The best camping near Fort Owen State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fort Owen State Park adventure.

Discover Montana's historic gem, Fort Owen State Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Owen State Park

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Primrose Meadows

13 sites · Tents28 acres · Missoula, MT

We can’t wait to share our land with you! Get away from it all and get under the Big Sky. Close to the freeway for easy access but adjacent to over 200 acres of beautiful farmland, you’ll experience Montana’s wildlife and have beautiful Mountain views when you stay at Primrose Meadows. There are few trees in the property, it’s mostly rolling hills with some trails to walk and plenty of space between sites! This property has a railroad track that runs next to the property that sometimes toots it’s horn, if you’re a light sleeper this is something you should consider!We are close to Council Grove and Frenchtown Pond which are both great swimming holes! You can also coordinate with us for cross-country skiing or head to Snowbowl for local downhill skiing! We are close to Missoula should you need any services in town.

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Oxen-Le-Fields Montana

3 sites · Lodging6 acres · Conner, MT

Welcome to Oxen-Le-Fields Montana! With one cozy cabin and two 12 x 14' glamping tents, our 6 sunny acres are surrounded by the Bitterroot National Forest. Whether you're hunting, hiking, or just looking for a quiet getaway, the camp offers remarkable views including an abundance of wildlife, Sula Peak, and forest hills as far as the eye can see. Nestled against the national forest, we have direct access to forest roads that go for miles. Come discover the beauty of the Bitterroot at Oxen-Le-Fields Montana. Nearby attractions include: • Bitterroot National Forest (immediate access) • Bitterroot River (1/2 mile) • Sula Peak Lookout (5 miles) • Lost Trail Ski Resort (16 miles) • PRCA rodeos in Darby (13 miles) • Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (57 miles) • Daly Mansion in Hamilton (34 miles) • Lake Como (17 miles) • Chief Joseph Ranch, site of Yellowstone TV series (14 miles) • Big Hole National Battlefield (33 miles)

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South Valley RV Site - Riverfront

4 sites · RVs2 acres · Darby, MT

Located on the Bitterroot River in Darby, Montana. Step out of your RV and into the river! Enjoy peace and solitude, knowing you will have the entire property to yourself. The town of Darby is a mile from the property. Beautiful river views and views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains. Watch the river and wildlife, relax, adventure, and enjoy! Steps from the Yellowstone Dutton ranch from the television show Yellowstone. Full hookups, including 50 amp power, water, and septic.

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God's Country Camping

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Lolo, MT

This property is so beautiful and peaceful no lights out here at night, just moonlight when it's out. Spring fed pond, Ponderosa pine trees, fallen white birch, rustic and gorgeous. Some of my camp spots are on rough terrain. I always suggest you get out and walk around to see what you can manage with your vehicle. The idea of my place is more wilderness camping, there is wildlife that comes around. RV camp spots on the east and west end of the pond. Camp spot out by the wooden round pen on the west side. Learn more about this land: Completely private, borders 2000 acres of a bird sanctuary. Two blocks from Bitterroot river canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swim, trails, hiking, scenery, wildlife. Spring fed pond on property for fishing, swimming and adventures. My pond is spring fed, which means that is goes up and down with the seasons and run off from the snow in the mountains. So as the summer goes on the pond levels go way down, please be aware of that.

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Lochsa Lodge

5 sites · Lodging20 acres · ID

Lochsa Lodge is a four-season lodge in the heart of wild Idaho! We have 19 different cabins to choose from, some rustic with no plumbing and some fully furnished with private bathroom. The main lodge has a restaurant & tavern serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner daily. Open 365 days a year. Something happens when you get way, way off the beaten path. Time gets a little slower. Your to-do lists go out the window. Out here, it’s just you and the Great Wild West, and this place is every bit as epic as the stories say. The stars are brighter, the rivers are wilder, the air is clearer, the snow is deeper. Heck, even the mountains seem higher. Before you know it, you’ll remember what it’s like to just be you, a little piece of this big earth. You’ll get back to your true nature in no time.

