The best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area adventure.

94% (8 reviews)

Discover the rugged beauty of Bighorn Canyon's vast landscapes.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Very open campground sites but the views go on for miles!

Horseshoe Bend Campground

96 sites · RVs, Tents In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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/ night

Medicine Creek Campground

6 sites In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Afterbay Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Black Canyon Campground

17 sites In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Barry's Landing & Trail Creek Campground

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Barry's Landing & Trail Creek Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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$10

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Top-rated campgrounds near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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(58)

Pheasant's Hideaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Billings, MT

Come enjoy a quiet night on 2 acres just outside of the busy city of Billings. It feels like country living but is just minutes to downtown shopping and everything else the city has to offer. Located with easy access to the I-90. Stop to rest your eyes or stay a while and enjoy the big city life and rich history of this part of Montana. We have a fire ring for those chilly evenings. 15, 30 and 50 amp electric hookups with Sewer and potable water connections at your site. Most mornings can be greated by pheasants, deer and rabbits. On the lucky occasion one might see an owl. DanWalt gardens just two houses down the road is the best way to enjoy your cup of coffee in the morning.

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(171)

Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

14 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Lockwood, MT

4 miles from Billings. 1000 acres. We try to keep things as natural as possible except we do mow the common area in the trees. For security reasons, we will meet you at the gates and escort you to your camping spot upon 1st arrival. Fire wood available for sale $10 - needs to be discussed before hand. Camping available on the butte for viewing of northern lights. Lots of room to explore. Long term camping is available. 1 porta-potty on site. There is 1 mile of dirt road after leaving the pavement. We are 6 miles from Walmart. This is a working cattle ranch and the cows come through time to time. The listing computer keeps putting us in LOCKWOOD but we are actually 3 miles north of Billings. Last minute bookings are fine, if we are around -we will let you stay. We live 1 mile from the camp site and 2 miles from the gates where we will meet you. If you are looking for a RV park or campground - this is not it. We have cows, birds, wild animals and dirt roads. There is no power but we could hook you up to a generator if needed. There is a new camper on site that may be rented ( owned by a different party) message us for details. The morning of you arrival, please send an ETA so we know how to plan our day, then give us a 30 minute heads up before arrival so we can meet you at the gates. Sometimes we also are 30 minutes away. A lot of the time you may be the only campers out here.

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(13)

Cowtown Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Bridger, MT

110 Acre ranch nestled between the Pryor Mountains & the Beartooth Mountains gateway to Yellowstone Nat'l Park

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(38)

Creekside Camp at Prairie Skies

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Billings, MT

Learn more about this land:Close to many amenities in Billings but far enough away to feel secluded. Must check in with owner. Generators are okay but MUST be elevated. 15 min to downtown Billings.

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(3)

Bear Trap Ranch

13 sites · RVs130 acres · Belfry, MT

High prairie, with incredible views of the Beartooth Mountains. We boarder a hundred square miles of the BLM, (public access lands) We have a stocked pond, where you can set your tent up. There are two bathhouses available for our campers. We have tipis that are available to rent, nightly, weekly, or monthly. Full service hook ups for trailers and RVs. A large fire pit sits in the middle of a lovely green space. We are 2 miles off the main road. There is a stocked pond too!

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Wellknown Buffalo Historic Camp

9 sites · Tents6 acres · Garryowen, MT

You will be camping on historic property- the place where the women and children hid during the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Your campsite faces Sharpshooter Ridge. This valley area was the home of Wellknown Buffalo, a medicine woman and activist who protected and fed Native families traveling along the river between reservations. Learn more about this historic land: You'll pitch your tent on the Crow Indian Reservation in the historic valley just below the site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. This area was part of the battlefield where the women and children camped. Campsites are in view of Sharpshooter Ridge. This business is owned by Native Americans. You will be staying near the Wellknown Buffalo Living Culture Campus and Artists Coop. The property has a gate that is closed at night. You'll find a cafe/coffee house, gift shop, horse activities, bathrooms and showers, and a gathering porch. You are just several miles from Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument and centrally located for many local adventures, including the Medicine Wheel, Yellowtail Dam, Warrior Trail Highway and Big Horn Scenic Highway. For the less adventurous, there is a cabin loft rental with a full bathroom, 1/2 mile away.

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Chance, Montana

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Belfry, MT

10 miles south of Belfry. Right on the Clark's Fork River. On the Meeteetse trail. Beartoith mtns out front. You can go fishing, take 4 wheelers across Meeteetse trail to Red Lodge. Enjoy the peaceful Ness of just being in the country. Quiet we are 37 miles to Cody wyoming, 25 miles to Red Lodge both have entrances to the Yellowstone park.

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(9)

Sasquatch Sanctuary

1 site · RV11 acres · Billings, MT

Learn more about this land:Park your RV/camper on a cement pad close to electrical hookup. We have 10 acres to roam and wildlife that visit regularly. The site also features a view of the Billings City skyline. We are on a gravel drive with pull through and back in parking onto a cement pad. We have electrical hook up but no sweat. Water is possible for a fee.

