Montana is a state defined by its diverse terrain that ranges from great plains to the rocky mountains. It has excellent open spaces that include the Glacier National Park. It also has a vast wilderness preserve that extends into the neighboring Canada. There are parks with many snow-capped peaks, alpine hiking trails and lakes that stretch over 50 miles. Montana might not be a very big state, but with its breathtaking beauty and thick forests, it is an excellent camping destination.
You will have plenty of camping options in Montana, from beautiful beachfront campgrounds to secluded sites tucked away among the woods. The presence of state and national parks as well as forests creates the space needed for campgrounds. Whether you are planning for a remote background gateway or a family-friendly vacation, here are some of the free campgrounds you should consider in Montana.
Ruby River Reservoir – Alder, Montana
Phone Number: +1 406-758-5208
Ruby River is a campground located in southwest Montana. It offers primitive camping with access to some of the amenities. Located about 12 miles west of Virginia City, you need to prepare adequately before camping here. During the week, this campground is moderately busy, with most people coming to explore the area. It has around 4-5 decent camp spots, meaning it is not very large in size. Furthermore, there are no trees found away from the ramp area. If you are looking for a place to day trip in Montana, this campground will be an excellent option. You can camp here for around 2-3 days, and you should carry your own drinking water because it is not available. Despite the fact that there are no facilities here, you will find your stay fun and exciting.
1870 Tailings Harpole – Avon, Montana
Address: Alder, Montana GPS: 45.225639
This campground is located in Avon, Montana. It has a large camp area with access to access to hot water, updated bathhouses, and electricity. You will also find spaces for RVs here. While camping Tailings Harpole, you can engage in various fun activities like surfing, fishing, beachcombing, sunbathing, among others. You can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking.
Abandoned Weight Station – Shelby – Shelby, Montana
Address: Shelby, Montana GPS: 48.484759
This campground is in the form of an abandoned weigh station. It is located on the northbound lane approximately two miles south of Shelby. This campground allows overnight parking, and it is mostly frequented by RVers and semis. Trash cans are the only amenities available here. Furthermore, there is a parallel park along either curb. This is a level campground that is connected to electricity. However, given its close location to the highway, you can hear some traffic noises. If you have a self-contained vehicle, this campground will be excellent for you.
Abbot Bay – Martin City, Montana
Address: Martin City, Montana GPS: 48.333851
Phone Number: (406) 646-1012
This campground offers dispersed camping. It is located in the Flathead National Forest, Martin City, Montana. Abbot Bay is a big campground with over 30 camping areas which provide various access and accomodations. Its management allows camping throughout the forest, giving a one-of-kind camping experience. If you are planning to camp outside the Abbot Bay campground but within the Flathead National Forest, you should first the research the area for safety purposes. You should also know the various rules and regulations governing the area. The maximum number of camping days at Abbot Bay is 16. While here, you will enjoy beautiful views that include a breathtaking oceanside view. Furthermore, you can camp on the lakeside and enjoy the amazing surroundings of the beach. There are plenty of water-based recreational activities awaiting you at this campground. Some of them include swimming, fishing, surfing, canoeing, among others.
Above lake Inez – Seeley Lake, Montana
Address: Seeley Lake, Montana GPS: 47.297193
This campground gives you a beautiful overlook over the mountains and valleys. To access it, it will take you around 25 minutes of driving on the forest service road. While here, you will have access to amenities like water, showers, toilets, dump station, among others. It also has spaces for RVs, so you don’t have to worry about where you will park. There are many recreational activities awaiting you at this campground, they include wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and boating. You can also enjoy several playground activities.
Armington Junction Rest Area – Belt, Montana
Address: 1 MT-200, Belt, MT 59412, United States
This is an exciting campground in the form of a rest area. It is adjacent to the weigh station located in Belt, Montana. Unlike many rest areas, Armington Junction has a 24 hour camera surveillance. The camp area is only a few minutes away from the Belt Creek. There are many fun activities you can engage in while here, they include canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and camping. Regarded as one of the best rest areas in Montana, Armington offers RV parking. This is because it has a large space that can accomodate RVs. As much as most people seem to ignore the nearby lake, you can use it engage in various water-based recreational activities like swimming, fishing, surfing, canoeing, among others.
Ashley Lake North Campground – Kalispell, Montana
Address: N Ashley Lake Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States
Phone Number: +1 406-758-5208
This campground is located inside the Flathead National Forest. The camp has an operating limit of 120 days. It can only accomodate a total of 30 people, meaning it is relatively small in size. However, it has around five campsites that are connected to electricity. Drinking water is not provided here, meaning you should carry your own. While here, you will have access to other essential amenities like toilets and bathrooms. Thanks to a nearby lake, you can engage in various water-based recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
Ashley Lake South Campground – Kalispell, Montana
Address: Kalispell, MT 59901, United States
Phone Number: +1 406-758-5208
Located in Kalispell, Montana, the Ashley Lake South Campground is a very small campground with only two sites. Despite its small size, the campground has plenty to offer. You won’t run out of options when it comes to choosing fun activities. While here, you can engage in water-based recreational activities like swimming, fishing, surfing, canoeing, and boating. Furthermore, the campground gives you access to essential amenities like water, bathhouses, electricity, and toilets.
Battle Ridge Campground – Bozeman, Montana
Address: Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
Phone Number: +1 406-522-2520
This an excellent camping spot in Bozeman, Montana. It is largely a flat terrain with amazing surroundings. The access roads are excellent, and you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in mud because the roads are tarmacked. The campground tends to very busy during the summer months as many people come to explore the area. It is easy and peaceful to sleep at night thanks to the quite and peaceful location. The campground is surrounded by trees that make it even more exciting. In most cases, the weather conditions are favorite, giving you the ultimate camping experience.
