Hiking Campgrounds in Montana

Hiking Campgrounds in Montana

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Montana. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.8★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Limber Pine
Star
4.8
(82)
Limber Pine
Red Lodge
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Multiple trailheads radiate from camp, connecting you to alpine adventures like the Parkside National Recreation Trail's route to pristine Greenough Lake and the rugged Hellroaring and Lake Fork paths into the Beartooth backcountry.

Tents
RVs
2
Alta Campground
Star
4.8
(87)
Alta Campground
Darby
Bitterroot National Forest

Trailheads fan out directly from camp, beckoning hikers to summit Lookout, Razorback, and Thunder Mountains with sweeping views of the Bitterroot wilderness.

Tents
RVs
3
Ear Mountain Cabin
Star
5.2
(15)
Ear Mountain Cabin
Choteau
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Multiple trailheads fan out from your doorstep, delivering hikers straight into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with routes from moderate day hikes to challenging backcountry adventures.

About Hiking Campgrounds in Montana

Hiking camping Montana offers access to some of the most spectacular wilderness terrain in the American West, where the Rocky Mountains meet vast expanses of pristine national forest and designated wilderness areas. From the dramatic granite peaks of the Beartooth Mountains to the remote wilderness corridors of the Bob Marshall complex, Montana's hiking campgrounds serve as gateways to thousands of miles of trails ranging from gentle interpretive walks to challenging alpine ascents.

Best Time

The prime hiking camping season in Montana runs from late June through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather and full trail access. High-elevation campgrounds in the Beartooth Mountains and along the Continental Divide may not be snow-free until mid-July, while lower-elevation Bitterroot and Cabinet Mountains sites often open by late May.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Montana

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Montana
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Map Key
1
Limber Pine
2
Alta Campground
3
Ear Mountain Cabin
4
Owl Creek Cabin
5
Vigilante Campground
6
Spanish Creek Cabin
7
Gordon Reese Cabin
8
Mystic Lake Cabin
9
Maxey Cabin
10
East Fork Cabin
11
M-K Campground
12
Big Hole Lookout (Mt)
13
Mission Lookout
14
Bull River Guard Station
15
Cougar Peak Lookout
16
Hornet Lookout
17
Racetrack Cabin
18
Lodgepole Campground
19
Indian Meadows Guard Station
20
Axolotl Cabin
View all 314 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Day hiking on maintained forest trailsBackpacking into designated wilderness areasPeak bagging and alpine scramblingWildflower identification and photographyWildlife viewing including elk, moose, and mountain goatsFishing in mountain streams and alpine lakes

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campgrounds through Recreation.gov six months in advance for summer weekends, as popular hiking destinations like Limber Pine and Vigilante Campground fill immediately when reservations open.
  • 2Always carry bear spray and know how to use it—Montana is serious grizzly country, particularly around Bob Marshall Wilderness access points.
  • 3Pack layers regardless of season, as mountain weather changes rapidly and temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees between afternoon and night.
  • 4Bring a detailed map and compass or GPS device, as cell service is unavailable at most trailheads and wilderness areas.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in Montana

Hiking Campgrounds in Montana FAQ

We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in Montana based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in Montana. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Montana. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

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