The best camping near Elkhorn State Park

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

Elkhorn State Park offers a glimpse into frontier history.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Elkhorn State Park

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Big-Enough Ranch

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Boulder, MT

Horse ranch on 40 acres located just outside of Boulder, MT. Exceptional views and peace and quiet at this retreat cabin. 20 acres to the East has and old hunting cabin alongside a creek. Also an old mining test pit from the late 1800’s mining boom, as well as a hand built irrigation ditch that runs through the property.

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Madison Islands

15 sites · RVs24 acres · Three Forks, MT

This property is located on the Madison River at the headwaters of the Missouri River! It has views of surrounding mountain ranges including the Bridgers, Tobacco Roots, & the Spanish Peaks. It is also minutes from downtown Three Forks, MT for dining and shopping. On-site activities include fishing , swimming, hiking, biking, boating/floating, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and stargazing under the big sky. The camping area even has enough space to accommodate grazing horses. With open grassy fields and a large wooded area there is plenty to be explored in this Montana outdoor paradise. Address and Directions: On I-90 exit on 278 you will be on "Frontage Rd" go east to "Old Town Road" than turn east on "Old Town Main Street" LOOK FOR THE YELLOW ARROWS (they say Madison Islands). Once you’re off the freeway and on old town Road come to an intersection which is old town Main Street. Turn right at old town Main Street and very quickly on your left. You’ll see an old rustic building on your left with a fifth wheel parked next to the fence. You enter the property between the old rustic building and the fifth wheel RV to get into the field and you’ll see several reflectors with numbers on them. Easiest entry is off of Main Street. Enter just in front of the Parked RV and make your way into and through the field.

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Relax Inn Montana

4 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Helena, MT

Outdoor Living at its finest : )) 2 Acres of unique quiet spaces in a park like setting - (3 Open field Tent Sites up top ) (2 Secluded Tent Sites back by the Tubs) (1 Bldg w/2 individual rooms connected by a passthrough door Blue Room aka 2 Dog Den sleeps 2 or Red Room aka Bears Den sleeps 5 ) 10 miles outside of Helena, the Capital of Montana 5 miles from 3 lakes ( Canyon Ferry Lake - Lake Helena - Hauser Lake ) There is a set of cast iron tubs that are always nice to take a soak after a hot days hike - a yin yang patio with gas firepit for a relaxing evening of sharing - a (phone free zone) gazebo - a covered BBQ area with gas grill and gas firepit to gather round - a real fire pit area with picnic table (local wind and fire restrictions allowable) - purest of potable well water - currently available 3 Tent sites - 1 building with a pass through door for two rooms if you need more than one siesta space - Solars that light the path in the night - Perfect distance for those who love to fish, boat, hike, float or just toss rocks -just around the corner you can dig for sapphires - a few hours to Glacier National Park - Yellowstone National Park - Crystal Park or maybe a boat ride at The Gates of the Mountains - A tour train of downtown Helena - Too much to list around here - I am new at this so bear with me as I navigate this process It is Rustic but not Crazy roughin' it - Great family space : ) This is my private sanctuary that I have the privilege of sharing with those who appreciate simple rustic outdoor living at its finest - I invite you, my friends and family to Relax Inn Helena to make your own amazing memories

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Hidden Meadow Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Deer Lodge, MT

Small irrigated ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley, surrounded by mountains, access to public lands and beautiful scenery. East side of acreage has the Clark Fork River running through it, even though the neighbors are close still lots of privacy. Enjoy blue ribbon fishing and access to lots of fresh air and scenery.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent next to the Clark Fork River, 7 miles from Deer Lodge, MT. Site provides a handmade rock fire ring and willows for privacy. Fire may not be available if it is dry conditions. Good fishing right out of your tent, short drive to several acres of public ground, ATV access, hiking, and mountain biking. This is an 80-acre working ranch with cows, sheep and hay so you may have to drive through the cows and you may have to deal with cowpies :-). Great cell service and private property on both sides, easy access to campsite. 10-minute drive to historic Grant Kohrs Ranch, old prison museum and many other unique Montana experiences.

