Camping around Missoula, Helena, Butte

[Teton Stream]

Quick request: Traveling from Beyond Hope, ID to Driggs, ID. Anyone have any thoughts, comments on boondocking along the way. I have been looking around Missoula, Lolo, and then Helena or Butte. Open to any ideas along the route to break up an 8.5 hour haul.

[dbj216]

It's not boondocking, but the Missoula KOA is quite nice. We stayed there 3 nights last year waiting for Highway 12 to Lewiston to open up after the fires.

David

[DryFly]

Ditto the Missoula KOA.

[montanablue]

Depending on how long your camper is, then drive east on 90 to Clinton to where the Testicle festival is held. Drive up the paved then dirt road beside Rock Creek. It is about 22 to 25 miles beside Blue Ribbon Trout stream. Check in Missoula about road and fishing conditions. Great thing about some of sites are free. Travel to end of it and it runs to Phillipsburg , an old Gold town, then on to lake George and Anacoda then back on 90 if you want.
Word of caution, this is remote but beautiful. I suggest that you Google it and stop in Missoula to ask questions first. We have camped there lots of times seeing mountain lions and other wild animals.


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[idroba]

There are two nice National Forest Campgrounds on highway 12 close to Lolo hot springs. One is about 10 miles east of the hot springs, the other is about 1 mile west of the springs, both on the south side of the road. All campgrounds on Highway 12 from Kooskia ID to Lolo Montana are good ones.

South of Missoula and Hamilton, there is a very nice NFS campground just at the base of Lost Trail pass, called Indian Trees. Couple of more north of Hamilton.

[DryFly]

Regarding Rock Creek, there's a small campground a short distance in. A bit rustic but serviceable for a night, especially if you're fishing. But, do not attempt to take your trailer further up that road - you will regret it. Leave your trailer at the campground and drive your TV up a few miles and you'll see what I mean. By the time you get to the "Micro Burst" area, you'll know. Just my 2 cents - worth every penny.

[montanablue]

I agree. Just what I was talking about. It would all depend on size if camper. Personally , I wouldn't take my Airstream much further than after first BLM campground on right. Just past this one is the sites he is referring to I believe. On the positive note, this road and scenery is some of the best in this part if the country. Fishing is fantastic.


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[ghaynes755]

For Missoula Jim and Mary's RV park just to west and north about a mile on Rt 93. Great park, lots of shade and the spaces are generous.

[Teton Stream]

For the posts... just what I was looking for and with the detailed desired. BTW I am pulling a 20' Flying Cloud and we really like taking "it way off the beaten path".

[mefly2]

Lolo Creek campground on US12 is very nice just south and west of Msla
South of Missoula is Bass Creek / Larry Waters CG ~18 so of Lolo on hwy 93
East of Missoula 30 miles is Beavertail Hill state park (w/ electricity) where some sites are not reservable ...one of our personal favorites with our FC20 ...great on your way to Helena via I90...avoid Testy Festy
Drummond (50 miles east of Missoula) has a small and unique CG via I90
Top of McDonald pass has a nice CG just west of Helena
Indian Trees south of Lolo past Darby is remote, but unique via hwy93
If you are connecting south from Hope, ID to St.Regis, MT then 50 miles west of Msla on I90 is Quartz Flats which has sewer dump and VERY reasonable rates. Look for it by the rest area - camping on both sides of the interstate with a connecting tunnel under the hwy.

We are local and have stayed at all of the above; PM if you need further ...