Best Camping in the Rocky Mountains & Plains Region

Explore the best campgrounds in the Northern Rockies/Plains region of the United States.

Northern Rockies & Plains Region
Glacier National Park, Montana
All Regions / Northern Rockies & Plains

Northern Rockies & Plains Region

  • States

    Montana North Dakota Nebraska South Dakota Wyoming

  • What Weather Can You Expect

    The states in this region experience the full four seasons every year. For the most part, they have continental climates where summers are hot and generally dry and winters are cold with snow covering the ground for much of the winter months. The plains areas in the eastern portion of the region have a semi-arid, continental climate. Nebraska has a semi-arid climate in the western part and a more humid continental climate in the eastern part. Camping is best in this region in the summer months and somewhat in the late spring and early fall seasons. The KOA campgrounds in this region have great amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and memorable.

  • View Our Northern Rockies & Plains KOA Campgrounds & RV Parks

    Montana Campgrounds North Dakota Campgrounds Nebraska Campgrounds South Dakota Campgrounds Wyoming Campgrounds

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  • Must See Sights In The Northern Rockies & Plains Region

    This region contains a variety of geographical landscapes. In the west it contains mountainous areas of the Rocky Mountains in the states of Wyoming and Montana, that are perfect for camping at a Rocky Mountain RV park, then transitions into badlands areas and then into plains and grasslands as you continue east. This entire region is sparsely populated but has an expansive and vast landscape. There are plenty of beautiful wilderness areas, lakes for recreation and hiking trails in this western part of the region. Much of the land in the eastern part of the region is farmland. You will find some popular national parks in the Northern Rockies and Plains Region, as there are a total of six national parks. Montana is home to Glacier National Park and although Yellowstone National Park is located mostly in Wyoming, Montana has three entrances into the park as well. Wyoming is also home to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. In Wyoming, you can also visit Devil's Tower, the first United States national monument. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in North Dakota. Two more national parks are in South Dakota, Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks. Another notable place in the region is Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock National Historic Site are two popular places to visit in Nebraska. The most populated cities in each state of these regions include; Omaha, Nebraska, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota, Billings, Montana and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Best Places To Go While Camping In The Northern Rockies & Plains Region

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Custer State Park, South Dakota

Deadwood, South Dakota

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota

Fort Robinson State Park, Nebraska

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glendo State Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Guernsey State Park, Wyoming

Little Missouri State Park, North Dakota

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Rapid City/Black Hills National Forest

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming



FAQs For Camping in The Northern Rockies & Plains Region

The Northern Rockies experience all four seasons. To ensure you and your family can make the most of your time in the area, the best time to visit is late spring through early fall. May through September is the region's warmest, hottest and driest, making it an excellent time for exploring.

When you want to embrace the outdoors, there's no better way than camping in the Northern Rockies during the summer. The warm temperatures and dry climate make camping in the mountains fun. Whether a beginner camper or a seasoned veteran, staying at a campground is an ideal way to ensure you have everything you need to stay comfortable and safe while camping.

Kampgrounds of America has many campgrounds spread throughout the Northern Rockies, from Montana, Nebraska and North Dakota to South Dakota and Wyoming. At KOA, you can go RV, cabin or tent camping. Each location has multiple campsites to accommodate your preferred way to stay, whether your family enjoys traditional camping or glamping. Many campgrounds also have amenities for campers, helping you have an easy, relaxing and unforgettable trip.

Camping in the Northern Rockies also lets you experience beautiful nature sights, from great mountains to dense and colorful forests. Mother Nature's magnificence is calling your name for camping and adventuring in the region.

