The best camping near Lake Elmo State Park

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

Discover the urban oasis of Lake Elmo State Park with its myriad of outdoor activities.

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Community favorites near Lake Elmo State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Elmo State Park

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Big Sky Vistas

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Columbus, MT

Peaceful and quiet surrounded by lots of wildflowers, wildlife, and the pleasant aroma of sagebrush. Parking area is reasonably flat. Remote subdivision on 4500-foot ridge, 10 miles from Columbus exit 408, off of Interstate 90. Your camping spot is near the road for easy access, but the road is private and dead-ends just beyond my property, so traffic is very minimal. I aim to treat all my guests as if you were a long-time friend. I try to be your personal concierge, so anything you need or want to know, just ask.

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(37)

Creekside Camp at Prairie Skies

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Billings, MT

Learn more about this land:Close to many amenities in Billings but far enough away to feel secluded. Must check in with owner. Generators are okay but MUST be elevated. 15 min to downtown Billings.

93%

(165)

Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

14 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Lockwood, MT

4 miles from Billings. 1000 acres. We try to keep things as natural as possible except we do mow the common area in the trees. For security reasons, we will meet you at the gates and escort you to your camping spot upon 1st arrival. Fire wood available for sale $10 - needs to be discussed before hand. Camping available on the butte for viewing of northern lights. Lots of room to explore. Long term camping is available. 1 porta-potty on site. There is 1 mile of dirt road after leaving the pavement. We are 6 miles from Walmart. This is a working cattle ranch and the cows come through time to time. The listing computer keeps putting us in LOCKWOOD but we are actually 3 miles north of Billings. Last minute bookings are fine, if we are around -we will let you stay. We live 1 mile from the camp site and 2 miles from the gates where we will meet you. If you are looking for a RV park or campground - this is not it. We have cows, birds, wild animals and dirt roads. There is no power but we could hook you up to a generator if needed. There is a new camper on site that may be rented ( owned by a different party) message us for details. The morning of you arrival, please send an ETA so we know how to plan our day, then give us a 30 minute heads up before arrival so we can meet you at the gates. Sometimes we also are 30 minutes away. A lot of the time you may be the only campers out here.

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(52)

Lance and Vivian's North Field

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Billings, MT

We own 4 acres here and operate a Custom cabinet shop on the property.We also live on the property and host an Airbnb out of the bonus room above our Garage.We welcome the idea of having travelers from all over the country stopping by on there way to where ever they may be traveling.Thanks for considering our North field!Learn more about this land:Billings is called the Gateway city to Yellowstone park and the North western Rockies.We have a perfect spot for a quick overnight stay as you head through Montana, right off I90.Easy access for the big campers and a clean flat spot if you are just needing a spot for your tent.You will be able to pull-through as this field is 1 Acre in size.We are close to Downtown and the 5 breweries in that area, along with multiple restaurants.

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(107)

Eagle Mountain Retreat RV site

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Columbus, MT

Camp under the stars in Big Sky country. See deer, wild turkeys, an occasional eagle and other birds. RV parking with 30 amp electric hookup. 1/2 mile from Yellowstone river and just 2 miles from fishing access. Close enough to take a day trip to Yellowstone National park. Nice and quiet except for the occasional train that's a ways away but most people say it's not a problem at all.

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(53)

Pheasant's Hideaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Billings, MT

Come enjoy a quiet night on 2 acres just outside of the busy city of Billings. It feels like country living but is just minutes to downtown shopping and everything else the city has to offer. Located with easy access to the I-90. Stop to rest your eyes or stay a while and enjoy the big city life and rich history of this part of Montana. We have a fire ring for those chilly evenings. 15, 30 and 50 amp electric hookups with Sewer and potable water connections at your site. Most mornings can be greated by pheasants, deer and rabbits. On the lucky occasion one might see an owl. DanWalt gardens just two houses down the road is the best way to enjoy your cup of coffee in the morning.

