A lot of people visit our state think camping season in Montana starts Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day weekend, but we know better. As we have seen the past few years with more and more visitors to our state, campgrounds have gotten more and crowded especially between the holidays that sandwich our summers.

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Camping/Credit: Chris Wolfe
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I have a hard time camping when I feel like the entire town is with us in the woods. I like to feel like we have some space to ourselves. Montana has so much more to offer in the Spring and the Fall than the visitors realize. After a recent trip to beautiful Flathead Lake we were able reserve a camp space, not only for us but we were able to get spaces for a few friends too. Because it is considered "off-season"

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Sunset/Credit: Chris Wolfe
Sunset/Credit: Chris Wolfe
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There were people in the campground but it was far from full and when we went down to the lake it felt like we had it all to ourselves, which doesn't happen too often. The change in the weather was a welcome relief from the heat of the summer. The trees are just starting to change and waking up to a little chill in the air was great.

Camping/Credit: Chris Wolfe
Camping/Credit: Chris Wolfe
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As we transition into hunting season and if you plan on hiking while you are camping please make sure you are wearing bright clothes or hunter orange and if you have a dog make sure they are on a leash for their safety and yours.

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Camping/Credit: Chris Wolfe
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There are campsites that have "walk ups" available which is a "first come first served" situation with more available than during the height of the summer months. For reserving sites check out this website where you can make reserve campgrounds all over the state.

Camping/Credit: Chris Wolfe
Camping/Credit: Chris Wolfe
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For state of Montana fee information for camping and more find it here. When you go to register for a campground, if it is full you can get your name on an email list and they will contact you when someone cancels. Some campgrounds also won't let you reserve over 6 months out so I would recommend you check the websites in the winter right after the new year which will help you get a spot. Enjoy Montana while you can and enjoy this "off-season" while it lasts.

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