The best camping in Smith River State Park, MT

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Discover the serene beauty of Smith River State Park and its renowned trout fishing.  

The best camping in Smith River State Park, MT

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Relax Inn Montana

98%
(32)
31mi from Smith River State Park · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Half way between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park - Perfect place to stop and rest between adventures : ) Outdoor Living at its finest : )) 2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting - Tent Site 1 - has 2 Secluded improved Spaces Tent Site 2 - Open field unimproved 3 or 4 tent spaces Bld 1 is pet friendly and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups - Cabin 1 - sleeps 2 Cabin 2 - sleeps 5 Bld 2 is pet free and has 2 cabins with a pass through door for larger groups Cabin 3 - sleeps 4 Cabin 4 - sleeps 2 10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana 5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake ) Surrounded by prime hunting areas - 45 min to skiing A set of cast iron tubs that are always nice to take a soak after a hot days hike - a yin yang patio with gas firepit for a relaxing evening of sharing - a quiet (phone free) gazebo great for reflection - a covered BBQ pavilion with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions apply accordingly) - purest of potable well water on spigot in fire ring area - Solars that light the paths in the night - Pets are welcome just need to pick up after them ! A Greenhouse full of games camping chairs and tents if needed - An oversized porta potty between the cabins making it easier for families with kids 5 miles from 3 lakes for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks - also around the corner you can dig for sapphires - 4 hours to Glacier National Park - 4 hours to Yellowstone National Park - Crystal Park or maybe a boat ride at The Gates of the Mountains - A tour train of downtown Helena - Too much to list around here - I am new at this so bear with me as I navigate this process and continue to improve spaces for your enjoyment - as always your feedback is appreciate for future improvements - and a guest book is in each cabin and the Gazebo for your comments : ) It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : ) This is my private sanctuary that I have the honor of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena and make your own amazing memories
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night

2. 》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《

93%
(14)
33mi from Smith River State Park · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
PLEASE BE AWARE! There are no toilets onsite and no water available from October 1st to May 1st. We are open through the winter, but you'll need to be fully containted, and not need water or toilets. Fantastic Hauser Lake, causeway, and National forest basecamp or for a quick overnight stay when you're passing through. Sprawling 20 acres set in the center of 4 lakes in the Helena Valley. 1 1/2 miles from Lakeside, a haven for boaters, swimmers, and not much further to Helena National Forest, and York. Lakeside offers a gas station, convenience store, and wonderful bar/restaurant. Several boat launches and walking paths are also in the area. 9 miles from Helena. Experience a beautiful Prairie setting with awesome sunsets, chickens, roosters, horses, guinea fowl, and stunning views of Hauser Lake and several mountain ranges. Talk to Granny Julie about our horses, chickens, guinea fowl, and other fun stuff to view at the farm! Animals do make noise, and we do have roosters. Guinea Fowl are watchdogs and alert to danger, so they can be noisy from time to time. The horse likes to let us know she wants treats. :) We are a family farm, so children do visit Granny; please drive accordingly. Please note! We are adding picnic tables to the sites to better serve you.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

4. Farm Land Escape

100%
(10)
38mi from Smith River State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Please contact me through here 1-2 days prior to your arrival so I can get your area ready. As there may be one other camper from time to time as well. I want you to have the privacy and the experience as if it was only you and you’re family staying. This 53 acres use to be owned by a guy named John Helberg which is who the road is named after. It’s the original homestead land dated over 100 years ago where they farmed for there dairy cows and other livestock. This is right off a dead end road. You will have a view of a Montana farm field with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Dark nights out of the town means the stars will be out and about! This is a quiet secluded area there is a house near by, he is an older gentlemen you won’t even know he’s there. Depending on time of year there will be a field full of crop or the farm getting farmed. There very well could be some horses near by to pet!! Located 10 minutes from the lakes. 5 minutes from a reservoir. 10 minutes from town. 15 min to closest hiking areas. Helena really is the heart of fun very centralized for all directions of fun! Very easy pull in and pull out area. Please not there may be other campers enjoying as well Black Sandy State Park and Helena National Park are both under 15 miles away. Enjoy hiking and If you’re the boating type, head down the Missouri river in search of a rumored rope swing or jump off the boat for a dip in the crystal waters of Hauser Lake. Looking to avoid all the crowds or enjoy a solitary weekend under the endless Montana sky? Just head to Black Sandy during the winter months! You’ll find the same great stunning views and an ice skating experience that will put your grandparents’ childhood tales to shame. I do have power 50 amp, fresh water, grey water hook up, no black water. This option may not be available all of the time. Nearby is a brown shop this is area is rented out and off limits to camp stayers. The patio area on shop is not for the hipcampers thank you
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$80
 / night

