Fishing Campgrounds in Montana

Discover the best fishing campgrounds across Montana. Wake up to the sound of rushing water and spend your days casting lines in pristine fishing waters. Lake, river, and stream access for every angler.

20+ Campgrounds4.8★ AverageBest: Spring through Fall (April-October)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.8

(87)

Alta Campground

Darby
Bitterroot National Forest

Cast your line into the rushing West Fork of the Bitterroot River, where trout and mountain whitefish thrive in cold mountain currents just steps from your campsite. Nearby Painted Rocks Lake doubles your angling options, giving you two distinct fisheries to explore during your stay.

Sula
Bitterroot National Forest

The East Fork of the Bitterroot River delivers four species of trout—brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook—right from your cabin doorstep, with winter whitefish runs extending the season into the colder months.

Red Lodge
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Cast your line into the Main Fork of Rock Creek flowing right through camp, or hike to intimate 5-acre Greenough Lake where rainbow trout rise in mountain-fed waters. Both fishing spots sit within minutes of your campsite, giving you dawn-to-dusk access without the drive.

Tents

RVs

About Fishing Campgrounds in Montana

Fishing camping Montana offers anglers access to some of North America's most legendary trout waters, from the world-famous Madison River to pristine alpine lakes in the Beartooth Mountains. Montana's 20 premier fishing campgrounds span diverse ecosystems—from the Bitterroot Valley's rushing rivers to the Cabinet Mountains' remote wilderness streams—each offering unique angling opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and brook trout.

Best Time

Peak fishing season runs from late June through September when snowmelt subsides and rivers clear, though specific timing varies by elevation and water body. Lower-elevation rivers like the Bitterroot fish well from June onward, while high-country destinations such as Limber Pine in the Beartooths don't become accessible until July due to lingering snow.

Activity Highlights

Direct lake and river access
Boat launches and marinas
Fish cleaning stations
Local fishing guides available

More Fishing Campgrounds in Montana

Discover 17 additional top-rated fishing campgrounds in Montana

Helena
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Trout Creek flows directly through this mountain retreat, offering brook trout anglers the rare luxury of casting their lines just steps from their campsite.

Ennis
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Cast your line into the legendary Madison River, just a short quarter-mile walk down the hillside where trophy trout rise in crystal-clear currents. Beyond the river, anglers can explore four nearby mountain lakes—Wade, Cliff, Hebgen, and Henries—each offering distinct waters to test your skills.

Kreis Pond Campground

Huson, MT
Lolo National Forest

Westslope cutthroat trout rise throughout this 7-acre stocked pond, where anglers can cast from shore or paddle a kayak to deeper waters. The intimate setting puts every campsite within easy walking distance of prime fishing spots, with bass lurking alongside the officially stocked trout.

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Custer Gallatin National Forest

Rock Creek flows directly beside the campsites, delivering wild Montana trout to anglers who can cast their lines steps from their tents. The cold mountain waters harbor rainbow and brook trout that thrive in this pristine stream tucked beneath the Beartooth peaks.

Wise River
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

The Wise River flows directly alongside camp, delivering easy access to waters where brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout await your line. Cast from the bank between campsites or wade into cool mountain currents that consistently yield catches throughout the season.

Bozeman
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Mystic Lake delivers a triple threat of brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout in pristine alpine waters at 6,400 feet elevation. Bald eagles dive for their own catches here, demonstrating just how productive these backcountry fishing waters truly are.

4.8

(36)

Maxey Cabin

Bozeman
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Cast your line into Hyalite Reservoir's crystal-clear waters just one mile away, where rainbow and cutthroat trout rise beneath the Gallatin Range peaks. The short distance means anglers can fish dawn and dusk sessions, then retreat to a cozy wood-stoved cabin between outings.

4.8

(43)

Bull River Guard Station

TROUT CREEK
Kootenai National Forest

The Bull River flows directly behind this historic cabin, delivering westslope cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish to anglers who can cast from the back door. Wade across the road to explore additional creek fishing spots that branch through the surrounding Cabinet Mountain wilderness.

5.1

(13)

Indian Meadows Guard Station

Lincoln
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Heart Lake delivers rare Arctic grayling alongside healthy populations of westslope cutthroat trout, while nearby Landers Fork and Copper Creek offer additional streams teeming with native trout.

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in Montana

Map of campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in Montana

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Map Key

Alta Campground

East Fork Cabin

Limber Pine

Vigilante Campground

Riverview Campground

Kreis Pond Campground

M-K Campground

Lodgepole Campground

Mystic Lake Cabin

Maxey Cabin

Bull River Guard Station

Indian Meadows Guard Station

West Fork Of Rock Creek Cabin (Mt)

Mission Lookout

Owl Creek Cabin

Fales Flat Campground

Lakeside Lolo Campground (Mt)

Moose Creek Campground - Little Belt Mountains

Axolotl Cabin

Racetrack Cabin

View all 312 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

River and stream fly fishing for troutLake fishing from shore or non-motorized boatsCatch-and-release trophy trout fishingTeaching kids to fish at stocked pondsHiking to remote alpine fishing lakesWildlife viewing along rivers and streams

Tips & Recommendations

1Purchase a Montana fishing license online before arrival—nonresident licenses are required and can be expensive, but they're valid statewide and support conservation.
2Study current fishing regulations carefully, as many waters have special restrictions, catch-and-release requirements, or seasonal closures to protect spawning fish.
3Pack layered clothing including warm layers for cold mornings, as mountain weather changes rapidly and stream temperatures stay frigid even in summer.
4Bring waders or hip boots for accessing the best fishing spots, along with polarized sunglasses to spot fish in clear water.

20 campgrounds ranked

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Curated for Fishing Campgrounds in Montana

Fishing Campgrounds in Montana FAQ

We've ranked 20+ fishing campgrounds in Montana based on review ratings, lake/river access, and amenities. The top-rated options include campgrounds with boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and proximity to stocked waters.

Yes, Montana requires a valid fishing license for most anglers. Check the Montana Fish & Wildlife agency for current license requirements, fees, and regulations before your trip.

Spring through Fall (April-October) is typically the best time for fishing camping in Montana. Specific peak times vary by fish species and water body—check local fishing reports for current conditions.

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