The best camping near Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge adventure.

Discover the wild beauty of Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.

Popular ways to camp

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge

94%

(18)

Heritage Hills Farm

50 sites · RVs, Tents48 acres · Saco, MT

About the 48 acres of land: Heritage Hills farms is located where the beautiful Montana prairie meets the rolling Foothills. Meandering coolies and steep hills beckon to be explored here. The hand of man has not shaped this land. A truly glorious sight to look around you and not be able to see any man made things. Natural sights include ancient teepee rings, amazing sunsets overlooking the Milk River, and the simple, subtle beauty of the Montana hi-line. It is very quiet and the stars shine very bright here on a clear night. What's near by?: Enjoy some great fishing on Nelson reservoir (9.3 miles away) take a nice swim and soak in the wonderful Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (13.4 miles away) jump in a cool clear pond or have a great fishing session at Cole Ponds (5.3 miles away). Saco is only 6 miles down the road and has a nice little grocery store with a world class butcher/deli. (Some really great meat products) post office, bar, pay at pump gas station. Get your ultra fresh free range duck and chicken eggs which are laid at Heritage Hills Farms daily from your friendly HipCamp Host!

Beaver Creek Sheep Camp

1 site · RV220 acres · Saco, MT

Spend a quiet night on the banks of Beaver Creek and a restorative day walking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing or bird watching on the creek itself. The site is accessed via a quiet gravel road so you can drive your vehicle right up to your camping spot. The creek is home to all manner of birds, wildlife and our flock of rotationally grazed sheep. Though the sheep may not always be in that pasture. Depending on the time of year campers may have the opportunity to see the wild roses in bloom, geese with goslings, ducks with ducklings, and pick wild asparagus or rosehips. It should be mentioned that certain bugs also make their home on Beaver Creek so if you are allergic to mosquitoes or ticks this may not be the site for you! For all other intrepid travelers Welcome! Please leave gates and the landscape in the condition you found it and we hope you enjoy this location as much as we do! Nearby points of interest include Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, Cole Ponds and Fresno Lake, Malta’s Great Plains dinosaur museum, Ft Peck Museum and Dam tours. Nearby amenities include the Saco Dehy (hardware/feed store), Saco Cafe, Rebar Saloon and Pay N Save. Pay N Save is a small grocery store with an incredible locally sourced meat market. It’s worth a stop in even if you don’t think you need anything.

The best camping near Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge guide

Overview

About

Camping near Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge is an extraordinary venture into the diversity of wildlife. Established in 1936, this 15,551-acre refuge is a sanctuary for resting, feeding, and breeding migratory birds and other fauna. Nestled within the Prairie Pothole Region, the refuge is a blend of wetlands surrounded by native mixed-grass prairie, hosting 263 species of birds, over 26 species of mammals, and several amphibian species. The majesty of the refuge extends beyond its biodiversity. It offers a range of recreational activities, from wildlife observation and photography to hiking and cross-country skiing. The refuge serves as a canvas for outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers, inviting them to capture its varied inhabitants and landscapes in frame-worthy moments. Bowdoin's grounds are also a hiker's paradise. Trails meander through the distinct ecosystems, each offering a unique encounter with the refuge's inhabitants. A popular highlight is the 15-mile self-guided auto tour around Lake Bowdoin, showcasing a myriad of habitats. Close to the visitor center, you can enjoy an accessible 0.4-mile trail looping around Display Pond. This short, serene path offers delightful views and close encounters with the varied species residing in and around the pond. A journey through an ecological masterpiece, your Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge camping expedition will be one for the books. Whether you're an avid birder, a photography enthusiast, a hiking devotee, or simply a nature lover, Bowdoin presents a rewarding outdoor experience filled with wildlife encounters, serene landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

When to go

The best time to visit Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migrations, when thousands of birds fill the skies. Summer offers vibrant wildlife viewing, while winter provides a serene, snowy landscape. Avoid the refuge during extreme weather conditions, as accessibility can be limited.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for Montana's variable climate.
Refuge hours are from sunrise to sunset, with extended access for hunters during specific seasons.
While the visitor center is open from 7:30am to 4pm, the entryway with brochures and restrooms is always accessible.
Remember to bring binoculars and cameras for wildlife observation and photography.
Be mindful of the refuge's rules and policies to ensure the protection of wildlife and their habitats.