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Blue Mountain BaseCamp

1 site · RV1 acre · Missoula, MT

Nestled at the base of the majestic Blue Mountain, our property offers a great opportunity to camp with just a brief 0.23-mile stroll to the trailhead, granting easy access to trails awaiting your exploration. Trailside Convenience: The convenience of having a trailhead within reach, complete with a pit toilet. Our site: Camping within city limits of Missoula is limited to the KOA. Our site is perfect for those wanting a convenient place to camp with plans to head out to the trails or to Missoula. Our home is nestled on one acre with Ponderosa pine trees, Aspen, and Birch. We are located in a neighborhood and we have two kids and two friendly dogs. There is a photo of how close our site is to our house letting you know that when the Aspen trees have no leaves, the site is not as private as when they do. Perfect Balance: Located just 1.5 miles beyond Missoula city limits, our site strikes the perfect balance between access to nature and the city. Start your day with a refreshing hike, revel in the natural beauty, and then seamlessly transition into town for the city's offerings, all within easy reach. Whether you seek a quiet morning walk along scenic trails or desire the vibrancy of city life, our property serves as the ideal base for your Blue Mountain adventure. Experience the best of both worlds at Blue Mountain BaseCamp !

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Sanctuary Farm Yurt Glamping

14 sites · Lodging25 acres · Alberton, MT

A sanctuary away from everyday life, where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Yurt has electricity, a wood stove for heat in winter, a beautiful outdoor kitchen and bathhouse, and a creek. Only 45 minutes from Missoula Montana. Games and books in the yurt. Cedar outhouse. Lots of extra to make for a truly remarkable glamping experience.

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Creekside getaway

6 sites · RVs81 acres · Victor, MT

Stunning creekside campsites, glamping on a working ranch with views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, and stunning star gazing. Historic homeland of the Salish (Flathead) tribe. Eighty acres featuring an old apple orchard, boulders, two creeks, and open areas for hiking, birding, stargazing, and wildlife watching. Bathroom provided next to RV site. Potable water at nearby well head and table provided. Numerous hiking and farm experiences are nearby. Some of the property could have cows grazing, depending on the time of the year. We also have wildlife come through including deer, elk and eagles. This mostly applies to the RV spot we have. Pets are welcome, so bering them along! You are also allowed to have campfires so snuggle up with your favorites by the warm glow at night!

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Bitterroot Farm Camping

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Corvallis, MT

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Bitterroot Valley and embrace the farm life experience on our small family farm. Nestled on the East side of the valley, slightly above the valley floor, our farm offers breathtaking vistas of sunrises over the Sapphire Mountains and sunsets over the Bitterroot Mountain Range. Situated in a rural farming area, our 5-acre property sits at the end of a private road, providing a tranquil and secluded retreat. Explore our expansive yard and pasture, where you'll encounter a delightful array of farm animals including horses, chickens, ducks, rabbits, farm cats, and friendly farm dogs. Wander through our bountiful vegetable garden and vibrant flower gardens, and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, hawks, owls, killdeer, and other resident birds. Choose from several campsites tailored to accommodate RVs, trailers, tents, and LQ horse trailers. Our grassy, open pasture area offers easy access and flexibility for various setups. While leveling your trailer may be necessary depending on your chosen spot, rest assured that power and water hookups are available from the pedestal. Although sewer hookups are not currently available, we're happy to provide information and assistance as needed. Unwind in the evenings around the firepit, where wood is provided for your enjoyment under the starlit sky. The Bitterroot Valley beckons with a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, boating, golfing, trail riding, and wildlife and bird watching. The nearby Bitterroot River offers fantastic fishing opportunities just 10 minutes from our farm, while hiking trails are conveniently located within 5 to 20 minutes. Explore charming towns such as Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville, each offering their own historic charm and attractions, including the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. For groups of friends or family traveling together, please refer to the extras section for additional accommodations. If you're traveling with your horses, rest assured there's plenty of room—simply check out the extras section for more details.

