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 a while since you’ve used your sleeping bag and enjoyed some campfire s’mores, give one of these 13 camping spots in Montana a try this summer. In our opinion, these are some of the best campgrounds in Montana.

1. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr
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.

2. Fort Peck Lake

Fort Peck Lake, Montana, USA
Tim Schleicher/Flickr
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.

3. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA
Jocelyn Catterson/Flickr
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.

4. Finley Point State Park

Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, 31453 S Finley Point Rd, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Erica Hintergardt/Flickr
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.

5. Philipsburg Bay (Georgetown Lake)

Philipsburg Bay, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
Jonathan/Flickr
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.

6. Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park, 1301 Snyder St, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Dan/Flickr
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.

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7. Lowland Campground

Lowland Campground, Butte, MT 59701, USA
Forest Service Northern Region/Flickr
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.

8. Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa

Libby Dam, Libby, MT 59923, USA
Spend A Day Touring, LLC/Flickr
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!).

9. Holland Lake

Holland Lake, Montana 59826, USA
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
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 to September) try to find one that includes a view of Holland Falls, a 40-foot waterfall.

10. Thompson Falls State Park

Thompson Falls State Park, 2220 Blue Slide Rd, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA
Luke Detwiler/Flickr
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.

11. Garnet Mountain Lookout

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout, Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Oleksandr Sobol/Google Local
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.

12. Woodbine Campground

Woodbine Campground, Nye, MT 59068, USA
Lisa Ronald/Flickr
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?

13. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759, USA
Tjflex2/Flickr
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 what you consider to be the best campgrounds in Montana (unless you’d rather keep them a secret!).

If you are like us and love to spend some time in the great outdoors, check out some of the best hiking trails in Montana. But, before you lace up those hiking boots, make sure to take a peek at our ultimate hiking packing list featuring more than 70 must-have hiking accessories.

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More to Explore

Camping in Montana

Sarah M. | April 13, 2023

Are there any no-reservation campgrounds in Montana?

Camping is a quintessential Montana experience -- and sometimes, you want to just pick up and go! With Montana campground reservations at the best campgrounds in the state often being accepted nearly a year in advance, sometimes your favorite spots get snatched up before you can even plan your vacation dates. Luckily, there are plenty of no-reservation campgrounds in Montana where you can pitch a tent on a moment's notice:

  • Holland Lake Campground, Condon
  • Cut Bank Campground, Glacier National Park
  • Missouri Headwaters State Park, Three Forks
  • Sundance Campground, Columbia Falls
  • Rainbow Point Campground, West Yellowstone
  • Spire Rock Campground, Gallatin Canyon
  • Kintla Lake Campground, Glacier National Park

 

What are some remote campgrounds in Montana?

Big Sky Country has plenty of space for everyone -- including those who really want to get away from it all. You'll do just that at these remote campgrounds in Montana:

  • Fish Creek Campground, Glacier National Park. Fish Creek Campground may be the second largest campground at Glacier National Park, but it's just off the beaten path enough that many Montanans don't know it exists. You'll find it near West Glacier, about four miles northwest of the west park entrance.
  • Goose Bay Marina & Campground, Townsend. Situated along the eastern shore of the Canyon Ferry Reservoir near Townsend, this campground offers picnic sites with amazing views as well as full hook-ups and an onsite convenience store. The marina makes it a convenient camping spot for boaters.
  • Tally Lake Campground, near Whitefish. Tally Lake is the second deepest lake in Montana, and it's also extremely beautiful. The campground sits right on the shore, about 17 miles northwest of Whitefish. You'll have your choice of 40 sites, plus a quiet beach, fire rings, and picnic tables. And you'll definitely want to bring your kayak or canoe -- and hiking boots because the trails here are amazing!
  • Tuchuck Campground, Flathead National Forest. Last but not least is the lovely Tuchuck Campground. Located about 50 miles north of Columbia Falls, this remote campground requires quite a drive to reach. There are only seven designated campsites here, so it's safe to say you won't see a crowd!

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