The best camping near Fort Owen State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fort Owen State Park adventure.

Discover Montana's historic gem, Fort Owen State Park.

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Community favorites near Fort Owen State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Owen State Park

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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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(102)

Creekside getaway

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents81 acres · Victor, MT

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!

90%

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God's Country Camping

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Lolo, MT

This property is so beautiful and peaceful no lights out here at night, just moonlight when it's out. Spring fed pond, Ponderosa pine trees, fallen white birch, rustic and gorgeous. Some of my camp spots are on rough terrain. I always suggest you get out and walk around to see what you can manage with your vehicle. The idea of my place is more wilderness camping, there is wildlife that comes around. RV camp spots on the east and west end of the pond. Camp spot out by the wooden round pen on the west side. Learn more about this land: Completely private, borders 2000 acres of a bird sanctuary. Two blocks from Bitterroot river canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swim, trails, hiking, scenery, wildlife. Spring fed pond on property for fishing, swimming and adventures. My pond is spring fed, which means that is goes up and down with the seasons and run off from the snow in the mountains. So as the summer goes on the pond levels go way down, please be aware of that.

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Bitterroot Panorama

1 site · RV20 acres · Stevensville, MT

**Have friends or family that want to tag along? I have added an extra to allow for extra campers at the same site. See the extras section for details.** Resting in the foothills of the sapphire mountains, just outside the town of Stevensville Montana, this beautiful 20 acre property is conveniently located halfway between Hamilton and Missoula; it is also a good midway point between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. The outdoor activities are endless. Biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, trail riding, snow skiing and more are all within reach. Deer, turkey, osprey, killdeer, nighthawks, and eagles frequent the property as well as the occasional elk herd; and the Lee Metcalf wildlife refuge is about 15 minutes away. The property sits about 400’ above the valley floor; giving spectacular panoramic views of the bitterroot valley and mountains, as well as incredible sunsets. The paved road ends about 1 mile before the property, the remaining mile is a gravel road. There is also a one lane bridge right before you get to the property. Firewood is available for use at no charge. Sewer hookup has not been run to the site yet but if you have a portable tank, or want to pull the camper over to the house, it can be dumped as needed beside the garage; just ask and I can show you where the pipe is. There is a nema 14-50 hookup providing 50 amp power at the site; if needed I do have a 50 to 30 amp adapter you can borrow during your stay. Water hookup is also available at the site, but may be limited in freezing weather. If temperatures are to cold we can turn on the water to fill your tank as needed and then blow the line back out. If you need to borrow a potable water hose let me know as i keep those in the garage unless needed. There is a non-potable water hose that is available at the site, with a spray nozzle, incase you need to rinse or wash off gear, vehicles, etc. SpaceX Starlink high speed internet is available via WiFi. You can also charge your electric vehicle, if needed, with the power at the campsite or I have another nema 14-50 plug available at the garage of the main house. Be sure to let me know if you will need the plug at the garage so I can make sure it is accessible. If you have other questions feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer them. ****The first 10 photos were posted by me and are taken from the actual hipcamp spot. Photos posted by guests may be from the spot or surrounding areas****

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Full Bushel Farm

3 sites · RVs3 acres · Stevensville, MT

Full Bushel Farm is a sustainable farm specializing in cut flowers, herbs, edible flowers, and natural body & home care products. Located at the end of the road, just a few blocks off Eastside Highway, and only 3 miles from downtown Stevensville, this is a sweet spot with views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Farmstand with produce, eggs, fresh milk & cheeses, flowers, and herbs - all when seasonally available. Surrounded by the irrigation ditch and a private road for biking or walking on after dinner.

