The best camping near Painted Rocks State Park

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

Head here for forested lakeside camping in the Bitterroot Mountains.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Painted Rocks State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Painted Rocks State Park

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South Valley RV Sites - Riverfront

4 sites · RVs2 acres · Darby, MT

Located on the Bitterroot River in Darby, Montana. Step out of your RV and into the river! Spend the day fishing right from the property. Easy kayak launch from the property. The boat launch is a half mile away. The town of Darby is a mile from the property. Beautiful river views and views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains. Watch the river and wildlife, relax, adventure, and enjoy! Steps from the Yellowstone Dutton ranch from the television show Yellowstone. Full hookups, including 50 amp power, water, and septic.

Camp Sula

9 sites · RVs10 acres · Sula, MT

Welcome to the Historic Camp Sula! Camp Sula has been around for over 100 years and sits right near the Bitterroot River on the East Fork. Our location is just minutes from the Big Hole Battleground, Lewis and Clark Trail, Ross Hole, the Medicine Tree, and the famous Dutton Ranch, where the hit television series Yellowstone is filmed. Camp Sula is also located 12 miles north of Lost Trail Ski Resort, where we offer ski and stay packages. The area offers great fishing access, hiking trails, and the beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers around our property. The campground also offers for our guests a mini golf course, playground, fish-feeding-only pond, and so much more.

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The Meadow

5 sites · Lodging3 acres · Carmen, ID

Welcome to the Weaver's Meadow. We have lived on this property for the past 31 years and it is the very spot where a blind date led to an engagement which let to a beautiful love story and 3 wonderful children. Now, we hope you too can come and enjoy the utterly breathtaking beauty of our secluded, creekside paradise. Nestled among the aspen trees you will find a one room cabin complete with bed, table and chairs, wood cookstove and all the amenities you will need to truly relax with the comfort of a cozy cabin to forget the outside world.

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Old Barn Studios and RV Sites

2 sites · Lodging, RVs20 acres · Hamilton, MT

Old Barn Studios is located on 20 acres of mixed pasture, woods and riparian area. It includes a trout pond big enough to float kayaks on. The actual stay is in a rv which has three tip out, open air, queen beds ( so much like a tent,) the RV has a full bath and kitchenette. Most of the living space is outside. There is a picnic table and fire pit. The Old Barn is home to a range of farm animals — sheep, goats, llama, chickens,dog,cats . It also offers two craft studios where classes are sometimes held in spinning, weaving, felting and other craft arts. The owner lives on site and welcomes new visitors personally.

SRAC Base Camp

4 sites · Lodging19 acres · North Fork, ID

Our unique riverside getaway is directly on the banks of the wild and scenic Salmon River and nestled in the mountains of Idaho. Our private property is surrounded by the Salmon Challis National Forest. If you are looking for a place to unplug and get away, you found it! Onsite we offer full day and half guided whitewater trips, kayak instruction, and much more!

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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

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Nez Perce Trail Stay & Play

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Wisdom, MT

Learn more about this land:We have enough snow to snowmobiling Yippie!!Right know you have to walk 3/4 of a mile to get from the parking area to your cabin. You walk or snowmobile on a hard packed snow trail. Snow tubers and sledders ,We have the Best snow tubing hill around, Enjoy a Bonfire and Smores after a Super Fun Day of Sledding ,How Awesome is that Wolf Hunting ? We have wolves in the area Lost Trail Ski Area is a short 12 miles awayHunt/Snowmobile/Ski /Stay/RelaxSurrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest and a natural creek, offering a playground of activities and experiences regardless of the time of year. Let the great outdoors and nature excite your senses as you get lost in nature. Just steps outside your door and short drives to many attractions and amenities. Hiking, biking, skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, hunting, fishing, hot springs, grilling, campfires, smores, wading, floating, relaxation, disconnection, quietude, solitude, peacefulness and so much more. Let the experience connect with your mind, heart and soul. Bring wellbeing to the forefront of your experience. Being close to nature just feels good. Reduce stress, lower anxiety, increase productivity, concentration and creative skills. Recharge your batteries and say YES to you! Slow down and be present today. Come visit us in the Big Hole Valley of Montana. Sparsely populated and considered the most beautiful!We are located next to the Big Hole Battlefield, 2 mile west bordering the Beaverhead/Deerlodge NF, stay with us and enjoy your visit to the Battlefield. You can walk to the backside of the Battlefield and read all about in their signage a brief history. View editorials on website picture page.Jackson Hot springs is a short 20 min drive awayWe now offer ATV rentals, (Summertime only) We have many thousands of ATV roads that can be accessed right from our place, Enjoy the Mountains on an ATV, How fun is thatWe have mosquitoes in the summer ,bring mosquito spray Please call 4066893266 (it is a land line) for more infoRV spots $20 /No hook-up /park on grassTents spots $5 / tent sites next to the creek

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Cactus River Ranch RV

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Salmon, ID

Currently, the property has 1 full RV hook-up with water, power and septic. It is located 12 minutes outside of Salmon, Idaho along the Salmon River. The site has river front views with your own private river access. Hiking and mountain biking options are available right out the back door up Henry's Creek trail. Williams Lake is located 6 miles up the road and offers a variety of recreation activities including fishing, swimming, paddle-boarding, canoeing, or sight seeing. If you are looking for an area that is quite and private, THIS IS IT!! We also have overnight stalls available for horses with an extra nightly fee.

