The best camping in Council Grove State Park, MT

·

Walk along the Clark Fork River where history and nature combine in a tranquil landscape.  

The best camping near Council Grove State Park, MT

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
a view over the valley

1. Primrose Meadows

95%
(1549)
2.4mi from Council Grove State Park · 23 sites · Tents · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$37
 / night
God's Country Camping

3. God's Country Camping

90%
(77)
11mi from Council Grove State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Lolo, MT
I am one mile from Hwy 93 so you can hear traffic noise sometimes. Planes do fly over once in awhile as well. This is a dry camp and rustic camping, sites are fairly far apart. This property is so beautiful and peaceful out here at night. Seasonal 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. Completely private, borders 2000 acres of a bird sanctuary. Two blocks from Bitterroot river canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swim, trails, hiking, scenery, wildlife. 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 and collects cotton from the trees when they shed. So as the summer goes on the pond levels go way down, please be aware of that.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Flathead River Vineyard

4. Flathead River Vineyard

32mi from Council Grove State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Dixon, MT
🌲 Welcome to Your Flathead River Escape Nestled alongside the wild and scenic Flathead River in Montana, our riverside vineyard retreat combines quiet seclusion with easy access to nature and adventure. Here, you get the best of both — peaceful riverfront serenity and the chance to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Montana wilderness. Whether you arrive by RV, campervan, or tent, our site offers a flexible and welcoming basecamp. Park, set up, and relax — you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a genuine riverside stay, away from crowded campgrounds. 🏕️ What Awaits You Enjoy unobstructed views of the Flathead River and the surrounding forest, mountains, and natural habitat — perfect for morning coffee, starry nights, or spotting wildlife. Bring your RV, set up a campervan, or pitch a tent. The layout accommodates different camping styles while preserving a rustic, natural vibe. The property is remote enough for solitude but close enough to conveniences, making it ideal for a quiet getaway or a base for exploring the region. With the river nearby, you’ll have easy access to fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and relaxing riverside walks. 🌅 Why This Place Is Special This isn’t just camping. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe, and trade city noise for riversong, starry skies, and peaceful moments by the water. It’s a place where memories are made — from quiet mornings on the riverbank to evenings around a fire under the Montana stars. Whether solo, with friends, or with family, our Flathead River riverside spot provides the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort for a nature-immersed escape.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night
Creekside getaway

6. Creekside getaway

99%
(238)
34mi from Council Grove State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Edge Of Missoula, Rattlesnake Creek

7. Edge Of Missoula, Rattlesnake Creek

100%
(18)
8.8mi from Council Grove State Park · 1 site · RV · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$30
 / night
Shown at sunset, this is the driveway you will turn onto as you arrive at the ranch.

8. Mountain Majik

97%
(126)
44mi from Council Grove State Park · 2 sites · RVs · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Flower Farm w/Gorgeous Views-RV Pad

12. Flower Farm w/Gorgeous Views-RV Pad

94%
(9)
13mi from Council Grove State Park · 1 site · RV · Alberton, MT
This RV pad, located 1.5 miles from Exit 77 on I-90, has breathtaking views the Clark Fork valley and is located near whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting and hiking amenities. Located at functioning food and flower farm (Crescent Ridge Farm), the RV pad is located 400 feet from the farm house and a few hundred feet from the large flower garden. This stay offers a farm experience so you may see farming in action. We welcome you to self tour our food and flower garden, watch the free-range chickens and simply enjoy the view on the outdoor patio. The gravel RV pad is 28 feet in length (plus additional grass area) and includes a potable water and sewer hookups along with electricity. Fires are allowed (pending no restrictions) in the fire pit. A concrete pad with table and chairs offers outdoor amenities. The site is located 30 mins from Missoula and 5 mins from Alberton. There are three food options in Alberton including River's Edge, Trax Bar (pizza), and Sporty's Bar (burgers). A fishing access is available at Petty Creek (1.5 miles).
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Bitterroot Panorama

