The best camping near Salmon Lake State Park

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

Discover the serene beauty of Salmon Lake State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Salmon Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Salmon Lake State Park

Salmon Lake Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In Salmon Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Salmon Lake State Park

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Primrose Meadows

13 sites · Tents28 acres · 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.

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Buck’s Paradise

2 sites · Lodging15 acres · Seeley Lake, MT

Learn more about this land: This is a non-smoking, Family friendly dry cabin. Pets are allowed as long as you clean up after them and don't allow them on the furniture. We love our fur babies! Property is located just north of Seeley Lake Beach. Lots of room to ride bikes with trails accessible nearby. Access to Deer Creek as well. Owner will be on the property from time to time staying at their cabin, so you may see them here and there. Excellent property to set up folf nets or just enjoy the quiet scenery of deer and listen to the birds. We just ask that you keep the property clean and be respectful. Pack in pack out.

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Blue Mountain BaseCamp

1 site · RV1 acre · Missoula, MT

Nestled at the base of the majestic Blue Mountain, our property offers a great opportunity to camp with just a brief 0.23-mile stroll to the trailhead, granting easy access to trails awaiting your exploration. Trailside Convenience: The convenience of having a trailhead within reach, complete with a pit toilet. Our site: Camping within city limits of Missoula is limited to the KOA. Our site is perfect for those wanting a convenient place to camp with plans to head out to the trails or to Missoula. Our home is nestled on one acre with Ponderosa pine trees, Aspen, and Birch. We are located in a neighborhood and we have two kids and two friendly dogs. There is a photo of how close our site is to our house letting you know that when the Aspen trees have no leaves, the site is not as private as when they do. Perfect Balance: Located just 1.5 miles beyond Missoula city limits, our site strikes the perfect balance between access to nature and the city. Start your day with a refreshing hike, revel in the natural beauty, and then seamlessly transition into town for the city's offerings, all within easy reach. Whether you seek a quiet morning walk along scenic trails or desire the vibrancy of city life, our property serves as the ideal base for your Blue Mountain adventure. Experience the best of both worlds at Blue Mountain BaseCamp !

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Mile High Mountain Homestead

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Helmville, MT

Beautiful 20 acre homestead, surrounded by the Garnet Mountains. We have beautiful small lakes where you can observe wild life and migratory water fowl and beautiful song birds and go on small walks around the lakes or take your mountain bike or e-bike and enjoy a ride on the ranch roads surrounding the area. Come on over to our homestead and take a small tour of our greenhouse and gardens, we have seasonal produce to sell and rabbits to pet! We sell farm fresh eggs and raw goats milk and soft goat cheeses! We also have hand crafted lip balms with essential oils and we welcome you to enjoy our fire pit area and wood fired hot tub, all the while viewing the small lakes around our homestead. The Hot Tub is an extra charge of $20. We also have a luxurious outdoor hot water shower available for use as well! Reserve the hot tub at check in! Come prepared! We are in grizzly country , BE BEAR AWARE! All campers need to keep all ice chests and food away from their tents and in their cars when not using them! This is grizzly and black bear country, keep all cooking utensils , dog food and pans , in your vehicle when not in use! Very important to obey the bear rules and stay safe! Thank you and we want you to have a safe and enjoyable camp out! Please be advised to follow these directions to the campsite grounds, the google map takes you to the wrong entrance and we have had issues getting this changed. As you come into Drummond, head to Helmville road , turn right and follow this road that parallels I-90, then turn left onto highway 271 to Helmville. So follow highway 271 towards Helmville , at 13.1 miles , turn right onto Weaver hill crossing a cattle guard. Go up the hill and follow the road and keep to the left of the first Y and continue on for 3.5 miles until you come to the second large Y and stay to the right of it. Continue on for another 3.2 miles un til you see a green chimney lakes sign and turn right and continue in on to our driveway! There is no cell service up here , so you will have to connect to our Wi-Fi when you arrive, to be able to call or text out. Please use your trip counter in your car or truck to help you with mileage. Remember to save these directions before you loose cell service!😊

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God's Country Camping

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Lolo, MT

This property is so beautiful and peaceful no lights out here at night, just moonlight when it's out. 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. Learn more about this land: Completely private, borders 2000 acres of a bird sanctuary. Two blocks from Bitterroot river canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swim, trails, hiking, scenery, wildlife. Spring fed pond on property for fishing, swimming and adventures. 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. So as the summer goes on the pond levels go way down, please be aware of that.

