Discover the best hot spring campgrounds in Montana with wildlife watching

United States
—
Montana

98% (667 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Montana

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top hot spring campgrounds in Montana with wildlife watching

98%

(339)

Hidden Meadow Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Deer Lodge, MT

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. Enjoy blue ribbon fishing and access to lots of fresh air and scenery.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent next to the Clark Fork River, 7 miles from Deer Lodge, MT. Site provides a handmade rock fire ring and willows for privacy. Fire may not be available if it is dry conditions. Good fishing right out of your tent, short drive to several acres of public ground, ATV access, hiking, and mountain biking. This is an 80-acre working ranch with cows, sheep and hay so you may have to drive through the cows and you may have to deal with 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.

99%

(68)

Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

14 sites · Lodging25 acres · Alberton, MT

A sanctuary away from everyday life, where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Yurt has electricity, a wood stove for heat in winter, a beautiful outdoor kitchen and bathhouse, and a creek. Only 45 minutes from Missoula Montana. Games and books in the yurt. Cedar outhouse. Lots of extra to make for a truly remarkable glamping experience.

A Place of Tranquility

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Thompson Falls, MT

Whether you’re seeking adventure or solitude, you’ll find it here in Big Sky Country. From the jagged Rocky Mountains to the expansive Great Plains. Green Acres Ranch is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in the country. The town of Thompson Falls is filled with friendly residents, affordable eatery’s and unique trinket shopping. It's a 20-minute walk or 10-minute bike ride to the famous High Bridge that takes you to the island into town, along with swimming and fishing. Need some space. You’ll find it on our green fields of 10 acres, or 5 acres of forest. Inviting the wild turkeys, geese, elk, eagles and deer. Views are filled with panoramic serene mountains and majestic blue skies. Portable toilets will not be available until the beginning of May and we've got The Best Drinking Water. ~Thank You~

Montana Red Devon Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Harrison, MT

Montana Red Devon Ranch is owned and managed by Jenny Kahrl. Her boys Riley and Kiril were raised on the ranch and often help with cattle, land, and maintenance. We have chosen Red Devon cattle for their history (originally from Devonshire England, Devons arrived in North America in 1624!), their docility, and their gourmet beef. Our cattle eat only grass, hay, and forages, as Nature intended. We manage our land to protect wildlife and clean water for all, to improve soils, preserve open space, and feed hundreds of our neighbors. All our grassfed beef is sold within 50 miles of the ranch. We also have a deep commitment to sharing our love of land and animals with our community, both near and far. We have hosted international visitors from France, Russia, Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and many many Americans. Jenny Kahrl speaks French fluently. We hope to share our love of this land and its riches with many visitors, for it is only by knowing where our food originates that we can appreciate each farm and farm family for their work to feed America and the world.

Wildhorse Trail Properties

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Belgrade, MT

Easy access from the Belgrade exit. Nice quiet area with beautiful views. Get an out of town feel close to all of the amenities that Belgrade/Bozeman has to offer. Beautiful views of the Bridger Mountains! Close to rivers and mountains. A day trip to Yellowstone or Big Sky is easy. Enjoy a level gravel pad with a picnic table. There is one 50 amp service and 3 30 amp.

White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Boulder, MT

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.

88%

(38)

