Best Camping Beaches in Montana

Cooney Reservoir, located in Roberts, Montana, is a popular recreational area offering a variety of activities such as boating, swimming, camping, and fishing. It is situated about 40 minutes south of Billings and is known for its excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing. The reservoir is surrounded by the scenic Beartooth Mountain Range, providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Cooney Reservoir State Park covers over 300 acres and offers numerous amenities for visitors, making it a bustling spot during the summer months.
The reservoir was originally created as part of an irrigation project and has since become a key destination for those seeking outdoor adventures in south-central Montana. With its diverse range of activities and stunning natural surroundings, Cooney Reservoir is an ideal place for families and nature lovers alike.
Visitors can enjoy the serene environment and engage in activities like hiking, bird watching, and water sports, making it a versatile destination for all seasons.

Finley Point State Park, located on the southern end of Flathead Lake in Montana, offers a serene and secluded getaway. The park is nestled within a mature Ponderosa pine forest, providing a tranquil atmosphere for campers and nature enthusiasts. With 18 campsites, including options for both tent and RV camping, visitors can enjoy the beautiful lake views and engage in activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. The park is open from May to September, making it a perfect summer destination for those seeking outdoor adventures.

The park's proximity to Polson, Montana, allows easy access to local amenities and attractions. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which includes other state parks and cultural sites, enhancing their overall experience. The park's setting within the Flathead Nation also offers insights into Native American culture.

Finley Point State Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with frequent sightings of deer and other local fauna. The park's facilities include well-maintained restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.

Duck Lake Campground is nestled in the heart of Montana, near Glacier National Park, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. It offers a serene and rustic environment, surrounded by woods and rich in cultural history. The campground is family-friendly and pet-friendly, providing a cozy atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking and wildlife watching, with access to over 700 miles of trails in Glacier National Park. The area is known for its breathtaking sunsets and diverse wildlife, including deer, moose, and various bird species.
The campground itself features wooded surroundings with secure bathrooms, showers, and coin laundry facilities. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, making it an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Located just outside Babb, Montana, Duck Lake Campground is a short drive from the St. Mary Visitor Center, making it a convenient choice for those visiting Glacier National Park.

Brush Lake State Park is located in Sheridan County, Montana, about four miles east of Dagmar. The park surrounds three sides of the 280-acre Brush Lake, known for its deep, clear waters and white sandy beaches. It offers a serene environment with grass fields and linear stands of spring wheat, making it a perfect spot for family outings and nature lovers. The park is open from May 1 to December 1, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and hiking. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and stunning night skies, as the area is renowned for its minimal light pollution.
The park's history dates back to the early 20th century when it became a popular gathering place for local communities. Over time, it evolved into a state park in 2004, offering a variety of recreational activities. Despite its mineral-rich waters, Brush Lake does not support fish life, but it is ideal for other water sports.
The park's remote location adds to its charm, making it a great escape from urban life. With its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance, Brush Lake State Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in Montana.

Fort Abercrombie State Park Beach, located in Kodiak, Alaska, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park spans 182 acres, featuring well-maintained trails, beaches, and rocky viewpoints that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore remnants of World War II bunkers and enjoy the diverse wildlife, including seabirds and occasional whale sightings. The park's trails lead through mossy forests and fields of wildflowers, offering a serene escape into nature.
The park is a popular spot for both locals and travelers, with activities ranging from hiking to exploring tide pools. Summer naturalist programs are also available, providing insights into the local ecology and wildlife.
Fort Abercrombie State Park is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a place to appreciate the historical significance of Kodiak's wartime past.

Wayfarers State Park is a picturesque destination located on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake, near the charming town of Bigfork, Montana. The park spans 67 acres and offers a serene atmosphere amidst a mature mixed forest, making it ideal for camping and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake, especially during sunset, and explore the area's vibrant wildflowers from spring to late fall. The park's proximity to Bigfork provides easy access to local amenities like restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

The park is well-equipped with facilities such as a boat launch, RV dump station, and both flush and vault toilets. It offers a variety of activities including boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby town of Bigfork adds to the appeal with its Summer Playhouse, golf courses, and private resorts.