5. A Canyon Stay with Mini A-frame

100%
(20)
39mi from Smith River State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience an unforgettable getaway at our canyon retreat. Our property is located on 190+ acres, and is surrounded by mountain, canyon and river views. Find a secluded campsite or stay at our mini A-frame, with Blue-Ribbon trout fishing right nearby. Guests will find a private and peaceful setting to relax and connect. LOCATION DETAILS ☀ 2 min from I-15 exit on a private road ☀ 10 min to nearest grocery and gas station in Cascade, MT ☀ 5 min to nearest bar & grill, Missouri River Inn ☀ 3 min to nearest boat ramp/fishing access for the Missouri River ☀ 30 min to Holter Lake ☀ 12 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills in Craig, MT ☀ 18 min to fly fishing stores, restaurants and bar & grills, gas station in Wolf Creek, MT ☀ 45 min to downtown Helena, MT ☀ 3.5 hours to Yellowstone National Park ☀ 2.5 hours to Glacier National Park ☀ 30 min to Great Falls International Airport ☀ 50 min to Helena Regional Airport ☀ 2 hours to Bozeman International Airport ☀ 2.5 hours to Missoula International Airport Important notes: - Please bring your own water - 4WD recommended for closest access to our sites.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$23
 / night

6. Delpine Farms

98%
(23)
39mi from Smith River State Park · 4 sites · RVs
This region is home to many longstanding ranches but ours is a little unique for the area. We are a vegetable market garden with a large flock of laying hens for eggs and we also raise and process farm grown chicken. Our goal is to feed our community a bright variety of fresh and healthy food. We farm above and beyond organic standards, following regenerative practices with nature, not against it.Learn more about this land:Located just 1.3 miles off US HWY 12 on Spring Creek Road, best access to the Little Belt Mountains and endless public land in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Nothing fancy, but that's not what you come to the mountains for. Unload your ATV or UTV and explore, wander, hike and hunt the public lands to your hearts desire (we are not giving hunting, fishing or access permission on any private land owned by us, or any other private land owners). There is plenty of wildlife, be bear aware, keep all food, especially meat, safely stored and locked. Rock climbing is NOT PERMITTED.  This is Montana and the weather can be it's own beast.  Be prepared for all circumstances, snow, rain, wind, heat, it's all more extreme here.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night

7. The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

98%
(132)
42mi from Smith River State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This five-acre oasis was once a landscape nursery. So given the close proximity to downtown we are a hidden sanctuary from the outside world, secluded by cottonwood trees and mature foliage. The site now serves as a wedding venue and offers views of Mount Helena to the South and the Sleeping Giant to the North. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our aspen grove or park your camper/RV in the grassland field. You're close to downtown with lots of privacy/scenery. You'll have views of regal Mount Helena to the South and The Sleeping Giant to the North. The South Hill trail complex is a great place to explore as well as the Scratchgravels. The Missouri River is only 20 minutes away as well as Lake Hauser and Canyon Ferry. If new to the area and interested in history, we recommend the Tour Train. We also have several great breweries - our favorites include Ten Mile and Blackfoot Breweries (a perfect stop you can ride to after a trail ride/hike in the South Hills). This site is perfect for those wanting to explore Downtown Helena, it's renowned trail systems, but still sleep under the stars. Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. There is water throughout the property that you are welcome to use for cleaning, but it is not potable.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$45
 / night

