Best Campgrounds in Montana

Montana, aptly nicknamed “Big Sky Country,” offers some of the most breathtaking camping experiences in North America. From the towering peaks of Glacier National Park to the pristine wilderness of the Bob Marshall, this vast state delivers outdoor adventures on an epic scale. The landscapes here feel primeval and untamed – places where the modern world fades away and nature’s grandeur takes center stage. If you’re planning a camping trip to explore Montana’s majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, these exceptional campgrounds provide the perfect basecamp for your adventures.

Many Glacier Campground, Glacier National Park

Number of Campsites: 109
Reservation Website: recreation.gov
Address: Many Glacier Road, Babb, MT 59411

Nestled in what many consider the crown jewel of Glacier National Park, Many Glacier Campground offers a camping experience that feels like stepping into an alpine postcard. Dramatic, glacier-carved peaks rise in every direction, their jagged silhouettes reflected in the still waters of Swiftcurrent Lake just steps from your tent. This is Montana camping at its most iconic – a place where the scenery is so magnificent it almost doesn’t seem real.

The campground sits in a subalpine forest of spruce and fir, where the air carries the clean, resinous scent of evergreens mixed with the earthy aroma of fertile soil. Each campsite feels like a small sanctuary, with just enough trees between neighbors to create a sense of privacy without isolation. In early summer, wildflowers dot the meadows with splashes of color – purple lupine, red Indian paintbrush, and yellow glacier lilies creating a natural garden around your temporary home.

Mornings begin with the cheerful songs of mountain chickadees and the occasional bugle of an elk in the distance. Mist often clings to the mountainsides as the first golden rays of sunlight illuminate the peaks, creating an ethereal quality that photographers dream about. As you sip your morning coffee, you might spot deer grazing peacefully at the forest edge or a moose wading through the nearby marshy areas.

The real magic of Many Glacier lies in its access to some of the park’s most spectacular hiking trails. From your campsite, you can set out on adventures to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, or Ptarmigan Tunnel – each offering views that explain why this national park earned the nickname “Crown of the Continent.” After a day of exploring, returning to your campsite feels like coming home, especially when the evening alpenglow turns the surrounding mountains to shades of pink and gold as the day’s last light fades.

With limited cell service and no electricity at the campsites, Many Glacier offers a chance to truly disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one. As darkness falls, the stars emerge in dazzling profusion, with the Milky Way stretching in a brilliant arc across the unpolluted sky – a celestial show that few places in America can match.

Holland Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest

Number of Campsites: 40
Reservation Website: recreation.gov
Address: Holland Lake Road, Condon, MT 59826

Holland Lake Campground offers what might be the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness immersion in western Montana. Set on the shores of its namesake lake with the dramatic Swan Range rising beyond, this campground delivers postcard-worthy views without requiring a long journey into the backcountry.

The campsites nestle among a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and western larch, creating dappled shade during hot summer days. Many sites offer glimpses of the lake through the trees, while others sit close enough to hear the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. The air carries the distinctive scent of sun-warmed pine needles mixed with the fresh aroma of clean mountain water – a combination that instantly soothes the spirit and signals that you’ve left civilization behind.

Mornings at Holland Lake often begin with mist hovering just above the water’s surface as the first light illuminates the mountain peaks to the east. The call of loons echoes across the lake – a haunting, primeval sound that epitomizes the wilderness experience. As you prepare breakfast at your campsite, you might spot osprey diving for fish or a family of mergansers paddling along the shoreline.

The crystal-clear waters of Holland Lake invite swimming during summer months, with a small beach area perfect for wading in or launching kayaks and paddleboards. For a magical experience, take the trail to Holland Falls, where Holland Creek cascades 50 feet down a rocky cliff, creating a natural shower with views of the lake and mountains beyond.

As evening approaches, the lake’s surface turns to gold with the setting sun, and campfires begin to glow throughout the grounds. The surrounding mountains appear to grow larger in the fading light, their silhouettes darkening against the sky as stars begin to appear. With minimal light pollution, the night sky here provides a dazzling display that perfectly complements stories shared around the campfire.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Campground

Number of Campsites: 40
Reservation Website: montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Address: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759

In the limestone hills between Butte and Bozeman lies a camping experience that combines underground wonders with scenic mountain views. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Campground serves as the perfect base for exploring Montana’s first state park and its magnificent limestone cave system adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and other otherworldly formations.

