Discover the Best Camping in Montana: A Guide to Top Spots

Montana offers some of the most spectacular camping experiences in the United States. With its vast landscapes, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes, Montana is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the convenience of developed campgrounds or the solitude of backcountry camping, this guide will help you find the best camping spots in Montana.

1. Glacier National Park

Source credit: Lily Miller 

Apgar Campground 

• Location: West Glacier
• Highlights: Located near Lake McDonald, Apgar Campground is the largest in Glacier National Park. It offers easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
• Facilities: 194 sites, potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station.

Many Glacier Campground 

• Location: Many Glacier Valley
• Highlights: Known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Many Glacier Campground is a favorite among campers. The area offers access to numerous hiking trails and spectacular views of mountains and glaciers.
• Facilities: 110 sites, potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station.

RV Camgrounds:

• Heart of Glacier RV Park & Cabins 
• West Glacier RV Park 

2. Flathead Lake

Big Arm State Park 

• Location: West shore of Flathead Lake
• Highlights: This park offers spectacular views of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains. Activities include swimming, fishing, and boating.
• Facilities: 40 campsites, potable water, flush toilets, and boat ramps.

Wayfarers State Park 

• Location: Near Bigfork
• Highlights: Wayfarers State Park features rocky cliffs, mature trees, and beautiful lake views. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
• Facilities: 30 campsites, potable water, and flush toilets.

RV Camgrounds:

• Edgewater RV Resort & Motel  
• Outback Montana RV Park & Campground  
• Rollins Restaurant & RV Park  
• Big Arm Resort & Casino 
• Polson - Flathead Lake KOA Holiday 

3. Yellowstone National Park

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Mammoth Campground (located in Wyoming )

• Location: Near Mammoth Hot Springs
• Highlights: The only campground open year-round in Yellowstone, Mammoth Campground is located near the park's northern entrance. It's an excellent base for exploring Mammoth Hot Springs and the surrounding area.
• Facilities: 85 sites, potable water, and flush toilets.

Slough Creek Campground (located in Wyoming)  

• Location: Lamar Valley
• Highlights: Known for its prime wildlife viewing opportunities, Slough Creek Campground is located in the Lamar Valley, often called the "Serengeti of North America."
• Facilities: 23 sites, potable water, and vault toilets.

RV Camgrounds:

• Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park & Cabins  
• Buffalo Crossing RV Park  
• Yellowstone Park - West Gate KOA Holiday 
• Yellowstone Hot Springs  
• Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North 

4. Lewis and Clark National Forest

Source credit: Sebastian Unrau

Wood Lake Campground 

• Location: Near Augusta
• Highlights: This remote campground offers a tranquil setting next to Wood Lake. It's a great spot for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.
• Facilities: 20 sites, potable water, and vault toilets.

Aspen Grove Campground 

• Location: Near Monarch
• Highlights: Nestled in the Little Belt Mountains, Aspen Grove Campground provides access to hiking, fishing, and ATV trails.
• Facilities: 27 sites, potable water, and vault toilets.

5. Bitterroot National Forest

Lake Como Campground 

• Location: Near Darby
• Highlights: This campground offers beautiful lake views and opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Lake Como Loop Trail is popular for hiking and biking.
• Facilities: 70 sites, potable water, and flush toilets.

Rombo Campground

• Location: Near Conner
• Highlights: A peaceful campground along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, Rombo Campground is ideal for fishing and hiking.
• Facilities: 11 sites, potable water, and vault toilets.

RV Camgrounds:

• Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park  
• Camp Sula 

Tips for Camping in Montana

Source credit: Janne Simoes

1. Plan Ahead: Popular campgrounds, especially in national parks, can fill up quickly. Make reservations when possible.
2. Be Bear Aware: Montana is bear country. Store food and scented items properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
3. Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to keep Montana's natural beauty pristine.
4. Check Regulations: Each camping area has its own rules and regulations. Make sure you are informed before you go. Check out the state's website if you want too!

Conclusion

Montana's diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty make it a premier destination for camping. Whether you're exploring the iconic Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks or finding solitude in the lesser-known forests and lakes, Montana offers unforgettable camping experiences for all types of adventurers. Pack your gear, respect the wilderness, and get ready to discover the best camping in Montana. For more camping locations around the U.S., click here!