Best Places To Camp In Montana

From glacier peaks to quiet forest trails, explore the best places to camp in Montana. Discover breathtaking parks, hidden lakes, and wild backcountry sites perfect for every type of camper. Montana is perfect for camping. You are an experienced camper or a beginner Montana provides you some peaceful and fantastic waterfalls and sandy beaches If you love to discover tall wonderful mountains, deep forests and animals, beautiful lakes. Here you will find out the best time, things that are required, and the best site for you. So get ready and zip the top bag and enjoy the new trip. Planning a camping trip in Montana? Explore official campground details and make reservations through the Park Reservation- State Montana Park

1. Glacier National Park – Camp Where Ice Meets Sky

Step into a world of alpine lakes and towering glaciers. Glacier National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring places for camping in Montana, perfect for nature lovers and stargazers.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer to early fall June to September some areas open late spring.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping, backcountry camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Bear to proof food containers grizzly bear territory
  • Hiking boots for rugged terrain
  • Multi to layered clothing temperatures can drop at night
  • Water filter for backcountry camping
  • Insect repellent mosquitoes are common

2. Yellowstone (Montana Section) – Wild Beauty at the Edge of the Earth

Witness wildlife and geothermal wonders in Montana’s slice of Yellowstone. This section offers some of the best remote camping experiences in Montana.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to fall May to September avoid summer crowds by visiting in May or September.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping, backcountry camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Bear spray and bear to proof food storage
  • Waterproof gear frequent summer thunderstorms
  • Warm sleeping bags nighttime temperatures can drop
  • Cooking equipment limited services in backcountry
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing

3. Flathead Lake State Park– Lakeside Camping Under Big Skies

Let the gentle waves and wide skies soothe your soul. Flathead Lake offers one of the best lakefront camping spots across Montana for families and paddleboarders.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall May to September for warm weather and water activities.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Water shoes for lake activities
  • Fishing gear Flathead Lake is popular for fishing
  • Sun protection hat, sunscreen
  • Camping chairs for sitting by the lake
  • Insect repellent mosquitoes near water

4. Lewis and Clark Caverns – Camp Beneath the Earth’s Secrets

Explore mysterious limestone caves and sleep under Montana stars. Lewis and Clark Caverns is a one-of-a-kind place to camp in Montana, blending adventure with history.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall May to September cave tours operate in summer.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping, cabins.
• Key Equipment:
  • Flashlight/headlamp for cave exploration
  • Comfortable hiking shoes for exploring the park
  • Layered clothing temperatures inside caves are cooler
  • Picnic supplies tables are available at campsites
  • Warm sleeping bag it can get cool at night

5. Kootenai National Forest– Wilderness Camping Among Giants

Feel small among towering pines and endless trails. Kootenai is one of the top backcountry places to camp in Montana, perfect for solitude and serenity.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer to early fall June to September winter is popular for snow sports.
• Camping Type: Backcountry camping, tent camping, car camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Bear to proof food storage
  • Lightweight, packable tent for backcountry camping
  • Navigation tools map, compass, GPS
  • Water filter natural water sources are available
  • Multi to layered clothing cool nights in the mountains

6. Big Arm State Park – Sunrise Views Over Flathead Lake

Start your mornings with panoramic water views and soft mountain air. Big Arm is a must-visit Montana spot for lakeside camping, especially for photographers and RVers.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall May to September for warm weather and water activities.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Watercraft kayaks, paddleboards, etc.
  • Cooler for storing food and drinks
  • Sun protection hat, sunscreen
  • Water shoes for swimming or wading
  • Fishing gear Flathead Lake offers great fishing

7. Bighorn Canyon – Camp Where Cliffs Meet Calm Waters

Sleep beneath towering red walls and drift along quiet waters. Bighorn Canyon is a dramatic and scenic camping destination in Montana like no other.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring to fall April to September avoid the hot summer months if possible.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping, backcountry camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Watercraft for exploring the canyon kayak, boat
  • Sun protection strong sunlight in summer
  • Plenty of water hot, dry environment
  • Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching
  • Fishing gear great fishing opportunities

8. Beaverhead to Deerlodge National Forest– Montana’s Hidden Forest Escape

Lose yourself in Montana’s largest national forest filled with peace, wildlife, and hidden trails. It’s one of the most underrated camping areas in Montana.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall June to September.
• Camping Type: Backcountry camping, tent camping, car camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Bear to proof containers grizzly bear territory
  • Navigation tools compass, map, GPS
  • Sturdy hiking boots for rugged terrain
  • Warm clothing cold nights in higher elevationsPortable stove for cooking

9. Missouri Headwaters State Park– Camp Where Rivers Begin

Where three mighty rivers become one, adventure begins. Missouri Headwaters is a historical and scenic Montana campground, perfect for paddlers and history buffs.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring to fall April to September.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Fishing gear excellent fishing opportunities
  • Comfortable camping chairs for riverside relaxation
  • Sun protection hat, sunscreen
  • Insect repellent mosquitoes near water
  • Cooler for food and drinks

10. Hyalite Canyon– A Hidden Gem Just Beyond Bozeman

Just minutes from Bozeman, Hyalite Canyon offers alpine lakes, waterfalls, and quiet nights. It’s among the most accessible yet beautiful places to camp in Montana.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer to early fall June to September winter camping is also popular for ice climbing.
• Camping Type: Tent camping, RV camping, backcountry camping.
• Key Equipment:
  • Warm clothing cool mountain nights
  • Bear to proof food storage
  • Hiking boots for exploring trails
  • Water filter for backcountry camping
  • Insect repellent mosquitoes in summer

Summary of Types of Camping:

1. Tent Camping: Ideal for most locations, including Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Hyalite Canyon, and more.
2. RV Camping: Suitable for Flathead Lake, Lewis and Clark Caverns, Bighorn Canyon, and Missouri Headwaters.
3. Backcountry Camping: Best for Glacier National Park, Kootenai National Forest, and Beaverhead to Deer Lodge, and Yellowstone.
4. Car Camping: A good option in many state parks like Flathead Lake and Missouri Headwaters.
5. Canoe/Kayak Camping: Big Arm State Park and Bighorn Canyon offer excellent water based camping skills.

By choosing the right gear and the best time to visit, you can enjoy Montana’s incredible natural beauty with a perfect camping skill!

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