These 13 Amazing Camping Spots In Montana Are An Absolute Must See
Is there anything better than camping underneath the Montana sky? Whether it’s a weekend in a tent in the middle of nowhere, an RV in one of our state’s most popular spots, or a rustic cabin near Glacier National Park, Big Sky Country has something to suit every camping style. If it’s been awhile since you’ve used your sleeping bag and enjoyed some campfire s’mores, give one of these 15 camping spots in Montana a try this summer.
With 13 different campgrounds and about 1,009 sites to choose from, there’s no shortage of spots to set up a temporary home around Glacier. This photo was taken at the Cut Bank Campground on the east side of the park, which is accessed by a five mile dirt road off Highway 89.
Fort Peck Lake is a remote destination perfect for getting away from it all… except wildlife, that is. Since it’s fairly close to the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge, campers will often see birds, buffalo, elk, and other small wild game. The lake is a great place to fish for walleye, smallmouth bass, paddlefish, salmon, and lake trout.
Do you prefer your campsite to have views? This might be the place for you. Bighorn Canyon has several campgrounds ranging from easily accessible to primitive. Medicine Creek Campground, for example, is only accessible by boat or hike and has no drinking water.
In a state full of beautiful camping sites, Finley Point stands out. The park has a secluded campground on the south end of Flathead Lake, and the boating, fishing, and swimming are amazing.
The Philipsburg Bay campground is available for RV or tent camping. If you camp during the summer, show up early in the week. It’s so popular that spots often fill up by Thursday.
Kevin Cates
Makoshika has campsites you can book to ensure you get a spot. Photographer Kevin Cates captured this photo of the night sky at Makoshika, and it says more about what lies in store for the lucky campers than words ever could.
You’ll find this spot about 20 miles north of Butte near Sheepshead Recreation Area. It has 12 units that will accommodate your trailer (up to 22 feet), tent pads and tranquil views. You can fish at the nearby Maney Lake or go for a hike at the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
There are an array of campsites located in this vicinity. The McGillivray Campground, which will open in May, has a boat ramp and a sandy beach swimming area (and toilets that flush!).
Located near Bigfork, this camping area offers views of the incredible Holland Lake. When you’re staking out your spot (which you can do from May-September) try to find one that includes a view of Holland Falls, a 40 foot waterfall.
Thompson Falls State Park’s shaded, quiet campground is on the Clark Fork River near the town of Thompson Falls. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the riverside trail, fish for trout with your family, or just relax in your camping chair.
Looking for a truly unique experience? The Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain south of Bozeman. It is the only fire lookout for rent in the Gallatin National Forest and offers some of the most gorgeous mountain views in the state. Since you must pack in your own water and there is no electricity, this is still considered camping.
You’ll find Woodbine about seven miles north of Nye, adjacent to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. You’ll be surrounded by mountains and have access to drinking water, campfire circles, grills, and fishing areas. Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?
There’s more to this area than the infamous limestone caverns. The large campground has showers, RV hookups, three cabins, and a tipi. The water is turned off from October 1 to April 30, but you can camp here all year. With all the hiking trails and scenic areas to explore, camping here is almost necessary to see it all.
Montana is such a huge state full of beautiful wilderness, and these are just a few of the many, many wonderful places to camp. Feel free to add your own favorite camping spots in Montana (unless you’d rather keep them a secret!).
