Montana, nicknamed “Big Sky Country,” is renowned not only for its expansive skies but also as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially campers. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the pristine turquoise lakes, Montana offers countless stunning camping locations to suit every taste and skill level. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a campground with amenities or a seasoned adventurer craving a wild camping experience in nature, Montana has something to delight you.
Glacier National Park: Camping Amidst Majestic Glacial Beauty
Glacier National Park, located in northwest Montana bordering Canada, is a jewel in the US National Park system. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, more than 25 glaciers, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes, Glacier is a dream destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in untouched wilderness. Moreover, the park offers numerous incredible campgrounds, ranging from fully developed sites with amenities to remote backcountry spots for the adventurous.
One of the most popular campgrounds in Glacier is Many Glacier Campground, situated near Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes. This campground is an excellent base for exploring the park, including hikes to Grinnell Glacier and the Josephine Lake Boat Tour. However, due to its beautiful location and good facilities, it is often crowded, especially in summer.
For a quieter and more private experience, consider Fish Creek Campground, the largest campground in the park, nestled in the woods near Lake McDonald. From here, you can easily access Going-to-the-Sun Road, the famous scenic route traversing the park.
For those seeking a backcountry camping experience, Glacier offers many backcountry camping options. However, backcountry camping requires permits and adherence to strict park regulations to protect the environment and ensure safety.
Many Glacier Campground in Glacier National Park, Montana, featuring stunning mountain views and a turquoise lake
Yellowstone National Park: Explore a Geothermal Wonderland
Although most of Yellowstone National Park lies in Wyoming, a small portion extends into Montana and is an unmissable camping destination. Yellowstone is famous for its unique geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, along with diverse flora and fauna and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Madison Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone, located near the Madison River and a great starting point for exploring famous attractions like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. This campground offers many amenities and is suitable for both tents and RVs.
If you prefer camping closer to the wilderness, choose Grant Village Campground, located on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America. From here, enjoy stunning lake views, water activities, and exploration of the surrounding area.
Similar to Glacier, Yellowstone also has backcountry campgrounds, but permits and regulations are even stricter due to the sensitivity of the geothermal environment and the presence of dangerous wildlife like bears and wolves.
Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park, Montana, near the Madison River with open space and lush green trees
Flathead National Forest: Dispersed Camping in Untamed Nature
Flathead National Forest, just south of Glacier National Park, is a vast area encompassing over 2.4 million acres of mountains, lakes, and rivers. Unlike national parks with stricter camping regulations, Flathead National Forest allows dispersed camping in many areas, offering a wilder and more immersive camping experience.
The Hungry Horse Reservoir area within Flathead National Forest is a popular camping destination, with several developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities along the lake shore. Hungry Horse Reservoir is a large body of water, offering activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Swan Lake Ranger District is also an excellent choice for camping in Flathead National Forest. This area features numerous small lakes, rivers, and mountains, with many hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. You can find developed campgrounds along Swan Lake and Lindbergh Lake, or seek a more secluded dispersed camping spot in the forest.
Dispersed camping in Flathead National Forest requires you to be self-sufficient, bringing your own water, toilet facilities, and trash disposal. However, the reward is absolute tranquility and the raw beauty of Montana’s nature.
Flathead National Forest, Montana, showcasing vast mountain forests, clear blue lakes, and ideal dispersed camping space
Flathead Lake: Lakeside Camping on the Largest Natural Freshwater Lake West of the Mississippi
Flathead Lake, located in northwest Montana, is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and surrounding mountain scenery, Flathead Lake is an ideal summer camping destination.
Flathead Lake State Park comprises several smaller park units scattered around the lake, each offering campgrounds with unique features. Wayfarers Unit is known for its old-growth Ponderosa pines and stunning lake views. Big Arm Unit features a long sandy beach and a marina area. Wild Horse Island Unit, accessible only by boat, is home to wild horses and bighorn sheep.
Besides state park campgrounds, you can also find many private campgrounds and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds around Flathead Lake. Many of these campgrounds offer amenities like restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups, suitable for RV camping.
Camping at Flathead Lake not only offers the chance to enjoy the lake’s beauty but also allows you to engage in various recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and exploring lakeside towns like Bigfork and Polson.
Flathead Lake, Montana, with clear blue water, sandy beaches, and ideal lakeside campgrounds for summer
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park: Camping & Exploring Limestone Caves
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, near Whitehall in southwest Montana, is Montana’s first state park and famous for its stunning limestone cave system. The park not only offers fascinating cave tours but also a small yet cozy campground, making it an ideal stop for those wanting to explore the area.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Campground has about 40 campsites, suitable for both tents and RVs. The campground is surrounded by trees and offers basic amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and picnic tables. From the campground, you can easily walk to the visitor center, where cave tours begin.
Besides exploring the caves, the park also has hiking trails with views of the Jefferson Valley and the Tobacco Root Mountains. The area is also popular for birdwatching, especially in spring and fall.
Camping at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park provides a unique combination of exploring nature above and below ground, creating a memorable Montana camping experience.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Montana, featuring the entrance to a limestone cave and a peaceful campground nestled in the trees
Conclusion
Montana truly is a camping paradise, with countless options from amenity-rich national park campgrounds to wild dispersed camping in national forests and by lakeshores. Whether you want to wake up to majestic mountain views, explore unique geothermal landscapes, immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, or enjoy the cool waters of a lake, Montana has a perfect camping spot for you. Plan your Montana camping trip today and discover the endless beauty of “Big Sky Country”!