This summer was a tough one for the Montanans who love the great outdoors (meaning all of us). But the wildfires are being extinguished, and we've still got a little time left in camping season. Since fall and Halloween are fast approaching, we thought we'd highlight a few of our ghost towns with onsite campgrounds.
We're not saying you'll see a spirit if you camp here, but we're not claiming that you won't, either.
According to many a camper, the campground at Bannack State Park, which is located in Beaverhead County near Dillon, is only haunted by mosquitos. That being said, it's pretty amazing to camp near some of Montana's best-preserved old buildings... and paranormal activity has definitely been reported here in the past.
Located near Drummon about 11 miles off the highway, Garnet Ghost Town has two primitive cabins you can rent from December 1 to April 30. They are heated by wood stoves, lit by propane, and there is no electricity or plumbing. You're also allowed to camp for up to 14 days on the nearby public land, although no camping is allowed within 1/2 mile of Garnet.
Bannack is Montana's most famous ghost town, and Garnet is our best-preserved ghost town... but Virginia City is definitely our most fun "deserted" city. This thriving tourist destination has a nearby campground and RV park to enjoy, which you can retreat to after going on the Virginia City Ghost Walk.
Elkhorn State Park contains the remnants of a mining camp from the 19th century. While there's no camping allowed in the park itself, there are plenty of places to park an RV or pitch a tent nearby if you'd like to feel like you're still on the old frontier.
With hundreds of lakes and reservoirs in Montana, there is always a place to spend a day outdoors. However, many of these destinations attract quite a crowd. That’s why we love the Tally Lake Campground near Whitefish, Montana. This remote campground is located on the northern shore of Tally Lake and is scenic, offers several amenities, and is perfect for some time away. It's a bucket-list-worthy outdoor escape.
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Tally Lake is a freshwater lake approximately 20 miles west of Whitefish in the Flathead National Forest. It is the deepest natural lake in Montana.
Tally Lake is far enough from any large cities that you’ll feel away from all the stress and worries of daily life. It is a fabulous place for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
If you are looking for some hikes in the area, I recommend the Tally Lake Overlook Trail, which is a 1.8-mile loop trail that is considered moderate in difficulty due to some steeper inclines.
However, one of our favorite areas is the Tally Lake Campground. Nestled along the north shore of the lake, this seasonal campground may just become a new favorite.
Here, you will find 38 single campsites and one group campsite. If you wish to place reservations, 21 campsites are reservable while 17 are based on a first-come, first-served basis.
The busiest months for this campground are July and August.
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All of the campsites feature a picnic table, campfire, and grill. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water, a water fill station, and a dump station are all located at the campground.
And while you may want to spend all of your time tucked away in the trees at your campsite, I suggest spending some time on the water. This campground features a dock where you can easily hop into the water or throw in a line.
Spend some time surrounded by Montana’s natural beauty when you stay at Tally Lake Campground. It’s a delightful outdoor escape that deserves a spot right at the top of your summer bucket list.
For more information on this Montana campground, visit Recreation.gov.
Have you ever stayed at Tally Lake Campground? What are some of your favorite campgrounds in Montana? Let us know in the comments. We are always looking for new places to explore in the Treasure State.
If you are looking for even more incredible campgrounds in Montana, check out our list featuring many of our favorites. We also recommend visiting REI and Backcountry for some of the best camping gear for your upcoming adventure.
Looking for year-round campgrounds in Montana? Well, you're in luck! Even if it's nearing the end of the traditional camping season in Montana, that doesn’t mean you've got to pack up your gear for the year. Not all of our beautiful campgrounds close down at the end of September. These 10 are a sample of just some of your best bets for all-year camping in MT.
Located 41 miles north of Helena, Stickney Creek Campground is a peaceful campsite near the town of Craig that offers all-year tent and RV campgrounds in Montana. The grounds are wheelchair accessible and offer pit toilets and a boat launch. The area is popular during fishing season if you're looking for "year-round campgrounds near me." Visit the website for Montana Wildlife and Parks for the most up-to-date information on this site.
Holiday Spring Campground is in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It is free to use, open all year, and primitive but relaxing. Get all the details on Holiday Spring Campground from the USDA Forest Service website.
Jordan’s beautiful Rock Creek State Park is open all year, including the campground. Located 30 miles south of Fort Peck on Highway 24, the campsite is great for all-year camping in MT and has toilets, a boat launch, and nearby fishing. The website for Montana State Parks will give you all the info on camping here.
Halfmoon Campground is a year-round campground in MT that sits at the base of the Crazy Mountains in the Gallatin National Forest about 24 miles northwest of Big Timber. It is wheelchair accessible with vault toilets, picnic tables, and some seriously gorgeous scenery. Get all the details for this site from the USDA Forest Service website.
You won’t find many campgrounds open year-round in Yellowstone Park itself. But you can stay at Canyon Campground, which is 19 miles away from the north entrance, anytime you’d like. Located in the rugged and beautiful Yankee Jim Canyon, this is a pack-it-in, pull-it-out year-round campground in MT. The USDA Forest Service website has the most up-to-date info on staying here.
Located in the Kootenai National Forest near Eureka, this campground has six sites for tents, picnic tables, grills, toilets, and a boat launch. It's a great choice for all-year camping in MT. Find all you need to know from the USDA Forest Service website.
This long-term RV park in Montana has everything from tent sites to cabins, so you can customize your camping experience. They have laundry facilities, showers, a playground for children, a creek for swimming all summer, and even a small convenience store. Visit the website for the campground to get all the information on Rocky Mountain Hi Campground.
Grandview Campground and RV Park is a great year-round spot with RV campsites in Montana that offers year-round camping, weather permitting. However, they do cut back on services during the winter months, and only electric hookups are available. Learn more about Grandview Campground from their website.
Bean Lake is located on the Rocky Mountain Front near Augusta. It’s a primitive camping area, but it’s also free to use and one of many year-round campgrounds in MT. Learn more about Bean Lake from the Montana Wildlife and Parks website.
Not only is this a year-round campground in MT, but it’s also free to use. This campsite is located about 35 miles west of Missoula on I-90. It’s a primitive area, but it does have toilets and a boat launch. The Montana Wildlife and Parks website can provide you with more info on Forest Grove Campground.
There’s no campgrounds like Montana campgrounds. What are some of your favorite campgrounds in Montana? Tell us in the comments!
If you are looking for camping and don't need it to be a year-round campground in MT, check out some of the best camping spots in MT. And if you're in need of some new camping gear, check out the selection from our friends at REI!
