The best camping near Placid Lake State Park

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

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Discover Placid Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

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Community favorites near Placid Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Placid Lake State Park

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Placid Lake Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents In Placid Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Placid Lake 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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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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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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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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Highway Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Bonner, MT

Learn more about this land: Come stay a night on the edge of our little homestead. We are right across from Steele Toe Distillery. We have plenty of room for you to hike, but if you decide it’s not enough, there is hundreds of acres of BLM land behind us for you to enjoy. A half a mile from us is amazing swimming, boat access and awesome fishing! The one and only downfall is some highway noise. We offer space for your tens, camper trailers and more.

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Rainbow Gulch Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Clinton, MT

A small family farm working toward sustainability. Easy to access from I-90, drive in camping for a stop overnight or a home base while you explore the many attractions nearby. Learn more about this land: We are 20 miles east of Missoula, MT near the Kettlehouse Ampitheater in Bonner. Our location is halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. There are mountain bike paths, river access points for paddling, rafting or fishing within minutes of our land. We can even help you know where to go. Our land is surrounded by Nature Conservancy land with a public recreation easement, so you can hike and take your horse for a ride very easily, just let us know and we will point you in the right direction. Our child had a significant medical emergency that required a lot of travel to Seattle Children's and 3 brain surgeries all year, so we don't have the active garden going this year, but the chickens and sheep are happy. In a vehicle, you can pull into one of our pastures for your stay. Where you are depends on which field the sheep are eating! Tents also work in the field. We do not have any hookups. The fields are that - pasture fields. There are quiet neighbors across the fence. We are happy to offer advice about local attractions via messaging. This is pack it in, pack it out During the pandemic we ask that you wear a face covering if you have a reason to talk with us, even across the fence out of an abundance of caution since most of you are traveling from out of state. Tours are also temporarily suspended.

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Mile High Mountain Homestead

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Helmville, MT

Beautiful 20 acre homestead, surrounded by the Garnet Mountains. We have beautiful small lakes where you can observe wild life and migratory water fowl and beautiful song birds and go on small walks around the lakes or take your mountain bike or e-bike and enjoy a ride on the ranch roads surrounding the area. Come on over to our homestead and take a small tour of our greenhouse and gardens, we have seasonal produce to sell and rabbits to pet! We sell farm fresh eggs and raw goats milk and soft goat cheeses! We also have hand crafted lip balms with essential oils and we welcome you to enjoy our fire pit area and wood fired hot tub, all the while viewing the small lakes around our homestead. The Hot Tub is an extra charge of $20. We also have a luxurious outdoor hot water shower available for use as well! Reserve the hot tub at check in! Come prepared! We are in grizzly country , BE BEAR AWARE! All campers need to keep all ice chests and food away from their tents and in their cars when not using them! This is grizzly and black bear country, keep all cooking utensils , dog food and pans , in your vehicle when not in use! Very important to obey the bear rules and stay safe! Thank you and we want you to have a safe and enjoyable camp out! Please be advised to follow these directions to the campsite grounds, the google map takes you to the wrong entrance and we have had issues getting this changed. As you come into Drummond, head to Helmville road , turn right and follow this road that parallels I-90, then turn left onto highway 271 to Helmville. So follow highway 271 towards Helmville , at 13.1 miles , turn right onto Weaver hill crossing a cattle guard. Go up the hill and follow the road and keep to the left of the first Y and continue on for 3.5 miles until you come to the second large Y and stay to the right of it. Continue on for another 3.2 miles un til you see a green chimney lakes sign and turn right and continue in on to our driveway! There is no cell service up here , so you will have to connect to our Wi-Fi when you arrive, to be able to call or text out. Please use your trip counter in your car or truck to help you with mileage. Remember to save these directions before you loose cell service!😊

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Mission Mtn Horse Ranch Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents212 acres · Saint Ignatius, MT

We are an operating Farm/Ranch and Horse Facility. We offer not only camping but horsemanship lessons and incredible hospitality. We have not only a view of the mission mountains but the BEST view with both waterfalls in view. Our property sits off the road next to our peaceful hay field with wildlife, horses, donkeys, mules, milk cows and chickens galore! We cannot wait to meet you!

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Missoula Rest And Relaxation

1 site · RV, Tent3 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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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

Booked 1 time

Primrose Station

1 site · Lodging320 acres · Missoula, MT

Beautiful property in the midst of the Grass Valley, just a quick run to town down Mullan Road. Check in at the historic Primrose Station, a relic from the past when electric MILW trains carried people and freight through the PNW. After you pick up any additional items for your stay (firewood, farm fresh eggs, beef, etc.) you can head to your lodging or we can guide you. This property has a number of hiking trails with incredible views, a year round creek, and spectacular bird watching. You can climb the plateau for a view of the M, or hike until you find a place where you can only see mountain and stars. Please reach out with any questions or to arrange any concierge services, from catered meals, group events, weddings, possibly even concert shuttles depending on the event.

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Ridgeline Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Missoula, MT

My wife, Nicole, and I were so very fortunate to have found this place. The homestead consists of 70 acres of mountainous forest in the wild lands of Montana. The cabin is totally off the grid but provides every creature comfort one could hope for.

The best camping near Placid Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

It’s 6 a.m., the waters are sparkling in the morning sun and smooth as a stick of butter. It must be time for some waterskiing! Take advantage of the placid placidity of Placid Lake, the calmest water west of the Mississippi. Nestled into the nook of the Clearwater and Swan River valleys, this park is a boating and fishing paradise with mountain views so high and mighty you have to be careful not to hurt your neck as you take it all in. As you wander through the lakeside forest, marvel at the enormous larch stumps in your path—these are all that are left behind from long-ago logging practices. They’re so big, you can plop down on the stump with a picnic. End the day with a game of horseshoes or volleyball, and then rest your legs to take in the mountain vistas. With water so flat and calm reflecting the mountains, you won’t know which way is up or down.

Notable campgrounds

The Hike-Bike Campsite caters to cycling enthusiasts with bike racks, a maintenance stand, and a covered shelter.
Electric Campsites offer the convenience of power hookups, perfect for RV camping or charging your devices.
Family Campsites are spacious and equipped with fire rings and bear-resistant food lockers for a worry-free stay.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak summer months, as sites at Placid Lake State Park fill up quickly.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back often for newly available spots.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Placid Lake State Park is during the summer season, from May 1 to November 30, when all facilities are open and the weather is most conducive for camping and water sports. Winter offers a serene, day-use only experience, with the park closed to motorized traffic.

Know before you go

Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, especially during road construction periods.
Remember to store all food and attractants in bear-resistant containers to keep wildlife and your family safe.
Accessibility is a priority, with ADA accessible options available for an inclusive experience.
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 and cyclists.