Are you thinking of going camping in Montana and wondering where to stay? You are in the right place.
In this article, I will walk you through Montana campgrounds and tell you everything you need to know about Montana camping.
There are so many things to do in Montana. It’s a beautiful state and camping in Montana is a great way to make sure you see all this incredible state has to offer.
Montana is a state that boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, and camping is one of the best ways to explore it.
Whether you are a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Montana offers a wide variety of camping experiences to choose from.
From Montana RV parks to boondocking, there is something for everyone.
In this article, I have included all kinds of options for you. From camping in Montana state parks to spending a night under the stars in luxury to going it alone with boondocking I’ve included them all.
So pull up a chair, grab a drink, and let me walk you through the best campgrounds in Montana.
15 Best Places For Camping In Montana
Under Canvas West Yellowstone
If you are looking for West Yellowstone Camping then Under Canvas offers a lovely luxurious experience.
West Yellowstone is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and offers some of the best camping options in Montana.
Just 10 minutes from the Yellowstone National Park West Entrance it’s in the perfect location with a breathtaking view.
Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as a ‘Top 20 Resort in the US – Pacific Northwest & West’ this site offers safari-inspired accommodation in luxurious tents.
The tents feature king-size beds with plush linens, ensuite bathrooms boasting hot showers, in-tent wood-burning stoves, and sensational views.
The amenities here are also first class with the site offering complimentary activities such as yoga and an on-site restaurant.
If you are looking for a luxury Montana camping experience this is it.
There are many places to go hiking in Montana here.
Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Campground
If you are looking for West Yellowstone campgrounds then the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Campground might be perfect for you.
It’s one of the best RV campgrounds in Montana just four blocks away from the Yellowstone National Park west entrance.
The site offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and a playground. They also have several camping cabins available.
This is one of the Montana RV parks that can get busy so make sure you book in advance.
Yellowstone Park/West Gate KOA Holiday
West Yellowstone KOA is just 6 miles from the west entrance to Yellowstone Park. This is one of the best RV campgrounds in Montana with a 360-degree view of the Rocky Mountains.
This pine-shaded site makes the perfect base for exploring the area and has all the modern amenities you would expect. They have RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and welcome groups.
A great site for families it also boasts a heated indoor pool, fire rings on each site, and mini golf. This is a great KOA Montana site.
Bozeman Hot Springs Campground
If you are looking for Bozeman RV parks then may I suggest Bozeman Hot Springs Campground?
Yes, this park is right next to the hot springs and you receive two wristbands for entry with your stay. This is Bozeman camping at its best.
There are RV sites, cabins, and tent sites available and the amenities here are incredible. Your stay even includes a free continental breakfast.
Outdoor activities include such things as giant chess, ladder golf, and pedal carts. Inside you have access to a games room and a mining camp where you can pan for gold.
The spa next door has 12 pools both indoor and outdoor. It’s one of the best hot springs in Montana. There are also tons of events that take place at this campground in Montanna too.
There is also lots to do in Bozeman and it has some fantastic restaurants. If you are looking for camping near Bozeman this site is perfect.
Bozeman offers some of the best camping experiences in Montana, with its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin National Forest. Bozeman
Campgrounds don’t get much better than this one.
Jim & Mary’s RV Park
If you are looking for a Missoula RV park then may I suggest Jim & Mary’s, RV Park? This family-owned campground offers 70 lovely camping spots.
The site is less than a 10-minute drive to downtown Missoula so makes a perfect base for exploring the local area.
Missoula offers some of the best camping experiences in Montana, with its proximity to the Bitterroot National Forest and the Lolo National Forest. Missoula campgrounds are beautiful.
The site is pet friendly and has wonderful amenities as well as beautiful landscaping. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the site and they regularly hold events.
This is the perfect site for camping in Missoula.
Billings KOA Holiday
The Billings KOA is a popular choice for families, offering full hookups, laundry facilities, and a pool. This KOA Montana site is an award-winning campground that makes a great base for exploring.
This campground in Montana has great amenities with space for RVs and tents and also cabins for hire. The site also has a heated swimming pool, hot tub, adventure golf, and an onsite food vendor.
This is family-friendly camping in Montana with so many activities to entertain the children. There are also lots of hiking and biking trails in the area and the site is close to many of Montanna’s attractions.
If you are looking for camping near Billings this site is great. There is also so much to do in Billings, Montana it’s a great place to explore.
Big Arm Unit – Flathead Lake State Park
If you are looking for campgrounds on Flathead Lake then the Big Arm Unit – Flathead Lake State Park might be for you.
This is one of the campsites by water and it’s located on the southwest shore of Flathead Lake. You get spectacular views of the Mission Mountains.
There are 40 campsites and many of them are on the shoreline. There are also 3 yurts you can rent here.
The site has all the amenities you would expect. Reservation can be made 6 months in advance but must be made the day before arrival at the latest.
This is a lovely site in one of the Montana state parks where you can get out into nature. Swimming, sunbathing, boating, and hiking are all popular here.
Bear Creek Campground
If you are thinking about boondocking in Montana then Bear Creek Campground is a great spot.
In the West Absaroka Mountains near Gardiner, it can cater to RVs less than 21 feet long and is open mid-June through the end of October.
