Campgrounds and RV parks near Columbus, MT

Fishing is the main draw. The Yellowstone River and the Stillwater River both offer trout fishing just outside town. The Columbus Fishing Access Site includes a boat ramp suitable for rafts, drift boats, and kayaks, and local outfitters can provide rental gear and shuttles. A valid Montana fishing license is required. South of Columbus, Cooney Reservoir offers walleye and rainbow trout fishing, and the Red Lodge Arm has a fish cleaning station. Swimming, water-skiing, and paddle sports are common through summer. The Beartooth Highway is the region's marquee scenic drive. It climbs from Red Lodge over an alpine pass toward the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, with pullouts, day hikes, and alpine lakes along the way. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness offers hiking closer to Columbus, and the town of Red Lodge itself has restaurants, shops, and museums.

Peak season runs mid-June through mid-September, when daytime highs are warm, rivers are floatable, and the Beartooth Highway is fully open. Because of heavy snowfall at the top, Beartooth Pass is usually open about five months per year, from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting. Snow usually remains at higher elevations until early to mid-July, and in May and June, as well as late September into October, expect winter temperatures and the chance of snow. At Cooney State Park, the prime window runs from mid-May through late September, when the full suite of amenities including drinking water and showers is available. Electricity in the campgrounds is on year-round, but water is shut off during the winter months, and winter use shifts to ice fishing and cross-country skiing with limited facilities. July and August book earliest due to Yellowstone-bound travelers. Late September delivers fall color along the river valleys and thinner crowds, with the caveat that early snow can close mountain routes.

Columbus is a small highway town, not a resort. Expect gravel or paved sites, straightforward hookups, and easy interstate access rather than pools and playgrounds. The Yellowstone and Stillwater rivers run within walking distance of the town core. The city-run park near the river is a donation-based dry-camping option with fire rings and seasonal restrooms. Cooney sits in open, high-plains terrain near the Beartooth foothills. The park has limited natural shade but offers views of the reservoir and mountains beyond. Bring sun protection and be ready for wind. Cell coverage is reliable in Columbus itself and along I-90, but thins quickly on backroads toward the Beartooths. Wildlife is active in the region, including bears at higher elevations. Store food properly, and carry bear spray on any hike heading into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.