The campground sits in a landscape that feels distinctly Western, with groves of juniper and pine providing welcome shade in an otherwise open, high-desert environment. The sites are thoughtfully arranged to take advantage of the rolling topography, many offering expansive views of the Jefferson River Valley and the distant peaks of the Tobacco Root Mountains. The air carries the aromatic scent of sage and juniper, especially noticeable on warm afternoons when the sun releases the plants’ essential oils.

Mornings in the campground bring the cheerful songs of western meadowlarks and the occasional yipping of coyotes from the surrounding hills. The quality of light here is remarkable – clear and sharp in the thin mountain air, casting long shadows across the landscape and highlighting the textured bark of ponderosa pines that dot the grounds.

While the limestone caverns are undoubtedly the star attraction, with guided tours showcasing formations that have developed over millions of years, the park offers much more for outdoor enthusiasts. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the surrounding hills, offering chances to spot mule deer, elk, and a variety of raptors soaring overhead. The nearby Jefferson River provides opportunities for fishing or simply cooling off on hot summer days.

As evening falls, the campground offers a front-row seat to spectacular Montana sunsets, with the western sky ablaze in orange, pink, and purple. The transition from day to night happens with dramatic clarity in this elevated landscape. After dark, the lack of nearby cities creates ideal conditions for stargazing, with constellations appearing so bright and clear they seem almost three-dimensional against the black velvet of the night sky.

Lake Como Campground, Bitterroot National Forest

Number of Campsites: 48
Reservation Website: recreation.gov
Address: Lake Como Road, Hamilton, MT 59840

Nestled in the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains, Lake Como Campground offers one of western Montana’s most beautiful lakeside camping experiences. The deep blue waters of this reservoir are framed by forested shores and the dramatic backdrop of the Bitterroot Range, creating a scene reminiscent of alpine lakes in the European Alps – a resemblance that inspired the lake’s name.

The campground stretches along the northern shore, with many sites offering direct views of the water through the ponderosa pines and Douglas firs that provide welcome shade. Each morning, the still surface of the lake perfectly reflects the surrounding mountains, creating a mirror image that doubles the landscape’s beauty. The air carries the fresh scent of conifers mixed with the slightly mineral aroma of the lake – a combination that feels clean and invigorating.

Days at Lake Como revolve around water activities, with a sandy beach perfect for swimming during the summer months when the mountain-fed lake finally warms enough for comfortable immersion. Kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders glide across the surface, exploring hidden coves and getting closer looks at the impressive rock formations that rise from the shoreline in places. The 7-mile trail that circles the lake provides endless opportunities for photography as it winds through various ecosystems and viewpoints.

Wildlife viewing adds another dimension to the camping experience here. Osprey and bald eagles frequently patrol the skies above the lake, occasionally plunging into the water to catch fish. Deer often emerge from the forest at dawn and dusk to drink at the shoreline, their movements careful and deliberate as they scan for predators.

As the sun sets behind the jagged Bitterroot peaks, the lake’s surface is painted with reflected color and the temperature drops noticeably – a reminder of the alpine environment despite the relatively low elevation. Campfires become the center of activity as stars appear in growing numbers overhead, their light reflected in the dark waters of the lake.

Slough Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park

Number of Campsites: 23
Reservation Website: recreation.gov
Address: Northeast Entrance Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (actually in Montana portion of Yellowstone)

For those seeking an authentic wildlife experience within America’s first national park, Slough Creek Campground offers a remote, rustic experience in the heart of Yellowstone’s famed Lamar Valley – often called “America’s Serengeti” for its abundant wildlife. Though technically within Yellowstone’s boundaries, this campground sits in the Montana portion of the park and provides an experience worlds away from the more crowded areas.

The small campground sits in a sage-dotted valley with Slough Creek meandering nearby and rolling hills rising in every direction. Unlike many forest campgrounds, the relatively open landscape here offers expansive views and a sense of spaciousness that matches Montana’s “Big Sky” reputation. The air carries the sweet scent of sage and wildflowers in summer, occasionally mixed with the earthy aroma of bison that frequent the surrounding valley.