15. Bitterroot Panorama

98%
(81)
28mi from Council Grove State Park · 1 site · RV · 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****
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Rainbow Gulch Farm

16. Rainbow Gulch Farm

82%
(83)
22mi from Council Grove State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Clinton, MT
A small family farm working toward sustainability. Easy to access from I-90, drive in camping for a stop overnight or a home base while you explore the many attractions nearby. Learn more about this land: We are 20 miles east of Missoula, MT near the Kettlehouse Ampitheater in Bonner. Our location is halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. There are mountain bike paths, river access points for paddling, rafting or fishing within minutes of our land. We can even help you know where to go. Our land is surrounded by Nature Conservancy land with a public recreation easement, so you can hike and take your horse for a ride very easily, just let us know and we will point you in the right direction. Our child had a significant medical emergency that required a lot of travel to Seattle Children's and 4 brain surgeries recently, so we are just getting the garden back up and running and the sheep are happy. Unfortunately no chickens this year. In a vehicle, you can pull into one of our pastures for your stay. Where you are depends on which field the sheep are eating! Tents also work in the field. We do not have any hookups, but there is potable water in the blue hydrant by the yellow tube. The fields are that - pasture fields. There are quiet neighbors across the fence who now have goats on one side. We are happy to offer advice about local attractions via messaging. This is pack it in, pack it out.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$18
 / night
Last Best Place

20. Last Best Place

85%
(34)
36mi from Council Grove State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenough, MT
Learn more about this land:  Safely leave your camp in the shade, under tall pine trees.  Enjoy horses grazing nearby and explore Greenough, the last best place.  The best swimming hole on the Clearwater River is located less than a mile away.  World class fishing and floating on multiple rivers including the Big Blackfoot are nearby.  Salmon Lake and Seeley Lake have limited campsites but are located just 10 to 20 miles away from this spot for fabulous fishing and boating adventures. The Clearwater Game Range is 2 miles away for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.  I almost forgot to mention the well preserved and nearby ghost towns of Garnet and  Coloma.   This truly is, the last best campsite in the last best place. Large family reunions and gatherings welcome! I will open as many camp sites as you need.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

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

Camper favorites near Council Grove State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Other options near Council Grove State Park

The best camping in Council Grove State Park, MT guide

Overview

About

The Clark Fork River runs through downtown Missoula before spreading out in a wide river bottom area called Kelley Island. Here, Council Bluffs State Park is in the river bottom zone that hosts abundant wildlife and lush meadows. Although a day-use only park with no camping, visitors can follow walking paths to spot whitetail deer and wild turkeys, and read interpretive displays to learn about local flora and fauna and the park’s historical significance. Camping is limited in Missoula, but exploring any direction from town will lead to abundant camping opportunities on public and private lands.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsites in Missoula city limits are private, and it’s best to make reservations in advance, as the city is busy with events—especially in summer.
  2. For public camping alternatives to Council Grove, look to Rock Creek, Lolo National Forest, and Alberton, all close to Missoula and surrounded by public lands. Developed campgrounds are often operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekends are busier than weekdays, so try snagging a spot mid-week if possible.
  3. Dispersed camping is another option when the developed spaces are busy. Highway 12 in the Lolo National Forest is a great option with many logging roads that lead to remote campsites.

When to go

Council Grove is great to visit year-round, although visitors should be cautious during high water, which typically occurs sometime during May and June. The Clark Fork River is a large volume watershed with dangerous currents. This is still a great time to visit the park, however, as the weather is nice and the river bottom vibrant. Council Grove has plenty of parking with trails that are generally flat and accessible, even with snow on the ground.

Know before you go

  1. This is a day-use only park so no camping is available in the park itself. It is, however, open year-round during daylight hours. Fees apply for residents and non-residents at Montana State Parks.
  2. Council Grove is ADA accessible with toilets and water available. The park can become muddy and difficult to maneuver on unpaved areas when wet or covered in snow. 
  3. This is a dog-friendly park with plenty of space to walk and enjoy nature. Leashes are required and you must clean up after pets. Be considerate when wildlife is present.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.