirements and regulations for the area where you'll be camping, as different parks and campgrounds may have additional rules or recommendations.

Yes, wild camping is legal in Montana. Dispersed or primitive camping is allowed in national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and some state lands. Some popular areas for wild camping in Montana include Missoula, West Yellowstone, and Roundup. Always follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams, and check for any local regulations or restrictions before setting up camp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top state and regional parks in Montana