Montana lives up to its nickname with some of the most spectacular camping destinations in North America. From glacier carved valleys and towering peaks to pristine lakes and endless prairies, Montana’s best camping spots showcase the raw beauty of Big Sky Country.
These incredible camping destinations in Montana that’ll make you want to extend your stay indefinitely.
1. Glacier National Park
The crown jewel of Montana camping awaits in Glacier National Park. This mountain paradise offers thirteen campgrounds, each with its own remarkable views of snow capped peaks, pristine lakes, and endless wilderness.
Many Glacier campgrounds put you in the heart of grizzly country, where crystal clear lakes mirror jagged peaks. St. Mary and Rising Sun campgrounds offer easy access to the legendary Going to the Sun Road, while Two Medicine provides a more peaceful experience away from the crowds.
Summer brings wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, but arrive early since sites fill quickly. September offers fewer crowds and the chance to hear elk bugling across the valleys.
2. Yellowstone National Park
The northern reaches of Yellowstone showcase some of Montana’s most unique camping landscapes. Mammoth Campground offers year round camping near steaming terraces and wandering elk herds.
Watch geysers erupt under starlit skies or spot wolves in the Lamar Valley at dawn. The camping experience here combines comfort with wild encounters you won’t find anywhere else.
Summer brings the biggest crowds but also the most reliable weather. Spring and fall offer excellent wildlife viewing and more peaceful camping experiences.
3. Lake McDonald
Crystal clear waters reflect mountain peaks at Lake McDonald, Glacier’s largest lake. Sprague Creek and Fish Creek campgrounds offer waterfront sites where you’ll wake up to some of the most stunning views in Montana.
Spend your mornings watching the sun paint the mountains pink, then paddle out onto the glassy lake for unbeatable photography opportunities. Historic Lake McDonald Lodge nearby offers boat tours and excellent dining when you need a break from camp cooking.
The lake area stays accessible longer than many parts of Glacier, making this one of Montana’s best camping spots well into fall.
4. Flathead Lake
Montana’s largest natural lake creates a camping paradise surrounded by cherry orchards and mountain views. State park campgrounds dot the shoreline, each offering unique perspectives on this massive body of water.
Wayfarers and Yellow Bay sites put you right on the water with perfect swimming access. Wild Horse Island boat-in camping delivers an even more remote experience with chances to spot bighorn sheep.
Summer brings warm water perfect for swimming, while spring offers stunning cherry blossoms along the eastern shore.
5. Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway provides access to some of Montana’s most spectacular alpine camping. Island Lake and Beartooth Lake campgrounds sit above 9,000 feet, surrounded by snow capped peaks and crystal clear waters.
Take in the sunrise from your tent, then spend the day exploring dozens of alpine lakes and meadows filled with wildflowers. The highway itself ranks among America’s most scenic drives, with pullouts offering jaw dropping views.
The short season runs from late June through early September, but the stunning scenery makes the timing worth planning around.
6. Big Sky
The stunning Spanish Peaks create an unforgettable backdrop for camping near Big Sky. Greek Creek and Swan Creek campgrounds provide perfect bases for exploring this mountain paradise.
World class fishing streams wind through the valley, while hiking trails lead to high alpine lakes and meadows. The nearby resort offers summer activities when you need a break from roughing it.
Summer brings perfect weather for outdoor adventure, but fall colors paint the mountainsides in spectacular fashion.
7. Hyalite Canyon
A hidden gem just south of Bozeman, Hyalite Canyon offers waterfall filled camping adventures. The canyon campground provides easy access to over ten waterfalls and a stunning reservoir perfect for paddling.
Rock climbing routes and hiking trails surround the campground, while the reservoir offers excellent fishing and boating. In winter, the area transforms into an ice climbing destination.
Visit in late summer for warm days and cool nights perfect for campfires. Fall brings golden aspens and fewer crowds.
8. Lewis and Clark Caverns
Montana’s first state park combines unique cave camping with stunning Jefferson River views. The campground sits above the river valley with spectacular sunset views over the Tobacco Root Mountains.
