Best Camping Destinations in Montana

An exploration of the United States isn’t complete without a road trip through Big Sky Country. Montana is filled with 147,000 square miles of diversity. From vast open plains to soaring glacial peaks, the land is filled with wildlife such as grizzly bears, bald eagles, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and many other fantastic creatures. We’ve picked out some of the best camping destinations in Montana for your family this summer, so all you need to do is pack your bags.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park tops our list because it is a must-do for any road trip itinerary to Montana. The area was designated as a National Park in 1910, and you’ll see why once you visit. The park is filled with enormous mountain peaks that touch the sky. Enjoy panoramic views of alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, glistening lakes, and twenty-five impressive glaciers. You’ll feel all the stress of the hustle and bustle of daily life melt away as you succumb to the wild beauty of land seemingly from a time long ago. Grab your gear and backpack along any of the 750 miles of pristine nature trails throughout the 1500-square-mile park.

The trade-off for enjoying the most beautiful scenery during the day and wide open views of stars at night is that you’ll have to exist without many amenities. Camping sites in Glacier National Park are primitive, meaning you won’t find full hookups here. By the end of your adventure, you’ll be a pro at boondocking in the wild and have stories to share for years to come.

Indian Paintbrush Over Glacier National Park

Yellowstone Country

Yellowstone Country is located in the southern portion of the state on the Wyoming border, another one of the best camping destinations in Montana. A visit to Yellowstone Country will surely provide everyone in your family with something to do that will be a good fit for their interests. Camp in the rugged wilds and spend your days re-enacting “A River Runs Through It” by fly fishing in Paradise Valley. In the winter, you can enjoy various outdoor activities, from snowshoeing to skiing, snowmobiling, and even sleigh rides. Take some time off from the campsite, take a ride into town, and explore one of the many small communities filled with restaurants, brew pubs, and quaint stores.

Choose from many campgrounds that welcome RVs and trailers–some with full hookups. It’s also relatively easy to drive with a 5th wheel or motorhome throughout Yellowstone, so you can partake in all the sightseeing you want, even if you’re not towing a vehicle.

The Yellowstone River

Lewis and Clark Caverns in Whitehall

Ready to be wholly impressed with the miracles of nature? Travel just an hour west of Bozeman to Whitehall and camp at Lewis and Clark Caverns. The caverns are one of the largest limestone caverns in the Northwest. Your family will enjoy a guided tour through the caverns to witness the stunning stalactites and speleothems up close.

Here’s some interesting trivia to impress your family with. Lewis and Clark caverns were not discovered by Lewis and Clark. Instead, two hunters, Tom Williams and Burt Pannell discovered the caves near the turn of the century but kept the caves a secret for six years. Dan A. Morrison commercialized the site by developing tours of the caves and naming the site Limespur Cave. In 1908, the name changed, and it was officially designated “Lewis and Clark Cavern National Monument.”

There are only 40 camping sites available in the surrounding valley, so you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. There are flushing toilets and hot showers available on site. You can camp year-round, but the cavern is only open during the warmer months.

Limestone formations in the cathedral room of Lewis and Clark Caverns.

Are you excited to plan your next camping road trip?

We’re excited to hear about where you plan to take your family this year! Tell us about your plans to camp in Montana or elsewhere in 2023!

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