The best camping near Pictograph Cave State Park

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

Discover ancient art and nature at Pictograph Cave State Park.  

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Community favorites near Pictograph Cave State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Pictograph Cave State Park

92%
(13)

Nature Resort on the Bighorn River

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Fort Smith, MT
Cottonwood Camp is nestled under towering cottonwood trees on 17 historical acres, overlooking 3 Mile Access on the legendary Bighorn River. These hallowed grounds are surrounded by 300 wildlife filled acres of Bighorn Canyon National Rec' Area land. Excellent boating, water sports, and additional fishing opportunities are a short 15 minute drive away at Bighorn Canyon Lake. Our 14 cabins all have a personality of their own with occupancy capacity ranging from 2 all the way up to 18! All feature a fully equipped kitchen + outdoor social space w/ bbq grill. In addition we have FHU & W/E RV sites and plenty of pitch tent sites that have use of our two bathhouses. Guests are greeted in our full service fly shop that can get you hooked up on a guided trip, shuttle, or drift boat rental. Whether you want an action packed day on the Bighorn, a relaxing day on the Lake or just wanna escape your day to day to hear the sights & sounds of Big Sky Country, you can't go wrong with Cottonwood Camp!
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$38
 / night
93%
(175)

Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

14 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Lockwood, MT
4 miles from Billings. 1000 acres. We try to keep things as natural as possible except we do mow the common area in the trees. For security reasons, we will meet you at the gates and escort you to your camping spot upon 1st arrival. Fire wood available for sale $10 - needs to be discussed before hand. Camping available on the butte for viewing of northern lights. Lots of room to explore. Long term camping is available. 1 porta-potty on site. There is 1 mile of dirt road after leaving the pavement. We are 6 miles from Walmart. This is a working cattle ranch and the cows come through time to time. The listing computer keeps putting us in LOCKWOOD but we are actually 3 miles north of Billings. Last minute bookings are fine, if we are around -we will let you stay. We live 1 mile from the camp site and 2 miles from the gates where we will meet you. If you are looking for a RV park or campground - this is not it. We have cows, birds, wild animals and dirt roads. There is no power but we could hook you up to a generator if needed. There is a new camper on site that may be rented ( owned by a different party) message us for details. The morning of you arrival, please send an ETA so we know how to plan our day, then give us a 30 minute heads up before arrival so we can meet you at the gates. Sometimes we also are 30 minutes away. A lot of the time you may be the only campers out here.
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$35
 / night
91%
(17)

Tikkun Homestead

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Billings, MT
Stay at Tikkun Homestead in Billings, Montana Welcome to Tikkun Homestead, a peaceful 7.5-acre property in the heights of Billings, Montana. Located just north of the Yellowstone River, our homestead offers quiet rural living with easy access to the city of Billings and nearby towns. Land Features: Our property includes leveled gravel camper and RV pads, each 20' wide by 40' long. Conveniently located right off Highway 312/Main Street, just minutes from Highway 87, and about 10 minutes from Interstate 90, Tikkun Homestead offers easy access to Billings, Shepherd, Huntly, Worden, Laurel, and Roundup. We also provide fire pits and picnic benches, and firewood is available for your convenience. Utilities: We provide full hookups, including septic, water, and 50amp electrical connections. Additional 120v outdoor plugins are also available, ensuring a comfortable stay. Plus, our site is pet-friendly, so you can bring your pets along. Natural Setting and Activities: Tikkun Homestead offers a peaceful, rural setting with scenic views of the surrounding flatlands. Enjoy walks or bike rides along quiet country roads right from your doorstep. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, we're located close to local parks with river access, public land for hunting, and fishing spots. Nearby attractions include Lake Elmo, the Pictograph Caves, Pompey's Pillar, and more. Plus, you'll find several stores nearby that offer campers, RVs, and all the supplies you might need for a comfortable stay. Local Attractions: Explore nearby attractions, such as the charm of downtown Billings—The Magic City—and other outdoor opportunities in surrounding areas. Our location is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat, long-term RV pad options, or pet-friendly camping in Montana. Discounted weekly and monthly rates are available. Whether you’re looking for a long-term place to stay or a quiet spot to enjoy the Montana countryside, Tikkun Homestead has you covered. Book your stay today. (Fire Safety Note: While contained fires are allowed, please be aware that fire season can be severe in this area. We kindly ask guests to coordinate with us regarding fire use to ensure everyone's safety and to help us manage risks effectively)
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from 
$35
 / night
94%
(32)

Wellknown Buffalo Historic Camp

9 sites · Tents6 acres · Garryowen, MT
You will be camping on historic property- the place where the women and children hid during the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Your campsite faces Sharpshooter Ridge. This valley area was the home of Wellknown Buffalo, a medicine woman and activist who protected and fed Native families traveling along the river between reservations. Learn more about this historic land: You'll pitch your tent on the Crow Indian Reservation in the historic valley just below the site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. This area was part of the battlefield where the women and children camped. Campsites are in view of Sharpshooter Ridge. This business is owned by Native Americans. You will be staying near the Wellknown Buffalo Living Culture Campus and Artists Coop. The property has a gate that is closed at night. You'll find a cafe/coffee house, gift shop, horse activities, bathrooms and showers, and a gathering porch. You are just several miles from Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument and centrally located for many local adventures, including the Medicine Wheel, Yellowtail Dam, Warrior Trail Highway and Big Horn Scenic Highway. For the less adventurous, there is a cabin loft rental with a full bathroom, 1/2 mile away.
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$60
 / night

The best camping near Pictograph Cave State Park guide

Overview

About

Take your camping to new levels with an underground adventure on your next Pictograph Cave State Park camping trip. This site, cherished by prehistoric hunters who once called it their temporary home, brings together nature and archaeology in an awe-inspiring way.

Campers can stretch their legs along the pleasant 3/4-mile loop trail leading to the caves. As you wander, interpretive displays enrich your journey, providing explanations about the natural features and vegetation you encounter. These displays shed light on the prehistoric paintings that remain an essential part of this area, each one telling a story enduring for over 2,000 years.

The allure of camping near Pictograph Cave State Park isn't confined to the surface. The deepest among the three main caves, Pictograph, holds secrets of ancient times within its walls. Pictographs, or rock paintings depicting animals, warriors, and even rifles, offer a rare window into the past. The enigma surrounding their interpretations adds an element of intrigue to the experience for campers and history enthusiasts alike.

Venturing deeper into the park, one can't help but marvel at the approximately 30,000 artifacts uncovered from the site. These remnants, including stone tools, weapons, and the instruments used for the cave paintings, tell a silent tale of the people who once roamed these parts. The pigments used in the rock art help researchers establish the timelines of habitation, offering invaluable insights into the lifestyles of the native peoples. Camping near Pictograph Cave State Park is more than just an escape—it's a journey through time, where every step has a story to tell.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Pictograph Cave State Park is during the summer months, from the third Friday in May to the third Sunday in September, when the park and visitor center are open daily from 9am to 7pm. Winter visits offer a quieter experience, though some facilities may be closed.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's current restrictions and closures before planning your visit to ensure access to all areas.
  • Accessibility is a priority; ADA accessible facilities are available for all visitors.
  • Remember to bring binoculars for a closer look at the pictographs.
  • Pets are allowed in the park, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
  • While picnicking is a delightful way to enjoy the park, note that overnight camping is not permitted.

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