The best camping in Elkhorn State Park, MT

·

Elkhorn State Park offers a glimpse into frontier history.  

The best camping in Elkhorn State Park, MT

Big-Enough Ranch

1. Big-Enough Ranch

97%
(70)
10km from Elkhorn State Park · 2 sites · Lodging
Horse ranch on 40 acres located just outside of Boulder, MT. Exceptional views and peace and quiet at this retreat cabin. 20 acres to the East has and old hunting cabin alongside a creek. Also an old mining test pit from the late 1800’s mining boom, as well as a hand built irrigation ditch that runs through the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

2. White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

99%
(70)
13km from Elkhorn State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Dawson Family Ranch is a family-run business with a focus on sustainable land and agriculture practices. The ranch is located along a mile of the Boulder River between the Elkhorn and Bull Mountain Ranges. The river offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Public land access is within a short drive (2-7 miles depending on direction) and offers different recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, and motorized recreation. Boulder Hot Springs is less than 4 miles away.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$58
 / night
The Homestead

3. The Homestead

100%
(18)
23km from Elkhorn State Park · 2 sites · Lodging
The Homestead is located in Clancy, Montana on a 600 acre portion of a private ranch. This is a camping experience...think upscale tent camping for the adventurous soul! The tents are nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountain Range and sit right above the Strawberry Creek trail. You will be surrounded by stunning views of Sheep Mountain to the west, Casey Peak to the east, and the Helena Valley and Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to the north. Mountain bike, hike, trail run, explore and/or relax! Just a short 20 minute drive to Helena, MT for more trails, dining or other activities. *** This mountain destination takes you one mile on a dirt, two track road though a field to reach the tents so AWD is highly recommended.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$164
 / night
Mountain Biker's Getaway

4. Mountain Biker's Getaway

100%
(19)
31km from Elkhorn State Park · 1 site · RV
We have a 20 acre parcel where we live that is right next to the trail system and also 5 minutes from downtown Helena. We love hosting our friends who come to mountain bike and enjoy Helena and are happy to host you! We have a small trail cut into the property that is available for your use and a forest for you to play in
Pets
from 
$34
 / night
The DET Place Hideaway

5. The DET Place Hideaway

100%
(11)
35km from Elkhorn State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Unplug under the endless Montana sky at “The DET Place” — a private 12-acre retreat tucked away just a mile outside Townsend. Set up camp in wide open space with epic views of Mount Baldy, a cozy campfire, and frequent visits from whitetail deer, pheasants, and the occasional sandhill cranes. Perfect for tent campers and stargazers, the site is close to Canyon Ferry Lake, the Missouri River, and town conveniences - but feels like a world away. Watch the sunrise with the resident horses, visit with the barn cats, or just sit back and take in the silence. Whether you're paddling, fishing, hiking, or glamping out under the stars, The DET Place offers a Montana experience you'll never forget.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

6. The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

98%
(132)
39km from Elkhorn 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 
$58
 / night
Relax Inn Montana

7. Relax Inn Montana

98%
(32)
41km from Elkhorn 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 
$64
 / night
Farm Land Escape

8. Farm Land Escape

100%
(10)
42km from Elkhorn 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 
$102
 / night
》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《

9. 》°☆Montana Family Camp☆°《

93%
(14)
45km from Elkhorn 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 
$26
 / night
Pipestone Ringingrocks Rv & Cabins

10. Pipestone Ringingrocks Rv & Cabins

96%
(23)
46km from Elkhorn State Park · 5 sites · RVs
Welcome DIRECTIONS These Campsites are in Pipestone so Take Pipestone exit heading west take a immediate right on gravel rd. (Road to Ringing Rocks theres a sign Pipestone Ringing rocks RV and Cabins with red arrow pointing east follow it for about a 1 1/2 miles crossing 3 cattle gaurds and a railroad track go another 50 yards and there a gate # 234 on post and the RV spots are just past the cabins. enjoy the views and to take in the fresh Montana air there's also a fire pit (fire wood for sale) and a picnic table set up ( potable Water fill available, there are no public Bathrooms so Rv must have Bathrooms in them) ,for you and your family to enjoy a nice outing and look at the Montana stars in Big Sky country there are also hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy utv,dirt bike,peddle bike. or just a nice nature walk all these trails are shared in them
Water hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
from 
$52
 / night
CedarRose

