Best Camping in and near Clark's Lookout State Park

Discover history and nature at Clark's Lookout State Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Clark's Lookout State Park

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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.

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Little Country

3 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Wisdom, MT

Centrally located 2 minutes from Wisdom in the heart of the Big Hole Valley River valley. Easy access to fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, or anything else an outdoor enthusiast could desire. Jackson Hot Springs Lodge is a short 20-minute drive away. Plenty of room to tie horses off. Please Note- This is a dry cabin. Currently there are no bathroom facilities available but are available close by.

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Blaine Creek Boondocks

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Ennis, MT

This property is a rural oasis. Located just ten miles from Ennis and two miles from the Madison river, this is the perfect camp spot to call home for day hiking, biking and fishing adventures. The spot is flat with grass for a tent or large enough to pull in a camper. It’s in a rural neighborhood surrounded by mostly residents and some vacation rentals. The views are endless. You have access to a spring red creek for fishing, swimming and relaxing.

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Cantina Camping at Rodeo Star Arena

1 site · Tent100 acres · Whitehall, MT

Located on a 100 acre ranch, this rustic camping spot (bring your own tent) is located next to a little Cantina house adjacent to the Arena that belonged to a rodeo star. You can use the electricity in the Cantina or from the nearby RV hookups. Bring your own water and food. Montana mountains surround the property with majestic and breathtaking views! Important: We are committed to protecting our properties which is why we've partnered with Know Your Guest, the leading vacation rental guest-screening provider. Please note that before your booking begins, you will need to verify your details and ID through Know Your Guest. You will also be given the choice between paying a refundable deposit or buying a non-refundable damage waiver. We suggest you buy the damage waiver as this protects you in case you cause accidental damage during a booking.

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Big Hole Boondockin'

2 sites · RVs, Tents325 acres · Melrose, MT

Big Hole Boondockin' is located in Southwest Montana along the beautiful banks of the Big Hole River. River View Livestock, a 325 acre working cattle ranch, surrounds our camping areas which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a real Montana ranch experience. If you're not into the ranch lifestyle, hop on a raft, inner tube or kayak and float down the river enjoying a cold beverage. We also offer bank fishing on our private property. Stressed? Book some time with our emotional support animals and snuggle one of the pigs or cows to take some stress out of your life. These animals are part of our family and love to sit and relax with humans, begging for belly scratches and giving kisses. Whatever your camping dream is, our focused, friendly staff will work to achieve it. We look forward to hosting you and your family and friends and sharing our day to day dream life.

Creekside Private Camp In USFS

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Butte, MT

Remote private mining tract providing 360 degree access to USFS land. Private camping spots for tents or smaller RV (30 feet max) adjacent to year round creek. Higher elevation terrain at 8200 feet, drivable access to SUV's and up. Miles of old mining trails to explore on atv's/bikes/etc., old mining camps, town and structures near by. Private access to a private locked mine is available upon request.

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Country RV And Tent Spots

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Dillon, MT

This is a 1 acre fully fenced property located south of Dillon. There are a variety of spots for you to set up an RV, tent, or car camp! We are close to many river access points! There's also room to park boats, ATVs and all the other toys you have! There's a water hose w/ potable water, electric access, garbage, and access to a full bathroom (shower included) at the owners residence. *pets are welcome, but please note their are 2 dogs on the property (we can make arrangements for them not to come into contact w/ your pets if needed!) There are free ranging chickens on the property so we ask that your pets do not harm the chickens. Your welcome to free eggs! There is 1 cat roaming around as well.

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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.

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Angler's Paradise

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Butte, MT

An acre of riverfront property along the legendary Big Hole River! You can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mountain views, listen to the ripples from the Big Hole and fish right off the property! A great lot to bring your camper and have easy access to wade fishing along the river and right by the Silver Bridge boat launch!

The best camping near Clark's Lookout State Park guide

Overview

About

Camping near Clark's Lookout State Park takes you back in time, right into the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery. It was here on August 13, 1805, when the legendary explorers paused their strenuous journey, searching for a passage to the Pacific Ocean, and stumbled upon a vista that was nothing short of breathtaking. The encounter was so profound that it led to the naming of this place as Clark's Lookout State Park.

As you hike the trail that leads to the park's summit, you can imagine the awe and anticipation that must have coursed through William Clark as he first surveyed the land. As you climb higher, the Beaverhead Valley unfurls below in a stunning panorama, just as it did for the Corps of Discovery. It's a vista that has stood the test of time, a silent witness to the march of history.

The trail's end rewards you with more than just a view; it's also the site of a unique tribute to this historic event. There, atop the lookout, a granite monument stands like a sentinel. Shaped like a compass, it's an homage to the pocket-sized instrument that was a trusted companion of Clark during the expedition. Its three readings, proudly displayed, mirror the ones Clark took in 1805, serving as an enduring testament to the exploratory spirit that helped shape this nation.

A Clark's Lookout State Park camping expedition is more than your run of the mill trek. It's a journey back in time that offers an intimate encounter with history. So, come to camp, to explore, and to walk the same trails once trekked by some of the country's earliest pioneers. Let the panoramic vistas inspire you just as they did the Corps of Discovery, and who knows? You might just discover something incredible yourself.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Clark's Lookout State Park is between May 1 and September 30, when the park is open and fully accessible. Enjoy long summer days with ample sunlight, perfect for exploring the park's rich history and natural beauty. Outside of these months, the park may have limited access due to seasonal closures.

Know before you go

Check the latest Alerts and Closures for any restrictions that might affect your visit.
Remember that some amenities are seasonal, so plan your trip accordingly.
Pets are allowed, but ensure they are under control to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Adhere to the pack-in/pack-out principle to keep the park pristine.
Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.