Top 10 Best Campgrounds in Montana | 2026 Guide
Explore Montana's wilderness camping across Glacier Park, Yellowstone, and pristine national forests. Big Sky Country's ultimate guide to epic campgrounds.
Montana doesn’t mess around when it comes to wild spaces. We’re talking millions of acres of national forest, two world-class national parks, and enough pristine rivers to keep any angler happy for a lifetime. After countless nights under those impossibly big skies, we’ve narrowed down our favorite spots to pitch a tent.
1. Many Glacier Campground
Location: Glacier National Park, east side
Many Glacier is the crown jewel of Glacier camping. Tucked into a glacially carved valley surrounded by jagged peaks, this is the Montana you see on postcards. The wildlife here is unreal—we’ve spotted grizzlies, moose, and mountain goats all in a single morning.
Best for: Hikers chasing alpine lakes and glacier views
Pro tip: Sites 1-13 are closest to Swiftcurrent Lake. Book exactly six months out at 7 AM Mountain time.
2. Apgar Campground
Location: Glacier National Park, west entrance
The largest campground in Glacier and the most accessible. Lake McDonald is a short walk away, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road starts right here. It’s busy, but the convenience is hard to beat.
Best for: Families and first-time Glacier visitors
Pro tip: Grab a sunset spot on the rocky Lake McDonald shore—the colored stones under clear water are Instagram gold.
3. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Location: Between Butte and Bozeman
Montana’s first state park delivers more than just caves. The campground sits in the Jefferson River Valley with excellent stargazing and surprisingly uncrowded sites. Take the cave tour during the day, then enjoy the quiet evenings.
Best for: Road trippers on I-90 who want more than a rest stop
Pro tip: The primitive loop sites offer better spacing and shade than the main campground.
4. Bannack State Park
Location: Southwest Montana, near Dillon
Camp in a ghost town. Seriously. Montana’s best-preserved ghost town has a small campground where you can explore over 50 historic structures during the day and enjoy complete solitude at night.
Best for: History buffs and photographers
Pro tip: Visit during Bannack Days in July for living history reenactments, but camp midweek for a quieter experience.
5. Holland Lake Campground
Location: Flathead National Forest, Swan Valley
This hidden gem sits on the shores of a crystal-clear alpine lake with the Swan Range towering behind it. The Holland Falls trail starts right from camp—an easy 3-mile round trip to a stunning waterfall.
Best for: Paddlers, anglers, and waterfall chasers
Pro tip: Sites 33-40 have the best lake access. The lodge next door serves solid breakfasts if you need a camp cooking break.
6. Pebble Creek Campground
Location: Yellowstone National Park, northeast entrance
Most people skip the northeast corner of Yellowstone entirely. Their loss. Pebble Creek offers first-come, first-served sites in prime wolf and bear country, right along the Lamar Valley—the Serengeti of North America.
Best for: Wildlife watchers willing to wake up early
Pro tip: Drive the Lamar Valley at dawn for your best chance at wolf sightings. Bring a spotting scope.
7. Hyalite Reservoir
Location: Gallatin National Forest, south of Bozeman
Bozeman’s backyard playground has multiple campgrounds ringing a beautiful reservoir. World-class ice climbing in winter, but summer brings kayakers, anglers, and hikers tackling Hyalite Peak.
Best for: Active campers who want town amenities nearby
Pro tip: Hood Creek campground is our pick for tent camping. The dispersed sites up Hyalite Canyon Road are free if you’re self-contained.
8. Big Arm State Park
Location: Flathead Lake, west shore
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and Big Arm puts you right on it. The water is shockingly clear, the sunsets are legendary, and the cherry orchards nearby make for excellent pie.
Best for: Water lovers and families
Pro tip: Reserve a yurt if you want glamping vibes. The tent sites closer to the water get prime sunset views.
9. Missouri Headwaters State Park
Location: Three Forks, near Bozeman
Stand where Lewis and Clark stood when they found the source of the Missouri River. Three rivers converge here, and the camping is peaceful with excellent fishing access and trails through the historic landscape.
Best for: History enthusiasts and fly fishers
Pro tip: Paddle all three rivers in a single day for the ultimate Montana water experience.
10. Granite Butte Fire Lookout
Location: Helena National Forest
Not technically a campground, but we had to include it. This rentable fire lookout sits at 7,000 feet with 360-degree views of the Montana wilderness. It’s basic—no water, no electricity—but waking up above the clouds is worth the drive up the rough road.
Best for: Adventurous couples seeking solitude
Pro tip: Book through Recreation.gov well in advance. Bring all your water and be prepared for the access road conditions.
Final Thoughts
Montana rewards those who venture beyond the usual stops. Whether you’re chasing glaciers in the north, ghost towns in the south, or that perfect river bend somewhere in between, Big Sky Country has a campsite waiting. Just remember: bear spray isn’t optional here, and neither is leaving these wild places better than you found them.
See you out there.