11. CedarRose

99%
(204)
49km from Elkhorn State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
CedarRose
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night
Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

12. Ponderosa Pine Ranch camp

95%
(63)
49km from Elkhorn State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Our property is in a close proximity to the Fairweather Fishing access on the Missouri River. Camping is not allowed at the access so we would be the closest camping site to this great outdoor playground. There is opportunity for fishing, floating, boating, hunting and swimming in the summer . There are groves of mature trees and open sites available. This is directly off of paved county road. The property adjacent to ours has the original ranch house and barn and other outbuildings that were part of the Ponderosa Pine Ranch which owned most of the valley we're in. The ranch house and buildings were divided away from our part of the property several years ago, so we have our home here and what was mostly pasture. The campsites are all pasture grass with trees for shade. We do not have cell phone service here. We have one site that has 30 amp electricity. Also we do not have trash service .
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$39
 / night
Old Town River Ranch

13. Old Town River Ranch

92%
(74)
51km from Elkhorn State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Old Town River Ranch is a serine river front escape located in beautiful Three Forks Montana. We offer a private off grid camping experience directly on the Jefferson riverfront. We provide a limited number of campsites to maintain privacy for our guests, with just three riverfront spots and three creekside spots. Large aspens and willows span the property. Plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing including bird watching. We do have a portable toilet on-site that is serviced weekly, otherwise this is a pack-in-pack-out site. Located just minutes off Interstate 90 (Exit 278) Old Town River Ranch offers a secluded getaway that’s close to all that Three Forks Montana has to offer, Sacajawea, farmers markets, shopping and Bridger Brewing for concerts and just 30 minutes to Bozeman. Stop by to see our friends at the Old Town Farm Stand just before the entry to our Ranch to get your fresh home baked goods & farm raised produce. Come stay a night, or a few, we think you'll enjoy it. Campsite & Camper Sizes. Campsites #1 #2 & #3 can accommodate large campers (up to 35 feet) with fair amount of room to maneuver. Campsite #4 is limited to Truck Campers, Sprinters or very small towables. Campsites #5 (up to 20ft) and Campsite #6 (up to 25ft) can accommodate mid-sized campers with limited but manageable room to maneuver. Notice. We implemented a comprehensive weed management program so campgrounds should be dramatically improved this year. Believe it or not some people don't know this. This is a campground on a river bottom in Montana. We keep it well but its fairly "raw" here. There can be wildlife - large & small game, maybe a few lost cows at times. There can be bugs - mosquitoes & spiders. There can be weeds. Water levels in the river vary dramatically depending on the time of year - sometimes high & fast other times low & slow. Sometimes it'll be really hot, dry & dusty, other times humid & muddy, maybe even flooded in areas, sometimes it can be cold & icy. If these things concern you it might be best to find an alternative. For everyone else, come on in and enjoy, we welcome you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$64
 / night
Gallatin River Getaway

14. Gallatin River Getaway

97%
(538)
57km from Elkhorn State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This property has been a farm and ranch since 1863 it was used as a stage stop for travelers going to the gold fields in Bannock and Virginia City Montana. Come check us out.We offer two private campsites on the Gallatin River near Logan, Montana, 1/4 mile apart on a working farm and ranch. Ranch also is located below ATT and Verizon cell towers. Five minutes from entrance gate to interstate ninety. We are thirty minutes from Bozeman, six miles from Three Forks, MT, three miles from Headwaters State Park (Headwaters of the Missouri River), 12 minutes from the Copper City Mountain biking trails, 20 minutes from Lewis and Clark Caverns, eight miles from Madison Buffalo Jump. Yellowstone National Park is two hours south of the property. Easy full recreational access to the Gallatin River, including fishing if you follow Montana FWP rules and regulations. Gallatin River is a blue-ribbon trout stream and there are four additional blue-ribbon trout streams that are within close proximity. Inhabited by most major indigenous species of Montana, except bison and mountain goats. This is a working farm and ranch and equipment and activities related to the operation should be expected also a train runs close to property. Host lives on the property and is available to contact. 
Pets
Campfires
from 
$51
 / night
Hidden Meadow Ranch

