Swimming Campgrounds in Montana

Swimming Campgrounds in Montana

Discover the best swimming campgrounds across Montana. Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Summer (June-September)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Alta Campground
Star
4.8
(87)
Alta Campground
Darby
Bitterroot National Forest

The crystal-clear West Fork of the Bitterroot River flows directly alongside camp, inviting swimmers into its refreshing mountain waters between rocky banks and smooth pools.

Tents
RVs
2
Placid Lake State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.5
(105)
Placid Lake State Park
Seeley Lake

The crystal-clear lake warms beautifully through summer, inviting swimmers to plunge into mountain-fed waters while kids splash along sandy shorelines. Families gather at the wonderful beach area, where shallow entry points let young children wade safely as loons call across the glassy surface.

Tents
RVs
3
Downstream (Mt)
Star
4.5
(567)
Downstream (Mt)
Fort Peck
Fort Peck Project

Below the Fort Peck Dam, the Missouri River creates pristine swimming conditions where clear, cold waters flow steadily past sandy shorelines and shallow entry points.

Tents
RVs

About Swimming Campgrounds in Montana

Swimming camping Montana offers an extraordinary blend of pristine alpine lakes, rushing mountain rivers, and sprawling reservoirs where crystal-clear waters meet untouched wilderness. From the Bitterroot Valley's river corridors to the vast expanse of Fort Peck Lake, Montana's swimming campgrounds provide access to some of the cleanest, most refreshing waters in the American West.

Best Time

Peak swimming season in Montana runs from late June through early September, with July and August offering the warmest water temperatures and most reliable weather. Lower elevation lakes and reservoirs like Placid Lake and Fort Peck Lake warm first, becoming swimmable by mid-June, while higher elevation sites may not reach comfortable temperatures until mid-July.

Activity Highlights

  • Lake and river swimming access
  • Natural swimming holes
  • Beach and waterfront sites
  • Family-friendly swimming areas

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Swimming Campgrounds in Montana

Map of campgrounds near Swimming Campgrounds in Montana
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Map Key
1
Alta Campground
2
Placid Lake State Park
3
Downstream (Mt)
4
Mcgregor Lake Campground
5
Spring Gulch
6
Rexford Bench
7
River Point Lolo Campground (Mt)
8
Lost Johnny Point Campground
9
Mcgillivray Campground (Mt)
10
North Dickey Lake
11
Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park
12
Rombo
13
Wade Lake Campground And Picnic Areas
14
Lid Creek Campground
15
Lake Mary Ronan State Park
16
Lakeside Lolo Campground (Mt)
17
Dorr Skeels Campground
18
Cliff Point (Mt)
19
Lodgepole Campground
20
Fairy Lake Campground
View all 101 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming in alpine lakes and mountain riversKayaking and canoeing on calm watersStand-up paddleboarding on reservoirsFishing for trout in rivers and lakesHiking to secluded swimming holesWildlife viewing along shorelines

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites well in advance for peak summer weekends, particularly at Placid Lake State Park and other family-friendly swimming destinations that book solid months ahead.
  • 2Bring water shoes for rocky lake bottoms and river entries, especially at natural swimming holes along the Bitterroot River corridor.
  • 3Pack layers and warm clothing even for summer trips—Montana weather changes rapidly, and evenings cool significantly at higher elevations.
  • 4A quality cooler is essential as most campgrounds lack ice sales nearby.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Swimming Campgrounds in Montana

Swimming Campgrounds in Montana FAQ

We've ranked 20+ swimming campgrounds in Montana based on water access, swimming areas, safety, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds on lakes, rivers, and beaches with designated swimming areas.
Swimming safety varies by location. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season. Always check for posted warnings, water conditions, and currents before swimming. Never swim alone.
Summer (June-September) is the best time for swimming camping in Montana. Water temperatures are warmest and swimming areas are typically staffed. Some mountain lakes may be too cold for swimming even in summer.
Availability Alerts

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Alta Campground
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