There are many well-known attractions that the whole family will love while traveling through the Northern Rockies. Check out:

  • Museum of the Rockies: Montana's Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is a renowned natural and cultural history museum and research facility. When you visit MOR, you'll see unique exhibits and displays, from dinosaurs and fossils to the art of Alex Ross, a comic book artist known for illustrating Marvel characters like the Avengers, Black Panther and Storm from “X-Men.”
  • Lincoln Children's Zoo: Let your children learn through firsthand interactions about animals at the Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska. The zoo has over 400 animals, including over 30 endangered ones. See different mammals, birds and reptiles while walking through.
  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West: Kids will love learning about life in the Old West and Native American culture while roaming through the five museums and getting hands-on experience at Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Wyoming.
  • Liard River Hot Springs: Soak in the balmy natural waters at Liard River Hot Springs Park, where you might also spot some swamp wildlife, birds and mountainous mammals.

Enjoying the outdoors is a fun way to stay active and get fresh air while in the Northern Rockies. Some of the top outdoor activities visitors and locals regularly do include:

  • Hiking various trails: The Northern Rockies has many parks with hiking trails of all lengths and difficulty levels. You and your children will have a blast exploring and seeing the diverse wildlife and plants in the region.
  • Playing and relaxing in the water: The region's many lakes and rivers are popular places where locals and visitors like to gather to stay cool while having fun in the sun. Swim, kayak, paddleboard and fish in the waters.
  • Camping at campgrounds: Camping is a popular pastime, whether in Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota or South Dakota. You could stay at a KOA for unbeatable relaxation.
  • Lake fishing for dinner: Catch your evening meal at a local lake full of Walleye, trout, Northern Pike and more. You can also try your hand at flyfishing, a popular pastime in the Northern Rockies.

The Northern Rockies region has spectacular rock formations, like the Rocky Mountains. You can see the mountains up close at several national parks. Some of the most popular national parks you could add to your family's vacation itinerary include:

  • Grand Teton National Park: Experience the beauty of the Grand Teton National Park during your trip to Wyoming. The national park has the youngest mountain ranges on the continent, The Tetons. Hike the trails, bask in the sun or float in the Snake River while spending time with your family.
  • Yellowstone National Park: Hike and drive around Yellowstone National Park to see wildlife in their natural habitat and witness unique geologic and hydrothermal structures, like the Old Faithful geyser. Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres are mainly in Wyoming but has several Montana entrances.
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Wander around Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a beautiful park named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who valued conservation and used his presidency to protect over 230 million acres of public land throughout the country. The national park is in North Dakota and has multiple places to hike or drive so you can explore and see wildlife, such as bison.

While the Northern Rockies include several national parks, the region also has numerous state parks. Add some state parks to your vacation plan for a great outdoor experience.

  • Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: Pay the oldest state park in North Dakota a visit when you go to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. Hike around the park and stop at the Visitor Center Museum to learn about the Mandan Native Americans and what life was like for frontier soldiers at Fort McKeen and Fort Abraham Lincoln.
  • Custer State Park: Hike, mountain bike, rock climb, fish and swim in South Dakota at Custer State Park. Your family will love spending all day outside doing various activities. You could also watch a theater performance and visit a log cabin.
  • Fort Robinson State Park: Take a trip to Fort Robinson State Park in Nebraska to hike vast mountains, see buffalo and longhorn herds, fish, picnic and learn about Old West history.

Whether you like game meats or homestyle cooking, you'll find numerous restaurants in the Northern Rockies region to serve a delicious meal. You could even try several new cuisines.

Stop by Rhombus Guys Brewing Company at one of their locations in North Dakota for casual dining paired with drafts of their homemade beers. If you want something sweet near Glacier National Park in Montana, consider stopping at Polebridge Mercantile. The store is your one-stop-shop for camping supplies, groceries and baked goods. You could try the huckleberry bear claws or get a freshly made sandwich.

Another great place to visit in the Northern Rockies is Shirley's Diner in Omaha, Nebraska. The mom and pop diner will give you a touch of nostalgia with its rock ‘n’ roll-themed decor and delicious comfort diner food. You could also have a unique dining experience at the Irma Restaurant Grill, a saloon and dining room reminiscent of the Old West. It's on the ground floor of the Irma Hotel, built by Buffalo Bill in 1902 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Your trip to the Northern Rockies will be unforgettable with all the adventures you'll have traveling to and from different parks, restaurants and attractions.

