Tent Camping in Montana: 10 Getaways in Big Sky Country

Between its vast and diverse landscapes, low population density, and unbeatable natural scenery, there’s no better state than Montana for a peaceful outdoor getaway. With the impressive peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the expansive Great Plains to the east, there are a number of destinations in Big Sky Country that every outdoor lover should visit at least once in their life. Whether you’re visiting the state for the first time or just looking for a new place to pitch your tent, read on for a list of 10 awesome destinations for tent camping in Montana. Plus, get the inside scoop on activities you can’t miss at each location. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

1. Glacier National Park

Starting strong with the most recognizable destination on this list: Glacier National Park! Located in the northwest corner of the state within the iconic Rocky Mountains, Glacier is a world-renowned wilderness park that’s well worth the trip north.

What Glacier Is Great For

When it comes to picturesque landscapes, nothing touches Glacier National Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, alpine lakes, and green meadows on a hike, bike ride, or a guided white water rafting adventure. Alternatively, drive your car down the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road during the summer season. Glacier is also a fantastic place to see grizzly bears, mountain goats, moose, and other impressive wildlife species – so don’t forget your camera!

2. Big Sky

Just between Bozeman and Yellowstone sits Big Sky, an unincorporated community in the southwest corner of the state, brimming with natural wonders waiting to be explored.

What Big Sky Is Great For

Campers can pitch their tents and create a comfortable home base at one of the countless campgrounds in the area. Summer visitors enjoy hiking, biking, and river rafting, while winter tourists often opt to ski and snowboard at the nearby world-class ski resorts. 

If you plan to adventure in the winter, don’t forget your cold-weather camping accessories to ensure you stay safe and comfortable. This includes a 4-season canvas camping tent, a wood-burning tent stove, and insulating canvas tarps or thermal blankets.

3. Lost Creek State Park

Located in Deer Lodge County, Lost Creek State Park offers campers in Montana a more humble outdoor experience on par with what locals enjoy on a daily, without sacrificing the amazing views and recreational opportunities of the state’s more popular destinations. 

What Lost Creek Is Great For

Lost Creek Falls, a stunning 50-foot waterfall, is a must-see when camping at this state park. Among the limestone cliffs and granite walls of Lost Creek, campers can spot a variety of wildlife. Bring a pair of binoculars to catch glimpses of moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and golden eagles. If you’re camping within the park, remember to follow wildlife safety recommendations to protect you and your gear from possible animal encounters.

4. Makoshika State Park

Out on the eastern side of the state, you’ll find Makoshika State Park. With a badlands terrain, this hidden gem boldly contrasts the mountainous landscape of western Montana. It’s also Big Sky Country’s largest state park, so there’s endless opportunity for outdoor recreation!

What Makoshika Is Great For

With fossils from both a Triceratops and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, among other fossilized remains, Makoshika is the place to be if you’re an enthusiast of paleontology or archaeology. Outside of getting up close and personal with these prehistoric relics, campers can enjoy the park’s stunning badlands environment on various hiking and biking trails, while hunting, or while simply observing wildlife. 

5. Flathead Lake State Park

For campers seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, look no further than Flathead Lake State Park! With campgrounds scattered around the lake’s perimeter, visitors can conveniently set up camp steps away from the shoreline.

What Flathead Lake Is Great For

There’s plenty to do and see on this nearly 200 square mile lake filled with some of the cleanest freshwater in the world. Take in the forested mountains surrounding the lake while swimming, kayaking, fishing, or boating. For wildlife lovers, don’t miss a day trip to Wild Horse Island, where visitors can see wild horses, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.

6. Salmon Lake State Park

A staple for Montana locals, Salmon Lake is a scenic body of water in the Clearwater River chain, with 360-degree mountain views.

What Salmon Lake Is Great For

Salmon Lake State Park is great for all of your classic lakeside camping activities. Go fishing, bird-watching, canoeing, kayaking, or boating among the unbeatable scenery. Or, pitch a sunshade tarp back at camp and enjoy a comforting meal while taking in the natural beauty of Montana. 

7. Medicine Rocks State Park

Another gem in eastern Montana, Medicine Rocks earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to Teddy Roosevelt’s admiration of the park. Medicine Rocks features a vast prairie landscape dotted with soft sandstone rock formations, creating a unique and picturesque environment for outdoor recreation. 

What Medicine Rocks Is Great For

Like most state parks, Medicine Rocks is an awesome place to hike, bike, and observe local wildlife in their natural habitats. If you’re looking for something a bit more structured, check out the park’s curated seasonal events, which often include outdoor yoga sessions, astronomy events, and paleontology lessons. 

8. Whitefish

Situated between Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a scenic Montana town with plenty of activities to satisfy any outdoor lover. 

What Whitefish Is Great For

Within Whitefish, campers will find both Whitefish Mountain and Whitefish Lake State Park. If a peaceful lakeside getaway is your ideal experience, the state park offers opportunities to swim, boat, and fish. If the mountains are more your speed, head to Whitefish Mountain to hike, bike, zipline, or even ski and snowboard during the winter months. 

9. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Admirers of geology won’t want to miss Montana’s first state park, the Lewis & Clark Caverns, out in western Montana. 

What Lewis & Clark Caverns Is Great For

This state park allows campers of all ages to see and study some of the most decorated limestone caverns in North America. Outside of the caves, campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching nearby.

10. Yellowstone National Park

While a majority of Yellowstone sits in the beautiful state of Wyoming, one of the main entrances to the park is located in the southwest corner of Montana. Arguably the most well-known national park in the United States, Yellowstone is a bucket-list destination you can’t skip!

What Yellowstone Is Great For

The geothermal landmarks of Yellowstone, like the Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, are must-sees for anyone traveling through the park. Campers can also go on several scenic hikes and drives, or wake up early to observe wildlife like bison, bears, and wolves. 

Wrapping It Up

With its vast landscapes and awe-inspiring natural scenery, Montana is a must-visit state for anyone looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway. Whether you’re itching to take a dip in one of the state’s many lakes or want to enjoy Big Sky Country from a mountain top, Montana has it all for the modern camper. So, pick one of the destinations above that speaks to you, grab your bear spray, and get ready to embark on an outdoor adventure of a lifetime!