15. Hidden Meadow Ranch

98%
(349)
61km from Elkhorn State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Small irrigated ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley, surrounded by mountains, access to public lands and beautiful scenery. East side of acreage has the Clark Fork River running through it, even though the neighbors are close still lots of privacy. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent or park your RV on a very basic flat field with 360 views all around, (note my River camp site and access to the River is closed due to state reclaimation and cleanup of the River). Site is 7 miles from Deer Lodge, MT. Small fire pit, not great but available for guests unless fireban is on during dry conditions short drive to several acres of public ground, ATV access, hiking, and mountain biking and fishing This is an 80-acre working ranch with cows, irrigation and hay so you may have to drive through the cows and there will be cowpies :-). Great cell service and private property on both sides, easy access to campsite. 10-minute drive to historic Grant Kohrs Ranch, old prison museum and many other unique Montana experiences.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
BAR - 01 Ranch

16. BAR - 01 Ranch

97%
(16)
65km from Elkhorn State Park · 4 sites · RVs
The BAR 0 1 hipcamp is brand new The bar 01 hip camp will be closed for the winter months starting October 1st will reopen April 1st which features approximately 60 acres of beautifully secluded campsites situated around a 2 acre reservoir. Property is conveniently located 3 miles from the intersection of I-90 and I-15. Directions: • West on I-90 from the intersection of I-90 and I-15 2 miles to the Ramsay exit 216. • Continue West on N Ramsay Rd 1 mile to 805 N Ramsay Rd. • Turn right onto the upper gravel road and continue north 1/2 mile to the campsites. Camping sites: • No tents, self contained only • Numbers 1 through 4 will accommodate large RVs or motorhomes. Other things to note: • Large spaces •No electric, water, or sewage. •No trash pickup • Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out All campers must be able to provide for themselves.
Pets
from 
$36
 / night
Serenity Sheep Farm Stay

17. Serenity Sheep Farm Stay

95%
(39)
73km from Elkhorn State Park · 3 sites · Lodging
NO DOGS! This is a working farm and we have dogs, sheep, goats as well as other animals. Adding yours into the mix of animals has proven to be more hassle than what it's worth. I've been at this for 16 years. Please ask questions before booking. Sneaking your dog(s) in doesn't work. We live on 40 acres of my husband's grandfather's original 160 acre homestead. We are the only ones still farming. They rest of the family have either sold off their land for big bucks or have built homes on it. We enjoy sharing our little piece of paradise in the Gallatin Valley.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$189
 / night
Wildhorse

18. Wildhorse

93%
(21)
78km from Elkhorn State Park · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: This spot is in between our barn of 40+ chickens and our 4 happy, friendly cows and our large vegetable garden. Non bird friendly dogs are NOT welcome as our chickens, our dogs named Clyde and Gus, and 2 super friendly cats are free range on our property. We are located a few minutes from downtown Belgrade, 15 minutes from downtown Bozeman, minutes to fishing, kayaking, paddling, floating on several rivers and 90 miles from Yellowstone Park which you can easily do day trips to if not wanting to bring your campers through the chaos of traffic. Campers staying more than 3 days get a dozen fresh eggs. Otherwise, they are available for sale.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$108
 / night
Wildhorse Ranch and Rentals

19. Wildhorse Ranch and Rentals

99%
(98)
79km from Elkhorn State Park · 2 sites · RVs
Quiet RV Sites with Big Views – Just Minutes from Bozeman Escape to our peaceful slice of Montana, just a few minutes off the Belgrade exit. Tucked behind a shop in an open field, our RV spots offer a quiet, out-of-town feel with easy access to all the restaurants, shops, and attractions in Belgrade and Bozeman. Enjoy wide open skies, beautiful views of the Bridger Mountains, and the peacefulness of rural life. We offer two RV sites: • One with 50/30 amp service • One with 30 amp service Each site includes a level gravel pad and picnic table for your comfort. There’s also a rustic fire pit available—please bring your own firewood (sold at nearby gas stations). Extras for your stay: • A super clean porta-potty is available on-site from May 1 to September 30 You’ll hear roosters crowing every morning, and you might spot horses, goats, or other friendly farm animals nearby. It’s all part of the authentic Montana farm experience. We’re close to rivers, trails, and mountain adventures. Big Sky and Yellowstone are easy day trips from here—making this a great basecamp for exploring Montana.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$90
 / night
Monarch Ski and Bike Cabin

