Fantastic Reviews of Montana Camp Sites Are Becoming Scarce

Camping in Montana is practically a birthright. There are few Montanans who don't enjoy the Great Outdoors and spend as much time as possible outside - often camping with friends and family. But positive experiences on Montana's public and private recreation areas seems to be waning.

Recreational tourism has always been a big thing here, obviously. Perhaps until the last couple of years, there was room enough for everyone. That might not be the case anymore when it comes to Montana's best campsites.

Judging from recent reviews of Montana camping areas, both 'hosted' and otherwise, more people are sharing their negative experiences online.

From crowds, confusing reservations, on-site trash problems, ill mannered camp neighbors, to just about everything else you can think of. You'd be surprised about the current vibe if it's been a while since you've been camping.

We gathered a sampling of online reviews from the last 18 months of various Montana campgrounds. We DID NOT mention specific campground or site names on purpose, as some of them are not on public lands.

• "Camp host is passive aggressively rude and a snob. Typical out of stater from Las Vegas. Don’t go to this campground" (1 star review - near West Yellowstone)
• "We booked (and double checked) an appropriately sized lot for our setup. Upon arrival it was obvious it was not going to work for our setup and would barely work for a single tent setup. Not to mention it was obvious everyone walks right through this site to get to the bathrooms." (1 star review - near Lake McDonald)
• "Park is beautiful, but not advised for tourists. Local rednecks have taken an ownership attitude and are very aggressive with out of state visitors." (1 star review - north of Flathead Lake)
• "We booked a specific spot for 2024 as early as possible in 2023. When we arrived, we were not given that particular BOOKED spot. I explained that we book well in advance to get the ideal site. He said "they're all ideal", and sent me on my way." (2 star review - outside of Deer Lodge)
• "Seemed as if this camping area was somewhat of a permanent residence for some "campers". The people around here have a "Hills Have Eyes" vibe, and seemed to have been staying a while." (1 star review - near Koocanusa)

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• "Worst campground experience. The host isn't here, left when the storm started and a day later still won't return. The bathrooms haven't been cleaned in a long time and no tp." (1 star review - near Seeley Lake)
• "Cans in firepits is nothing new, but it seems every time we go camping - no matter where in Montana - there are piles of burned out cans and other stuff that should be thrown away or packed out." (2 star review - east of Livingston)
• "Beautiful views however really noisy with sound traveling across reservoir. Party central at night with college kids doing campfires in parking lots and beach. Motorcycles love to drag race illegally at night which is an annoyance." (south of Bozeman)
• "Beautiful spot but it's become so crowded here and sort of ruined. Having come here for decades, the last several times we've been have been huge crowds." (west of Quake Lake)
• "Unfortunately, the area is being abused by campfires burning long after they were started, then left practically unattended. VERY dangerous for other campers. Not even an attempt to put it out!" (1 star review - between Bozeman and Butte)