The best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area adventure.

94% (8 reviews)

Discover the rugged beauty of Bighorn Canyon's vast landscapes.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Medicine Creek Campground

6 sites In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Very open campground sites but the views go on for miles!

Horseshoe Bend Campground

96 sites · RVs, Tents In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Black Canyon Campground

17 sites In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Barry's Landing & Trail Creek Campground

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(3)

Barry's Landing & Trail Creek Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

from

$10

/ night

Afterbay Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

from

$10

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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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(3)

Chance, Montana

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Belfry, MT

10 miles south of Belfry. Right on the Clark's Fork River. On the Meeteetse trail. Beartoith mtns out front. You can go fishing, take 4 wheelers across Meeteetse trail to Red Lodge. Enjoy the peaceful Ness of just being in the country. Quiet we are 37 miles to Cody wyoming, 25 miles to Red Lodge both have entrances to the Yellowstone park.

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(4)

Bear Trap Ranch

13 sites · RVs130 acres · Belfry, MT

High prairie, with incredible views of the Beartooth Mountains. We boarder a hundred square miles of the BLM, (public access lands) We have a stocked pond, where you can set your tent up. There are two bathhouses available for our campers. We have tipis that are available to rent, nightly, weekly, or monthly. Full service hook ups for trailers and RVs. A large fire pit sits in the middle of a lovely green space. We are 2 miles off the main road. There is a stocked pond too!

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(38)

Creekside Camp at Prairie Skies

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Billings, MT

Learn more about this land:Close to many amenities in Billings but far enough away to feel secluded. Must check in with owner. Generators are okay but MUST be elevated. 15 min to downtown Billings.

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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(60)

Pheasant's Hideaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Billings, MT

Come enjoy a quiet night on 2 acres just outside of the busy city of Billings. It feels like country living but is just minutes to downtown shopping and everything else the city has to offer. Located with easy access to the I-90. Stop to rest your eyes or stay a while and enjoy the big city life and rich history of this part of Montana. We have a fire ring for those chilly evenings. 15, 30 and 50 amp electric hookups with Sewer and potable water connections at your site. Most mornings can be greated by pheasants, deer and rabbits. On the lucky occasion one might see an owl. DanWalt gardens just two houses down the road is the best way to enjoy your cup of coffee in the morning.

96%

(55)

Lance and Vivian's North Field

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Billings, MT

We own 4 acres here and operate a Custom cabinet shop on the property.We also live on the property and host an Airbnb out of the bonus room above our Garage.We welcome the idea of having travelers from all over the country stopping by on there way to where ever they may be traveling.Thanks for considering our North field!Learn more about this land:Billings is called the Gateway city to Yellowstone park and the North western Rockies.We have a perfect spot for a quick overnight stay as you head through Montana, right off I90.Easy access for the big campers and a clean flat spot if you are just needing a spot for your tent.You will be able to pull-through as this field is 1 Acre in size.We are close to Downtown and the 5 breweries in that area, along with multiple restaurants.

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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(36)

Medicine Tail Coulee Camp

10 sites · Tents6 acres · Crow Agency, MT

80 acres Along the Little Big Horn River on Medicine Tail Coulee on the Battle of the Little Big Horn site on the Crow Reservation. Go swimming in the Little Big Horn River, trail rides available at the campsite, visit the Little Big Horn Battlefield Museum, 50 miles from the Yellowtail Lake and fishing on Big Horn River. Summer events: Battle of Little Big Horn Re-enactment on the 3rd weekend in June, and Cow Fair on the 3rd weekend in August.

100%

(13)

Cowtown Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Bridger, MT

110 Acre ranch nestled between the Pryor Mountains & the Beartooth Mountains gateway to Yellowstone Nat'l Park

The Grove

1 site · RV, Tent16 acres · Ralston, WY

Beautiful 16 acre spread with a River at the bottom and a few rolling hills with a stream that meanders down to the river plenty of good camping spots high and low with great views and lots of privacy. Great place to bring the kids and dogs and feel like your in the wilderness. Grab some gear and come stay a few nights at the Grove.

100%

(13)

Camp at the Rafter JB

1 site · RV8 acres · Lovell, WY

We have been blessed with this beautiful property and want to share it with others. We have been operating an Airbnb out of the old barn for 3 years now. The barn was the old feed store in Cody and was moved to this property. Buffalo Bill supposedly bought feed from the store. Lovell is known as the Rose Capitol of Wyoming with the climate being perfect for growing roses. The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustangs are just minutes from our place and we almost always see them out there. Cody, only 50 to the west is a town loaded with history of the old west and features Cody Nite Rodeo every night of the summer from June 1 through August 30 as well as numerous museums and other attractions. Buffalo Bill Museum of the West will keep you busy for a couple of days if you are a museum buff. Just about everyday in the summer, you are likely to see a gunfight on the street in front of the historic Irma Hotel. There is also Old Trail Town, a recreated old west town. Further to the west just 90 miles from here is the East gate of Yellowstone open from the end of May until first of November. Thermopolis with their giant hot springs is just about 100 miles to the south of us. The Bighorn National Recreation is just minutes from Lovell featuring the 3rd Largest Canyon in the United States with breathtaking views of the Reservoir from Devil's Overlook. Further to the east are the Bighorn Mountains where you can frequently see moose, elk, deer and other wildlife. Learn more about this land: Traveling in your RV but don't want a traditional "trailer park"? At the Rafter JB you will be the only trailer here, you will enjoy a large landscaped outdoor space which is shared with an Airbnb rental, but there is plenty of room for privacy. You will be away from the main road and can enjoy the pond, fire pit, bbq grill as well as the resident horses.

The best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

You’re going to feel home, home on the range at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area! With 120,000 wild acres to explore you’ll feed your inner adventurer by hiking to canyon overlooks and past preserved ranches of yesteryear. Most of the camping at Bighorn is free, so make a plan to stay for a few days. You’ll hands down want to hop in the river or some fishing. Bighorn River has world class trout fishing you have to see to believe. Boating in Bighorn Lake causes jaws to drop as cliff faces up to 1,000 feet tower overhead; you might even spy Bighorn Sheep perched on top! A place where not just the deer and antelope come to play, you’re going to feel wild and free in Bighorn Canyon.

Notable campgrounds

Afterbay Campground - Nestled near Fort Smith, MT, ideal for anglers and boaters.
Horseshoe Bend Campground - Located in the south district, it offers stunning canyon views.
Black Canyon Campground - A serene spot perfect for stargazing and wildlife watching.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Check for cancellations regularly to snag a last-minute reservation.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Bighorn Canyon is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for water activities, while winter can be harsh, with some facilities closed or limited.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and prepare for sudden changes in conditions.
Be aware of any alerts or closures by visiting the park's official website.
Accessibility varies across the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
Remember to carry enough water and dress appropriately for the activities.
Visitor centers are located in both the north and south districts for assistance.