Mornings bring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities without even leaving your campsite. Bison often graze within sight, their massive forms silhouetted against the rising sun. The distant howl of wolves might float across the valley – this area is home to several wolf packs that can sometimes be observed with binoculars or spotting scopes. Eagles and osprey patrol the skies, while smaller creatures like ground squirrels and chipmunks dart about the campground.

Slough Creek itself is renowned among fly fishermen as one of the park’s premier native cutthroat trout streams, with crystal clear waters flowing through meadows and forests. Hiking trails lead from the campground into the surrounding wilderness, each bend in the path offering the possibility of wildlife encounters or sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains that form the eastern boundary of the park.

The simplicity of this campground – with no cell service, electricity, or showers – creates an experience that connects you to the landscape in a way that’s increasingly rare in today’s world. As darkness falls, the Milky Way emerges with startling clarity across the night sky, occasionally accompanied by the haunting chorus of coyotes calling from the ridges above.

Pike Creek Campground, Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Number of Campsites: 15
Reservation Website: First-come, first-served (no reservations)
Address: Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Medicine Lake, MT 59247

In the vast, rolling prairie of northeastern Montana lies a camping experience unlike any other in the state. Pike Creek Campground at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers immersion in the great northern plains – a landscape of subtle beauty that reveals its treasures to those who take the time to look closely. Far from the mountains that dominate Montana’s western regions, this is a place where the sky truly feels limitless, stretching from horizon to horizon in a dome of blue.

The small, rustic campground sits near the shores of Medicine Lake, one of the most important wetland habitats in the northern Great Plains. Each simple campsite offers plenty of space, with enough distance between neighbors to create a sense of having the landscape to yourself. Instead of trees, the sites are separated by natural prairie vegetation – grasses, wildflowers, and low shrubs that dance in the nearly constant prairie breeze. The air carries the sweet scent of native grasses and the distinctive aroma of sage, especially noticeable after summer rainstorms.

Morning arrives dramatically on the prairie, with sunrise painting the eastern sky in brilliant colors that reflect off the lake’s surface. The daybreak chorus of birdsong is extraordinary – the refuge hosts over 280 species of birds, from tiny warblers to massive white pelicans. The trumpeting calls of sandhill cranes might echo across the water, while overhead the distinctive V-formations of Canada geese make their way to feeding grounds.

Days here are governed by the rhythms of light and weather. The big Montana sky puts on a constant show of clouds moving across its expanse, casting shifting patterns of shadow across the landscape. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with pronghorn antelope often visible grazing in the distance and mule deer appearing at dawn and dusk. The lake itself hosts impressive numbers of waterfowl, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds use this area as a critical stopover.

As evening approaches, the prairie takes on a golden quality in the low-angled light, with shadows stretching long across the rolling terrain. Sunsets here can be spectacular, the unobstructed western horizon allowing you to watch the sun’s full descent into the earth. After dark, the stars emerge with exceptional clarity in this remote location far from city lights, creating a celestial display that makes you feel small in the best possible way.

Hyalite Canyon Campgrounds (Hood Creek, Langohr, Chisholm)

Number of Campsites: 79 total (varies by individual campground)
Reservation Website: recreation.gov
Address: Hyalite Canyon Road, Bozeman, MT 59715

Just a short drive from Bozeman lies Hyalite Canyon, one of Montana’s most accessible mountain playgrounds and home to several exceptional campgrounds that provide the perfect base for exploring this recreational paradise. Hood Creek, Langohr, and Chisholm campgrounds each offer slightly different experiences, but all share access to the dramatic landscape of the Gallatin Range and crystal-clear Hyalite Reservoir.

These campgrounds nestle among lodgepole pine and spruce forests with Hyalite Creek tumbling nearby, creating that perfect soundtrack of moving water that makes for restful sleep. The sites feel tucked into the landscape, with enough trees between neighbors to create natural privacy screens while still allowing filtered sunlight to reach the forest floor. The air carries the clean scent of conifers mixed with the earthy aroma of decomposing pine needles and the occasional sweet fragrance of wildflowers in summer.

