Introduction to the Top Camping Spots in Montana
RVing in Montana is a natural activity for RVers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged wilderness, expansive mountain ranges, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder that Montana has become an increasingly popular destination for camping trips. From the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park to the vast open spaces of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, there’s something to discover in every corner of this great state.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous backpacking trip or just a relaxing weekend under the stars, there is some of the best RV camping in Montana, among any of the national and state parks in America. Here we’ll explore ten top picks of Montana camping spots to help you uncover explorers’ paradise: The 10 National & State Parks offering the Best Campgrounds in Montana!
Top National And State Parks in Montana
Frog Creek State Park
Frog Creek State Park is a Montana state park located in the southeastern corner of Flathead County. The park is situated between Flathead and Swan Lakes, offering visitors an incredible view of both lakes as well as the surrounding mountains. In addition to its stunning views, Frog Creek State Park provides campers with plenty of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and more. With over 200 campsites spread across two camping loops plus multiple group sites available for larger groups or events, there’s something for everyone at this unforgettable destination.
Regarding activities, Frog Creek State Park has plenty on offer! From fishing on one of the lakes or rivers nearby to taking a hike along one of the trails that traverse through the area’s lush forests and meadows – you won’t be short on options here! Boating is also popular at Frog Creek State Park; kayaking and canoeing are allowed, but all power boats must stay within designated areas at all times. There are also several boat ramps located throughout the park, which make launching your vessel easy!
Flathead Lake State Park
Flathead Lake State Park is one of the most spectacular parks and an example of the best camping in Montana. This state park is located on Flathead Lake and offers stunning views of the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. In addition to its picturesque setting, Flathead Lake State Park provides visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, hiking and more. The park also offers several camping areas where campers can set up their tents or RVs for a peaceful stay under starry night skies.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in America and is home to some of the world’s most impressive geothermal features. From its immense geysers and hot springs to vibrant wildlife, stunning canyons, mountains, rivers, and lakes, Yellowstone has something for everyone! It’s also one of the most visited parks in Montana.
Venture out on a hike or take a scenic drive along one of the many roads that traverse through this awe-inspiring landscape. Stop at observation sites like Artist Point, which overlooks the famed Upper Geyser Basin’s array of colorful hot springs, or explore any number of trails that wind through wildflower meadows near Gardiner River. Those looking for an adventure should consider taking a guided tour as well such as horseback riding excursions or kayaking trips down Yellowstone Lake!
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering some of the best hiking and camping experiences in parks for camping in Montana. This incredible area encompasses over 120, 000 acres of breathtaking rugged terrain, including vast canyons and towering cliffs that provide stunning views throughout the park. The Bighorn River also runs through this region, providing a variety of recreation opportunities such as fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting. From short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips – there’s something for everyone at this unforgettable destination!
The activities on offer at Bighorn Canyon are varied; visitors can explore the numerous trails that traverse through forests filled with towering pines or take a boat out onto one of several lakes where kayaking or canoeing are popular options. Fishing is another great activity here; anglers may be lucky enough to snag trout from either one of the rivers or even spot elusive walleye in one of many reservoirs located within the park boundaries! Those looking for more leisurely pursuits will find plenty, too, such as bird watching from vantage points like Medicine Rocks State Park, where hundreds of species have been recorded during migration season.
Mann Gulch National Recreation Area
Mann Gulch National Recreation Area is an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise located in Montana’s Lewis and Clark National Forest. With its towering cliffs, lush meadows, and spectacular views of the Missouri River valley, this area provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore! From multi-day backpacking trips along its many trails to simply taking a leisurely stroll around the park – there’s something for everyone here! Mann Gulch is a great example of the discovery opportunities you have when camping in Montana.
When it comes to activities at Mann Gulch, visitors can enjoy a variety of pursuits ranging from fishing on one of several rivers or lakes nearby to exploring any number of trails that traverse through forests filled with towering pines. Bird watching is also popular here as hundreds of species have been recorded during migration season, making it easy for avid birders to spot their feathered friends in no time. For those looking for more adventurous pursuits, there are rock climbing routes available and even guided rafting trips down the wild rapids of the Missouri River!
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is an incredible destination located in Montana’s Madison Valley. This breathtaking area showcases some of the most spectacular limestone formations found anywhere in the West, making it a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts! The park offers numerous activities to keep visitors entertained, such as cave tours, hikes along its many trails, and simply taking a leisurely stroll around the grounds to enjoy views of magnificent canyons and towering cliffs.