Lost Moose Meadows Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Lincoln, MT

Welcome to Lost Moose Meadows, where the spirit of Montana comes alive in a camping experience like no other. Since opening our doors in July of 2023, we've been dedicated to providing our guests with a personal, intimate, and truly immersive outdoor getaway. Our spacious RV sites are thoughtfully designed, with each one set nearly 100 feet apart from your neighbor, allowing for ample privacy and a direct connection with the natural beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're lounging outside your camper or gazing up at the starry Montana sky, you'll feel completely immersed in the tranquility of the great outdoors. Each of our full-hookup RV sites is equipped with everything you need for a worry-free stay, including reliable electric, water, and sewer connections, all situated on a level and well-cared-for grounds. Our commitment to cleanliness extends to our showers and restrooms, which are meticulously maintained and available for guests to use, ensuring that your entire visit is as easy and relaxing as possible. At Lost Moose Meadows, we believe that the best camping experiences are those that allow you to truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Montana, where every moment is filled with the magic of the great outdoors.

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Mile High Mountain Homestead

2 sites · Lodging20 acres · Helmville, MT

We are officially open for the 2024 season! Located in the Garnet Mountains of Montana, we offer beautiful views and wildlife viewing all the while providing you with a homestead experience . We offer a homestead tour of our place and enjoy some greens from our gardens and visit our goats and rabbits and purchase some fresh cheese and milk to take back to your tent too . The price includes the use of the wood fired hot tub for an evening soak with a beautiful private view of the mountains and small lake . Enjoy a hand made fresh baked pizza to order from our homestead, 15”for $35 , or just come and relax and enjoy your views We love to share our experiences with our guests! There is also a luxurious outdoor shower to wash off all that campfire smell , as well! So come enjoy some high mountain glamping with us and discover just how peaceful it is in our neck of the Garnet mountains! Visit us on instagram! @milehighmountainhomestead

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Rainbow Gulch Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · 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 3 brain surgeries all year, so we don't have the active garden going this year, but the chickens and sheep are happy. 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. The fields are that - pasture fields. There are quiet neighbors across the fence. We are happy to offer advice about local attractions via messaging. This is pack it in, pack it out During the pandemic we ask that you wear a face covering if you have a reason to talk with us, even across the fence out of an abundance of caution since most of you are traveling from out of state. Tours are also temporarily suspended.

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Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents212 acres · Saint Ignatius, MT

We are an operating Farm/Ranch and Horse Facility. We offer not only camping but horsemanship lessons and incredible hospitality. We have not only a view of the mission mountains but the BEST view with both waterfalls in view. Our property sits off the road next to our peaceful hay field with wildlife, horses, donkeys, mules, milk cows and chickens galore! We cannot wait to meet you!

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Highway Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Bonner, MT

Learn more about this land: Come stay a night on the edge of our little homestead. We are right across from Steele Toe Distillery. We have plenty of room for you to hike, but if you decide it’s not enough, there is hundreds of acres of BLM land behind us for you to enjoy. A half a mile from us is amazing swimming, boat access and awesome fishing! The one and only downfall is some highway noise. We offer space for your tens, camper trailers and more.

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Ridgeline Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Missoula, MT

My wife, Nicole, and I were so very fortunate to have found this place. The homestead consists of 70 acres of mountainous forest in the wild lands of Montana. The cabin is totally off the grid but provides every creature comfort one could hope for.

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Montana Safari Tent - Blackfoot

2 sites · Lodging43 acres · Bonner, MT

Experience the charm of Montana's wilderness while indulging in the comforts of home at P-7 Base Camp, named after our family's historic livestock brand. Nestled on 43 acres in the picturesque Potomac Valley, just minutes from Missoula and the famed Blackfoot River, our peaceful retreat offers a unique glamping experience unlike any other. With only 4 sites available, including 2 safari tents and 2 Conestoga Wagons, we invite you to immerse yourself in luxury with our thoughtfully curated accommodations. Each glamping tent features luxurious bedding, electricity, a heater, coffee bar, mini fridge, wine glasses, S'Mores roasting sticks, solar lanterns, heated mattress pads, a picnic table, and Adirondack chairs. Plus, enjoy the convenience of two communal bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Our property, a working hay farm, offers a glimpse into rural life in Montana. During the summer months, you can witness the hay being irrigated, cut, baled, and stacked for winter use. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including deer, coyotes, herons, eagles, hawks, and sandhill cranes, who also call this property home. Explore the beauty of the Potomac Valley, one of Western Montana's best-kept secrets, with easy access to Missoula's vibrant downtown scene, hiking trails, museums, art galleries, and more. Spend your days floating, kayaking, or trout fishing on the Blackfoot River, or venture to nearby lakes for boating or paddleboarding. Dog-friendly trails at Lubrecht Forest are just a short drive away, while Garnet Ghost Town offers a glimpse into Montana's rich history. After a day of adventure, relax by the campfire and watch the sunset over the mountains, soaking in the tranquility of the Montana wilderness. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or simply a peaceful escape, P-7 Base Camp offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature in the heart of Big Sky Country.

The best camping near Salmon Lake State Park 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.