Camping in Montana: Best Montana Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Montana

95% (10190 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Montana

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Cap Rock Nature Trail

24 campgrounds

Kootenai National Forest

587 campgrounds

Custer Gallatin National Forest

104 campgrounds

Glacier National Park

412 campgrounds

Flathead National Forest

481 campgrounds

Quinn's Hot Springs

543 campgrounds

Available this weekend

95%

(1391)

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.

99%

(121)

Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Pray, MT

This is a wild property bordered by public land. No electricity, no plumbing. Just an exceptional piece of land, with a cold rushing creek to beat the heat, meadows with butterflies and flowers, privacy, and great views of the valley and surrounding mountains. We have three cabins spread across the lot. Enjoy the smell of fresh milled wood and the sounds of the nearby creek. The cabins are spread far enough apart to offer privacy to each party, but know that you may still see other travelers on the land during your stay. In addition to the cabins, enjoy the outdoor picnic and dining area, an outdoor gas stove, and a gas-powered fire pit. Outhouse with bucket toilet + cedar chips + bucket liners. Please pack it in, pack it out.

Montana Country & Stone Barns

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Great Falls, MT

Our 100 year old stone barns are on 20 acres just a few miles from Great Falls. Next to us is an alfalfa field with a great view of our maple tree and cottonwoods. Our home is nestled in trees with a patio deck for a picnic or drink.

Stillwater Getaway

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Olney, MT

Family and pet friendly lakeside cabins, wall tents, and campsites. Come enjoy a true Montana experience at Stillwater Getaway, located 15 miles North of Whitefish on Lower Stillwater Lake bring your paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake. There is a bath house with showers and toilets and outhouses around the property as well. We have a shared Mess Hall with a full kitchen with a BBQ grill, coffee, and WiFi.

Wineglass Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Wineglass, MT

We are a horse boarding ranch south of Livingston that caters to people traveling with horses or other people traveling and camping. We have an outdoor arena, indoor arena, a bathroom, barn stalls, barn stalls with runs and paddock areas for horses. We are located exactly 2 miles from the interstate south of the lovely town of Livingston. We will not allow large party gatherings for local concerts. Learn more about this land: Quiet, private place with views of the Crazy mountains and the Absaroka mountains south of Livingston that caters to overnight people camping with their horses. We are allowing people to stay without horses. There is plenty of room for larger rigs. Electricity may be available depending on availability and the area you chose to camp in. We are 2 miles exactly from the interstate south of Livingston and 50 miles from Yellowstone Park. There is a bathroom with a sink and toilet for usage by guests. We have a playground open for use by our guests. Our place is close to shopping, restaurants, and fuel stations. We are also less than a half mile from the Yellowstone River. Horses can be boarded for $25 a night per horse.

12 top campgrounds in Montana

95%

(1389)

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.

❤️ 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

Stillwater Getaway

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Olney, MT

Family and pet friendly lakeside cabins, wall tents, and campsites. Come enjoy a true Montana experience at Stillwater Getaway, located 15 miles North of Whitefish on Lower Stillwater Lake bring your paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake. There is a bath house with showers and toilets and outhouses around the property as well. We have a shared Mess Hall with a full kitchen with a BBQ grill, coffee, and WiFi.

Wineglass Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Wineglass, MT

We are a horse boarding ranch south of Livingston that caters to people traveling with horses or other people traveling and camping. We have an outdoor arena, indoor arena, a bathroom, barn stalls, barn stalls with runs and paddock areas for horses. We are located exactly 2 miles from the interstate south of the lovely town of Livingston. We will not allow large party gatherings for local concerts. Learn more about this land: Quiet, private place with views of the Crazy mountains and the Absaroka mountains south of Livingston that caters to overnight people camping with their horses. We are allowing people to stay without horses. There is plenty of room for larger rigs. Electricity may be available depending on availability and the area you chose to camp in. We are 2 miles exactly from the interstate south of Livingston and 50 miles from Yellowstone Park. There is a bathroom with a sink and toilet for usage by guests. We have a playground open for use by our guests. Our place is close to shopping, restaurants, and fuel stations. We are also less than a half mile from the Yellowstone River. Horses can be boarded for $25 a night per horse.