Mad RIver Farm Camping

7 sites · Tents40 acres · Ennis, MT

Please read bullet points below before you book with us. Wake up to the impressive scenery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the sun shining over the Madison range on this nearly 50 acre farm in McAllister, Montana. You'll be camped in a wide open grass pasture JUST OFF Hwy 287, 1.5 miles from Ennis Lake and the Madison River which offers some of the most diverse fly fishing in Montana. The Madison River runs through this scenic valley and is flanked by the towering Madison, Gravelly and Tobacco Root ranges which are all visable from our campsites. Our land is filled with wildlife including fox, coyotes, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, osprey, deer and antelope. Horses in the pasture to the North and cattle to the South. Crash in our field and you're only about 1 hour from Yellowstone, without the Yellowstone prices and congestion. The town of Ennis is 7 miles and the best steakhouse in the valley is 2 minutes north up HWY 287. Plan an easy afternoon trip to the historic Old West town of Virginia City (20 miles). We are surrounded by endless trails for hiking, 4 wheeling and trail riding. Big Sky Ski Resort is an hour and 30 minutes over the Madison Range. Take an evening to go to Norris Hotsprings (9 miles). Lewis and Clark Caverns one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America is only 28 miles away. The list of activities goes on and on, but there is always the option to just relax and feel comfortable doing nothing. This is the perfect place to choose to be disconnected and unplugged for a while, but not to far off the beaten path so its an easy camp. 45°26'15.5"N 111°43'53.8"W https://goo.gl/maps/i7jR4qSxP4SkU1QTA -Parking is just off HWY 287, very easy access by bike or vehicle. Vehicles will stay in the designated parking are and campers will walk to any area of the pasture they wish to set up camp! -This is a field, a pasture where grass grows to feed cattle. The views of the Madison Range and Tobacco Root Mountains is incredible. There are a few areas of trimmed grass, but for the most part this is a pasture with long grass. This area is not maintained like a KOA. This is not at all what would call "roughing it" but I grew up in Montana and we have different standards here. -We ask that you please give room to other campers, you'll have so much room it should never be an issue. -There is now a porta potty and fire pit! both of which are for all campers to use. Please do not set up camp right next to the firepit, right next to the porta potty or in the parking area. -This is a pasture alongside the road in Montana. There are no parking lot lights. There is no wifi. There are no trees or shelters. It is not private because it is an open field along HWY 287. That being said there are rarely ever more than 1-2 camping groups at a time. -The Campfire is communal. Everyone needs to be able to enjoy. There are several area to set up camp. We usualy will only have 1-2 campers at any given time. The most we have ever had at once is 4. -You're free to walk around and find your perfect spot. You can walk through the tall grass or you can camp in one of the spots that is trimmed down. You have that freedom! We trim down the "road", the firepit, a couple campsites and the area around the garbage and porta potty. We dont want to completely mow down our pasture. We like to keep it wild. When Hipcampers are not using the area its a place for deer, antelope, cyotes and sandhill cranes. If you want to have a campground with manicured walkways/camping spots this is not the green pasture for you. 🇺🇸 July 4th update FYI the 2 track road down to the canvas wall tent has irrigation water covering it. Don’t go down the path to the tent, you will get stuck. There are plenty of places to camp without driving down toward the canvas tent. There is a saw horse blocking the road. Please do not move the saw horse or drive down the road.

91%

(17)

YNP & River Basecamp

4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Emigrant, MT

Ken and Debbie DeGraaf purchase the land and built the house in 2004 Learn more about this land: Our home is located in Emigrant, Montana. We are approx. 34 miles from YNP and less than 10 minutes to the nearest Yellowstone River access. As the name implies, our campsite provides a convenient "basecamp" for exploring YNP or experiencing the Yellowstone River through Fly Fishing or water sports such as kayaking, white-water rafting, canoeing and or SUP. Our campsite provides the perfect retreat after hiking and experiencing Yellowstone. After spending the day doing whatever you please in Paradise Valley or the surrounding areas, come back to your campsite and relax in the hot tub and prepare dinner on the BBQ & amp; Star Gaze. In Emigrant, there is a bank and a post office as well as a bakery and a BBQ restaurant and The Old Saloon. Additionally, there is a small gas station, laundromat and a general store. We offer 20Amp electrical-hook up. We do offer water hook up through a hose. The nearest dump station is 1/2 hour in either direction (Gardiner or Livingston). There are NO on-site outdoor SHOWERS or BATHROOMS, you must be totally self-sufficient in that area. Ken Leaves for work Sun.- Thur. around 4:00 AM. We also rent a room in our house, so other guests may be on site.

Booked 1 time

Nez Perce Trail Stay & Play

7 sites · RVs40 acres · Wisdom, MT

Lost Trail Ski Area is a short 12 miles away Hunt/Snowmobile/Ski /Stay/Relax Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest and a natural creek, offering a playground of activities and experiences regardless of the time of year. Let the great outdoors and nature excite your senses as you get lost in nature. Just steps outside your door and short drives to many attractions and amenities. Hiking, biking, skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, hunting, fishing, hot springs, grilling, campfires, smores, wading, floating, relaxation, disconnection, quietude, solitude, peacefulness and so much more. Let the experience connect with your mind, heart and soul. Bring wellbeing to the forefront of your experience. Being close to nature just feels good. Reduce stress, lower anxiety, increase productivity, concentration and creative skills. Recharge your batteries and say YES to you! Slow down and be present today. Come visit us in the Big Hole Valley of Montana. Sparsely populated and considered the most beautiful! We are located next to the Big Hole Battlefield, 2 mile west bordering the Beaverhead/Deerlodge NF, stay with us and enjoy your visit to the Battlefield. You can walk to the backside of the Battlefield and read all about in their signage a brief history. View editorials on website picture page. Jackson Hot springs is a short 20 min drive away. We now offer ATV, snowmobile, raft and kayak rentals! We have many so many miles of ATV and snowmobile roads and trails that can be accessed right from our place. We can also offer vehicle shuttles for rafters or fishermen! Enjoy the Mountains on an ATV or snowmobile! How fun is that?! We have mosquitoes in the summer, bring mosquito spray! Please call Jake (406) 880-5315 for more information. Ask us about all we have to offer you for your vacation!! RV spots with power $50 per night, ask about long term rates! RV spots $20 per night (no hook-up /park on grass), ask about long term rates! Tents spots $15 per night, long term stays available!!