11. Mama Honey's RV Dry Camping

22mi from Smith River State Park · 1 site · RV
Learn more about this land:This is a rough unlevel plot of 4 city lots and is just over .4 of an acre with a hot spring creek running through it. There is no shade or development yet. But it is not grossly uneven, fine for tent camping or rolling a smaller RV onto.It is just across the street from the Spa Hot Springs Motel, where there is a bathhouse, hot spring, 3 pools, bathrooms, and showers. It is within walking distance to downtown White Sulpher Springs and the Golf Course. Nestled between 2 National Forests there is much to see and do. There is rockhounding, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, ghost towns, hot springs, museums, and so much more!It can be windy so take care to not let your stuff blow away. It can be dry if you are soaking lots, bring lotion. Afternoon storms can come through so always have rain gear handy. The Castle Museum is right in White Sulphur Springs as is Red Ants Pants Corporate Headquarters (workwear for women). There are numerous restaurants and a gallery. The famous Bair Museum is nearby as well. There are several reservoirs and countless trails into the national forest. Annually in July, there is the Red Ants Pants festival.
Pets
from 
$20
 / night

15. 1 RV Spot In The Castle Mountains

100%
(2)
35mi from Smith River State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are 4 th generation ranchers that raise angus cattle. The RV site , natural level grass with electrical hookup, is right off the county road that leads to the Lewis and Clark National forest where you can go spend time on your mountain bike, atv or utv, of course staying on designated roads!. Site is open until September 5. Castle Town, privately owned lots, was a silver and lead mining town in 1890’s is about. 2.5 miles .. Local interests are the Bair Museum which is 18 miles at Martinsdale, Also in Martinsdale is Prairie Smoke Cafe and Mint Bar, and the Spa Hot springs in white Sulphur Springs (43 miles) Red Ants Pants is a musical festival in White Sulphur Springs the end of July. Great steakhouse at Ringling…30 miles away.. Enjoy the cool, crisp mountain air with our elevation close to 6000’ with Alabaugh Creek running thru the ranch…. Many species of wildlife, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, black bear, mountain lions, coyotes and many species of birds. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, photography are a few of the things to take up your days.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Picnic table
from 
$50
 / night

17. Sagebrush Mountain View

41mi from Smith River State Park · 5 sites · RVs
Wide open space with natural landscape and amazing view of the Helena Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. This land is undisturbed, aside from the road and parking pull-throughs that have been created for RV parking. Self contained units only and as they say, "Pack it in, pack it out". See what Lewis and Clark traveled through as they made their way west from the Missouri River. Prickly Pear Cactus, sagebrush and natural grasses are prevalent. Helena, the capital of Montana is a mere 20 minute drive, where all the amenities of a small town exist. National Forest abounds to the west and Canyon Ferry Reservoir is 20 minutes to the east. Access to the property is 4.25 miles from Interstate 15. This is a high mountain dessert with an elevation of 4090' above sea level. Average rainfall is 6", so campfires are not allowed due to the dry grasses and sagebrush. Pets are allowed on leashes and quiet time is from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. We are located approximately half way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Pets
from 
$45
 / night

18. Date Street Cabin @ C Lazy M Meadow

92%
(6)
41mi from Smith River State Park · 1 site · Lodging
A small cabin sleeps 4 with 2 queen beds and room to stake a tent or park a camper. Sits on 6 acres with a creek bed under large trees and overlooks a meadow. Includes an outhouse, potable water, grill, picnic table and a "smokeless" fire pit. Dishes, utensils, firewood and bedding included. Come stay in MT City; only 5 miles from all historic Helena has to offer! 4 restaurants/bars within walking distance(.5 mi.). 3 large lakes w/in 10 miles with beaches, boating and sight seeing opportunities; the Missouri river within 15 miles for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, hiking and biking. Come relax! Sleeps 4 in beds. Additional guests allowed with permission and fee (tents and/or or campers). While exploring Helena, we recommend the Walking Mall and the lower end of Last Chance Gulch for shopping and dining. You can also do a self guided tour of the Capitol building and then ride the tour train through Helena to get a quick history lesson. If you want to do something outside, we suggest Houser Lake at Lakeside with a bar and grill, a beach, fire pit, volley ball, etc. There is also guided boat rides at Gates of the Mountains on Holter Lake (about 20 miles towards Great Falls). If you are looking to go hiking, Mount Helena is a nice hike, but maybe a bit much for small kiddos, unless you have a backpack. If you'd like additional suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Hope you enjoy your stay! Party (or Wedding) Tent available at additional charge for all rentals. If you are looking for a place for a small wedding, (50 guests) let us know. We can accommodate your needs with minimal decorations, a party tent and a place for the bridal party to dress. As well as the Date Street Cabin for the new couple’s honeymoon night! Let us know if you would like to stay with us, We would love to host you. (Additional charges apply for weddings based on needs and services provided).
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night