20. Monarch Ski and Bike Cabin

100%
(3)
3.9km from Elkhorn State Park · 1 site · Lodging
The Monarch Cabin sits at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet on the west side of Elkhorn Peak. It is surrounded by more than 300,000 acres of public land with 80,000 acres of that being designated as a roadless area. The nearest human inhabitance is in the Historic Town of Elkhorn situated a bit more than 3 miles to the south and a drop of about 2,000 feet of elevation. During the Summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and trail running on maintained and unmaintained trails. Climb peaks with incredible views and fish in mountain lakes. Spring time provides opportunity to experience the splendor of the wild flower season. There are so many flowers that the whole area is alive with the aroma and multitude of colors. If you are lucky, you may see new born wildlife such as deer, elk, mountain goats, fox, moose and many others. Winter time lends to incredible back country skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing. The sunsets are typically spectacular while enjoying the views and solitude. Book for a time of full moon and with a clear sky a moonlight ski or walk is amazing. From the West there is the Muskrat/Tizer Lakes trail which is a maintained, designated hiking/biking trail. To the south is an unmaintained, extremely rough forest service road leading to the cabin. To the east there is a trail to the top of Elkhorn Peak and to Crow Peak, the two highest peaks in the Elkhorn mountains. To the north there are trails leading to most anywhere in the Elkhorn Mountains. Tizer lakes are only about 3 miles away on an easy maintained trail. From there there are too many destinations to name. Hiking and biking is limited only by one's own ambition and skills. The Elkhorn endurance run is a well known event that has it's longer race route run right through the property. At the end of a hard day of adventure, relax in the wood fired sauna and enjoy the amazing sunsets. If you are lucky, you might even hear elk bugling in the valley below (September/October). Most people access the cabin by hiking, biking, snowshoes or ski's. If one choose to drive, a 4 WD truck would be a must and would still be difficult. Areas above the cabin are for non-motorized use only.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$377
 / night

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

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

The best camping in Elkhorn State Park, MT guide

Overview

About

Camping near Elkhorn State Park is a step back in time, as you find yourself exploring the quiet remnants of a once-thriving 19th-century mining town. Tucked away off gravel secondary roads outside Boulder, this petite state park might be among Montana's smallest, but it offers a unique window into the state's past.

Your journey takes you through the historic Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall, both located in the privately-owned town of Elkhorn. These picturesque structures, preserved from the late 1800s, offer a unique glimpse into frontier architecture. Don't forget your camera; these buildings are so well preserved they've been recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey.

Travel further up the main road, three-quarters of a mile outside the state park boundaries, and you'll find the town cemetery. Here, amongst the final resting places of the town's early inhabitants, you can see the tombstone of Peter Wys, the Swiss miner who discovered the silver veins in the Elkhorn Mine. His legacy, like the town itself, is a testament to the draw of the Boulder Batholith's rich mineral deposits that brought settlers to the area in 1868.

An Elkhorn State Park camping expedition offers an immersive historical experience set against the backdrop of Montana's beautiful landscapes. Perfect for the history buffs or anyone seeking a unique outdoor adventure.

When to go

Elkhorn State Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. Summer brings lush greenery and ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing, while winter cloaks the park in a quiet blanket of snow, perfect for photographers seeking a tranquil landscape.

Know before you go

  • Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, as conditions can change due to weather or maintenance activities.
  • Remember to pack in and pack out, as the park operates on a leave-no-trace principle to preserve its natural beauty.
  • Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.
  • Nonresidents should be prepared to pay a day use entrance fee of $8 with a vehicle or $4 as a walk-in.
  • For a safe and enjoyable visit, familiarize yourself with the park rules and Recreate Responsibly guidelines.

Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.