The best camping near Council Grove State Park

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

Walk along the Clark Fork River where history and nature combine in a tranquil landscape.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Council Grove State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Council Grove 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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(59)

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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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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(69)

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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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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(5)

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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(44)

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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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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(17)

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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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!

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(4)

Bitterroot Farm Camping

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Corvallis, MT

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Bitterroot Valley and embrace the farm life experience on our small family farm. Nestled on the East side of the valley, slightly above the valley floor, our farm offers breathtaking vistas of sunrises over the Sapphire Mountains and sunsets over the Bitterroot Mountain Range. Situated in a rural farming area, our 5-acre property sits at the end of a private road, providing a tranquil and secluded retreat. Explore our expansive yard and pasture, where you'll encounter a delightful array of farm animals including horses, chickens, ducks, rabbits, farm cats, and friendly farm dogs. Wander through our bountiful vegetable garden and vibrant flower gardens, and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, hawks, owls, killdeer, and other resident birds. Choose from several campsites tailored to accommodate RVs, trailers, tents, and LQ horse trailers. Our grassy, open pasture area offers easy access and flexibility for various setups. While leveling your trailer may be necessary depending on your chosen spot, rest assured that power and water hookups are available from the pedestal. Although sewer hookups are not currently available, we're happy to provide information and assistance as needed. Unwind in the evenings around the firepit, where wood is provided for your enjoyment under the starlit sky. The Bitterroot Valley beckons with a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, boating, golfing, trail riding, and wildlife and bird watching. The nearby Bitterroot River offers fantastic fishing opportunities just 10 minutes from our farm, while hiking trails are conveniently located within 5 to 20 minutes. Explore charming towns such as Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville, each offering their own historic charm and attractions, including the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. For groups of friends or family traveling together, please refer to the extras section for additional accommodations. If you're traveling with your horses, rest assured there's plenty of room—simply check out the extras section for more details.

The best camping near Council Grove State Park guide

Overview

About

The Clark Fork River runs through downtown Missoula before spreading out in a wide river bottom area called Kelley Island. Here, Council Bluffs State Park is in the river bottom zone that hosts abundant wildlife and lush meadows. Although a day-use only park with no camping, visitors can follow walking paths to spot whitetail deer and wild turkeys, and read interpretive displays to learn about local flora and fauna and the park’s historical significance. Camping is limited in Missoula, but exploring any direction from town will lead to abundant camping opportunities on public and private lands.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campsites in Missoula city limits are private, and it’s best to make reservations in advance, as the city is busy with events—especially in summer.
For public camping alternatives to Council Grove, look to Rock Creek, Lolo National Forest, and Alberton, all close to Missoula and surrounded by public lands. Developed campgrounds are often operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekends are busier than weekdays, so try snagging a spot mid-week if possible.
Dispersed camping is another option when the developed spaces are busy. Highway 12 in the Lolo National Forest is a great option with many logging roads that lead to remote campsites.

When to go

Council Grove is great to visit year-round, although visitors should be cautious during high water, which typically occurs sometime during May and June. The Clark Fork River is a large volume watershed with dangerous currents. This is still a great time to visit the park, however, as the weather is nice and the river bottom vibrant. Council Grove has plenty of parking with trails that are generally flat and accessible, even with snow on the ground.

Know before you go

This is a day-use only park so no camping is available in the park itself. It is, however, open year-round during daylight hours. Fees apply for residents and non-residents at Montana State Parks.
Council Grove is ADA accessible with toilets and water available. The park can become muddy and difficult to maneuver on unpaved areas when wet or covered in snow.
This is a dog-friendly park with plenty of space to walk and enjoy nature. Leashes are required and you must clean up after pets. Be considerate when wildlife is present.