The best camping near Frenchtown Pond State Park

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

Discover Frenchtown Pond State Park's serene waters and family-friendly recreation.

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Community favorites near Frenchtown Pond State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Frenchtown Pond 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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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.

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(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.

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The Sanctuary

63 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Superior, MT

YIPPIE-KI-YAY WINTER IS OVER AND WE ARE OPEN WITH FULL SERVICES!! IT'S IN THE 70°S, 80°S, 90'S DURING THE DAY! Welcome Patriots of America and Canada! At the sanctuary you will find like-minded people that love our countries and love the outdoors! Remember you are in Montana, "while in Rome be a Roman", thus when in Montana be a Montanan! We love our land and we love our wild animals please respect both! We are a multipurpose off-grid campground. We have designated camping spots like all other commercial campgrounds, but we also have cabin rentals, we have multiple sized group campgrounds, we have bike camp for bicycles and motorcycles, we have off the grid wolf camps, and we have winter hunting camping. We offer restrooms and showers, we have an RV dump, we have steel safety fire pits, we have hiking trails with incredible views, we have ATV roads, and we have four wheel drive roads, we have volleyball and badminton courts. We also have the best views in all of Mineral County. Don't be fooled by other farmers and ranchers on hip camp that tell you to go over next to a swamp or a pond, or at riverbed and let your fend for yourself with no amenities and charge you more than we charge you. If you want to be pure off grid, we have our Wolf Camp Mountain, but at least you can come back to the main compound and get a shower and relax at the lodge. We are just 3 miles off of Interstate 90, exit 47, in the small town of Superior, Montana. We have 5 restaurants, 4 bars with 3 casinos. Darlows is a wonderful grocery store including full service deli, beer, wine, and liquor and five churches of different denominations. The Sanctuary is up the canyon mountain via Pardee Creek Road. We are backed up into 50K of USFS acreage! The Clark Fork River on edge of property provides boating, rafting, and fishing fun! Our property plus USFS property provides miles of hiking, ATV, horseback, motorcross roads and trails. There are three cabins to rent, 25 RV dry spaces, 4 Group areas, and can accommodate over 200 tents! Heat in the winter is wood stove. We have restrooms, showers, cooking facilities, and a lodge with satellite internet connection.

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Wildlight Yurt

1 site · Lodging24 acres · Alberton, MT

Our land is 24 acres set against Cinderella Mountain, facing the Clark Fork River. There are two houses and a yurt on the property. The yurt is available for rent on this site to stay the night in, 8 guests maximum. **For gatherings and up to 20-person events, please visit our website, wildlightmontana.com. Address: The maps program on HipCamp is outdated and our address, which was created during the Covid lockdown, does not show up here. If you use Google Maps you can search "Wildlight Montana" to find us or please direct message me for the address. The yurt is a beautiful open space utilized weekly for local yoga classes and private events. The space is therefore not set up with bedding; guests should bring their own camping pads, cots, sleeping bags, etc. A pro to staying here is that the space comes stocked with yoga props for stretching in the evening while you arrive, sitting and gathering, or maybe doing a private yoga class before you leave in the morning. Feel free to message us and book a private sound therapy, Reiki or yoga session while you are at the property! There is nice view of the valley surrounding, and a trail leading up into the woods behind the yurt to walk on. Wild turkeys, deer, elk and eagles right outside your door. There is a woodstove inside for cooler nights that we can instruct folks who feel comfortable to use, and a small firepit out front. Facilities: Outside, in front of the yurt, there is a back-to-back outhouse and hand washing station available for guests, stocked with toilet paper, paper towels and hand soap. An insulated out-building sits just to the west of the yurt entrance, right where the dirt driveway turns toward the yurt itself when you drive up. The out-building is equipped as a kitchenette, and includes a refrigerator, electric kettle and coffee maker. Please note: there is no running water inside this building, however we will have a 5 gallon jug of well water set up in a water dispenser for you to access there. We ask guests to clean up after themselves in these spaces. The handwashing area is set up for rinsing off dishes while you're here as well. We will make sure to provide a dish tub, cleaning supplies, enough dishes, utensils and mugs for up to 8 people (or compostable picnicware if necessary at the time of rental). Note about the train: There are train tracks that run along the river in front of our property. The tracks are dropped down low enough that you can just see the top of the train, with trees also blocking the sound. The train will only sound its horn here if there are animals on the tracks, a fairly rare occurrence after four years living here. All in all, it isn't bothersome feature to most who stay, and we've had positive feedback from renters. It still feels fair to note.

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Bitterroot Panorama

1 site · RV20 acres · Stevensville, MT

**Have friends or family that want to tag along? I have added an extra to allow for extra campers at the same site. See the extras section for details.** Resting in the foothills of the sapphire mountains, just outside the town of Stevensville Montana, this beautiful 20 acre property is conveniently located halfway between Hamilton and Missoula; it is also a good midway point between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. The outdoor activities are endless. Biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, trail riding, snow skiing and more are all within reach. Deer, turkey, osprey, killdeer, nighthawks, and eagles frequent the property as well as the occasional elk herd; and the Lee Metcalf wildlife refuge is about 15 minutes away. The property sits about 400’ above the valley floor; giving spectacular panoramic views of the bitterroot valley and mountains, as well as incredible sunsets. The paved road ends about 1 mile before the property, the remaining mile is a gravel road. There is also a one lane bridge right before you get to the property. Firewood is available for use at no charge. Sewer hookup has not been run to the site yet but if you have a portable tank, or want to pull the camper over to the house, it can be dumped as needed beside the garage; just ask and I can show you where the pipe is. There is a nema 14-50 hookup providing 50 amp power at the site; if needed I do have a 50 to 30 amp adapter you can borrow during your stay. Water hookup is also available at the site, but may be limited in freezing weather. If temperatures are to cold we can turn on the water to fill your tank as needed and then blow the line back out. If you need to borrow a potable water hose let me know as i keep those in the garage unless needed. There is a non-potable water hose that is available at the site, with a spray nozzle, incase you need to rinse or wash off gear, vehicles, etc. SpaceX Starlink high speed internet is available via WiFi. You can also charge your electric vehicle, if needed, with the power at the campsite or I have another nema 14-50 plug available at the garage of the main house. Be sure to let me know if you will need the plug at the garage so I can make sure it is accessible. If you have other questions feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer them. ****The first 10 photos were posted by me and are taken from the actual hipcamp spot. Photos posted by guests may be from the spot or surrounding areas****