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Breathtaking beaverhead basecamp

2 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Salmon, ID

Learn more about this land:Flat spot, decently private with a babbling ditch and view of the beaverhead mountains. Outhouse available complete with new toilet seat. All the delicious well water you can handle. Also, access to a slide in camper with a little wood stove and a propane cooktop. Available upon request.

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Salmon, Id. Remain Calm Area

1 site · RV1 acres · Salmon, ID

Learn more about this land:Mountain scenery, access to Salmon River close by, gold bug hot springs, Dusty Mule Bar and grill , Williams Lake, Hiking and biking close by. Lewis and Clark next door to Grey House B & B

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Taste of Romerica

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Salmon, ID

Located 3 miles south of Salmon, Idaho. Nestled in the valley of the Beaverhead Mountains, we are minutes away from amazing fishing, hunting and floating the beautiful Salmon River in the summer months. Town offers several restaurants, bars, a bakery and shopping. Our property is in a quiet neighborhood easily accessible off the main highway into town. Outside firepit for marshmallow roasting or just to enjoy a fire.

Bitterroot Farm Camping

1 site · RV5 acres · Corvallis, MT

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Bitterroot Valley and embrace the farm life experience on our small family farm. Nestled on the East side of the valley, slightly above the valley floor, our farm offers breathtaking vistas of sunrises over the Sapphire Mountains and sunsets over the Bitterroot Mountain Range. Situated in a rural farming area, our 5-acre property sits at the end of a private road, providing a tranquil and secluded retreat. Explore our expansive yard and pasture, where you'll encounter a delightful array of farm animals including horses, chickens, ducks, rabbits, farm cats, and friendly farm dogs. Wander through our bountiful vegetable garden and vibrant flower gardens, and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, hawks, owls, killdeer, and other resident birds. Choose from several campsites tailored to accommodate RVs, trailers, tents, and LQ horse trailers. Our grassy, open pasture area offers easy access and flexibility for various setups. While leveling your trailer may be necessary depending on your chosen spot, rest assured that power and water hookups are available from the pedestal. Although sewer hookups are not currently available, we're happy to provide information and assistance as needed. Unwind in the evenings around the firepit, where wood is provided for your enjoyment under the starlit sky. The Bitterroot Valley beckons with a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, boating, golfing, trail riding, and wildlife and bird watching. The nearby Bitterroot River offers fantastic fishing opportunities just 10 minutes from our farm, while hiking trails are conveniently located within 5 to 20 minutes. Explore charming towns such as Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville, each offering their own historic charm and attractions, including the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. For groups of friends or family traveling together, please refer to the extras section for additional accommodations. If you're traveling with your horses, rest assured there's plenty of room—simply check out the extras section for more details.

The best camping near Painted Rocks State Park guide

Overview

About

Painted Rocks State Park puts campers deep in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains and right on the banks of Painted Rocks Reservoir, which derives its name from the orange, yellow, and green lichens that cover its surrounding cliffs. Situated in a pine forest with views of surrounding peaks, the park’s boat ramp and dock make it easy for boaters, fishers, and swimmers to enjoy the sub-alpine water. The surrounding Bitterroot National Forest has numerous hiking trails accessing the range’s summits, where camper are likely to spot wildlife like moose, mule deer, bighorn mountain sheep, elk, or even bald eagles. The sole Painted Rocks State Park campground features 25 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables but no hookups or potable water. At all but two sites, the maximum vehicle length allowed is 25 feet. RV campers seeking more space and full hookups should look at RV resorts in nearby Darby and Hamilton.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Of the park’s 25 campsites, six can be reserved in advance for Thursdays through Sundays during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Aside from the six mentioned above, all campsites are first-come, first-served, so early arrival is key.
If you need a backup plan, the Bitterroot National Forest’s Slate Creek Campground is also close by on the reservoir.

When to go

The Painted Rock campground is open year-round, but summer is the peak season for a good reason—the weather is great and the reservoir is a perfect way to cool down. Summer and fall visitors should monitor wildfire activity in the area. Snow can fall in this area as early as September, though November is typically when large accumulation occurs.

Know before you go

Painted Rocks State Park is a primitive state park. There is no potable water available at the campground (you’ll need to bring your own) and campers must pack out all trash.
Painted Rocks State Park has excellent nighttime visibility for stargazing as a Class 1 location on the Bortle dark sky scale.
With a black bear presence in this region, campers should store food in bear-resistant containers or coolers and carry pepper spray on hikes.
The nearest grocery store is 35 minutes north of the park in Connor.