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Wildhorse

3 sites · Lodging, RVs4 acres · Belgrade, MT

Learn more about this land: This spot is in between our barn of 40+ chickens and our 4 happy, friendly cows and our large vegetable garden. Non bird friendly dogs are NOT welcome as our chickens, our dogs named Bill, Clyde and Gus, and 3 super friendly cats are free range on our property. We are located a few minutes from downtown Belgrade, 15 minutes from downtown Bozeman, minutes to fishing, kayaking, paddling, floating on several rivers and 90 miles from Yellowstone Park which you can easily do day trips to if not wanting to bring your campers through the chaos of traffic. Campers staying more than 3 days get a dozen fresh eggs. Otherwise, they are available for sale.

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The Trail Enthusiast's Basecamp!

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Helena, MT

This five-acre oasis was once a landscape nursery. So given the close proximity to downtown we are a hidden sanctuary from the outside world, secluded by cottonwood trees and mature foliage. The site now serves as a wedding venue and offers views of Mount Helena to the South and the Sleeping Giant to the North. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our aspen grove or park your camper/RV in the grassland field. You're close to downtown with lots of privacy/scenery. You'll have views of regal Mount Helena to the South and The Sleeping Giant to the North. The South Hill trail complex is a great place to explore as well as the Scratchgravels. The Missouri River is only 20 minutes away as well as Lake Hauser and Canyon Ferry. If new to the area and interested in history, we recommend the Tour Train. We also have several great breweries - our favorites include Ten Mile and Blackfoot Breweries (a perfect stop you can ride to after a trail ride/hike in the South Hills). This site is perfect for those wanting to explore Downtown Helena, it's renowned trail systems, but still sleep under the stars. Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. There is water throughout the property that you are welcome to use for cleaning, but it is not potable.

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Serenity Sheep Farm Stay

3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Belgrade, MT

NO DOGS! This is a working farm and we have dogs, sheep, goats as well as other animals. Adding yours into the mix of animals has proven to be more hassle than what it's worth. I've been at this for 15 years. Please ask questions before booking. Sneaking your dog(s) in doesn't work. We live on 40 acres of my husband's grandfather's original 160 acre homestead. We are the only ones still farming. They rest of the family have either sold off their land for big bucks or have built homes on it. We enjoy sharing our little piece of paradise in the Gallatin Valley.

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The Homestead

2 sites · Lodging600 acres · Clancy, MT

The Homestead is located in Clancy, Montana on a 600 acre portion of a private ranch. This is a camping experience...think upscale tent camping for the adventurous soul! The tents are nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountain Range and sit right above the Strawberry Creek trail. You will be surrounded by stunning views of Sheep Mountain to the west, Casey Peak to the east, and the Helena Valley and Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to the north. Mountain bike, hike, trail run, explore and/or relax! Just a short drive to Helena, MT for more trails, dining or other activities.

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White Bridge Lane Private Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Boulder, MT

Dawson Family Ranch is a family-run business with a focus on sustainable land and agriculture practices. The ranch is located along a mile of the Boulder River between the Elkhorn and Bull Mountain Ranges. The river offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Public land access is within a short drive (2-7 miles depending on direction) and offers different recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, and motorized recreation. Boulder Hot Springs is less than 4 miles away.

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Date Street Cabin @ C Lazy M Meadow

