There’s simply one thing totally different about tenting in Montana. Positive, yow will discover hulking mountains, extensive rivers, and wildflower fields in different Western states—and a go-everywhere-in-jeans vibe, too. However there’s a sure indescribable feeling you get solely in Montana: All the things feels greater, higher, and extra pristine—it’s like nature in technicolor.
Perhaps it has one thing to do with the truth that there are extra elk than individuals right here. Or it’s the richness of its geographical variety, from the Rocky Mountains to the Nice Plains to the badlands to Kalispell Lake. Perhaps it’s the small-town vibe at common shops that promote all the things from propane to scorching sandwiches to native artwork, or the brightness of the evening skies, stuffed with stars you by no means knew existed. Or perhaps it’s the heat of the group, made up of actual individuals doing actual issues who strike up conversations on the sidewalks to seek out out the place you’re from and why you’re there.
No matter it’s, tenting in Montana offers you a sense that adjustments you. The land right here makes you’re feeling the timelessness of nature—of being related to one thing a lot bigger than you. All of the white noise in your mind grows quiet, and your priorities shift to what actually issues: pals, household, and nature.
Whether or not you’re after a real backcountry journey or the easy pleasure of sitting by a fireplace beneath a sky of blazing stars, Montana is the place to seek out it. Listed below are 10 campgrounds that showcase the easiest of what the state has to supply.
Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
This state park in northwestern Montana strings collectively 18 pristine alpine lakes—a few of which have water so clear they appear downright Caribbean— like emeralds on a necklace. The Thompson Chain provides a few of Montana’s most accessible mountain lake tenting, excellent for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Mellow mountaineering trails join the lakes, making it very best for households wanting a style of Montana’s excessive nation with out the technical challenges of true wilderness tenting. There are 83 designated websites and eight group websites, however it’s not very best for giant RVs, because the entry roads are tough.
Painted Rocks State Park
Painted Rocks will get its identify from the brightly coloured lichens that cowl the cliffs alongside the West Fork Highway within the Bitterroot Valley. Whereas the colourful cliff faces are beautiful, the actual star right here is the shining waters of Painted Rocks Lake. This campground provides unbelievable fishing for mountain whitefish or cutthroat trout, plus a few of the finest sunsets you’ll discover anyplace within the state. Whether or not it’s a romantic getaway or a household seashore weekend, Painted Rocks has 25 campsites that may accommodate RVs.
Brush Lake State Park
Situated in Montana’s northeastern prairie nation, Brush Lake proves that the state’s magnificence extends far past its well-known peaks. This deep, clear lake with white sandy seashores is ideal for birdwatching, swimming, canoeing, or waterskiing. Because of the excessive mineral content material of its water, there are not any fish within the lake, however there are many different diversions. There are 12 websites for both RV or tent tenting, all of which have electrical hookups.
Makoshika State Park
Welcome to Montana’s badlands—a panorama so otherworldly it makes you’re feeling as if you’re visiting an alien planet. Makoshika (“unhealthy land” in Lakota) showcases sandstone formations and fossil beds that transport you 65 million years into the previous. The tenting right here is an journey in itself, with websites perched among the many colourful rock formations that glow pink, orange, and purple come dawn and sundown. The park—Montana’s largest—has 28 campsites, an outside amphitheater, disc golf course, mountaineering trails, and a customer’s heart with dinosaur fossils. You possibly can tough it in a backcountry website or go glamping in a yurt or tipi.
Tongue River Reservoir State Park
This southeastern Montana prairie lake provides glorious fishing and water sports activities. The reservoir is legendary for its walleye, and fly fishermen can solid within the river beneath the dam. It’s additionally a incredible spot for households, with calm waters very best for first-time paddlers and loads of house for youths to discover safely. Wildlife consists of osprey, blue herons, bald eagles, deer, and antelope. There are 81 reservable tenting websites with electrical hookups, plus greater than 69 first-come, first-served rustic tenting websites.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
Camp the place Lewis and Clark recorded one among their most important observations—the convergence of three rivers that type the mighty Missouri. This traditionally wealthy campground provides glorious trout fishing and serves as a gateway to exploring the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers. The interpretive trails present fascinating insights into each pure historical past and the Corps of Discovery’s epic journey. Reserve one among 17 campsites.
Cooney Reservoir State Park
Located in south-central Montana 40 minutes south of Billings, this park’s namesake reservoir is a water lover’s dream with over 5 miles of shoreline excellent for swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. The reservoir is famend for its walleye and trout fishing, whereas the encompassing prairie panorama provides glorious wildlife viewing alternatives. It’s an excellent basecamp for exploring the close by Beartooth Mountains. The park’s 79 campsites have a mixture {of electrical} hookup websites and rustic tenting websites.
Ackley Lake State Park
With views of the Little Belt and Snowy mountains, this central Montana treasure impressed the famend Western artist Charlie Russell greater than 100 years in the past. The lake provides nice rainbow trout and tiger muskie fishing, and its refreshing waters make it a favourite swimming spot on heat summer time days. The encircling grasslands come alive with wildflowers in late spring and early summer time. Ackley Lake has 26 first-come first-served, rustic campsites, with no water or electrical hookups.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Montana’s first state park boasts spectacular underground wonders, with probably the most extremely adorned limestone caverns in North America. After exploring the caves, you possibly can hike, bike, and camp with views of the Jefferson River Valley. You’ve gotten an array of choices for tenting: the park has rustic websites, group websites, websites with electrical hookups, a wall tent, and cabins.
Bannack State Park
Step again in time at Montana’s best-preserved ghost city, the place you possibly can camp among the many remnants of the state’s first territorial capital. Bannack Creek provides first rate trout fishing, however the actual draw is the extremely preserved 1860s mining city, dwelling of the state’s first gold strike. Tenting right here is like having your individual non-public historic theme park, full with genuine Previous West ambiance and a few of the darkest evening skies within the state. The campground has 28 first-come, first-served websites for each tents and RVs.
Montana’s campgrounds are greater than only a place to pitch your tent—they’re gateways to experiences that can essentially change you. So pack your sense of journey and uncover the sensation of being outdoor in Massive Sky Nation.
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