Camping in Bannack State Park

50% (2 reviews)

Discover the allure of Bannack State Park's historic charm and outdoor adventures.

Top camping in Bannack State Park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Vigilante Campground

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(1)

17 sites · RVs, Tents · In Bannack State Park

No more gold here at Vigilante Campground, just easy access to Grasshopper Creek, a short walk to Chief Snag Tipi, and plenty of quiet

2. Road Agent Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents · In Bannack State Park

Ghost stories around the campfire take on a whole new meaning at Bannack State Park’s Road Agent Campground, located close to Montana’s best-preserved ghost town

50% (2 reviews)

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

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Stories from the community

4 nights at Country RV And Tent Spots

Nice spot close to some fun things to do including Bannack State Park. Ali was very quick to message back with answers to my questions even though she was on vacation herself.

Weekend Trip to Big Hole Boondockin'

This was a great spot right on the river. The hosts were some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met, and it was a very clean and comfortable place to be. Would absolutely stay here again!

1 night at Cactus River Ranch RV

Amazing location. Pulled in late and left early so didn’t even check out the facilities but my camp site next to the river was superb. Had one of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in a long time.

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

Holly was the most gracious host and the site was just gorgeous! Loved all of the little touches!

1 night at Cactus River Ranch RV

I don’t use hip camp often because I have yet to have a great experience. The spot changed my mind. It was basically just as comfortable as staying in a campsite but more secluded, quiet and very clean and peaceful. I will definitely be putting a pin in the spot to stay here again.

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

There’s not a more lovely space to camp. If you are seeking a place to sleep, comfort, or a place to spiritually heal, this is the place. Feet from the river, you can be lulled to sleep by its gentle babbling. At night, you can see thousands of stars. If you enjoy birds as I do, then you will be thrilled as I saw approximately 30 different types of birds in a three hour time span. Do take a tour of the barnyard, as the pigs are absolutely delightful.

2 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

Beautiful river side setting. Great hiking from trail a short walk away. Bathrooms were awesome! Two of them with showers and even a kitchen if you forgot or needed anything. Also, Jessica was very responsive and accommodating when I messed up the dates of our reservation. Even the camp dog that stopped by was polite and sweet. Highly recommend staying here.

Weekend Trip to Angler's Paradise

Location right is on the river and very close to other river access put ins, one is very close / walking distance. The land had great flat areas for camper / tent. It is between two other houses but yet still feel nice privacy and much more peaceful / quiet than a campground. Would recommend and would stay here again.

1 night at Country RV And Tent Spots

Ali was very kind and welcoming and had a lot of great tips and advice. She had chickens running around and she even gave us a few eggs. The spot was private and level. The bathroom and shower are in her home. Wry nice place!

Weekend Trip to Country RV And Tent Spots

Very nice area. Pleasant host. Quiet and friendly chickens!

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

The bathrooms were as described, the river was calming, and the sunset was spectacular. The stars were brilliant to fall asleep under. I would highly recommend this spot to anybody!

1 night at Cactus River Ranch RV

Beautiful site. Clean. Loved that there were only a few neighbors. Very clean, nice bathrooms.

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

Jessica was wonderful to work with and a great communicator! Beautiful place. The sites are right next to each other but perfect for a low key couple or a big group! Truly an oasis.

Afton

May 2025

2 nights at The Meadow

Wonderful and calming place to stay! Perfect getaway to recharge and reconnect with nature. I loved staying in the cabin, I was able to stay warm all night. Loved staying here!

Weekend Trip to Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

Great location right by the creek. Very peaceful, got to fish a little, enjoyed a fire. Hosts were easy to work with and a pleasure to be around.

1 night at Big Hole Boondockin'

What a fantastic host and great spot!!!! Holly accommodated us last minute, and we are so grateful. The directions were great, and her communication was amazing. The spot on the river was gorgeous. We would love to stay again. Thank you for having us;)

4 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

The camping sites are amazing and all face the river. Clean restrooms and shower. Dog friendly. Quiet area with awesome scenery. 20 minutes from town. Excellent base camp for exploring the area!!

