When planning a group camping trip in Montana, finding the right spot can make all the difference. Whether you're organizing a family reunion, a scout troop outing, or a retreat with friends, group camping areas in Montana state forests offer the space and seclusion you need. These areas are typically set apart from regular campsites, providing room for multiple tents or RVs and a shared fire pit or picnic area.
Montana's state forests and surrounding public lands are known for their rugged beauty, from the pine-covered slopes of the Little Belt Mountains to the open prairies near the Yellowstone River. While not every campground in this list sits directly within a state forest, each one offers group-friendly amenities and easy access to the outdoor adventures that define the Treasure State.
In this guide, we compare ten top-rated campgrounds across Montana, highlighting their locations, ratings, and what makes them suitable for group camping. Whether you prefer a developed KOA resort with full hookups or a rustic group site near a mountain lake, you'll find options to match your group's style.
★★★★★ 4.9 · 33 reviews
Jammin Jackalope Camping is a highly rated campground in Livingston, Montana, with a 4.9-star rating from 33 reviews. Located at 2492 E River Rd, Livingston, MT 59047, this site offers a peaceful setting along the river, ideal for groups seeking a quieter camping experience. The high rating suggests excellent service and well-maintained facilities, making it a top choice for group camping near the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Address: Jammin Jackalope Camping, 2492 E River Rd, Livingston, MT 59047, United States
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★★★★★ 4.5 · 47 reviews
Primitive Camping Area in Mt Eden, Kentucky, is a basic campground with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews. While not in Montana, it's included here for comparison for those seeking a rustic, no-frills experience. Located on Park Rd in Mt Eden, KY 40046, this area offers primitive sites that may appeal to groups looking for a back-to-basics camping trip. However, for Montana state forest camping, you'll want to focus on the other options on this list.
Address: Primitive Camping Area, Park Rd, Mt Eden, KY 40046, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.1 · 17 reviews
The Crystal Lake Group Campground is a dedicated group camping area near Lewistown, Montana, with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews. Situated on Crystal Lake Rd in Lewistown, MT 59457, this site is designed for groups, offering a scenic lakeside location in the Little Belt Mountains. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a true state forest experience, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Address: The Crystal Lake Group Campground, Crystal Lake Rd, Lewistown, MT 59457, United States
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★★★★★ 4.7 · 1,261 reviews
West Glacier KOA Resort is a popular campground near the west entrance of Glacier National Park, with a 4.7-star rating from 1,261 reviews. Located at 355 Halfmoon Flts Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, this resort offers a range of amenities, including full hookups, cabins, and group sites. Its high rating and large review count indicate a well-regarded facility, perfect for groups wanting a comfortable base for exploring the park.
Address: West Glacier KOA Resort, 355 Halfmoon Flts Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.1 · 1,259 reviews
Missoula KOA Holiday is a well-established campground in Missoula, Montana, with a 4.1-star rating from 1,259 reviews. At 3450 Tina Ave, Missoula, MT 59808, this KOA offers a variety of sites, including group camping areas, and is conveniently located near the Clark Fork River. With a large number of reviews, it's a reliable choice for groups looking for a full-service campground with easy access to Missoula's amenities.
Address: Missoula KOA Holiday, 3450 Tina Ave, Missoula, MT 59808, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.3 · 891 reviews
Great Falls KOA Holiday is a campground in Great Falls, Montana, with a 4.3-star rating from 891 reviews. Located at 1500 51st St S, Great Falls, MT 59405, this KOA offers group-friendly accommodations and is a great stop for those traveling across Montana. Its solid rating and substantial review volume suggest a well-maintained facility with good customer service.
Address: Great Falls KOA Holiday, 1500 51st St S, Great Falls, MT 59405, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.2 · 667 reviews
Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday is a scenic campground in Livingston, Montana, with a 4.2-star rating from 667 reviews. Set at 163 Pine Creek Rd, Livingston, MT 59047, this KOA lies in the beautiful Paradise Valley, offering stunning mountain views and easy access to the Yellowstone River. It's an ideal spot for groups who want to combine camping with fly fishing, hiking, or wildlife watching.