Mornings begin with sunlight filtering through the trees and the melodious songs of mountain chickadees and ruby-crowned kinglets. As you enjoy your first cup of coffee, you might glimpse deer moving silently between the trees or watch as an osprey circles above Hyalite Reservoir searching for breakfast. The quality of light is special here – the clean mountain air giving everything a sharp clarity that makes colors seem more vivid.

The real appeal of camping in Hyalite Canyon is the access to outdoor recreation. Dozens of hiking trails radiate from the area, ranging from easy strolls to alpine lakes to challenging climbs up nearby peaks. Rock climbers test their skills on the canyon’s cliffs, while mountain bikers explore miles of forest roads and singletrack. Hyalite Reservoir invites fishing, paddling, and even swimming for the brave souls willing to immerse themselves in its chilly waters.

Perhaps most spectacular are the canyon’s waterfalls – over ten named falls within a relatively small area, including the 115-foot Grotto Falls and the impressive Palisade Falls that tumbles down a wall of columnar basalt. In winter, these same falls transform into world-renowned ice climbing venues, but summer reveals them in their full flowing glory.

As daylight fades, campfires begin to glow throughout the grounds, their smoke carrying the sweet aroma of burning pine. The surrounding mountains are silhouetted against the darkening sky, and the stars appear with startling brightness in the clear mountain air. Despite being so close to Bozeman, the night sky here provides excellent stargazing, with the Milky Way clearly visible on moonless nights.

Red Lodge Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest

Number of Campsites: 64
Reservation Website: recreation.gov
Address: West Fork Road, Red Lodge, MT 59068

Nestled at the foot of the spectacular Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge Campground offers an ideal combination of mountain scenery, recreational opportunities, and proximity to the charming town of Red Lodge. This campground serves as the perfect base for exploring one of Montana’s most scenic regions, including the world-famous Beartooth Highway – often called America’s most beautiful mountain drive.

The campground sits along the West Fork of Rock Creek, where the sound of rushing water creates a constant, soothing backdrop for your camping experience. Tall pines and spruce provide ample shade, while allowing glimpses of the rugged mountain peaks that rise dramatically above. Each campsite feels thoughtfully placed to maximize privacy while still fostering the community atmosphere that makes camping special. The air carries the mingled scents of pine, flowing water, and occasionally the sweet fragrance of wildflowers that bloom in profusion during the brief mountain summer.

Mornings in the campground are crisp and refreshing, even in midsummer – a reminder of the relatively high elevation. As the sun rises over the mountains to the east, its light gradually fills the valley, illuminating dew-covered spiderwebs strung between branches and sending ground squirrels scurrying about their daily business. The calls of Steller’s jays echo through the forest, their harsh cries contrasting with the gentle murmur of the creek.

The location makes this campground perfect for exploring multiple environments. Within a short drive, you can access high alpine terrain via the Beartooth Highway, with its above-treeline landscapes resembling Arctic tundra. Wildflower displays at these elevations are spectacular in early summer, with forget-me-nots, Indian paintbrush, and alpine sunflowers creating natural gardens among the rocks. Closer to camp, numerous hiking trails explore the lower mountain forests and meadows, offering chances to spot elk, deer, and even the occasional bear or moose.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to Rock Creek and its tributaries, home to native cutthroat trout as well as introduced rainbow and brown trout. The clear, cold mountain waters make for challenging but rewarding angling experiences, with the added bonus of stunning scenery in every direction.

As evening approaches, the temperature drops noticeably with the setting sun, making a campfire not just atmospheric but practical. The peaks to the west catch the day’s last light, glowing with alpenglow before fading to purple silhouettes against the darkening sky. With minimal light pollution, the stars appear in dazzling profusion, sometimes accompanied by the distant hooting of a great horned owl beginning its nighttime hunt.

Finley Point State Park

Number of Campsites: 18
Reservation Website: montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Address: 35898 Finley Point Road, Polson, MT 59860

On a sheltered peninsula jutting into the sparkling waters of Flathead Lake – the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi – Finley Point State Park offers a camping experience that combines the best of lakeside relaxation with stunning mountain views. This intimate campground provides access to what many consider Montana’s premier water playground while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere away from more developed areas.