1 site · Lodging7 acres · MT

A small cabin sleeps 4 with 2 queen beds and room to stake a tent or park a camper. Sits on 6 acres with a creek bed under large trees and overlooks a meadow. Includes an outhouse, potable water, grill, picnic table and a "smokeless" fire pit. Dishes, utensils, firewood and bedding included. Come stay in MT City; only 5 miles from all historic Helena has to offer! 4 restaurants/bars within walking distance(.5 mi.). 3 large lakes w/in 10 miles with beaches, boating and sight seeing opportunities; the Missouri river within 15 miles for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, hiking and biking. Come relax! Sleeps 4 in beds. Additional guests allowed with permission and fee (tents and/or or campers). While exploring Helena, we recommend the Walking Mall and the lower end of Last Chance Gulch for shopping and dining. You can also do a self guided tour of the Capitol building and then ride the tour train through Helena to get a quick history lesson. If you want to do something outside, we suggest Houser Lake at Lakeside with a bar and grill, a beach, fire pit, volley ball, etc. There is also guided boat rides at Gates of the Mountains on Holter Lake (about 20 miles towards Great Falls). If you are looking to go hiking, Mount Helena is a nice hike, but maybe a bit much for small kiddos, unless you have a backpack. If you'd like additional suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Hope you enjoy your stay! Party (or Wedding) Tent available at additional charge for all rentals. If you are looking for a place for a small wedding, (50 guests) let us know. We can accommodate your needs with minimal decorations, a party tent and a place for the bridal party to dress. As well as the Date Street Cabin for the new couple’s honeymoon night! Let us know if you would like to stay with us, We would love to host you. (Additional charges apply for weddings based on needs and services provided).

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Wildhorse Trail Properties

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Belgrade, MT

Easy access from the Belgrade exit. Nice quiet area with beautiful views. Get an out of town feel close to all of the amenities that Belgrade/Bozeman has to offer. Beautiful views of the Bridger Mountains! Close to rivers and mountains. A day trip to Yellowstone or Big Sky is easy. Enjoy a level gravel pad with a picnic table. There is one 50 amp service and 3 30 amp.

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BAR - 01 Ranch

4 sites · RVs60 acres · Ramsay, MT

The BAR 0 1 hipcamp is brand new The bar 01 hip camp will be closed for the winter months starting October 1st will reopen April 1st which features approximately 60 acres of beautifully secluded campsites situated around a 2 acre reservoir. Property is conveniently located 3 miles from the intersection of I-90 and I-15. Directions: • West on I-90 from the intersection of I-90 and I-15 2 miles to the Ramsay exit 216. • Continue West on N Ramsay Rd 1 mile to 805 N Ramsay Rd. • Turn right onto the upper gravel road and continue north 1/2 mile to the campsites. Camping sites: • No tents, self contained only • Numbers 1 through 4 will accommodate large RVs or motorhomes. Other things to note: • Large spaces •No electric, water, or sewage. •No trash pickup • Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out • Stay on gravel, if wet All campers must be able to provide for themselves.

The best camping near Elkhorn State Park guide

Overview

About

Camping near Elkhorn State Park is a step back in time, as you find yourself exploring the quiet remnants of a once-thriving 19th-century mining town. Tucked away off gravel secondary roads outside Boulder, this petite state park might be among Montana's smallest, but it offers a unique window into the state's past.

Your journey takes you through the historic Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall, both located in the privately-owned town of Elkhorn. These picturesque structures, preserved from the late 1800s, offer a unique glimpse into frontier architecture. Don't forget your camera; these buildings are so well preserved they've been recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey.

Travel further up the main road, three-quarters of a mile outside the state park boundaries, and you'll find the town cemetery. Here, amongst the final resting places of the town's early inhabitants, you can see the tombstone of Peter Wys, the Swiss miner who discovered the silver veins in the Elkhorn Mine. His legacy, like the town itself, is a testament to the draw of the Boulder Batholith's rich mineral deposits that brought settlers to the area in 1868.

An Elkhorn State Park camping expedition offers an immersive historical experience set against the backdrop of Montana's beautiful landscapes. Perfect for the history buffs or anyone seeking a unique outdoor adventure.

When to go

Elkhorn State Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. Summer brings lush greenery and ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing, while winter cloaks the park in a quiet blanket of snow, perfect for photographers seeking a tranquil landscape.

Know before you go

Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit, as conditions can change due to weather or maintenance activities.
Remember to pack in and pack out, as the park operates on a leave-no-trace principle to preserve its natural beauty.
Montana residents can enjoy free daily entrance with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration.
Nonresidents should be prepared to pay a day use entrance fee of $8 with a vehicle or $4 as a walk-in.
For a safe and enjoyable visit, familiarize yourself with the park rules and Recreate Responsibly guidelines.