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Hawk And Fox Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent86 acres · Clinton, MT

Just a little piece of paradise just minutes from the Clark Fork and Rock Creek. 17 miles from downtown Missoula . We back up to 33,000 acres of state and federal land with endless possibilities. We have two ponds and hiking trails from fire roads to back country bushwhacking.. we have access to drift boats or rental cars. Anything to make your trip great

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Off The Beaten Path Glampground

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents21 acres · Plains, MT

Located in Beautiful Western Montana on the hill above the town of Plains. Spectacular views of the mountains and Clark Fork River. Extra large tent sites with no size restrictions. Price is based on 2 adults per tent site. Add $5 to the rates for each additional adult with a max of 4 adults per site. On site porta potty, hand washing station and drinking water. All sites including the domes are off grid. Car camping and rooftop camping are permitted. Motorcycles are also welcome, just be advised that the road uphill to the campground is gravel. Sorry no travel trailers or motorhomes are allowed. Pets are welcome at your tent site. Please do not let your pets roam the property or disturb other guests. We also have Glamping Geodesic domes for rent for those who prefer a nice comfortable bed and a little more shelter. We offer 12 tent sites located on 21 acres. Located midway between Kalispell and Missoula off of highway 200 & 28. 45 minutes to Flathead Lake, 90 minutes to Kalispell and Missoula. Less than 2 hours to Coeur d' Alene.

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Missoula Rest And Relaxation

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Missoula, MT

Hello, we have three acres with ClarkFork River frontage. Easy access to everything in Missoula. Very close to bike trails. Just a block west of Reserve Street. 10 minute drive to university. We are excited to share our wonderful property and excellent location with you. We welcome tents, RVs and campers.

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Mission Mountain Escape

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Ronan, MT

Learn more about this land:Nestled next to the rockies, we have 2 full hook up sites for any size RV. There is also space for small campers not needing hookups. The area is secluded yet only 3 miles to restaraunts and stores. There are several bike and hike trails close by. Wildlife is abundant., and a few farm animals as well. We are 2 hours from Glacier National Park and 5 hours from Yellowstone National Park.

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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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Edge Of Missoula, Rattlesnake Creek

1 site · RV1 acre · Missoula, MT

Welcome to our no-frills, convenient stopover spot on the edge of Missoula! Situated just a mile from town, our property offers a quiet and scenic retreat for travelers passing through or exploring the area. While parked on our driveway pad, you'll enjoy peace and tranquility, with the soothing sounds of Rattlesnake Creek nearby. Although the creek isn't visible from your parking spot, you're welcome to take a short walk around the house to fully experience its beauty. For those looking to stretch their legs and explore, the Rattlesnake Valley offers excellent walking opportunities just moments away. Take in the picturesque surroundings and unwind in nature's embrace. Our property spans half an acre, providing ample space for you to relax and recharge during your journey. Whether you're passing through Missoula or planning to stay awhile, our convenient location and serene setting make it the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate. Thank you for considering our property for your stay. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring your visit is comfortable and enjoyable!

The best camping near Frenchtown Pond State Park guide

Overview

About

Pitch your tent where the echoes of history vibrate through the ground under your feet on your next Frenchtown Pond State Park camping trip. This area, settled by French-Canadian pioneers in 1858, tells a tale of resilience and adaptation, of a people seeking refuge from political unrest in the west.

Once thriving with activity, the area is now scattered with ghostly remnants of once booming towns, each bearing silent witness to an era that has long passed. Among these deserted echoes of prosperity, the ghost town of Hellgate stands out as the first major settlement, a place that knew both the affluence of gold and fur and the rugged spirit of the frontiersmen.

The valley, once lined with timber and a testament to nature's bounty, transformed into a rugged outpost. The infamous Henry Plummer Gang frequently targeted Hellgate, adding a layer of notoriety to its reputation. As vigilantes roamed freely, meting out their version of justice, the town became a hotbed of tension and unrest.

Yet, amidst the chaos, trade thrived, weaving a curious thread of camels transporting goods between Hellgate and what is now Missoula. As the pendulum of fortune swung, the populace packed up almost overnight, heading south to the economically stable Missoula, which soon claimed the county seat from Hellgate in 1865.

Camping near Frenchtown Pond State Park isn't just about an outdoor adventure. It's an opportunity to explore a vivid tapestry of history, to walk in the footsteps of those who shaped this land, and to immerse oneself in the saga of survival and transformation that is the legacy of Hellgate.

When to go

The best time to visit Frenchtown Pond State Park is during the warm summer months, from May to August, when the park is open from 9am to 9pm and all activities are in full swing. The off-season offers a quieter visit, with gate hours from October to April being 9am to 5pm.

Know before you go

Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, especially during seasonal changes or extreme weather conditions.
Accessibility is a priority, with ADA accessible features ensuring everyone can enjoy the park.
Remember, this is a day-use-only park, so plan your activities between the hours of 9am and 7pm or 9pm, depending on the season.
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, with discounts for walk-ins, bicyclists, and bus passengers.