The campsites nestle among mature ponderosa pines that provide welcome shade during hot summer days while allowing glimpses of the lake’s brilliant blue waters through their branches. Many sites sit close enough to the shoreline that the gentle lapping of waves provides a constant soundtrack to your camping experience. The air carries the mingled scents of pine resin and fresh water, with occasional wafts of sunscreen and barbecue during the height of summer.

Mornings at Finley Point often begin with mist hovering just above the lake’s surface as the first light illuminates the Mission Mountains that rise dramatically from the eastern shore. The calls of osprey might echo across the water as these fishing specialists begin their day’s hunt, while closer at hand, chickadees and nuthatches flutter among the pines. As the sun climbs higher, the lake transforms into a dazzling expanse of sparkling blue that seems to merge with the sky at the horizon.

The lake is undoubtedly the center of activity here, with swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities right from the campground. The clear waters of Flathead Lake offer exceptional visibility, with underwater features visible many feet below the surface. Anglers can try their luck for lake trout, whitefish, yellow perch, and the occasional kokanee salmon, while paddlers can explore the sheltered bays and dramatic shoreline of this massive lake.

As evening approaches, the setting sun casts a golden path across the water leading straight to the western horizon. The Mission Mountains to the east take on a purple hue in the fading light, their snow-capped peaks (present even in summer) glowing pink with alpenglow before darkness falls completely. Campfires flicker throughout the grounds as the temperature drops, their warm light contrasting with the cool blue of twilight reflected on the lake’s surface.

Placid Lake State Park

Number of Campsites: 40
Reservation Website: montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Address: 24995 Placid Lake Road, Seeley Lake, MT 59868

Tucked away in Montana’s scenic Seeley-Swan Valley, Placid Lake State Park offers a camping experience that lives up to its tranquil name. The small campground sits along the northern shore of Placid Lake, surrounded by the dense coniferous forests typical of western Montana’s lower elevations, with distant mountain peaks forming a perfect backdrop for this serene setting.

The campsites are arranged among a mix of Douglas fir, western larch, and ponderosa pine, creating natural privacy screens between neighbors while still allowing filtered sunlight to reach the forest floor. Many sites offer glimpses of the lake’s clear, reflective waters through the trees, while others sit close enough to hear the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. The air carries the clean, resinous scent of conifers mixed with the earthy aroma of fertile forest soil – a combination that instantly signals you’ve escaped to the wilderness.

Mornings begin with birdsong echoing through the trees – the melodious notes of varied thrushes, the cheerful chatter of red-breasted nuthatches, and occasionally the distinctive calls of loons from out on the lake. Mist often hovers just above the water’s surface as the day’s first light illuminates the surrounding landscape, creating an atmosphere of hushed expectancy as the natural world awakens.

The lake itself is the main attraction, with its relatively warm waters (by Montana standards) making it ideal for swimming during summer months. A designated swimming area near the campground provides easy access to the refreshing waters, while anglers can try their luck for rainbow and brook trout either from shore or by boat. The lake’s protected location means it’s often calm enough for kayaking and paddleboarding, perfect ways to explore the shoreline’s hidden coves and inlets.

Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding area, with trails leading through diverse forest ecosystems and occasionally opening to meadows filled with wildflowers in early summer. Wildlife viewing adds another dimension to the experience – deer often browse at forest edges in the early morning and evening, while osprey and bald eagles patrol the skies above the lake.

As daylight begins to fade, the lake’s surface turns to burnished gold, perfectly reflecting the surrounding trees and sky. Campfires come to life throughout the grounds, their smoke carrying the sweet aroma of burning pine and fir. The transition from day to night happens with remarkable clarity, the stars gradually appearing overhead as the forest grows quiet except for the occasional hoot of an owl beginning its nightly hunt.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Montana

From the dramatic peaks of Glacier National Park to the serene shores of Flathead Lake, from the wildlife-rich valleys of Yellowstone to the endless skies of the eastern plains, Montana’s diverse landscapes offer camping experiences to match any outdoor enthusiast’s dreams. The state’s nickname – “Big Sky Country” – perfectly captures the sense of space and freedom that defines camping here, where the horizon seems limitless and the stars shine with unparalleled brilliance. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, Montana’s exceptional campgrounds provide the perfect base for exploring one of America’s last great wild places. Pack your tent, prepare for weather that can change in an instant, and discover why Montana’s camping opportunities rank among the finest in the world.