The site is northeast of Gardiner on Bear Creek Road and you can find the exact coordinates here. Spots are obviously on a first come first served basis and it’s best to arrive early afternoon to secure a spot.
Some of the spots have tables and firepits and there are some beautiful creek and forest spots available.
Boondocking in Montanna allows you to enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors at no cost so is perfect for those on a budget.
Camping in Montana doesn’t get any more cost-friendly than it does here. This is one of the best places for free camping in Montanna and one of the best sites for camping near Gardiner.
Book tickets here: From Gardiner: Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting & Lunch
Barry’s Landing & Trail Creek Campground
If you are looking for tent camping in Montana then Barry’s Landing & Trail Creek campground is where it is at. 27 miles north of Lovell near Barry’s Landing, this site has space for 16 tents.
It’s a very basic site with no water, dump station, or electricity. There are vault toilets.
The draw here is the location in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The area is stunning. This area is known for its dramatic 1,000-foot-tall canyon cliffs.
Tent camping in Montana doesn’t get more basic or more beautiful than it is here. This is one of the best sites if you are looking for camping near Lovell.
Book tickets here: Bighorn Canyon: 2-Hour Scenic Boat Tour
Apgar Campground In Montana
With nearly 200 sites this is one of the biggest campgrounds in Glacier National Park. Located on the southern shore of Lake McDonald it is one of the best campgrounds in Montana.
The site is near Apgar Village and accommodates tents and RVS. The site is situated in trees which provide privacy and shade on a hot sunny day.
The site has restroom and shower facilities but other than that is primitive.
The sunsets on the lake here are stunning so make sure you don’t miss one while you are there. The lake is just a short stroll away. The site is also close to hiking routes and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
This is a great site for those who like to be primitive but have easy access to the modern amenities of the nearby village. You also have access to one of the best national parks in Montana.
Tickets here: Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Trip
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Montana state park camping offers a unique experience. Here while you are camping in the Big Sky area of Montana you are also close to the underground caves this area is famous for.
The campground has RV hookups and pets are allowed. They have cabins available here and it’s a popular site for hiking and biking camping.
If you want to visit the caves you can only do so on a guided tour which takes about 2 hours.
Montana campers comment on how peaceful, spacious, and quiet this site is. You will need to book at least two days in advance.
Kintla Lake Campground
If you are looking for a Glacier National Park spot where you will be away from the crowds then Kintla Lake Campground is it.
This is primitive camping located in the uppermost northwest section of the park known as the North Fork.
The site is about 40 miles from the West Entrance and near the Canadian border so as you can imagine the scenery is breathtaking.
The drive is along a long windy bumpy road not suitable for vehicles over 21’ in length.
If you are after solitude this is where you will find it. It’s one of the campsites by water sitting right on the lake surrounded by trees.
If camping is about being out in the wilderness then this is the place for you.
Book tickets here: Glacier National Park Scenic Raft Trip
Summer Star Ranch
If you like your Montana campgrounds to come in the more luxurious form then you are going to love Summer Star Ranch.
Within the Helena National Forest surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the location is stunning.
The accommodation is also stunning. Here glamping comes in the form of a giant tent equipped with gas stoves, air conditioning, and an ensuite bathroom.
There are also an indoor and outdoor shower and a private front porch.
Each tent is located on a scheduled section of the ranch and horses, deer and elks are the only neighbors you will have.
Summer Star Ranch is located just 30 minutes from Helena between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. It’s the perfect place to explore the local area and is one of the most romantic camping in Montana.
If you are looking for camping near Helena that is special this is it.
If camping means staying at a cool cabin with a hot tub there are many cabins in Montana to explore!
The Ranch At Rock Creek Is Unique Camping In Montana
The Ranch At Rock Creek offers a unique Montana campers experience. Here Homesteader wagons can be added to your glamping cabin to provide extra accommodation or more private space.
Each wagon features a king bed and twin bunks and gives you a taste of the pioneer experience. Alongside the canvas cabins, this means a larger family can stay in luxurious surroundings.
This is luxury camping with all the amenities you could wish for.
The site is a working ranch in Granite County and the site is located in a pristine valley that is very secluded.
There is so much to do and see here that you might find it hard to leave. This is camping in Montana at its finest.
Looking for some fun? There are so many things to do in Missoula!
Denny Creek Road For Camping In Montana
If you are looking for boondocking in Montana near Yellowstone then the most convenient dispersed camping area is Denny Creek Road.
It is on the west side of Yellowstone and is managed by the US Forest Service.
The northern end of the road tends to be best for tents and the southern section for RVs.
There are vault toilets but no water however on some of the sites you can filter water from the creek if you have the correct equipment.
You are in bear country here so come prepared for that. Montana campers love it here.
Packing List When Camping In Montana
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Montana, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when camping in Missouri.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
You can also order replacement carbon filters for your Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
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As you can see when it comes to camping in Montana there are lots of options.
This state offers a wide variety of camping experiences for every type of camper. From RV parks to boondocking, there is something for everyone.
Whether you choose one of the campsites by the water or one of the Montana state parks camping I know you will have an amazing time.
Please come back and tell me about your Montana Camping experience I can’t wait to hear how you got on.
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