100%

(14)

Montana Rustic Ranch Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Ronan, MT

Learn more about this land: We are a small privately owned working ranch in the Mission Valley of Montana. We have 2 sites available for tent camping, trailer campers with a 360 degree view of the glorious Mission Mountains. . Come and enjoy the quiet, spacious ranch with cows, horses, pigs and a large vegetable garden where can pick fresh veggies for your meals. We are centrally located to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, Big Fork, National Bison Range, hiking, boating, fishing river rafting, Ninepipes museum, bird watching, star gazing and so much more. Wake up to the amazing sunrises and enjoy the evening watching the glorious sunsets around a cozy campfire.

98%

(86)

Camp Kapapa Old US Hwy 93

5 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Elmo, MT

We are a family-oriented eco-friendly campsite located on the beautiful Flathead Lake of Elmo, Montana. With direct access to the lake and an hour's drive to Glacier National Park. Whether you are a family or only one person, we are here to make your stay at our campground an enjoyable one. Our campground is one of the last places along the shores of Flathead Lake that is pristine and undeveloped.

100%

(8)

Homestead@LittleTrailCreekCabins

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Gardiner, MT

We purchased the property in 2016 to share with travelers. There are three other rentals on the property. Learn more about this land: Shawn has been a nurse for 20+ years and understands the importance of a clean environment. Take a step back in time. Imagine yourself as an original Homesteader in this early 1900's cabin. But with modern convinces. 5 minutes from Gardiner, Montana - The North Entrance to Yellowstone & Yellowstone Hot Springs. We provide delicious well water! Little Trail Creek runs thru the property. There are two rooms in the cabin. Dining table, kitchen supply hutch & wood stove in the main room.Two queen beds, a small cot in the bedroom. There is one chandelier and 1 outlet in each room. There is one extra cabin with one queen bed available for an additional fee. It is 4 feet from the homestead. It is only available for use by guests of the homestead cabin, so it is private. There is a gorgeous new shower house built in 2023. It provides a large walk in shower, vanity and sink, outlet and standard flush toilet. Candles, oil lanterns, propane for the BBQ grill, campfire ring, camp chairs, wood stove, towels, hot springs & river towels, bedding, pots, pans, utensils, basic camp supplies are all included! There is a separate shack with an electrical outlet, toaster oven, electric coffee pot, percolator, a single electric burner for the cooking supplies. There are 3 other rentals on this property. Each cabin has 1 - 1.5 acres of private use and are generously spaced out.The Homestead cabin is bordered by Little Trail Creek and the house pasture. There are 5 horses on site. Absorkee Wilderness is in the back yard with thousands of miles of hiking trails. This is a Glamping experience. There my be wildlife - including bears, elk, deer, bugs or field mice at anytime. We have tried to preserve the Homestead cabin as much as possible to its original state. There are elk, deer, birds and other native wildlife on the property daily.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Wyoming

100%

(3)

Helena National Forest

Helena Valley Northeast, Montana

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Hot spring camping in Montana with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Few places in the Lower 48 feel more wild and remote than Montana. This northwestern state on the border with Canada is home to both Glacier National Park and a section of Yellowstone National Park along with a wide range of state parks and recreation areas, friendly cities, spooky ghost towns, and more than its fair share of hot springs. While most visitors comein summer—when weather is pleasant enough for camping and hiking—the Treasure State offers unique experiences in every season, with fantastic winter skiing opportunities, spring wildflowers, and gorgeous fall colors.

Where to go

Glacier Country

Northwestern Montana's Glacier Country is characterized by massive forests, craggy peaks, and long expanses of wilderness, with plenty of wildlife to boot. It's also home to Glacier National Park, where you'll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails along with tons of developed and backcountry camping options.

Southwest Montana

In the heart of Montana's Big Sky country, just west of Yellowstone National Park, this region is characterized by cute towns (notably Butte and Helena), historic ghost towns (a remnant of the region's historic mining industry), and relaxing hot springs. Popular camping areas include Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park and Bannack State Park.

Yellowstone Country

If you're headed to Yellowstone Country, it's likely with a visit to Yellowstone National Park in mind, but there's plenty more to do in the region, from hiking the Lake Fork Trail to checking out the restaurant and brewery scene in Bozeman. Yellowstone itself is, of course, a must-visit, but if you can’t find camping in the massive—and ever so popular—national park, you may have better luck snagging something in Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Central Montana

Central Montana offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoor recreation, rain or shine. Summer activities include fishing, horseback riding, and camping, while spots such as Showdown Mountain, Teton Pass Ski Resort, and Bear Paw Ski Bowl offer skiing and snowboarding. The region also has plenty of state parks, including Sluice Boxes State Park, Giant Springs State Park, and First Peoples Buffalo State Park.

Eastern Montana

Vast and expansive, eastern Montana features sparse landscapes dotted with the occasional herd of cattle, and plenty of room to get out and explore. You can take in views of the Badlands from Makoshika State Park or the Badlands Wilderness Study Area, or camp under the open sky in the expansive Custer National Forest. If you'd like to get out on the water, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is the place to go, with boat rentals available.