Take a cave tour during the day, then return to your campsite for stargazing in some of Montana’s darkest skies. Miles of hiking trails explore the surrounding limestone cliffs.
Summer offers the best cave touring weather, but spring and fall provide excellent hiking conditions and fewer visitors.
9. Whitefish Lake
The charming town of Whitefish sits beside this gorgeous mountain lake, creating perfect basecamp vibes. Les Mason State Park offers the best camping spots right on the beach, while nearby forest service sites provide more secluded options.
Paddle along the shoreline in the morning calm, then head into town for excellent restaurants and shopping. The proximity to Glacier National Park makes this an excellent multi destination base camp.
Summer weekends bring local festivities, while fall offers peaceful camping with stunning mountain colors.
10. Bob Marshall Wilderness
The legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness complex delivers true Montana backcountry camping. While most sites require hiking in, the solitude and scenery make every step worthwhile.
Spot grizzly bears and mountain goats while hiking through some of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48 states. The Chinese Wall, a limestone cliff stretching 1,000 feet high and 22 miles long, provides an unforgettable backdrop.
Late summer usually offers the most stable weather for extended backcountry trips.
11. Missouri River Breaks
The wild Missouri River creates a unique camping landscape through central Montana. James Kipp Recreation Area offers developed camping, while numerous boat-in sites provide more adventurous options.
Float through white cliffs that looked much the same as when Lewis and Clark passed through. Wildlife watching opportunities abound, with bighorn sheep, elk, and eagles frequently spotted.
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring this dramatic landscape.
12. Bighorn Canyon
Towering cliffs rise above Bighorn Lake, creating a stunning camping destination in southeastern Montana. Afterbay Campground provides easy access to the lake, while Ok-A-Beh Marina offers boat-in camping.
Fish for record breaking trout or explore the lake by boat beneath thousand foot canyon walls. Wild horses still roam the surrounding prairies, creating magical photo opportunities.
Summer brings perfect boating weather, while spring and fall offer excellent hiking conditions.
13. Red Lodge
The charming mountain town of Red Lodge serves as a gateway to spectacular mountain camping. Perry’s Point and Sheridan campgrounds offer creek side sites perfect for cooling off on warm summer days.
Hiking trails lead to alpine lakes and meadows filled with wildflowers. The Beartooth Highway starts here, making this a perfect first stop on a mountain camping adventure.
Late summer brings comfortable temperatures and usually stable weather perfect for hiking.
14. Swan Lake
Tucked between two mountain ranges, Swan Lake offers peaceful forest camping with stunning views. The lake campground provides spacious sites near the water with excellent swimming access.
Loons call across the water while osprey dive for fish. The nearby Swan River offers additional fishing opportunities and scenic float trips.
Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming, while fall offers excellent wildlife viewing.
15. Lake Como
This stunning mountain lake south of Hamilton offers beach camping with a backdrop of rugged peaks. Three developed campgrounds provide easy access to swimming and boating.
A trail circling the lake offers perfect morning walks with constant views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Rock Creek offers excellent fishing just minutes from your campsite.
The lake area stays accessible most of the year, making this one of Montana’s best camping spots in any season.
16. Medicine Lake
The wide open spaces of northeastern Montana create a unique camping experience at Medicine Lake. The national wildlife refuge campground offers peaceful prairie camping with excellent bird watching opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset paint the big sky in spectacular colors. Spring brings thousands of migrating waterfowl, while summer offers warm weather perfect for swimming.
Visit in early summer to see young wildlife and prairie wildflowers in bloom.
17. Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Some of Montana’s most dramatic mountain scenery awaits in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. East Rosebud Lake and Elk Lake campgrounds offer perfect basecamps for wilderness exploration.
Alpine lakes dot the landscape above tree line, while wildflower meadows attract mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The Beaten Path trail provides access to some of Montana’s most spectacular backcountry camping.
Late summer typically offers the best weather for exploring this high elevation wonderland.