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Blue Mountain BaseCamp

1 site · RV1 acre · Missoula, MT

Nestled at the base of the majestic Blue Mountain, our property offers a great opportunity to camp with just a brief 0.23-mile stroll to the trailhead, granting easy access to trails awaiting your exploration. Trailside Convenience: The convenience of having a trailhead within reach, complete with a pit toilet. Our site: Camping within city limits of Missoula is limited to the KOA. Our site is perfect for those wanting a convenient place to camp with plans to head out to the trails or to Missoula. Our home is nestled on one acre with Ponderosa pine trees, Aspen, and Birch. We are located in a neighborhood and we have two kids and two friendly dogs. There is a photo of how close our site is to our house letting you know that when the Aspen trees have no leaves, the site is not as private as when they do. Perfect Balance: Located just 1.5 miles beyond Missoula city limits, our site strikes the perfect balance between access to nature and the city. Start your day with a refreshing hike, revel in the natural beauty, and then seamlessly transition into town for the city's offerings, all within easy reach. Whether you seek a quiet morning walk along scenic trails or desire the vibrancy of city life, our property serves as the ideal base for your Blue Mountain adventure. Experience the best of both worlds at Blue Mountain BaseCamp !

Booked 1 time

Dome on the Water

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Victor, MT

The property features a beautiful private swimming hole on a creek that winds around the dome on 3 sides, perfect for floating on an inner tube or enjoying the many beaches. A bridge leads to a private island that is surrounded by the creek most of the year. Your accommodation is an off-grid, solar-powered Geodesic Dome, equipped with insulation, heating, and air conditioning. It's located in a beautiful patch of the property, on the edge of the creek and includes a toilet and sink, as well as two queen beds for a comfortable stay. There is also a large 33-foot diameter elevated round deck with a table for 12 and a barbecue, situated next to an unground natural stone pool, which you have full use of.

Booked 2 times

Edge Of Missoula, Rattlesnake Creek

1 site · RV1 acre · Missoula, MT

Welcome to our no-frills, convenient stopover spot on the edge of Missoula! Situated just a mile from town, our property offers a quiet and scenic retreat for travelers passing through or exploring the area. While parked on our driveway pad, you'll enjoy peace and tranquility, with the soothing sounds of Rattlesnake Creek nearby. Although the creek isn't visible from your parking spot, you're welcome to take a short walk around the house to fully experience its beauty. For those looking to stretch their legs and explore, the Rattlesnake Valley offers excellent walking opportunities just moments away. Take in the picturesque surroundings and unwind in nature's embrace. Our property spans half an acre, providing ample space for you to relax and recharge during your journey. Whether you're passing through Missoula or planning to stay awhile, our convenient location and serene setting make it the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate. Thank you for considering our property for your stay. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring your visit is comfortable and enjoyable!

Saved 1 time

Five Valleys Farm

1 site · RV10 acres · Stevensville, MT

We have 10 acres surrounded by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain ranges! A quick 5 minute drive from the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Reserve and easy access to the Bitterroot River. On our property we have a honeycrisp apple orchard, grow organic vegetables, cut flowers, and alfalfa, and we raise heritage pigs! We look forward to sharing our piece of paradise with you.

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Little Bit Farm

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Stevensville, MT

Location, location, location! Little Bit Farm is a boutique working farm just two miles outside the town of Stevensville, "Where Montana Began." Stevensville is recognized as the first permanent settlement of non-indigenous peoples in Montana. It's a charming town brimming with businesses that would intrigue and entertain all travelers. Little Bit Farm is also within a mile's drive from the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge where one can walk or bike to see wildfowl and (if you're lucky!) porcupines before settling into your campsite which sits atop a little treed knoll. See the chickens, turkeys, horses, and sheep right from your camper. This property offers a running stream in the summer months and a wonderfully unobstructed view of the Bitterroot Mountains. Fresh free-range eggs are delivered to your door each morning (if desired). Animal meet-n-greet also available per request. This site hosts one camper at a time so you'll have a one-of-a-kind experience for your stay!