Badlands National Park

View Our Northern Rockies & Plains Campgrounds

Big Timber / Greycliff KOA Journey
Big Timber / Greycliff KOA Journey

693 Highway 10 E, Big Timber

Billings KOA Holiday
Billings KOA Holiday

547 Garden Avenue, Billings

Butte KOA Journey
Butte KOA Journey

1601 Kaw Avenue, Butte

Great Falls KOA Holiday
Great Falls KOA Holiday

1500 51st Street South, Great Falls

Hardin KOA Journey
Hardin KOA Journey

RR 1, Box 1009, Hardin

Helena North KOA Journey
Helena North KOA Journey

850 Lincoln Road West, Helena

Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday
Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday

163 Pine Creek Road, Livingston

Miles City KOA Journey
Miles City KOA Journey

1 Palmer Street, Miles City

Missoula KOA Holiday
Missoula KOA Holiday

3450 Tina Avenue, Missoula

Polson / Flathead Lake KOA Holiday
Polson / Flathead Lake KOA Holiday

200 Irvine Flats Road, Polson

Red Lodge KOA Journey
Red Lodge KOA Journey

7464 US HWY 212, Red Lodge

St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday
St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday

106 West Shore, St Mary

Three Forks KOA Journey
Three Forks KOA Journey

15 KOA Road, Three Forks

Townsend / Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey
Townsend / Canyon Ferry Lake KOA Journey

81 Silos Road, Townsend

West Glacier KOA Resort
West Glacier KOA Resort

355 Halfmoon Flats Road, West Glacier

Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday
Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday

5121 Highway 93 South, Whitefish

Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey
Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey

1545 Targhee Pass Hwy, West Yellowstone

Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday
Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

3305 Targhee Pass Highway, West Yellowstone

Big Timber / Greycliff KOA Journey

693 Highway 10 E, Big Timber

Billings KOA Holiday

547 Garden Avenue, Billings

Butte KOA Journey

1601 Kaw Avenue, Butte

Great Falls KOA Holiday

1500 51st Street South, Great Falls

Hardin KOA Journey

RR 1, Box 1009, Hardin

Helena North KOA Journey

850 Lincoln Road West, Helena

Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday

163 Pine Creek Road, Livingston

Miles City KOA Journey

1 Palmer Street, Miles City

Missoula KOA Holiday

3450 Tina Avenue, Missoula

Polson / Flathead Lake KOA Holiday

200 Irvine Flats Road, Polson

Red Lodge KOA Journey

7464 US HWY 212, Red Lodge

St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday

106 West Shore, St Mary

Three Forks KOA Journey

15 KOA Road, Three Forks

West Glacier KOA Resort

355 Halfmoon Flats Road, West Glacier

Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday

5121 Highway 93 South, Whitefish

Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey

1545 Targhee Pass Hwy, West Yellowstone

Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

3305 Targhee Pass Highway, West Yellowstone

Bismarck KOA Journey
Bismarck KOA Journey

3720 Centennial Road, Bismarck

Bismarck KOA Journey

3720 Centennial Road, Bismarck

Grand Island KOA Journey
Grand Island KOA Journey

904 South B Road, Doniphan

Lincoln West KOA Holiday
Lincoln West KOA Holiday

923 280th Rd, Seward

Ogallala / I-80 KOA Journey
Ogallala / I-80 KOA Journey

221 Road East 85, Ogallala

Ogallala / Tri Trails KOA Journey
Ogallala / Tri Trails KOA Journey

120 Road East 80, Ogallala

West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

14601 Highway 6, Gretna

Grand Island KOA Journey

904 South B Road, Doniphan

Lincoln West KOA Holiday

923 280th Rd, Seward

Ogallala / I-80 KOA Journey

221 Road East 85, Ogallala

Ogallala / Tri Trails KOA Journey

120 Road East 80, Ogallala

West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

14601 Highway 6, Gretna

Badlands / White River KOA Holiday
Badlands / White River KOA Holiday

20720 SD Highway 44, Interior

Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA Journey
Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA Journey

