Lakeside camping in Montana with wildlife watching

Soak in hot springs, hike through wilderness, or just take in the views of Big Sky Country.

93% (2159 reviews)
93% (2159 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Montana

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12 top lakeside campgrounds in Montana with wildlife watching

99%
(1435)

❤️ Glacier Park HipCamp 🏕️

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Coram, MT
Come enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful meadows near our home. We are located on 40 acres that include forested trails, a large pond, two small ponds, a creek, and frequent wildlife as well as spectacular stargazing at night. All sites have a campfire ring and picnic table. We provide a unique eco-camping experience in contrast to the crowded campground/RV park, and we are only 6 miles away from the entrance to Glacier National Park! Please let us know if you have multiple tents or vehicles as some sites may be a better choice for you than others. No hookups are provided – dry camping only. Parking for larger vehicles/trailers is available at sites 1-6 - an open, flat meadow with the pond on the other side of the road. Tents are welcome in all sites; although, we recommend the back meadow sites (7 and up) for more secluded tent campers (especially in July) as it has less traffic and more privacy. Sites 7-20 (the back meadow sites) have parking for vehicles 26' or less in total length. All sites have access to vault toilets, and all sites are back-in sites with partial shade. Because of the proximity to Glacier National Park and the main HWY, traffic noise and train noise can be heard at the campsites. Visitors are ask to keep their speed to a minimum to reduce dust on the dirt on Greens Road. We are just a short bike ride away (two minutes by car) from attractions such as the Whiskey Barn, The Paul Bunyan Bar & grill, Glacier Hi-Line Ropes Course, and the Amazing Fun Center, maze, and mini golf. It is also easy access to the Gateway to Glacier Bike path. E-bike rentals are across the street from us. Closest Gas station is the Cenex in Coram (1.5 mi away). Closest public (free) landfill dump is 2.2 miles toward Columbia Falls at 9626 Us HWY 2 E. Near Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill (which is also a good restaurant near us). Look for the gated entry and small sign marking Flathead Landfill. Closest grocery is in Hungry Horse at Canyon Foods Grocery (3.5 miles away). There is a laundromat next to this grocery store. Closest dump and water fill up for a vehicle with a holding tank is Mikes Conoco at 1645 9th st W in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi away). Closest town with wifi, cafes, restaurants, urgent care and larger grocery stores is Columbia Falls (9 miles away). We sell solar shower bags, sun screen, card games, cream soda, frisbees, bug spray, coffee, firewood, and more at Sam and Molly's mercantile by our house in the middle of our property. To watch a video tour of the campground: https://youtu.be/EYYuGGWRtag
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$42
 / night
99%
(125)

Glacier getaway 2.0

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Babb, MT
Nestled on the shores of Ducklake this 2 acre parcel is an ideal location to kick back , enjoy and explore the eastern side of Glacier park. We are 20 mins from the park gates, 20 mins from Many Glacier and about 40 mins to Waterton park. The gradual sloping beach is perfect for all kinds of water sports and recreation. Many grassed areas or shady treed sites and the sites on the beach with breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and most amazing stars at night. Ducklake is well known for its trophy rainbow trout aswell. We have 2 kayaks, a canoe, little fishing boat with electric motor, an assortment of rods and lures, propane BBQ, and solo smokeless campfire pits. All for guest to enjoy and use on a first come first serve basis.
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$60
 / night
92%
(359)

Duck Lake Lodge

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Babb, MT
Duck Lake Lodge is a family friendly and down to earth outdoorsman's lodge located just outside of Babb. Mt in the heart of North America's Backbone, Glacier National Park. Our location is surrounded by woods in a safe, cozy rustic and serene environment, just minutes from the park, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation rich with history and amazing culture. Our camping spots have wooded surroundings, secure bathrooms, showers, coin laundry for guest only, and camper trash facilities. The sites are nestled in the trees with picnic tables, campfire rings at each Tent site location. Pop up tents, camp vans, Rooftop tent should reserve an RV Lane Spot We have RV/Tent Full Hook Up Lane with water, sewer, 30-amp electric back in sites. We recommend surge protectors used at each site as well as a minimum water/sewer/electric hoses of 30 feet. Maximum length for RV/Trailer/Campvan is 21 ft in any of the RV Lane sites. Our main lodge features a Cafe and Snack Bar, there is also WIFI. It is quiet, safe and family friendly area, pets are welcome as well. You can also access a community bonfire area on the main lawn, as well as a pond area with numerous waterfowl. You could see deer, moose, ducks, beavers, various bird species, as well as hummingbirds that welcome you to the main lodge. The sunset is breathtaking. We invite you to come and explore Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It's a real home away from home Glacier Base Camp. The property is privately owned, and management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and will not be responsible for accidents or injury to guest or for loss of money, jewelry or valuables of any kind.
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$30
 / night
96%
(534)

The Mooseshroom

14 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Coram, MT
The Mooseshroom is an awesome camping community that is just 7 miles from the west side of Glacier National Park. Community fire pits near the Commons are a short walk from whichever tent spot guests are assigned. The Commons also houses the bathrooms and inside/outside kitchen areas. There is plenty of seating, hammocks and picnic tables for guests to use as well. We also have two yurts available for booking on our property. The Mooseshroom is a licensed business that is limited to hosting 18 guests per night. Guests should expect a quiet, peaceful camping experience with plenty of room to enjoy their surroundings. ***This property is adjacent Highway 2 and there is a fair amount of road noise. There's also a train that's fairly close. The noise kinda comes with the territory, guests are also 10 minutes from the west entrance to the park. The noise does tend to subside considerably at night, but for those bothered by this type of noise, you might consider an alternate location. Most guests are truly fine with it.
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$49
 / night
100%
(19)