92%

(12)

Nature Resort on the Bighorn River

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Fort Smith, MT

Cottonwood Camp is nestled under towering cottonwood trees on 17 historical acres, overlooking 3 Mile Access on the legendary Bighorn River. These hallowed grounds are surrounded by 300 wildlife filled acres of Bighorn Canyon National Rec' Area land. Excellent boating, water sports, and additional fishing opportunities are a short 15 minute drive away at Bighorn Canyon Lake. Our 14 cabins all have a personality of their own with occupancy capacity ranging from 2 all the way up to 18! All feature a fully equipped kitchen + outdoor social space w/ bbq grill. In addition we have FHU & W/E RV sites and plenty of pitch tent sites that have use of our two bathhouses. Guests are greeted in our full service fly shop that can get you hooked up on a guided trip, shuttle, or drift boat rental. Whether you want an action packed day on the Bighorn, a relaxing day on the Lake or just wanna escape your day to day to hear the sights & sounds of Big Sky Country, you can't go wrong with Cottonwood Camp!

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(14)

Johnson campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Shepherd, MT

We bought this property so we could build a tiny home community.Learn more about this land:Come and enjoy the wildlife, especially the prairie dogs. They will greet you when you drive through the gate. This site is next to a 3/8 mile oval track that has races on the weekends in the summer months.

90%

(5)

Taylor Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents560 acres · Park City, MT

We have 560 acres of farmland with several pockets of pristine campground. 27 acres of wooded terrain that extends to a seasonal creek bed in the Northeast region of the property. 15 acres in the Northwest parcel of open land. 5 acres in the middle for RV/ Vehicle camping. Incredibly peaceful location with diverse wildlife.

94%

(8)

Sasquatch Sanctuary

1 site · RV11 acres · Billings, MT

Learn more about this land:Park your RV/camper on a cement pad close to electrical hookup. We have 10 acres to roam and wildlife that visit regularly. The site also features a view of the Billings City skyline. We are on a gravel drive with pull through and back in parking onto a cement pad. We have electrical hook up but no sweat. Water is possible for a fee.

100%

(13)

Cowtown Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Bridger, MT

110 Acre ranch nestled between the Pryor Mountains & the Beartooth Mountains gateway to Yellowstone Nat'l Park

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(4)

Bull Mountain Views

2 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Lavina, MT

80 secluded acres between Roundup and Lavina. Hiking and biking allowed, beautiful Bull Mountain views. Gravel and dirt road to cabin. Enjoy nature and the peace and quiet of the Bull Mountains. Nearby BLM and state lands. Small cabin available with 3 beds, 1 full, 1 twin and 1 futon. Outdoor grill available with burner for cooking. Air conditioning recently added!

The best camping near Lake Elmo State Park guide

Overview

About

Enjoy an outdoor adventure where every family member is welcome to join in on the fun when you camp near Lake Elmo State Park. You and your furry companions can revel in a harmonious blend of recreational delights tailored for both humans and canines alike.

The star feature of Lake Elmo is its distinctive dog park. This 200-square-foot sanctuary is a paradise for your pets. Fenced and secure, it even includes access to the refreshing waters of the lake. The joy of watching your dogs play freely, splash around, and socialize with other canines will add a whole new layer of delight to your camping experience.

Lake Elmo is not just about the dog park. For those with a passion for angling, the lake will become your favorite fishing spot. Regularly stocked with fish during the summer, it invites you to set up camp near Roger's Pier on the south shore for an unrivaled fishing experience. Reel in your catch of the day under the warm Montana sun and consider cooking it over a campfire for a true outdoor feast.

Despite its popularity as a cooling-off spot during the scorching summer months, the beauty of camping near Lake Elmo lies in its ability to maintain a sense of serenity. With several access points to the lake, the park never feels overcrowded, promising you a peaceful camping experience, cradled by nature's tranquility.

A Lake Elmo camping expedition is a refreshing blend of family-friendly activities, serene settings, and memorable experiences. So pack up your camping gear, leash up your pets, and get ready to hit the park with your furry friends.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Elmo State Park is during the warmer months when you can fully enjoy the water activities and trails. However, the park is open year-round from 5am to 10pm, offering seasonal activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Summer weekends can be busy, so consider a weekday visit for a more tranquil experience.

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, alcohol is prohibited in the park, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere for all visitors.
Accessibility is a priority; the park offers an Action Trackchair for those with mobility limitations to enjoy the trails.
Non-motorized boating is allowed, so feel free to bring your kayak or paddleboard for a day on the water.
Montana residents with the state parks fee included in their vehicle registration enjoy free daily entrance.