Montana
Looking for the best camping in Montana? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Montana. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Camping Spots in and near Montana
-
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Hike to Garnet Mountain Lookout
5.07.7 mi / 2800 ft gainStarting in Bozeman, travel south of Gallatin Gateway about 5 miles on Hwy 191 and turn left on to Storm Castle Creek Road. Follow this road for about 3.5 miles until the road ends. At this point, there is a decent sized parking area. The trail is open year round with ATV access and also snowmobi...Read more -
Fishtail, Montana
Backpack the Beartooths via the West Rosebud Trail
22.69 mi / 6795 ft gainThe West Rosebud Trail functions as one of the major routes to Granite Peak, the highest point in Montana. The trailhead (6,558') is located approximately 80 miles south of Billings in the Beartooth Absaroka Wilderness. The road to the trail passes Emerald and West Rosebud Lakes just before arriv...Read more -
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Hike to Emerald and Heather Lake
5.010.9 mi / 2000 ft gainOnce in Bozeman, Take 19th Ave. south to Hyalite Canyon Rd. Turn left and continue past Hyalite Reservoir; when the road splits, take the left fork toward Palisade Falls. Continue past Palisade Falls to the end of the road. The trailhead is immediately ahead of you. This hike is around 11 miles t...Read more -
Bigfork, Montana
Hike to Bond Lake
5.011.6 mi / 2300 ft gainFrom Kalispell, head south towards Swan Lake along Highway 83 until a sign for Bond Creek Trailhead is located on the east side oft the road near mile marker 71. Turning onto Forest Service Road #680 and after 1.5 miles, turning on FS Road #9507, the trailhead will be 2.3 miles after the intersec...Read more -
McAllister, Montana
Camp at South Meadow Creek Lake
4.0To access the lake, take South Meadow Creek Road that exits US 287 at McAllister, MT. This dirt road will head west into the Tobacco Roots before turning into FS Road 1221 approximately 3 miles before the lake. If you are in a vehicle not equipped for off-roading, park your vehicle where FS Road ...Read more -
Anaconda, Montana
Photograph the Falls at Lost Creek State Park
5.0Drive along the park road until the road loops back near the campground. Park in any available space. From here, the falls are a short, 200 yard walk down a paved trail. Be sure to wear slip resistant shoes that you don't mind getting wet.After photographing the falls, be sure to follow the trail...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Bowman Lake
5.013.83 mi / 361.77 ft gainBowman lake is the 3rd largest lake in Glacier National Park and one of the most remote areas accessible by car. The drive out on a dirt road is slow and bumpy but the reward is an area without crowds and lots of adventure potential. The first-come-first-served campground offers 48 sites near t...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Waterton Lake via Bowman Lake
49.5 mi / 6365 ft gainOur trip started on Thursday evening, spending the night at the Bowman Lake campground. You can park your car here and it's where the hike will start and end. I recommend staying here the night before because day 1 is a doozy, so you'll want an early start. Day 1 is the hardest day of the hike, ...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Backpack to Logging Lake
8.8 miBackcountry camping is the best plan if you’d like to visit Logging Lake, and the primitive campsites lay at the end of a four and a half mile hike through some of the most unspoiled sections of the park. The trail follows logging creek most of the way to the lake traversing through a variety of ...Read more -
Red Lodge, Montana
West Fork - Lake Fork of Rock Creek Trail
19 miStart out at the West Fork trailhead west of Red Lodge and begin on an epic backpacking trip. This trek can easily be done anywhere from 2-5 days depending on ability and whether or not you want to take your time. Camp first at Quinnebaugh Meadows, a large meadow with great views of the Beartoot...Read more -
Roscoe, Montana
Backpack Granite Peak
5.014 miThere are a few ways to approach Granite Peak. The most popular route is the Mystic Lake trail in West Rosebud. It lies primarily on opinion as to which route is the best, easiest, or most scenic. I chose to start at the Phantom Creek trailhead in the East Rosebud Valley. You will follow this tra...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Bowman Lake to Quartz Lake Loop
5.013.3 mi / 2618 ft gainThe trail to Quartz lake begins on southend of the Bowman Lake beach. I recommend going in a clockwise direction and getting the steep bit out of the way, but the ~13 mile loop can be done either way. Follow the Bowman Lake shore on the West Lakes Trail for about half a mile and then you will fi...Read more -
Wise River, Montana
Hike to Lower and Upper Seymour Lakes
5.012 miThere are so many wilderness areas to choose from in Montana, it can be quite overwhelming. But try this on for size: the Pintlers are essentially Glacier National Park, without the people. Not only does it traverse the CDT, but chances are you won't see a lot of people, if any, on your adventure...Read more -
West Yellowstone, Montana
Fly Fish the Madison River (Hebgen Lake to Earthquake Lake)
The Madison River runs for 183 miles through Wyoming and Montana; however, this section of the Madison is between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. You get there by driving along Hebgen Lake Road to the Campfire Lodge Resort. Turn into here and head down the dirt road to your right (Ghost Village ...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Pitamakan Pass
15.36 mi / 3064 ft gainThis gripping, 16 mile round trail reveals adventure at every turn. Nestled behind Pray Lake in Glacier National Park, the Pitamakan Pass hike will begin at the North Shore Trailhead. To access this trailhead, a fifteen dollar fee may be payed to cross Pray Lake by boat. If your pocket book is ru...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to Cosley Lake
27.2 mi / 475 ft gainThe hike goes through different wooded areas, open fields, and passes by the ranger's ranch. In no time, you will be able to see the aqua blue colors of Cosley Lake, as you approach the campground for the night.The campground has pit toilets and a bear bag hanging station, along with a cooking ar...Read more