Address: Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday, 163 Pine Creek Rd, Livingston, MT 59047, United States
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★★★★☆ 4 · 837 reviews
Butte KOA Journey is a convenient campground in Butte, Montana, with a 4.0-star rating from 837 reviews. Located at 1601 Kaw Ave, Butte, MT 59701, this KOA provides a comfortable stop for groups traveling through southwestern Montana. While not directly in a state forest, it's within driving distance of the Deerlodge National Forest and other public lands, making it a practical base for group excursions.
Address: Butte KOA Journey, 1601 Kaw Ave, Butte, MT 59701, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.3 · 466 reviews
Hardin KOA Journey is a campground in Hardin, Montana, with a 4.3-star rating from 466 reviews. At 2205 MT-47, Hardin, MT 59034, this KOA is located near the Crow Reservation and the Little Bighorn Battlefield, offering groups a chance to explore historic sites. Its decent rating and moderate review count indicate a dependable option for those traveling to southeastern Montana.
Address: Hardin KOA Journey, 2205 MT-47, Hardin, MT 59034, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.3 · 412 reviews
Three Forks KOA Journey is a campground in Three Forks, Montana, with a 4.3-star rating from 412 reviews. Located at 15 KOA Rd, Three Forks, MT 59752, this site is near the headwaters of the Missouri River, a historic and scenic area. It's a good choice for groups interested in fishing, kayaking, or learning about Lewis and Clark's expedition, with a solid rating to back its quality.
Address: Three Forks KOA Journey, 15 KOA Rd, Three Forks, MT 59752, United States
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How We Selected These Places
To compile this list of group camping areas in Montana state forests, we compared campgrounds based on their category, geographic relevance to Montana's state forests, and publicly available ratings and review counts. We prioritized locations with strong ratings and a meaningful number of reviews, ensuring a reliable picture of each site's quality. We also considered the variety of camping experiences, from primitive sites to full-service resorts. All information is drawn from the supplied location data; no on-site visits were conducted.
Tips
When planning a group camping trip, always check the specific campground's policies on group sizes, reservations, and quiet hours. Many group sites have a maximum capacity, so be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak summer months. Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep Montana's forests pristine. If you're camping in a state forest, verify any fire restrictions before building a campfire, and always have a map of the area since cell service can be spotty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best group camping areas in Montana state forests?
- The best group camping areas in Montana state forests include The Crystal Lake Group Campground near Lewistown, which is specifically designed for groups, and Jammin Jackalope Camping in Livingston, which offers a high rating. Other options like the KOA resorts in West Glacier and Missoula also provide group sites, though they are not directly within state forests.
- Do Montana state forests have dedicated group campsites?
- Yes, some state forests in Montana have designated group campsites, such as The Crystal Lake Group Campground. However, availability varies by location, and it's best to check with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for specific state forest campgrounds.
- Can I reserve a group camping area in advance?
- Many group camping areas, including those at KOA resorts and some public campgrounds, allow reservations. It's recommended to book ahead, especially for large groups, as popular sites fill up quickly during the camping season.
- Are there group camping options near Glacier National Park?
- Yes, West Glacier KOA Resort offers group camping and is located just outside the park's west entrance. This is a convenient option for groups wanting to explore Glacier while having access to amenities.
- What should I consider when choosing a group campground in Montana?
- Consider the size of your group, the type of camping experience you want (primitive vs. developed), proximity to attractions, and the campground's rating. Also, check if the site offers group-specific amenities like large picnic areas or multiple fire pits.
Conclusion
Finding the right group camping areas in Montana state forests and surrounding areas is key to a memorable trip. From the dedicated group site at Crystal Lake to the well-equipped KOA resorts, there's a spot for every type of group. Always verify current conditions and reservation requirements before you go, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying Montana's great outdoors with your favorite people.
Business information, ratings, reviews, opening hours, and other details may change over time. Please verify important information before visiting.