92%

(13)

Nature Resort on the Bighorn River

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Fort Smith, MT

Cottonwood Camp is nestled under towering cottonwood trees on 17 historical acres, overlooking 3 Mile Access on the legendary Bighorn River. These hallowed grounds are surrounded by 300 wildlife filled acres of Bighorn Canyon National Rec' Area land. Excellent boating, water sports, and additional fishing opportunities are a short 15 minute drive away at Bighorn Canyon Lake. Our 14 cabins all have a personality of their own with occupancy capacity ranging from 2 all the way up to 18! All feature a fully equipped kitchen + outdoor social space w/ bbq grill. In addition we have FHU & W/E RV sites and plenty of pitch tent sites that have use of our two bathhouses. Guests are greeted in our full service fly shop that can get you hooked up on a guided trip, shuttle, or drift boat rental. Whether you want an action packed day on the Bighorn, a relaxing day on the Lake or just wanna escape your day to day to hear the sights & sounds of Big Sky Country, you can't go wrong with Cottonwood Camp!

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(55)

Lance and Vivian's North Field

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Billings, MT

We own 4 acres here and operate a Custom cabinet shop on the property.We also live on the property and host an Airbnb out of the bonus room above our Garage.We welcome the idea of having travelers from all over the country stopping by on there way to where ever they may be traveling.Thanks for considering our North field!Learn more about this land:Billings is called the Gateway city to Yellowstone park and the North western Rockies.We have a perfect spot for a quick overnight stay as you head through Montana, right off I90.Easy access for the big campers and a clean flat spot if you are just needing a spot for your tent.You will be able to pull-through as this field is 1 Acre in size.We are close to Downtown and the 5 breweries in that area, along with multiple restaurants.

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(16)

Tikkun Homestead

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Billings, MT

Stay at Tikkun Homestead in Billings, Montana Welcome to Tikkun Homestead, a peaceful 7.5-acre property in the heights of Billings, Montana. Located just north of the Yellowstone River, our homestead offers quiet rural living with easy access to the city of Billings and nearby towns. Land Features: Our property includes leveled gravel camper and RV pads, each 20' wide by 40' long. Conveniently located right off Highway 312/Main Street, just minutes from Highway 87, and about 10 minutes from Interstate 90, Tikkun Homestead offers easy access to Billings, Shepherd, Huntly, Worden, Laurel, and Roundup. We also provide fire pits and picnic benches, and firewood is available for your convenience. Utilities: We provide full hookups, including septic, water, and 50amp electrical connections. Additional 120v outdoor plugins are also available, ensuring a comfortable stay. Plus, our site is pet-friendly, so you can bring your pets along. Natural Setting and Activities: Tikkun Homestead offers a peaceful, rural setting with scenic views of the surrounding flatlands. Enjoy walks or bike rides along quiet country roads right from your doorstep. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, we're located close to local parks with river access, public land for hunting, and fishing spots. Nearby attractions include Lake Elmo, the Pictograph Caves, Pompey's Pillar, and more. Plus, you'll find several stores nearby that offer campers, RVs, and all the supplies you might need for a comfortable stay. Local Attractions: Explore nearby attractions, such as the charm of downtown Billings—The Magic City—and other outdoor opportunities in surrounding areas. Our location is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat, long-term RV pad options, or pet-friendly camping in Montana. Discounted weekly and monthly rates are available. Whether you’re looking for a long-term place to stay or a quiet spot to enjoy the Montana countryside, Tikkun Homestead has you covered. Book your stay today. (Fire Safety Note: While contained fires are allowed, please be aware that fire season can be severe in this area. We kindly ask guests to coordinate with us regarding fire use to ensure everyone's safety and to help us manage risks effectively)

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Little Bit Acres

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Parkman, WY

Nestled in decade-old cottonwoods you will find a cozy cabin. Come and enjoy a simpler life. Breathe the mountain fresh air in the mornings and gaze at the stars at night. The Bighorn Mountains are only minutes away where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. On occasion, you may spot deer, turkeys or other wildlife on the property.

The best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

You’re going to feel home, home on the range at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area! With 120,000 wild acres to explore you’ll feed your inner adventurer by hiking to canyon overlooks and past preserved ranches of yesteryear. Most of the camping at Bighorn is free, so make a plan to stay for a few days. You’ll hands down want to hop in the river or some fishing. Bighorn River has world class trout fishing you have to see to believe. Boating in Bighorn Lake causes jaws to drop as cliff faces up to 1,000 feet tower overhead; you might even spy Bighorn Sheep perched on top! A place where not just the deer and antelope come to play, you’re going to feel wild and free in Bighorn Canyon.

Notable campgrounds

Afterbay Campground - Nestled near Fort Smith, MT, ideal for anglers and boaters.
Horseshoe Bend Campground - Located in the south district, it offers stunning canyon views.
Black Canyon Campground - A serene spot perfect for stargazing and wildlife watching.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Check for cancellations regularly to snag a last-minute reservation.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Bighorn Canyon is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for water activities, while winter can be harsh, with some facilities closed or limited.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and prepare for sudden changes in conditions.
Be aware of any alerts or closures by visiting the park's official website.
Accessibility varies across the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
Remember to carry enough water and dress appropriately for the activities.
Visitor centers are located in both the north and south districts for assistance.