Montana Country & Stone Barns

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Great Falls, MT

Our 100 year old stone barns are on 20 acres just a few miles from Great Falls. Next to us is an alfalfa field with a great view of our maple tree and cottonwoods. Our home is nestled in trees with a patio deck for a picnic or drink.

Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Pray, MT

This is a wild property bordered by public land. No electricity, no plumbing. Just an exceptional piece of land, with a cold rushing creek to beat the heat, meadows with butterflies and flowers, privacy, and great views of the valley and surrounding mountains. We have three cabins spread across the lot. Enjoy the smell of fresh milled wood and the sounds of the nearby creek. The cabins are spread far enough apart to offer privacy to each party, but know that you may still see other travelers on the land during your stay. In addition to the cabins, enjoy the outdoor picnic and dining area, an outdoor gas stove, and a gas-powered fire pit. Outhouse with bucket toilet + cedar chips + bucket liners. Please pack it in, pack it out.

97%

(70)

Big-Enough Ranch

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Boulder, MT

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.

98%

(338)

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.

97%

(35)

Acres about 10 miles from Glacier

25 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Columbia Falls, MT

Enjoy a landscape connected to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks property thus providing walking access to waters edge of the Flathead River. A quick ride to Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Whitefish, or Kalispell will provide you with numerous coffee shops, restaurants, saloons, breweries, and shopping. For an afternoon of adventure bike rentals, ziplining, and water slides within minutes as well as Hungry Horse Reservoir, Glacier National Park, and Flathead Lake.

100%

(8)

Relax Inn Montana

4 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Helena, MT

Outdoor Living at its finest : )) 2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting - (3 Open field Tent Sites up top ) (2 Secluded Tent Sites back by the Tubs) (1 Bldg w/2 individual rooms connected by a passthrough door Blue Room aka 2 Dog Den sleeps 2 or Red Room aka Bears Den sleeps 5 ) 10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana 5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake ) There is 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 (phone free zone) gazebo - a covered BBQ area with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions allowable) - purest of potable well water - currently available 3 Tent sites - 1 building with a pass through door for two rooms if you need more than one siesta space - Solars that light the path in the night - Perfect distance for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks -just around the corner you can dig for sapphires - a few hours to Glacier National Park - 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 It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : ) This is my private sanctuary that I have the privilege of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena to make your own amazing memories

100%

(33)

Lost Paddle and Pole

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Columbia Falls, MT

Lost Paddle and Pole is conveniently located between Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Lost Paddle and Pole is great for a quick night while passing through, or as a base camp while exploring Glacier Park, Whitefish, and the north end of Flathead County. Please contact us to check on pet status, having fires, trailers, or other questions. Thanks, Don and Bree

76%

(132)

7 Point Guest Ranch And Campground

28 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Emigrant, MT

7 Point Ranch is a beautiful property where families and friends come together. Furnished Rooms available for rent in the private lodge along the Yellowstone River including 12 private guest rooms, 18 bathrooms and 4 kitchens. The private campground has plenty of room for families and friends to tent camp along the Yellowstone river in Paradise Valley MT. This is a great place to get close to nature, find some peace and quiet, and have a nice private place to stay and enjoy. Or rent the whole venue for family outings and reunions, weddings, parties, live music and events! Also bordering Fridley creek, there are are some great nature sights and extraordinary fishing and hunting access close by. Just 29 miles north of Yellowstone Park. Close to horseback riding at Chico hot Springs, Sage lodge, the Old Saloon, and Pine Creek, 7 Point Ranch is the perfect place to visit and enjoy while passing through Paradise Valley, MT. Get a massage at the spa, hike in nature, use the Gym and conference center. Visit the mercantile.

Star Hosts in Montana

96%

(118)

Montana Country & Stone Barns

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Great Falls, MT

Our 100 year old stone barns are on 20 acres just a few miles from Great Falls. Next to us is an alfalfa field with a great view of our maple tree and cottonwoods. Our home is nestled in trees with a patio deck for a picnic or drink.