Jaime

April 2025

Weekend Trip to The Meadow

A gem of a spot. Hosts are so kind. Thank you so much for the hospitality and the peaceful spot to rest!

6 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

We spent 6 days at Cactus River Ranch and enjoyed ever minute of it. What a relaxing place to rest after a hard day of fishing, hiking, ATVing or whatever. Town is close by but there was no hwy noise. Verizon has a good enough signal. There are brand new bathrooms and showers and there is limited river access. We didn't need anything so we only saw the owner 1 time when he showed us how to get into the site. They were very nice! And they have beautiful horses! All in all we would give it 10 stars, no problem! Look for the resident Bald Eagle who likes to fish around there. Very nice!👍

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

Beautiful spot! So serene by the river. Incredibly clean bathrooms. Highly recommend!

Top-rated campgrounds near Bannack State Park

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Cactus River Ranch RV

5 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Salmon, ID

Currently, the property has 3 full RV hook-up with water, 30-50 amp power and septic (Site #1 - 30 amp, Site #2 - 50 & 30 amp, Site #3 - 50 & 30 amp). There is also 1 campsite for either a vehicle or tent, with access to complete bathhouse and shower facilities. Cactus River Ranch is located 12 minutes outside of Salmon, Idaho along the Salmon River. The sites have 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. Amazing fly fishing or bird watching location! 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 out of town, THIS IS IT!! We also have overnight stalls available for horses. Please make sure RV tanks are empty in order to hook up to septic. No RV dump station on site. With the river location, we get very windy conditions along the river corridor. Awnings can easily become damaged during these conditions. Please take notice and consider putting awnings away so that they don't get damaged. Along the same lines, please don't have campfires if the winds are high. Make sure your dogs are on a leash. We have mules on the property that DO NOT like dogs. This is for the safety of your dog. No fireworks on the premises. We do have a couple small trash cans that get dumped on Thursdays...that being said....we are NOT a dump. If trash cans are full or you have large items, please haul your trash to Lemhi County Landfill. They are open Monday-Friday: 7am-5:15pm and have dumpsters open on the weekend.

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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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Big Hole Boondockin'

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents325 acres · Melrose, MT

Big Hole Boondockin' is located in Southwest Montana along the beautiful banks of the Big Hole River. River View Livestock, a 325 acre working cattle ranch, surrounds our camping areas which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a real Montana ranch experience. If you're not into the ranch lifestyle, hop on a raft, inner tube or kayak and float down the river enjoying a cold beverage. We also offer bank fishing on our private property. Stressed? Book some time with our emotional support animals and snuggle one of the pigs or cows to take some stress out of your life. These animals are part of our family and love to sit and relax with humans, begging for belly scratches and giving kisses. The cell service & wi-fi are very iffy here. T-Mobile works great. If you have Verizon or AT&T you will not have service right at the campsite. You may have to walk or drive a bit to get a signal or the local restaurant & bar has free wi-fi for patrons. Whatever your camping dream is, our focused, friendly staff will work to achieve it. We look forward to hosting you and your family and friends and sharing our day to day dream life.

Booked 1 time

Nez Perce Trail Stay & Play

7 sites · RVs40 acres · Wisdom, MT

Lost Trail Ski Area is a short 12 miles away Hunt/Snowmobile/Ski /Stay/Relax Surrounded 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 away. We now offer ATV, snowmobile, raft and kayak rentals! We have many so many miles of ATV and snowmobile roads and trails that can be accessed right from our place. We can also offer vehicle shuttles for rafters or fishermen! Enjoy the Mountains on an ATV or snowmobile! How fun is that?! We have mosquitoes in the summer, bring mosquito spray! Please call Jake (406) 880-5315 for more information. Ask us about all we have to offer you for your vacation!! RV spots with power $50 per night, ask about long term rates! RV spots $20 per night (no hook-up /park on grass), ask about long term rates! Tents spots $15 per night, long term stays available!!

