Beach Camping in Montana
Discover the best beach camping across Montana. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Lodgepole Campground
This campground sits in Montana's Pioneer Mountains along the Wise River, not near any beach or ocean. The location offers riverside camping with mountain scenery, fishing, and freshwater swimming—worlds away from coastal experiences.
Jennings Camp Campground
The East Fork Bitterroot River flows directly alongside campsites, creating natural swimming holes and productive fishing runs just steps from your tent. Crystal-clear mountain water reflects towering evergreens above while providing a constant, cooling presence throughout warm summer days.
Fales Flat Campground
The Nez Perce Fork flows crystal-clear beside camp, its cold mountain waters inviting anglers to cast for trout while shallow riffles create natural wading pools.
About Beach Camping in Montana
Beach camping Montana offers a unique twist on waterfront recreation, where pristine mountain rivers, crystal-clear creeks, and alpine lakes replace traditional ocean shores with equally stunning natural beauty. Montana's interpretation of beach camping centers around riverside and lakeside sites where sandy banks, rocky shores, and gravel beaches provide access to some of the West's finest freshwater swimming, fishing, and wading opportunities.
Best Time
Peak beach camping season in Montana runs from late June through early September when snowmelt subsides, water temperatures become tolerable for swimming, and access roads are reliably open. July and August offer the warmest water temperatures and most stable weather, making them ideal for families and extended water recreation, though these months also see the highest campground occupancy and require advance reservations at popular sites like Lodgepole and Kreis Pond.
Scenery Highlights
- Oceanfront and lakeside sites
- Sandy beaches and swimming
- Stunning sunrise and sunset views
- Water sports and fishing
Explore Beach Camping in Montana
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve popular riverside campgrounds like Lodgepole, Jennings Camp, and Kreis Pond well in advance through Recreation.gov, as waterfront sites fill quickly during peak summer months, especially for weekends and holidays.
- 2Bring water shoes or sandals with good traction for navigating rocky river bottoms and slippery stones common at Montana's natural beaches, and pack layers including warm clothing for cool mountain evenings even during July and August.
- 3Always assess current conditions before entering rivers or creeks—Montana's waterways can be deceptively powerful, with cold temperatures (often 50-60°F even in summer) that quickly lead to hypothermia, so supervise children closely and consider life jackets for all water activities.
- 4Pack bear-safe food storage containers or be prepared to use bear boxes where provided, as these riparian corridors attract wildlife including black bears and occasional grizzlies in certain regions.
Beach Camping in Montana FAQ
We've ranked 20+ beach campgrounds in Montana based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.
Beach camping in Montana is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.
For beach camping in Montana, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.
Popular Montana Campgrounds Book Fast
The best beach camping in Montana book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
Outdoorithm
Just now
🎉 Site opened up!
Lodgepole Campground
Your preferred dates
Quick! This site typically books within hours.
Find Your Perfect Montana Campground
Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.
- Search 20+ beach camping in Montana
- Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
- Get personalized recommendations for your trip
- Compare campground amenities
- Check weather forecasts
No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.