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Secluded "Ranchette" @ Waylon's Way

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Clinton, MT

On a case-by-case basis, I can pasture your horses. Currently, I only have grass available for them as I don't have a corral yet. Additionally, I can rent out my 15' camper to you on a case-by-case basis. Please feel free to contact me to discuss these options further. My property is located on 10 acres and has only one visible neighbor. It is situated on the edge of the Lolo National Forest and accessed through a private road. There is a creek running through the property, which is home to little native cuthroat trout and is suitable for fishing CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY! The location of the property is fantastic, with the Clark Fork River and numerous other high-quality fishing spots like Rock Creek just minutes away. Moreover, the Kettlehouse Amphitheater, known for its impressive lineup, is only 7.5 miles away via a frontage road. It is a convenient 22-minute drive from downtown Missoula, although staying here offers its own unique charm and appeal. We are dog-friendly and offer full hook-ups for your convenience.

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Mountain Majik

2 sites · RVs30 acres · Corvallis, MT

Picture an idyllic setting, meadows dotted with horses and wildlife, encircled with breathtaking views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain ranges. Horses from our breeding program are now in 8 different countries. But more importantly are the lives that have been touched in positive ways from this beautiful land and what it has produced. We share our home with horses, deer, elk, and birds of many kind. From the majestic bald eagles to the flashy Chinese pheasant. Nature is vibrant and alive. Peace and magnificent beauty abounds...and we want to share that with you. Learn more about this land: Experience the magic of Montana and the Bitterroot Valley - a feast for your senses! Wake up to the sound of the birds singing and the gurgling of a small stream right outside your door. Smell the intoxicatingly fresh mountain air. Watch the dazzling palette of colors as the sun disappears behind the Rocky Mountain peaks. Feel the soft coat of a baby horse raised here on the ranch. Educational ranch tours of Majik Arabians are available. Nearby you can float the Bitterroot River, fish Blue-Ribbon trout streams, hike, bike, or ride horses on the many mountain trails. Have your own horse with you? There is a place for your companion, too! To top it off there are natural hot springs nearby to soak in after a fun and adventurous day. Enjoy the local flavor of multiple breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Plan enough days to bask in the beauty of Bitterroot Valley! If your planning on staying during the school months, anywhere between the end of August to the end of April, us this code for 10% off Code: XSTHVZJT

The best camping near Fort Owen State Park guide

Overview

About

Make the most of your vacation with a Fort Owen State Park camping expedition, a place with a unique story, rich in history and brimming with traces of ancient glaciers. The very cradle of Montana's beginnings, Fort Owen State Park is a testament to the state's many 'firsts', where a myriad of groundbreaking milestones came to life.

Within its modest 1.9-acre stretch, elevated at 3,398 feet, it was here where Montana's earliest Catholic Church took root, thanks to Father DeSmet's efforts in 1841. This is also where the initial white settlers decided to make a home, making this location a testament to the inception of Montana's multicultural legacy.

It's not just about the ancient history; this park holds a deeper geological story. During the Ice Age floods, the entire area was engulfed by Glacial Lake Missoula, adding another layer to its rich narrative. As you venture forth on your camping trip, take a moment to picture the powerful forces of nature that once molded the very ground beneath your feet.

Walking through the park, campers will find themselves surrounded by a range of remarkable attractions. Montana's first sawmill, grist mill, agricultural development, water right, and settlers' school are all accounted for in this vibrant historic hub. These echoes of the past offer an immersive journey through time.

This isn't just about sightseeing; it's a chance for campers to learn. There are numerous interpretive signs and exhibits to explore. The east barracks, restored and filled with period furnishings and artifacts, tell the tale of Major John Owen, who arrived in 1850, established the fort, and became a prominent figure in local trade.

So, if you're looking to delve into a narrative older than time, consider camping near Fort Owen State Park. It's not just about setting up a tent under the stars, it's about embracing the history, culture, and heritage that will undoubtedly enrich your camping experience. Come and discover the roots of Montana, as you create your own unique camping story.

When to go

The best time to visit Fort Owen State Park is between March 1 and October 31, when the park is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Winter months see the park closed, making spring through fall the ideal seasons to enjoy the park's historical treasures and outdoor activities.

Know before you go

Check for periodic closures due to preservation work, especially in spring and early summer.
Facilities include ADA accessible features, interpretive displays, and vault toilets.
Pets are welcome, but ensure they are on a leash and under control.
Remember to pack in and pack out, keeping the park pristine for all visitors.
Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.