Bean Lake Campground – Augusta, Montana
Address: Augusta, MT 59410, United States
This campground has only two campsites that are able to accomodate RVs. The two camp sites have pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Given that the camp is relatively small in size, there may be space for only three to four campers with tents. Keep in mind that there is no Verizon 4G network around here, though calls and texting can work but with trouble. With the watery conditions around the camp, there are lots of mosquitoes. Therefore, you should bring lots of deet. If are planning to camp here, don’t use the State Road 434. This is because it a bridge that crosses Dearborn River with a weight limit of around 14,000 pounds. It is also very narrow, and might give you serious trouble with its sharp turn.
Beaver Creek Dispersed – West Yellowstone, Montana
Address: West Yellowstone, Montana GPS: 44.86868, -111.362823
This campground is located just a few minutes northwest of the West Yellowstone. If you are planning to camp here, use the following directions to access the camp. Drive north out of the West Yellowstone, then take 191N untill you arrive at junction where you will take the 287W. This highway is sometimes referred to as the Hebgen Lake Rd. After a few minutes, you will pass the Hebgen Lake which is on your left and finally take a right turn towards the Forest Service 985. This an exciting campground that you will find beautiful and mesmerizing. As much as only five spots are available, they have all the accessories you need. Given its close location to a water body, there several water-based recreational activities you can engage in, they include swimming, fishing, boating, surfing, canoeing, among others.
Blacks Pond Campground – Birney, Montana
Adress: Forest Road 4021, Ashland, MT 59003, United States
Phone Number: +1 406-587-6701
This campground is located in Ashland Ranger District. It is a small campground with a around two campsites. Some of the amenities available here include toilets, trash pickup, water, and electricity. There is no access to firewood. If you are planning to visit this campground, you should keep in mind that it operates on a first-come first-serve basis. Even though it is small in size, this campground has a lot to offer. There are many fun activities you can engage in while camping here. Some of them include horseback riding, hiking, skateboarding, swimming, and boating.
Blackwell Flats, Libby Dam – Libby, Montana
Address: Libby, Montana GPS: 48.369, -115.321999
This is an exciting campground located 18 miles north of Libby on Highway 37. The access road is fully tarmacked so you don’t have to worry about your vehicle getting stuck in mud. It mostly offers dry camping. The campground doesn’t have drinking water, but it has vault restrooms. Furthermore, it has several sites that are made of gravel. Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and well-organized benches. If you are into RV camping, don’t worry about it because this campground allows it. The environment around here is generally quite, making the campground an ideal place to relax and rewind. The access roads to this campgrounds can be a little bit messy during the rain season. If you intend to camp here during rainy seasons, it is a good idea to use a 4×4 vehicle. This is because a normal vehicle can struggle to navigate through the muddy roads.
Blair Reservoir – Meagher County, Montana
Address: Montana GPS: 46.584682
Blair Reservoir campground is located in Meagher County, Montana. This is a considerably large campground sitting on over 11,000 acres of land. In fact, it is one of the largest campgrounds in Montana. It offers exciting and affordable public camping with access to essential amenities like electricity, bathrooms, water, and toilets. Furthermore, it has several primitive campsites that are ready for use. There are several fun activities awaiting you at this campground, some of them include biking, boating, skiing, and swimming.
Bankenship Bridge – SW – Columbia Falls, Montana
Address: Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
This is another exciting campground in the state. It is located in Columbia Falls, Montana. The campground operates on a first-come first-serve basis, and it does not allow reservations. As much as it is often crowded, you can still enjoy what it has to offer. Due to the high number of people that visit the campground on a regular basis, there could be some uncollected trash around. When everything is normal, the water in the nearby lake id crystal clear, with swimming and fishing often practiced. During rainy seasons, the access roads to this area can get very muddy. That is why it is recommended that you use a 4×4 vehicle instead. Given the cold conditions in the area, a self-contained vehicle will also come in handy.
BLM Pullout – Big Timber, Montana
Address: 301 W 1st Ave, Big Timber, MT 59011, United States
Located in Big Timber, Montana, BLM Pullout is a campground with a lot to offer. As much as it is relatively small compared to other campgrounds in the county, it has exciting features. If you are planning to visit this campground, you should know that it operates on a first-come first-serve basis. Besides, it does not accept reservations. This campground has access to essential amenities like electricity, bathrooms, water, and toilets. While here, you can engage in a wide range of activities including horseback riding, hiking, skateboarding, swimming, and fishing.
Blodgett Creek Campground – Hamilton, Montana
Address: Montana GPS: 46.584682
This campground is also known as the Blodgett Canyon campground. It is located in Hamilton, Montana. The campground has a large free space thanks to the enormous area it occupies. Thanks to its strategic location, you can enjoy a beautiful oceanic view. Furthermore, the campground gives you access to essential amenities like water, flushable toilets, bathhouses, and electricity. There are many activities you can engage in while camping here, some of them include horseback riding, hiking, skateboarding, swimming, fishing, boating, among others.
Bohemian Corner Store – Roy, Montana
Address: 66605 US-191, Roy, MT 59471, United States
Phone Number; +1 406-464-2321
This is a convenience store located in Roy, Montana. You can stay at the parking of this convenience store overnight. Keep in mind that day-time camping is not allowed. This parking lot will come in handy especially if you are stranded on your travels. You can spend a night here, with guaranteed security. The security cameras installed around the building and the presence of security personnel will help secure your safety.
American Game Assoc Marsh WMA – Ainsworth, Nebraska
Address: Moon Lake Road Ainsworth, Nebraska GPS: 42.316739
This is a primitive campground with potentially exciting features. If you are planning to camp here, keep in mind that it operates on a first come first serve basis. Besides, it does not accept reservations. Therefore, you should make an effort to arrive here on time.
