The best camping in Salmon Lake State Park, MT

·

Camper favorites near Salmon Lake 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

Top-rated campgrounds

Primrose Meadows

95%
(1549)
38mi from Salmon Lake 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

90%
(77)
39mi from Salmon Lake 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

Edge Of Missoula, Rattlesnake Creek

100%
(18)
31mi from Salmon Lake 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

Boulder Creek Lodge

100%
(18)
44mi from Salmon Lake State Park · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hall, MT
Located in a valley halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, you’ll find Boulder Creek Lodge and RV Park. Our place is special for what surrounds it, but it’s also special for what we have right here on the property. We offer travelers RV sites (with hookup), camping sites, and ten fully furnished, clean and comfortable cabins, Tipis and Conestoga Wagon for the glamping (glamorous camping) experience. Linens provided for cabins, tipis and wagon. Guests have access to the shower house (showers, toilets, sinks) with laundry facilities (2 coin-op washers - 2 dryers), property playground, and the Lodge with game room, sitting room, communal kitchen and recently updated bathrooms/showers. All guests are welcome to use horseshoe pit, community fire pits and wi-fi access. Our guests can unplug, kick back, and relax with their families in one of the country's most beautiful locations.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Flower Farm w/Gorgeous Views-RV Pad

94%
(9)
49mi from Salmon Lake 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

98%
(81)
47mi from Salmon Lake 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

Other options near Salmon Lake State Park

The best camping in Salmon Lake State Park, MT guide

Overview

About

What do rainbows, cutthroats, and kokanees have in common? If you know the answer, grab your fishing pole and get your butt to Salmon Lake ASAP, because there’s nowhere better for endless fishing and swoon-worthy views. If fish aren’t swimming around in your cup of tea, just paddle out in the canoe and look to the sky for a spectacular variety of red-necked grebes, great blue herons, loons, osprey, and bald eagles. Tucked between the Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges, Salmon Lake is a little nest of woodland wildlife. Protected by high mountains blanketed in Douglas-firs and ponderosa pine trees, Salmon Lake is the department store of wildlife—a one-stop shop for all of your flora, fauna and fishing needs.

Notable campgrounds

  • The Hike-Bike Campsite caters to cycling adventurers with amenities like a bike rack, fire ring, and bear-resistant food lockers.
  • Woodland Campsites offer a serene retreat amid western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir, perfect for tent and RV campers alike.
  • Lakeside Campsites provide stunning views and easy access to the water for those looking to wake up to the sound of gentle waves.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak summer months, as sites at Salmon Lake State Park fill up quickly due to its popularity.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations, which can provide unexpected opportunities for last-minute trips.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Salmon Lake State Park is during the summer season, when the park is fully open and all amenities are available. From May to late October, enjoy the full splendor of the park. Winter brings a quieter charm, with walk-in access and day-use only from November 1st to April 30th.

Know before you go

  • Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, especially during road construction periods.
  • Remember to store all food and attractants in bear-resistant containers to keep both wildlife and campers safe.
  • ADA accessible facilities ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors.
  • Non-resident visitors should be prepared to pay a day-use entrance fee of $8 with a vehicle or $4 as a walk-in.
  • Montana residents can enjoy the park without a daily entrance fee by paying the state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.