Wayfarers State Park is open year-round, with the campground operating from April to October. The park's scenic beauty and recreational opportunities make it a popular choice for those looking to immerse themselves in Montana's natural splendor.

Black Sandy State Park is a picturesque destination located on the western shore of Hauser Lake reservoir, an impoundment of the Missouri River, approximately 13 miles northeast of Helena, Montana. The park offers a serene and natural setting, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, adding to its historical significance. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and water skiing. The park's unique name comes from the black sand found on the north side of the lake.

The park is open year-round, providing opportunities for both summer and winter activities. It is a popular spot for camping, with 29 campsites available, some of which offer electrical hookups. The scenic views of Hauser Lake and the surrounding landscape make it an ideal place for photography and wildlife viewing.

Black Sandy State Park is also known for its significant concentration of Bald Eagles during August, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The park's proximity to Helena allows visitors to easily access local amenities and attractions while still enjoying the tranquility of nature.

White Earth Recreation Area, located near Townsend, Montana, is not a traditional beach but rather a scenic campground situated along Canyon Ferry Lake. This area offers a serene and natural setting, perfect for those seeking outdoor activities like camping, boating, and fishing. The campground provides basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The surrounding landscape features rugged mountains and expansive prairies, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures.

White Earth Campground is part of the Canyon Ferry Lake State Park, which is renowned for its excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated areas and explore the many hiking trails around the lake. The area is also rich in wildlife, including deer, antelope, and various bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

The campground's proximity to Helena, Montana's capital, and its location between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks make it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region.

Fort Peck Lake, located in northeastern Montana, is a vast reservoir created by the Fort Peck Dam, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Spanning 134 miles with over 1,520 miles of shoreline, it is the largest lake in Montana and a haven for wildlife within the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge. The lake's rugged landscape, featuring grassy hills and bluffs, contrasts beautifully with its blue waters, providing a serene yet adventurous experience for visitors.
The area around Fort Peck Lake is known for its remote and untouched beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. Activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking are popular, while the nearby Fort Peck Dam and town offer historical insights and cultural attractions.
Despite its remote location, Fort Peck Lake is accessible via several back roads, though a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during wet conditions.

Apgar Campground, located in Glacier National Park near West Glacier, Montana, is the largest campground in the park with 194 campsites. It offers a serene setting amidst trees, providing shade and some privacy for both tent and RV campers. The campground is situated near the stunning Lake McDonald, offering breathtaking sunsets and easy access to various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating. Visitors can enjoy evening programs at the Apgar Amphitheater and explore nearby Apgar Village for amenities like a visitor center, gift shops, and a casual restaurant.
The area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and exploring the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Apgar Campground is open from late May to early September, with primitive camping options available during the shoulder seasons.
The campground's proximity to Lake McDonald makes it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Lost Johnny Point Campground is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, west of the Continental Divide and near the Canadian border. It offers stunning views and is situated on the shores of Hungry Horse Reservoir, a massive body of water known for its boating and fishing opportunities. The campground provides a serene escape with its 21 campsites, each equipped with tables and campfire rings. It is a popular spot for those seeking outdoor adventures like boating, swimming, and fishing, with species such as cutthroat trout and whitefish available. The proximity to Glacier National Park, about 18 miles away, makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
The campground is surrounded by lush timber and offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds, with a camp host available for assistance. The scenic backdrop of the Hungry Horse Reservoir, which is the 10th highest dam in the United States, adds to the natural beauty of the area. Wildlife such as lynx and grizzly bears inhabit the surrounding forest, making it a unique destination for nature lovers.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and exploring the nearby attractions like the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park. The campground operates from mid-May to the end of September, with the best season being June, July, and August.