The Ultimate Travel Guide to Camping Near Missoula, Montana
- Missoula Adventure
- May 1
- 3 min read
Missoula, Montana, is an outdoor lover’s paradise—nestled in the heart of the Northern Rockies, surrounded by national forests, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain ranges. Whether you're planning a rugged backcountry adventure or a relaxed visit to a friend, the area offers some of the best campgrounds in Montana. But here’s the catch: You need the right wheels to get there sometimes. At Missoula Adventure Rentals, we make exploring the wild landscapes around Missoula effortless. Our 4x4 SUVs, rugged pickup trucks, and vans are built for Montana’s backroads, ensuring you reach even the most remote campsites in comfort. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Top 5 Best Campgrounds Near Missoula
✅ Free and Dispersed Camping Spots
✅ RV Parks with Full Hookups
✅ Why Renting the Right Vehicle is Key
Why Missoula is a Camper’s Dream Destination
Missoula sits at the crossroads of:
Lolo National Forest (1.5 million acres of wilderness)
Rattlesnake Wilderness (steep cliffs and alpine lakes)
Bitterroot Valley (scenic rivers and hot springs)
Glacier National Park (just 3 hours north)
With so much to explore, having a reliable rental vehicle means you won’t miss a thing.
🏕️ The 5 Best Campgrounds Near Missoula (2024)
1. Lolo Creek Campground
📍 25 miles southwest of Missoula
🔥 Why Stay Here?
Riverside sites (great for fishing & swimming)
Easy access to Lolo Pass (historic Lewis & Clark route)
Close to hot springs (Jerry Johnson & Weir Creek)
🚗 Vehicle Tip: Our Jeep Wranglers handle the forest roads with ease—perfect for accessing hidden hot springs!
2. Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
📍 Just 10 minutes from downtown Missoula
🔥 Why Stay Here?
Quick escape from the city (but feels remote)
Mountain biking & hiking trails (right from your campsite)
Free dispersed camping (no reservations needed)
🚗 Vehicle Tip: Our Toyota Tacoma trucks have plenty of gear space for bikes, coolers, and camping equipment.
3. Salmon Lake State Park
📍 45 minutes north on Hwy 83
🔥 Why Stay Here?
Stunning lakefront views (kayaking & paddleboarding)
Well-maintained RV sites (with electricity & water)
Wildlife spotting (bald eagles, moose, deer)
🚗 Vehicle Tip: Need an RV? Our camper vans come with a pop-up roof for extra sleeping space.
4. Blue Mountain Recreation Area
📍 5 miles south of Missoula
🔥 Why Stay Here?
Hiking & OHV trails (best sunset views over Missoula)
Dog-friendly (off-leash areas for pups)
First-come, first-served sites (no fees)
🚗 Vehicle Tip: Our Subaru Outbacks have AWD for rocky backroads and plenty of cargo room for Fido.
5. Seeley Lake Campgrounds
📍 1 hour northeast of Missoula
🔥 Why Stay Here?
Quieter than Flathead Lake (but just as beautiful)
Fishing paradise (trout, pike, kokanee salmon)
Cabins & RV spots available
🚗 Vehicle Tip: Our Ford Broncos are perfect for off-grid camping—add a roof tent for an epic overlanding trip.
🚐 Free & Dispersed Camping Near Missoula
Want to camp for free? Try these BLM & Forest Service areas:
✔ Miller Creek Road (15 min from town)
✔ Monture Creek Campground (90 min away, near the Bob Marshall Wilderness)
✔ Petty Creek Road (great for stargazing)Pro Tip: These spots require high-clearance vehicles—our
Truck rentals can handle rough terrain. Check out our selection.
🏠 Best RV Parks in Missoula
If you need hookups, check out:
Jim & Mary’s RV Park (full amenities, downtown access)
Missoula KOA (family-friendly, pool, dog park)
Jellystone Park (fun for kids, near Flathead Lake)
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