If you’re a fan of the show Yellowstone, you’re in good company. Thousands of viewers are enthralled by this family drama set on John Dutton’s “Dutton Ranch” in Montana. This fictionalized television series is not filmed in Los Angeles like many others. It is actually filmed in Montana at a real property called Chief Joseph Ranch.
Lucky for fans, Chief Joseph Ranch is open for bookings when filming is not taking place. There are two cabins on the property available for bookings that also include a tour of the ranch and TV sets.
If you’re interested in camping near “Dutton Ranch” but would rather stay in an RV than book a cabin, we’ve got you covered. This guide will share top locations to camp near “Dutton Ranch” and feel as if you are part of Yellowstone!
History of Chief Joseph Ranch
The Chief Joseph Ranch, located in Darby, Montana, has a rich history. It was originally inhabited by the Salish Native American tribe for centuries before Lewis and Clark passed through the area in 1805. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe traversed the ranch during their flight from the U.S. Army in 1877.
Settlers homesteaded the property in 1880, and it was initially known as the Shelton Ranch. In 1914, it was purchased by William S. Ford and Howard Clark Hollister, who transformed it into a model dairy with a significant log lodge built by Bates & Gamble, known as the Ford-Hollister Lodge.
After Ford's death, his family converted it into one of the first guest ranches in the West. In the early 1950s, it was renamed Chief Joseph Ranch, and today, it's known as the setting for the television show Yellowstone, serving as both a guest ranch and a family home when not in use for filming.
Top Camping Near “Dutton Ranch”
There are plenty of RV camping destinations in close proximity to Chief Joseph Ranch, where the iconic Yellowstone show is filmed. Here are a handful of options for fans to call home when visiting Darby, Montana.
Three Frogs Campground
Three Frogs Campground is located in Bitterroot National Forest near Darby, MT. It is a first-come, first-served campground with 16 small trailer campsites and 4 convenient walk-in tent sites. It provides accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, water, garbage service, and well-maintained gravel roads. Additionally, select campsites come with designated tent pads and can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length.
More Information: Three Frogs Campground
Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park
Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park provides a comfortable place to stay near “Dutton Ranch.” With electric-only and full hookup RV sites, visitors can enjoy all the basic amenities such as laundry facilities, a picnic area, a dump station, hot showers ($10 per person), and more. Travellers Rest is conveniently located near microbreweries, Lake Como, Lolo Hotsprings, and other exciting attractions beyond “Dutton Ranch.”
More Information: Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park
Sam Billings Memorial Campground
Sam Billings Memorial Campground is another great option for camping near “Dutton Ranch.” Situated off West Fork Road, this campground comprises 12 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. It also features a spacious area perfect for group activities. Additionally, the campground offers vault toilets and can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30 feet in length. The campground is open year-round (depending on snow) and is operated by the US National Forest Service.
More Information: Sam Billings Memorial Campground
Schumaker Campground
Schumaker Campground is nestled along the shores of Twin Lakes, close to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. This picturesque site comprises a host site, 16 campsites, two vault toilets, and two handicapped-accessible sites. Conveniently, it's situated near the Twin Lakes Trailhead. Please note that Twin Lakes does not permit motorized boats. Access to the campground is via a narrow, rough road with some fairly steep sections. The maximum allowable vehicle length is 55 feet.
More Information: Schumacher Campground
Alta Campground
Alta Campground offers 15 campsites, including one designated as a host site. It provides potable water, garbage disposal, vault toilets, and picnic tables designed to be accessible for individuals with disabilities. Sites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30'. There are many activities visitors can participate in at Alta Campground, including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, kayaking or canoeing, picnicking, and more. ‘
More Information: Alta Campground
As you can see, there are several options for RV camping near “Dutton Ranch” in Darby, Montana. We can’t wait for you to plan the Yellowstone road trip you’ve been waiting for!
See “Dutton Ranch” With Cruise America Today
Cruise America is your one-stop shop for quality RV rentals. Our selection of RV rental models is sure to fit your road trip needs. Pick up a rental at one of our many convenient locations across the United States and hit the road to Montana. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Happy road-tripping!