24201 SD-63, Midland

Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday

12021 US Highway 16, Custer

Deadwood / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Deadwood / Black Hills KOA Holiday

11484 US-14A, Lead

Hot Springs SD / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Hot Springs SD / Black Hills KOA Holiday

27585 SD Highway 79, Hot Springs

Kennebec KOA Journey
Kennebec KOA Journey

I-90 Exit 235, Kennebec

Mitchell KOA Journey
Mitchell KOA Journey

41255 South Dakota Highway 38, Mitchell

Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch
Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch

12620 Highway 244, Hill City

Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday

3010 East Highway 44, Rapid City

Sioux City North KOA Holiday
Sioux City North KOA Holiday

675 Streeter Drive, North Sioux City

Sioux Falls KOA Journey
Sioux Falls KOA Journey

1401 East Robur Drive, Sioux Falls

Spearfish / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Spearfish / Black Hills KOA Holiday

41 W HWY 14, Spearfish

Yankton / Missouri River KOA Journey
Yankton / Missouri River KOA Journey

807 Bill Baggs Road, Yankton

Badlands / White River KOA Holiday

20720 SD Highway 44, Interior

Hot Springs SD / Black Hills KOA Holiday

27585 SD Highway 79, Hot Springs

Kennebec KOA Journey

I-90 Exit 235, Kennebec

Mitchell KOA Journey

41255 South Dakota Highway 38, Mitchell

Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch

12620 Highway 244, Hill City

Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday

3010 East Highway 44, Rapid City

Sioux City North KOA Holiday

675 Streeter Drive, North Sioux City

Sioux Falls KOA Journey

1401 East Robur Drive, Sioux Falls

Spearfish / Black Hills KOA Holiday

41 W HWY 14, Spearfish

Yankton / Missouri River KOA Journey

807 Bill Baggs Road, Yankton

Buffalo KOA Journey
Buffalo KOA Journey

87 US Highway 16 East, Buffalo

Casper KOA Journey
Casper KOA Journey

1101 Prairie Lane, Bar Nunn

Cody KOA Holiday
Cody KOA Holiday

5561 Greybull Highway, Cody

Devils Tower / Black Hills KOA Journey
Devils Tower / Black Hills KOA Journey

60 Highway 110, Devils Tower

Douglas KOA Journey
Douglas KOA Journey

168 Cold Springs Road (Highway 91), Douglas

Dubois / Wind River KOA Holiday
Dubois / Wind River KOA Holiday

PO Box 1380, Dubois

Greybull KOA Holiday
Greybull KOA Holiday

399 North 2nd Street, Greybull

Lyman KOA Journey
Lyman KOA Journey

1545 State Highway 413, Lyman

Rawlins KOA Journey
Rawlins KOA Journey

205 E. Highway 71, Rawlins

Rock Springs / Green River KOA Journey
Rock Springs / Green River KOA Journey

86 Foothill Boulevard, Rock Springs

Sheridan / Big Horn Mountains KOA Journey
Sheridan / Big Horn Mountains KOA Journey

63 Decker Road, Sheridan

Buffalo KOA Journey

87 US Highway 16 East, Buffalo

Casper KOA Journey

1101 Prairie Lane, Bar Nunn

Cody KOA Holiday

5561 Greybull Highway, Cody

Devils Tower / Black Hills KOA Journey

60 Highway 110, Devils Tower

Douglas KOA Journey

168 Cold Springs Road (Highway 91), Douglas

Greybull KOA Holiday

399 North 2nd Street, Greybull

Lyman KOA Journey

1545 State Highway 413, Lyman

Rawlins KOA Journey

205 E. Highway 71, Rawlins

Rock Springs / Green River KOA Journey

86 Foothill Boulevard, Rock Springs

Grand Teton National Park

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