19. Rodeo Basecamp Along the Mighty MO

42mi from Smith River State Park · 1 site · Lodging
Mid century original vintage ranch home located on acreage adjacent to Missouri River and state fishing access site. 3 bedrooms with 2 full sized beds and 2 queen sized fold-out sofas. Indoor half-bath (shower and sink) with serviced portable toilet outside. Fully equipped kitchen and generous living room with big windows. Immediate yard is partially fenced due to ongoing water/sewer projects and pets are welcome. Mudroom adjacent to kitchen is indoor pet area. Hundreds of conservation and grazing acres available to enjoy abundant wildlife: pheasants, eagles, osprey, bull and rattle snakes, ground squirrels, owls, deer, and coyotes exist amongst grazing cattle and horses. Beautiful morning and evening light. Third and fourth generation family members are restoring property to friendly use so areas open to access are clearly flagged/signed. More information in house binder and on-site.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$100
 / night

20. MT Keene Life is Good Lodge

43mi from Smith River State Park · 1 site · Lodging
Wade the Dearborn in the back yard of this 3-bedroom house (fourth bedroom/living room or guide cabin next door ($150/stay to open) on 10 acres of the former Gary Cooper Ranch. Don’t be surprised to see deer, geese and ducks in the window nudging their way near the deck, especially at the spring waterfall that cascades down the slope. if you are especially quiet and observant, the hundreds of acres of park and ranch across the river also have mountain goats, bears, antelope and even the mountain lion. Help yourself to the library, watch satellite television or DVD movies, or read from the house’s library. The public put-in is an 11 hour trip; private access to two shorter put-ins make this a recommended site for many Montana guides. Launch from the back yard and float one half mile down the Dearborn River to the Missouri River or from anywhere on the Dearborn to your own private fishing hole among some of nature’s oldest rock outcroppings. Only few miles from the Missouri Inn over the bridge where the Untouchables was filmed, enjoy the canyon or visit the Lewis and Clark’s Tower Rock and surrounding Park. From this base, see the spectacular Glacier Park or the continent’s largest dinosaur digs to the northwest, float the Lewis and Clark Trail by pontoon boat and lunch at the island where one of the nation's most famous fires occurred, or travel south to Yellowstone National Park or Jackson Hole, each an easy day’s visit. Bring your dogs to the kennel behind the house, hang on the deck with river and tremendous rock views, play pool or light the outside fire pit for a campfire. BBQ or enjoy the new, custom kitchen and fisherman’s décor. In the evening, take your pick of 3 spacious bedrooms where at the end of the day 6 extra long beds await or tie a few at the fly-tying table.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$375
 / night

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The best camping in Smith River State Park, MT guide

Overview

About

A Smith River State Park camping expedition delivers the ultimate nature experience. Discover the joys of an enchanting 59-mile river journey brimming with opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife photography.

Due to its distinct allure, access to this incredible river is granted through an exclusive permit lottery system, akin to certain big game licenses in Montana. Yet, even if the draw doesn't favor you, Camp Baker, the river's starting point, near White Sulphur Springs, offers an equally delightful experience. A short drive south of Great Falls, this location transforms into a serene sanctuary after the day's floating parties have embarked, perfect for campers who want to enjoy fishing, bird-watching, or a summer swim in solitude.

Eden Bridge, the traditional endpoint for Smith River float trips, marks the conclusion of this captivating park. Here, you'll be met with an inviting rest stop to recoup after their river adventure. Camping near Smith River State Park offers an unrivaled chance to immerse in the untouched charm of one of Montana's great outdoor adventures.

When to go

The prime time to visit Smith River State Park is from mid-April through mid-July, when the river's flow is ideal for floating. Outside of these months, river conditions can be unpredictable, with low flows making navigation challenging. Early reservations are crucial as permits are limited and highly sought after.

Know before you go

  • Secure a permit through the annual lottery for a chance to experience the Smith River's exclusive float trip.
  • Prepare to pack out all human waste with approved portable toilet systems.
  • Be aware of the 'day use only' policy at Camp Baker, with exceptions from September 1 through November 30.
  • Remember, there are no public services from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge; bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water.
  • Check for any restrictions and closures before your visit, especially during fire or flood seasons.

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