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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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Little Country

3 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Wisdom, MT

Centrally located 2 minutes from Wisdom in the heart of the Big Hole Valley River valley. Easy access to fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, or anything else an outdoor enthusiast could desire. Jackson Hot Springs Lodge is a short 20-minute drive away. Plenty of room to tie horses off. Please Note- This is a dry cabin. Currently there are no bathroom facilities available but are available close by.

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(4)

Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Salmon, ID

Welcome to our serene retreat along the picturesque Lemhi River. Situated on five acres downstream from a magnificent river restoration project, our property offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Cast your line into the pristine waters of the Lemhi River and enjoy the thrill of fishing in one of nature's finest playgrounds. As night falls, marvel at the brilliance of the star-studded sky and listen to the soothing sounds of the surrounding wilderness. With direct access to BLM land, adventure awaits just beyond our doorstep. Lace-up your hiking boots or hop on your mountain bike to explore the scenic trails that wind through the rugged terrain. For a relaxing escape, take a short drive to Sharkey Hot Springs and immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or seeking adventure in the great outdoors, our unique property along the Lemhi River offers the perfect retreat for your next getaway.

Booked 2 times

Beaverhead River RV Pad

1 site · RV1 acre · Dillon, MT

Come spend some time with us on the Beaverhead River! Our small family wants to share our slice of heaven with you all. The RV Pad is 27 ft long and can typically fit up to a 45 ft trailer. A 30 AMP hookup is available with water supplied and a waste hookup available. You will need to provide all of the waste disposal/sewer hose necessary to hookup to the waste disposal as well as your electrical cord to hookup to the 30 amp outlet and at least a 70 ft hose to hook up to the water spicket. The edge of the Pad is 11 ft from the 30 amp outlet and 17 ft from the waste disposal hookup. My husband and I live on the property with our 1 year old and our mid size dog. Dogs are welcome with the understanding that the property is not fenced in and that our dog may establish some boundaries with your dog as she is an unfixed alpha female. We live in the log cabin next to the the RV pad and are currently renovating the house on the property. The RV pad is about 100 feet from the Beaverhead River where you have full access to Recreate and Fish. This property is on the eastern edge of Dillon and just upstream from Selway Bridge. Many birds Migrate through here in the Summer time and are a joy to watch on bank of the river. There is a large fire pit on the property that may be used as long as it is not very windy out and you put the fire out after you are done. I will tell you that you cannot have a fire if it is too windy. The property is next to a property with horses and we have have few chickens that roam around our property. I do not want you on the property with dogs if they are going to go after the chickens or if they are obnoxious barkers. We look forward to meeting you!

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(5)

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.

Camping in Bannack State Park guide

Overview

About

Yeehaw, there’s some history in them there hills! Bannack State Park is home to Montana’s most well-preserved ghost town, a real specimen of the wild west gold rush. It is the site of the first major gold discovery in the area, kicking off a rush of residents that swelled the town’s population but then ended almost as fast as it began. What is left are 50 historical buildings that can be toured as well as a visitor center to learn about the past. The best part about this park, besides the wild west vibes, is that you can camp here year-round and enjoy fishing, biking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and many other activities. Who needs gold when you’ve got all this?

Notable campgrounds

Standard Campsites: Nestled along Grasshopper Creek, these sites offer a classic camping experience.
Rental Tipi: For a unique stay, the park's rental tipi provides a memorable lodging option.
Hike-in/Bike-in Campsite: Adventure seekers can enjoy the seclusion of this campsite with dedicated tent pads.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak season stays, to ensure your spot at this historic park.
Consider shoulder season camping for more availability and a quieter experience.
Check the park's website for cancellations and last-minute openings.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of securing a site.

When to go

The best time to visit Bannack State Park is during the summer months when the visitor center is open and tours are available. However, for those who enjoy winter activities, ice skating on the dredge pond offers a unique experience. Keep in mind the park is open year-round, but some amenities may be seasonal.

Know before you go

Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, as conditions can change.
Remember that some amenities are seasonal, so plan accordingly for your trip.
Pets are allowed in the park, but ensure they are kept on a leash for safety.
Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.
For nonresidents, entrance and camping fees apply, so be prepared for these additional costs.

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