At a glance
A quiet base up the river from Missoula
Start along the Clark Fork, stop for lunch downtown and see where the afternoon takes you. Missoula offers a different kind of outing from the forest roads and mountain destinations around Lincoln.
Lost Moose Meadows is east of Missoula along Highway 200. Consider staying here when your plans include both the city and time exploring the Blackfoot Valley.
- Drive
- About 1½ hoursHighway 200 east from I-90 at Bonner, up the Blackfoot Valley.
- Sites
- 40 full hookupWater, sewer and 20/30/50 amp electric at every site.
- Big rigs
- Pull-throughs to 115 ftBack-ins up to 75 ft, and every site is level.
- Space
- Nearly 100 ft apartMany neighbors are nearly 100 feet apart, with just 40 sites on about 15 acres.
- Nights
- Quiet and darkVery little light pollution and more stars than most people are used to seeing.
- Season
- April 15 to October 15Book online any time, or call us.
Why Lincoln
Lincoln or Missoula?
Think about where you will spend most of your time, rather than choosing only by the attractions you want to visit once.
Staying in Missoula may suit you if:
- You need to be in the city most days.
- Your visit centers on the university, appointments or city events.
- You want restaurants and evening activities close to your RV.
Staying in Lincoln may suit you if:
- Missoula is one outing during a longer Montana stay.
- You also want to explore Lincoln and the Blackfoot Valley.
- You are comfortable allowing time for the drive each way.
The drive
Getting between Lincoln and Missoula
Highway 200 up the Blackfoot
From I-90 just east of Missoula, take the Bonner exit and follow Highway 200 east. The road follows the Blackfoot River through canyons and open valleys, past Clearwater Junction and the turnoff for Ovando, and on into Lincoln. It’s about 77 miles, a paved two lane highway the whole way.
Big rigs
Highway 200 is a common route for RVs and trucks, and our pull-throughs run up to 115 feet, so you can pull straight in when you arrive.
Watch for wildlife
Deer and elk cross the highway, especially early and late in the day. Take it easy around dawn and dusk.
Coming from Glacier
From the north, take Highway 83 south through the Swan Valley and Seeley Lake to Clearwater Junction, then turn east on Highway 200. See our arrival & directions.
Things to do
What to see in Missoula
Caras Park and A Carousel for Missoula
DowntownA Carousel for Missoula is a volunteer built carousel with hand carved animals beside downtown’s riverfront. The adjacent Dragon Hollow play area gives children another reason to linger, making this a useful starting point for a family outing. Carousel visitor information
Clark Fork River Market
Saturdays in seasonOn a Saturday during the outdoor season, browse produce, baked goods and prepared foods at the Clark Fork River Market. The outdoor market lists its location as 225 S. Pattee Street, making it a convenient addition to a downtown outing. Check the current schedule and location before visiting. Clark Fork River Market schedule
Riverfront Trail and Brennan’s Wave
DowntownWalk or bike along the Clark Fork past Brennan’s Wave.
The M Trail
Mount SentinelThe trail to the M above the University of Montana is approximately three quarters of a mile each way and climbs about 620 feet. It is short, but steep, so allow time for the climb and the walk back down. The destination is the M itself, not the summit of Mount Sentinel. M Trail information and current notices
Smokejumper Visitor Center
Aerial firefightingLearn about aerial firefighting at the Smokejumper Visitor Center. Confirm current visitor access and tour availability with the Forest Service before planning a visit. Smokejumper Visitor Center information
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Indoor exhibitsAt the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation headquarters, the James R. Wilkins Jr. Conservation Education Center explores elk ecology, wildlife habitat and conservation through interactive exhibits. It offers another option when you would like an indoor stop during your Missoula visit. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation visitor info
Along the way
Stops and detours along the way
You can add another destination to the drive, but leave time to enjoy it. Garnet and Seeley Lake involve leaving the direct route between Lincoln and Missoula.
The Blackfoot River
The lower Blackfoot runs through a pretty canyon with fishing access sites along the highway. See our fishing guide for the river near camp too.
Garnet Ghost Town
Garnet preserves buildings from a former mining community in the mountains south of Highway 200. Reaching the town involves a gravel mountain road, so treat it as a planned detour rather than a quick roadside stop. Check current access information before setting out.
See our ghost towns page and the Garnet Back Country Byway (BLM).
Seeley Lake
Turn north onto Highway 83 at Clearwater Junction to make Seeley Lake a separate part of your outing. Allow time for the additional drive and whatever you plan to do there, rather than trying to squeeze it into a full Missoula day.
Ovando
A tiny ranching town just off the highway, popular with anglers and cyclists, and a nice place to stretch your legs.
A day in Missoula
A day in Missoula from camp
- Morning: The riverfrontOn a Saturday during the outdoor market season, begin at the Clark Fork River Market. Otherwise, start around Caras Park and the carousel, then take a walk beside the Clark Fork.
- Lunch downtownChoose somewhere downtown for lunch and a look around.
- Afternoon: Choose your paceActive: For an active afternoon, hike the M Trail.
Indoors: For an indoor stop, consider the conservation exhibits at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Easy: If you would rather keep the day simple, continue exploring downtown and the riverfront. - Before heading backPick up supplies if needed before heading back, and save Garnet or Seeley Lake for another outing unless you have allowed extra time.
Staying longer
Stock up, settle in, or head on
Stock up in town
A Missoula outing can also be a chance to pick up groceries or supplies. If you need a particular RV part or repair, call ahead to confirm the business can help.
Monthly stays
Planning a longer visit? See our monthly stay options for current details.
Heading on
Looking for another destination during your stay? Explore our Helena guide and regional day trip ideas.
Keep exploring
More to see and do

Open April 15 to October 15
Make Missoula part of your Montana stay.
Enjoy a day around Missoula, then keep exploring the country around Lincoln.



