Camping in Montana

A complete guide to camping in Montana

Panoramic view of Swiftcurrent Lake and surrounding mountains in Glacier National Park, Montana

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Overview

Montana's camping centers on two anchors: Glacier National Park in the northwest and Yellowstone's northern entrance near Gardiner. Between them stretches a landscape of mountain ranges, high valleys, and open grassland that supports hundreds of campgrounds across public and private land. The Continental Divide runs through the western half of the state, creating the dramatic peaks and glacial valleys that define Montana's identity.

The state's low population density means less competition for campsites outside the national park corridors. West Glacier and Gardiner fill quickly in summer, but dispersed camping opportunities across Gallatin, Flathead, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge national forests provide alternatives at no cost. The eastern half of Montana opens into high plains and badlands, a different camping experience defined by wide skies and solitude rather than mountain scenery. Helena, Dillon, and Libby serve as gateway towns to less-traveled camping zones.

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Best Seasons to Camp in Montana

Spring

Mar-May

High 51°F · Low 39°F

Snow lingers at higher elevations through May. Lower valleys green up in April. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier remains closed. Limited campground access in the mountains. The plains dry out and warm.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 70°F · Low 58°F

Peak season. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens by late June. Mountain campgrounds hit full capacity. Yellowstone's northern corridor fills daily. Long daylight hours with sunset after 9 PM. Afternoon thunderstorms at higher elevations.

Fall

Sep-Nov

High 51°F · Low 39°F

Larch trees turn gold in the northwest mountains through September. Crowds drop sharply after Labor Day. Elk bugling draws hunters and wildlife watchers. First snow arrives at higher elevations by October. Many campgrounds close by mid-October.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	51°F	39°F	Snow lingers at higher elevations through May.
Summer	Jun-Aug	70°F	58°F	Peak season.
Fall	Sep-Nov	51°F	39°F	Larch trees turn gold in the northwest mountains through September.
Winter	Dec-Feb	32°F	20°F	Most campgrounds close.

Camping Regions in Montana

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Glacier Country	Mountain	West Glacier, Browning, Whitefish, Libby
Yellowstone Corridor	Mountain	Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Livingston, Big Sky
Southwest Montana	Mountain	Dillon, Wise River, Butte, Philipsburg
Central Montana and Helena	Mountain	Helena, Great Falls, Townsend
Eastern Plains	Plains	Glendive, Miles City, Glasgow

Glacier Country

Mountain · West Glacier, Browning, Whitefish, Libby

Northwest Montana around Glacier National Park. West Glacier, Hungry Horse, and Whitefish anchor the camping access points. Alpine terrain with glacial lakes, dense cedar and fir forests, and dramatic mountain passes. The highest concentration of grizzly bears in the lower 48. Glacier Campground and Moose Creek RV Resort near West Glacier serve the park's west entrance, while Johnson's of St. Mary covers the east side.

Yellowstone Corridor

Mountain · Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Livingston, Big Sky

Gardiner sits at Yellowstone's north entrance, and West Yellowstone accesses the west gate. The Gallatin and Paradise valleys offer campgrounds with mountain and river access. Elk, bison, and thermal features define the landscape. The busiest region in the state during July and August. Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North and Yellowstone RV Park in Gardiner anchor the north entrance, while Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone serves the west.

Southwest Montana

Mountain · Dillon, Wise River, Butte, Philipsburg

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest covers much of this region. Dillon, Wise River, and the Big Hole Valley offer uncrowded camping with excellent fly fishing. Elevations range from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. Less dramatic peaks than Glacier but quieter and more accessible. Countryside RV Park and Southside RV Park in Dillon serve the Beaverhead Valley, while Grasshopper Campground near Wise River provides a Forest Service option in the Big Hole.

Central Montana and Helena

Mountain · Helena, Great Falls, Townsend

The state capital area provides access to the Helena National Forest and the Gates of the Mountains wilderness. Missouri River recreation and the Big Belt Mountains offer day trips from camp. Lower visitation than the national park zones. Grey Sandy Campground and Devils Elbow Campground near Helena, and Great Falls KOA Holiday serve the central Montana corridor.

Eastern Plains

Plains · Glendive, Miles City, Glasgow

Wide-open grassland and badlands east of the Rockies. Makoshika State Park near Glendive features eroded sandstone formations. The Missouri River breaks provide canoe-access camping. Extremely low population density with a solitude-focused camping character. Riverview RV Park and Caprock RV Park in Glendive, and Big Sky Camp and RV Park in Miles City provide the sparse but functional eastern plains camping.

Camping Tips for Montana

Glacier and Yellowstone campgrounds sell out months in advance for July and August. Book as early as the reservation window opens.
Grizzly bears are present throughout western Montana. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and store all food in bear-proof containers. Hang food from bear poles where provided.
Montana weather changes fast at elevation. Snow is possible in any month above 7,000 feet. Pack cold-weather layers and a four-season tent if camping above treeline.
Dispersed camping on national forest land is free and widely available. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 200 feet from water and trails.
Wildfire smoke can impact air quality from July through September. Check AirNow.gov before planning trips during late summer.
Water in mountain streams appears clean but can carry giardia. Filter or treat all backcountry water sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Going-to-the-Sun Road open in Glacier?

The road typically opens fully by late June or early July, depending on snowpack. Plowing begins in April and the exact opening date varies each year. Check the Glacier National Park website for current road status. The road closes to vehicles by mid-October.

Do I need bear spray in Montana?

Yes. Grizzly bears inhabit most of western Montana including both national park corridors and surrounding national forests. Bear spray is more effective than firearms in deterring charges. Carry it on your belt, not in your pack. Practice deploying it before your trip.

Is dispersed camping easy to find in Montana?

Extensive national forest land makes dispersed camping widely available throughout western Montana. Gallatin, Flathead, Beaverhead-Deerlodge, and Helena national forests all permit dispersed camping. No reservations needed. Eastern Montana has less public land but BLM areas allow camping.

How cold does it get at Montana campgrounds?

Mountain campgrounds above 6,000 feet can drop below freezing any night of the year, including July. January statewide averages are around 24 degrees. Wind chill on the eastern plains adds another factor. A sleeping bag rated to at least 20 degrees is recommended for summer mountain camping.

What fishing opportunities are near Montana campgrounds?

Montana is one of the top fly-fishing destinations in the country. The Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Missouri, and Big Hole rivers all have campgrounds within reach. A Montana fishing license is required. Check specific regulations for catch limits and seasonal restrictions on each river.