The main attraction here is its caverns, which were discovered over 150 years ago by none other than Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition across America. Today, visitors can take guided tours through these vast underground chambers where they’ll be able to admire ancient stalagmite and stalactite formations as well as unique rock structures like flowstone curtains that cascade from ceiling to floor, creating an awe-inspiring sight! Lewis and Clark Caverns are a must-see on a trip camping trip in Montana.
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is the best park for camping in Montana if you are an outdoor enthusiast. This sprawling landscape encompasses over 3 million acres of diverse terrain, ranging from high alpine peaks to sagebrush steppes and even rolling hills of grasslands. The forest itself is home to numerous species of wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and more, making it a great spot for nature lovers!
When it comes to activities at Beaverhead-Deerlodge, there’s something for everyone – from multi-day backpacking trips along its many trails to simply taking a leisurely stroll around the grounds and enjoying views of majestic mountains and sparkling lakes. Those looking for more adventurous pursuits will also find plenty here such as horseback riding excursions through wildflower meadows or kayaking down one of many rivers that flow throughout this region! Fishing (with permits) is also popular amongst visitors; anglers may be lucky enough to snag trout from either one of the rivers or spot elusive walleye in one of many reservoirs located within park boundaries!
Whitefish Lake State Park
Whitefish Lake State Park in Montana is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise located in Montana’s Flathead Valley. The sprawling landscape of this park in Montana encompasses over 13,000 acres of diverse terrain ranging from dense forests to pristine mountain lakes and even rolling hills of grasslands. It offers numerous activities to keep visitors entertained, such as swimming at the beach or boating on its shimmering waters, allowing you to explore further into this amazing area for camping in Montana!
For those who want to experience RV camping or tent camping in Montana and everything that Whitefish Lake has to offer, then springtime may be your best bet! This season brings warmer temperatures perfect for camping and exploring outside while still providing cooler evenings, ideal for stargazing under clear night skies filled with stars. Summer months often bring higher visitation levels, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, consider visiting during shoulder seasons like fall and winter, when crowds will likely be less dense. Yet, the weather remains mild – making it easier to find solitude amongst nature’s wonders!
FAQs
Where can I camp for free in Montana?
Here is a list of areas where free camping in Montana is allowed:
Beaver Creek Road
Carbella Recreation Site
Dunn Creek Flats Recreation Area
Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area
Wisdom American Legion Memorial Park
Far West Fishing Access
Acton Recreation Area
Graves Creek Road
Blankenship Bridge
Fresno Reservoir
Fort Peck Lake
How much does it cost to camp in Montana?
In the state parks camping site fees can range from $4 per night to $34, depending on the amenities and time of the year. An example of National Park Fees is Glacier National Park, where you can expect to pay between $10 and $23 per night. If you are roughing it, you can camp in many places for free.
Where can I reserve the best camping spots in Montana?
For Montana State Parks use the Reserve America portal set up for the state. National Park Reservations can be found at the Department of the Interior Booking Site. For private campgrounds, check out the Allstays App.
Can you car camp in Montana?
Absolutely. There is no law preventing car camping in Montana. Just be sure you are not on private property, including commercial parking lots. Avoid the consequences of illegal overnight RV parking.
What is Dispersed Camping?
Dispersed camping in Montana and anywhere in the US simply refers to camping in a National Forest on a campsite without services. Because of the majestic scenery offered, Montana dispersed camping is among the most popular in America.
Are there EV Electric Charging Stations in Montana State Parks?
At the time of writing, there were no EV Changing Stations in Montana’s National or State Parks. However, you can find nearby charging stations using a portal called Chargehub.
Conclusion – Camping in Montana
For those looking to experience the natural beauty of the state, planning a visit to one of its many national and state parks in Montana is a must! Not only do these areas offer breathtaking landscapes, but they also provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more. There’s nothing better than relaxing and enjoying an outdoor meal at your campsite in Montana.
Montana is near several other jurisdictions that offer great outdoor recreation areas. Utah camping is not far away, and if you want to travel north across the border, Canada has unlimited ways for you to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. These include Banff National Park in Alberta and great provincial parks in British Columbia.
Remember to check our campsite setup checklist before you go to make sure you have everything and your setup planned. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, an adventure-filled RV vacation, or remote Montana tent camping, there are plenty of options available in this stunning region!