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Rainbow Gulch Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Clinton, MT

A small family farm working toward sustainability. Easy to access from I-90, drive in camping for a stop overnight or a home base while you explore the many attractions nearby. Learn more about this land: We are 20 miles east of Missoula, MT near the Kettlehouse Ampitheater in Bonner. Our location is halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. There are mountain bike paths, river access points for paddling, rafting or fishing within minutes of our land. We can even help you know where to go. Our land is surrounded by Nature Conservancy land with a public recreation easement, so you can hike and take your horse for a ride very easily, just let us know and we will point you in the right direction. Our child had a significant medical emergency that required a lot of travel to Seattle Children's and 3 brain surgeries all year, so we don't have the active garden going this year, but the chickens and sheep are happy. In a vehicle, you can pull into one of our pastures for your stay. Where you are depends on which field the sheep are eating! Tents also work in the field. We do not have any hookups. The fields are that - pasture fields. There are quiet neighbors across the fence. We are happy to offer advice about local attractions via messaging. This is pack it in, pack it out During the pandemic we ask that you wear a face covering if you have a reason to talk with us, even across the fence out of an abundance of caution since most of you are traveling from out of state. Tours are also temporarily suspended.

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Ridgeline Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Missoula, MT

My wife, Nicole, and I were so very fortunate to have found this place. The homestead consists of 70 acres of mountainous forest in the wild lands of Montana. The cabin is totally off the grid but provides every creature comfort one could hope for.

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Highway Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Bonner, MT

Learn more about this land: Come stay a night on the edge of our little homestead. We are right across from Steele Toe Distillery. We have plenty of room for you to hike, but if you decide it’s not enough, there is hundreds of acres of BLM land behind us for you to enjoy. A half a mile from us is amazing swimming, boat access and awesome fishing! The one and only downfall is some highway noise. We offer space for your tens, camper trailers and more.

The best camping near Fort Owen State Park guide

Overview

About

Make the most of your vacation with a Fort Owen State Park camping expedition, a place with a unique story, rich in history and brimming with traces of ancient glaciers. The very cradle of Montana's beginnings, Fort Owen State Park is a testament to the state's many 'firsts', where a myriad of groundbreaking milestones came to life.

Within its modest 1.9-acre stretch, elevated at 3,398 feet, it was here where Montana's earliest Catholic Church took root, thanks to Father DeSmet's efforts in 1841. This is also where the initial white settlers decided to make a home, making this location a testament to the inception of Montana's multicultural legacy.

It's not just about the ancient history; this park holds a deeper geological story. During the Ice Age floods, the entire area was engulfed by Glacial Lake Missoula, adding another layer to its rich narrative. As you venture forth on your camping trip, take a moment to picture the powerful forces of nature that once molded the very ground beneath your feet.

Walking through the park, campers will find themselves surrounded by a range of remarkable attractions. Montana's first sawmill, grist mill, agricultural development, water right, and settlers' school are all accounted for in this vibrant historic hub. These echoes of the past offer an immersive journey through time.

This isn't just about sightseeing; it's a chance for campers to learn. There are numerous interpretive signs and exhibits to explore. The east barracks, restored and filled with period furnishings and artifacts, tell the tale of Major John Owen, who arrived in 1850, established the fort, and became a prominent figure in local trade.

So, if you're looking to delve into a narrative older than time, consider camping near Fort Owen State Park. It's not just about setting up a tent under the stars, it's about embracing the history, culture, and heritage that will undoubtedly enrich your camping experience. Come and discover the roots of Montana, as you create your own unique camping story.

When to go

The best time to visit Fort Owen State Park is between March 1 and October 31, when the park is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Winter months see the park closed, making spring through fall the ideal seasons to enjoy the park's historical treasures and outdoor activities.

Know before you go

Check for periodic closures due to preservation work, especially in spring and early summer.
Facilities include ADA accessible features, interpretive displays, and vault toilets.
Pets are welcome, but ensure they are on a leash and under control.
Remember to pack in and pack out, keeping the park pristine for all visitors.
Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.