Camping in Montana 2026: Best Campgrounds, National Parks & Gear Tips

The Big Sky State has acres of untouched backcountry. There are snow-capped glaciers, towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and sprawling vistas with barely a road in sight. If you're lucky, you'll spot mountain goats on near-vertical cliff faces, gray wolves stalking big game, or a grizzly on the move.

That remoteness is part of the appeal, but it means you need to come prepared. You could be miles from the nearest shop or power outlet, so pack supplies and a reliable backup power source. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic is a compact portable power station that covers laptops, lights, routers, and small appliances, which is exactly what you need when you're deep in the wilderness.

Prefer Montana's natural surroundings with a few more amenities nearby? The state's best dedicated campgrounds include:

Apgar Campground is the largest campsite in Glacier National Park, conveniently located on the southern shore of Lake McDonald near a village with shops, restaurants, a visitor center, and a shuttle service.

Before setting off, check that you have these items:

1. Water: If you're staying at a dedicated campsite, you can refill bottles as needed. For backcountry trips, pack at least two liters of water per person per day.

2. Food: Depending on where you're headed, you might be hundreds of miles from the nearest store. The National Park Service recommends focusing on dry foods like pasta and rice, packed in flattenable containers like zip-lock bags.

3. Shelter and Bedding: At minimum, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Hammocks, pillows, and rain/sun shelters are worth considering, too.

4. Cooking Supplies: Pack a knife, cutting board, tongs, skillet, camping stove, plates, silverware, and cups.

5. Cleaning Supplies: Camping gets messy. Don't forget biodegradable soap, wash basins, a scouring pad, and paper towels or rags.

6. Backup Power: You may be hundreds of miles from the nearest outlet in parts of Montana, making a portable power station essential.

The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Solar Generator can be recharged via solar panels, making it a practical companion for extended trips. With 3,000W of output, it can run microwaves, kettles, and multiple gadgets simultaneously, which is enough capacity to cover most of what you'd want to power at camp.

Montana is home to nearly all of North America's remaining native large mammal species, making it a remarkable destination for wildlife watchers. You need to stay vigilant around grizzly and black bears, mountain lions, wolves, and bison. Keep your distance from any animals you encounter, and make sure you carry and know how to use bear spray.

September is the best month for Montana camping. The crowds thin out after peak summer, you’ll catch plenty of wildlife, and the weather is still manageable. July and August are the busiest months, with the longest days. Spring and early fall are quieter, but the weather can be unpredictable. Winter is best left to skiers; many trails and roads stay impassable until April.