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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$85.50
 / night
85%
(13)

Triple G's Resort

24 sites · Lodging10 acres · Essex, MT
Eco Luxury Resort offering Geodomes, cabins, treehouses and RV;s located only 15 minutes from West Glacier entrance. This resort will give you and your family an experience of a lifetime! We have a bar and restaurant on site with various boards and lawn games for guests to enjoy. 2 outdoor firepits 4 communal outdoor BBQs Various seating and hammocks spread through out the trails and forest even a STAGE where we host various artists and performances through out the year. Visit Triple G's Resort website to see restaurant menu and hours as well as the activities page where you can book horse back riding, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting and ATV rentals!
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$150
 / night
100%
(6)

BnR Horse Ranch

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents161 acres · Libby, MT
Are you looking for an adventure and opportunities to explore the wilderness and Lake Koocanusa? Come experience camping off grid in the true beautiful nature and wildlife of Montana. I have an off grid ranch on 161 acres bordered by the Kootenai National Forest and Lake Koocanusa just down the dirt road. It's very wooded but does have a few open meadows. My land is very private surrounded by beautiful mountains, forestry, wildlife and streams/creeks. The lake has a great beach front for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, etc. There's a boat launch 3 miles away for bigger boats or pontoons. My property also provides direct access to hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, horse trail riding, biking, snowmobiling and 4-wheeling. Want to bring your horse? We also offer horse camping, trail riding with overnight trail camping options and stall boarding. Round pen and outdoor arena available soon. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent or park your RV next to the creek or anywhere on our 161 acres surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest. Full access to Lake Koocanusa for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, etc. Immediate access to Kootenai National Forest with hundred miles of trails for hiking, 4-wheeling, biking, etc. Tour Libby Dam and visitor center located about 4 miles away. Also offer horse camping and trail riding.
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$39
 / night
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.
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$75
 / night
98%
(53)

MeadowSweet Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Bigfork, MT
Historic farm acreage featuring rolling hills and a stunning view of the Swan Mountains. Centrally located to enjoy Flathead Valley - 10 minutes to Flathead Lake, 45 minutes to Glacier National Park, 15 minutes to Jewel Basin trailhead, 10 minutes to Historic downtown Bigfork and so much more. We light the community fire pit most evenings and children can enjoy a large swing set in the field. You'll find your hosts working on several projects as we're continuing to restore this 100 year old property. We enjoy sharing all the work we've done to turn the land and outbuildings into a great place to visit!
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$35
 / night
100%
(16)

The Montana Dream

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Columbia Falls, MT
A wonderful travel trailer near Glacier National Park and five minutes from fishing and rafting opportunities! In the heart of Montana in the Flathead Valley and just North of Columbia Falls! You have your own area for a private camp fire to roast s’mores! There is an outdoor BBQ, table and chairs! Our property has a tiny private rental cabin across from the trailers private space and the owner host lives on site! The trailer itself has a double or full bed perfect for two people, a sofa couch, a bed above that for a child, and a table that makes into a bed so you could fit 2 adults and three children or 3 adults comfortably! Propane and electric are available on site! The trailer is beautiful blue interior and very charming! There are hiking trails with water falls close by! It is a day trip to the Bison Range! The trailer Is furnished with many amenities!
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$75
 / night
100%
(3)

Camp Lazy Bear

15 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Stryker, MT
Choice of Community Camping, or Glamping privately and in comfort with basic furniture and bedding. Surrounded by mature trees, beautiful clearings for camping spots, and at night, lights turn on like a fairy-tale come life. The 10 acres property borders State and National Forrest Grounds. Nearby you will find Trails, Mount Marston, Stillwater River, State and National Forrest, Lakes, Creeks, and anything else nature. It's the ideal staging area for climbing, swimming, ATV, hiking, motor boating, fishing, and much more. * 30 mins to Eureka, Lake Koocanusa, Canadian Border * 30 mins to Whitefish, Ideal for Big Sky Festival * 5 mins to Dickey Lake * 60 mins to Glacier West Entrance
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$32
 / night
92%
(12)

Nature Resort on the Bighorn River

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Fort Smith, MT
Cottonwood Camp is nestled under towering cottonwood trees on 17 historical acres, overlooking 3 Mile Access on the legendary Bighorn River. These hallowed grounds are surrounded by 300 wildlife filled acres of Bighorn Canyon National Rec' Area land. Excellent boating, water sports, and additional fishing opportunities are a short 15 minute drive away at Bighorn Canyon Lake. Our 14 cabins all have a personality of their own with occupancy capacity ranging from 2 all the way up to 18! All feature a fully equipped kitchen + outdoor social space w/ bbq grill. In addition we have FHU & W/E RV sites and plenty of pitch tent sites that have use of our two bathhouses. Guests are greeted in our full service fly shop that can get you hooked up on a guided trip, shuttle, or drift boat rental. Whether you want an action packed day on the Bighorn, a relaxing day on the Lake or just wanna escape your day to day to hear the sights & sounds of Big Sky Country, you can't go wrong with Cottonwood Camp!
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$38
 / night

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Lakeside 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.

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