Montana camping opinions

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Necroshine

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Jan 12, 2006
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Sorry if this is too off topic, but I know most here are the camping outdoors type and I'm looking for opinions. The wife and I are in desperate need of a vacation! I have not had one in about 20 years! We live in NE Ohio and want to move to Montana, so that is where we want to travel to. In particular we want to check out the areas around Missoula, and camp in the moutains. Due to all the BS going on, and my work being most important in the summer, are only hope is the second and third week in October.

Is this pushing it to be tourists with a 2x4 pickup? I don't mind the rough stuff, and she can do a little roughing it, but I want us to have a good time! We both love to camp and the spring and fall are the favorite times to go. We usally only get to go for two day trips and in NE Ohio you don't really get away from a darn thing! So, weather wise, is this still a good time to go, or are we just asking for trouble? We need this bad! Thanks for any imput.
 
Glacier International Peace Park, which spans the border between US and Canada is one of my all-time favorite hiking/camping areas, but October is pushing the weather... itr can be glorious or you could be armpit deep in snow.
 
You could mark your destination for the KOA campground in Missoula and then branch out from there either camping or hiking. I've camped there.
 
We lived in Great Falls for two years...You have to watch the passes for ICE!! If you slide off, it's often HUNDREDS of feet to the bottom...Chains are required carry for some of the passes accordingly.

Now as to moving there...I wouldn't recommend it! Missoula is EXPENSIVE!! Also, it's like living in SEATTLE only surrounded by mountains, foggy, cloudy all winter, very depressing. Montana is a great place to be a visitor, a time or two, beyond that, you won't find me going back.
 
Plainsman said:
..You have to watch the passes for ICE!! If you slide off, it's often HUNDREDS of feet to the bottom....
Click to expand...
I spent some time in western Montana back in the seventies. I can recall several times stopping to enjoy a view on a mountain road and looking down at years worth of wrecked vehicles far below. Sobering. I really enjoyed my stays there, mostly in the Georgetown Lake region and Pintlar Wilderness.
 
I've lived in the Missoula area for years. Had a place west over near Edith Peak in 6 Mile, and a 20 acre place down near Corvallis in the Bitterrroot. October is a challenging month. As one said, you can be shirtsleeve or up to your armpits in snow! Beautiful place alright but the prices are going out of sight. You might consider going on down to Hamilton about 40 south of Missoula and getting a camp site to range out from. The elk season will be in full swing and lots of hunters out and about taking up any of the regular good camping spots. I think the Bitterroot area is one of the prettiest in Montana but you sure can't beat the Glacier about 90 north or the Bob Marshall Wilderness which adjoins Glacier on the south.
Another option may be for you to head over towards Augusta which is almost due west of Great Falls and sits at the lower edge of the "Bob". Lots of pretty country there and especially in Sun Canyon. You're liable to see some big horn sheep just off the road, for sure you'll see antelope, and maybe even some deer and elk. Camping is as easy there as anyplace. I worked as a hunting guide in both areas for years and left after a divorce literally stripped me of the ranch. I have seen weather there go to -25 as early as 15 Oct and I've seen it snow to 8' deep by Thanksgiving. But I recall more than once seeing it snow on July 4th too. Doesn't seem to be that bad the past few years. Make sure you have your chains and cold weather gear and enough stuff to keep you thru at least a week if you get snowed in and stuck someplace. As long as you don't get too far off the beaten path you'll be fine and the folks there are pretty friendly. Can't find many people like me these days who were born there though! Thats why the costs have gone up so far/so fast.
Rocky - aka Selway Kid
 
Absolutley go to Glacier NP if you can..Its not called the Crown Jewel of the National Park System for nothing.!!!! While you are there go to Polebridge and camp at Bowman Lake.
 
You should have no problem on the main roads that time of year, but with a 2X4 you may not want to get off the gravel roads. A couple of areas to check out would be Lolo Pass to the West (with more improved campgrounds) or Gibbonsville (Idaho) to the South (if you like more primitive camping). We used Cummings Lake as "Base Camp" for many years (between Gibbonsville and North Fork). Like the others have said, go slow on the passes and carry chains. Have a great time, and stay safe.
 
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