Big-Enough Ranch

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Boulder, MT

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.

Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Pray, MT

This is a wild property bordered by public land. No electricity, no plumbing. Just an exceptional piece of land, with a cold rushing creek to beat the heat, meadows with butterflies and flowers, privacy, and great views of the valley and surrounding mountains. We have three cabins spread across the lot. Enjoy the smell of fresh milled wood and the sounds of the nearby creek. The cabins are spread far enough apart to offer privacy to each party, but know that you may still see other travelers on the land during your stay. In addition to the cabins, enjoy the outdoor picnic and dining area, an outdoor gas stove, and a gas-powered fire pit. Outhouse with bucket toilet + cedar chips + bucket liners. Please pack it in, pack it out.

Wineglass Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Wineglass, MT

We are a horse boarding ranch south of Livingston that caters to people traveling with horses or other people traveling and camping. We have an outdoor arena, indoor arena, a bathroom, barn stalls, barn stalls with runs and paddock areas for horses. We are located exactly 2 miles from the interstate south of the lovely town of Livingston. We will not allow large party gatherings for local concerts. Learn more about this land: Quiet, private place with views of the Crazy mountains and the Absaroka mountains south of Livingston that caters to overnight people camping with their horses. We are allowing people to stay without horses. There is plenty of room for larger rigs. Electricity may be available depending on availability and the area you chose to camp in. We are 2 miles exactly from the interstate south of Livingston and 50 miles from Yellowstone Park. There is a bathroom with a sink and toilet for usage by guests. We have a playground open for use by our guests. Our place is close to shopping, restaurants, and fuel stations. We are also less than a half mile from the Yellowstone River. Horses can be boarded for $25 a night per horse.

❤️ 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

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(1389)

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.

99%

(1467)

❤️ 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

Montana Country & Stone Barns

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Great Falls, MT

Our 100 year old stone barns are on 20 acres just a few miles from Great Falls. Next to us is an alfalfa field with a great view of our maple tree and cottonwoods. Our home is nestled in trees with a patio deck for a picnic or drink.

Stillwater Getaway

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Olney, MT

Family and pet friendly lakeside cabins, wall tents, and campsites. Come enjoy a true Montana experience at Stillwater Getaway, located 15 miles North of Whitefish on Lower Stillwater Lake bring your paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake. There is a bath house with showers and toilets and outhouses around the property as well. We have a shared Mess Hall with a full kitchen with a BBQ grill, coffee, and WiFi.

98%

(146)

Wineglass Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Wineglass, MT

We are a horse boarding ranch south of Livingston that caters to people traveling with horses or other people traveling and camping. We have an outdoor arena, indoor arena, a bathroom, barn stalls, barn stalls with runs and paddock areas for horses. We are located exactly 2 miles from the interstate south of the lovely town of Livingston. We will not allow large party gatherings for local concerts. Learn more about this land: Quiet, private place with views of the Crazy mountains and the Absaroka mountains south of Livingston that caters to overnight people camping with their horses. We are allowing people to stay without horses. There is plenty of room for larger rigs. Electricity may be available depending on availability and the area you chose to camp in. We are 2 miles exactly from the interstate south of Livingston and 50 miles from Yellowstone Park. There is a bathroom with a sink and toilet for usage by guests. We have a playground open for use by our guests. Our place is close to shopping, restaurants, and fuel stations. We are also less than a half mile from the Yellowstone River. Horses can be boarded for $25 a night per horse.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Flathead National Forest

Swan Lake, Montana

99%

(235)

Glacier National Park

Babb, Montana

81%

(50)

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Lodge Grass, Montana

75%

(10)

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Alberton, Montana

94%

(8)

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Wyoming

77%

(13)

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Wisdom, Montana

71%

(14)

Kootenai National Forest

Yaak, Montana

100%

(11)

Bitterroot National Forest

Conner, Montana

Site A21 is one of the largest (non-electric) sites you'll find anywhere. It's right on the Flathead Lake, with westward views to incredible sunsets and an "AWWWW!"-inspiring panorama.

100%

(3)

Flathead Lake State Park - Big Arm Unit

Big Arm, Montana

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Montana 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.