If you enjoy camping, Montana is definitely the right place to be. From our rustic campsites to our popular campgrounds stocked with amenities, there's something for everyone here. Of course, since Glacier National Park is our crown jewel, it makes sense that some of our most beautiful campgrounds are there. And while they're all amazing, we think Kintla Lake Campground just might top the list.
Kintla Lake Campground sits by a peaceful lake with a mountainous backdrop, just 40 miles from the Canadian border.
A hand pump is available for potable water, and pit toilets are located in the campground as well.
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Primitive camping is also allowed here, but you'll have to bring your own water.
Due to its extremely remote location, this campground is rarely crowded.
The Kintla Lake campground is Glacier National Park's most remote frontcountry campsite. You can reach it by car, but it involves driving slowly down a long, narrow, bumpy road.
This is a great place to come when you need some peace and quiet.
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There's a 10 mile (round trip) hiking trail that runs along the lake should you decide to explore the area.
You can always go for a refreshing swim in the lake on a hot summer day.
Sometimes the water really does look this blue.
Motorized vessels aren't allowed on the lake, but you're welcome to take your kayak or canoe.
Imagine ending your day with this view and then sleeping under the Montana stars.
This campground is heaven on earth.
Sites at Kintla Lake Campground are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There's a calendar on the National Park Service website that will show you when the campground is full that you can check before you leave. But since it's not easy to reach, the odds are in your favor.
If you're feeling a little adventurous, you can always camp at Montana's favorite haunted campground.
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.
And while you can always bring your own equipment for time on the water, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available.
Plus, you can hang out at the beach around the lake or the grassy spaces and picnic tables.
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.
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1. Stickney Creek Campground, Cascade
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.
2. Holiday Spring Campground, Ashland
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.
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3. Rock Creek Campground, Jordan
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.
4. Halfmoon Campground, Big Timber area
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.
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5. Canyon Campground, Gardiner
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.
6. Tobacco River Campground, Eureka
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.
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7. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground, Kalispell
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.
8. Grandview Campground and RV Park, Hardin
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.
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9. Bean Lake Campground, Augusta
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.
10. Forest Grove Campground, Superior
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!