Why May Is the Perfect Time To Camp Near Lolo, Montana
May is one of the best times to go camping in Montana—fewer crowds, no wildfire smoke, and the perfect mix of crisp mornings and sunny afternoons. Whether you're soaking in hot springs, hiking scenic trails, or catching the thrill of the Lochsa River, there’s no better place to experience spring than Yellowrock Campground near Lolo, Montana. Bonus: Book your May stay during February and March for the best rates of the season! Don't wait for summer: your Montana adventure starts in May!
Why May Camping at Yellowrock Is Better Than Ever
Exploring Lolo, Montana and the Lewis & Clark Trail on Highway 12 in the month May is an adventurer’s dream! The weather may be a little unpredictable, but the perks are undeniable: no smoke, no wildfires, and fewer crowds in popular areas. May is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of Lolo, Montana and take advantage of discounted rates at Yellowrock Campground.
Enjoy the Perks of Early-Season Camping
Have you heard the saying that there’s no bad hiking, just bad clothing choices? There might be a few chilly moments in May, but that’s all part of the adventure. In exchange, you get to enjoy peaceful trails, pristine mountain views, and the chance to experience Montana before the summer rush hits. Whether you’re warming up by the campfire or enjoying a sunny afternoon hike, May camping at Yellowrock offers you the comforts of amenities and the freedom of the great outdoors.
Top 3 Adventures You Can Enjoy Near Yellowrock This May
1. Hot Springs Heaven: Soak, Relax, Repeat
Yellowrock Campground is perfectly positioned at the base of Highway 12, part of the historic Lewis and Clark Trail, which is home to several natural hot springs. There are three popular spots for day trips, each offering the perfect combination of scenic beauty and relaxation. They are: Weir Hot Springs, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs and Lolo Hot Springs. Both Weir and Jerry Johnson are natural hot springs and involve some hiking whereas Lolo Hot Springs is a developed, commercial property.
Picture this: you spend the day road-tripping up a stunning mountain highway, hike to hot springs surrounded by lush wilderness, enjoy a rejuvenating soak, and return to your campsite for s’mores and stargazing. Need suggestions for which hot springs to visit? Ask us when you book your stay!
2. Lochsa River: Thrill-Seeking At Its Finest
For those seeking adventure, the Lochsa River comes alive in May. Famous for its Class III and IV rapids, this river offers a short but exhilarating rafting season that typically runs during May and early June, depending on snowpack and runoff conditions. Even if you’re not rafting, watching the action from the riverbank is highly-enjoyable! The Lochsa River is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yellowrock Campground, making it an easy day trip for campers.
Pro Tip: Rafting the Lochsa is best suited for experienced rafters. Not sure if it’s right for you? Research guided trips and safety details beforehand. Bonus: Book with Zoo Town Surfers and use code YELLOWROCK for 10% off your Lochsa River rafting trip!
3. Spring Hiking: Find Your Perfect Trail
After a long winter, it’s time to get outside and stretch those legs! The area around Yellowrock Campground is filled with miles of scenic hiking trails. Watch the landscape come alive as green grass and wildflowers start to emerge and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bitterroot Valley.
Are you curious where to hike? Ask the Camp Hosts for recommendations tailored to your group’s needs and the day’s weather. Whether you’re looking for a gentle walk or a challenging trek, we’ll point you towards the perfect trail.
Wrap up your day with a stop at The Jack Saloon or Lolo Peak Brewery: both establishments serve great food and they are just minutes away from Yellowrock. It’s the perfect way to end an outdoor adventure.
Bonus! Scenic Drives: Highway 12’s Lewis & Clark Trail and Beyond
Sometimes, the journey is the destination. If hiking or rafting doesn’t pan out, cruising the scenic Highway 12 is a wonderful alternative. With its winding mountain roads, panoramic views, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to enjoy Montana’s beauty from the comfort of your car.
Don’t Miss Our May Camping Special!
Make the most of this magical time of year with discounted pricing at Yellowrock Campground! During February and March: Book your May dates for the best rates of the season!
Spring Adventures Await at Yellowrock Campground . Reserve your spot today!
Carrying the Torch: A New Generation Leading Yellowrock
Yellowrock has been a family tradition for over 50 years, built on values of kindness, respect for nature, and community connection. As third-generation owners, we’re proud to continue the legacy started by our grandparents, Ray and Afton, who turned a love of square dancing into a place where people could gather, connect, and enjoy Montana’s beauty.
Today, we’re looking to the future with plans to enhance your camping experience while staying true to the spirit of Yellowrock. From upgraded facilities to sustainable practices, we’re excited to welcome you back to relax, retreat, and revive in the heart of nature. This is outdoor hospitality at its finest!
From left to right: Our Grandparents Ray and Afton Granger, our Parents Bobbie and Barry Bartlette and the Kids Dacia and Morgen Hartford.
Well, Hello.
As the season comes to a close, November is a time of reflection and quiet at Yellowrock. It’s also a chance to catch our breath, reintroduce ourselves, and share our vision for 2025 and beyond. If you’ve driven Montana’s Wild & Scenic corridor along Highway 12 in the last three years, you’ve likely noticed a new signpost. If you’ve been a guest with us during that time, you’ve probably seen some new faces in the office as well.
Let us make a proper introduction. We are Dacia and Morgen Hartford—siblings, business partners, and third-generation owners of Yellowrock. While the name has changed over the years, much of what the family business was built on remains the same: same family, same values. Yellowrock is a place where people come to enjoy outdoor hospitality and experience the great outdoors that Dacia and I grew up exploring
Our staying power for more than half a century is because of you. Your loyalty and trust over the years have allowed Yellowrock to remain a special place to return to, year after year. If you’re a relative newcomer, your search for adventure or calm brought you to Yellowrock. We can’t wait to see you again as we continue to create a place where you can retreat, relax, and revive.
A Legacy of Yellowrock: A Brief History
Our grandparents, Ray and Afton, began hosting square dances in their basement in the 1950s as a hobby. It didn’t take long for their home to feel too small for the growing number of people seeking connection and community. In 1974, they purchased a 26-acre parcel along the banks of Lolo Creek with the vision of creating a space where people could gather, dance, and build friendships. The event center served as a square dance hall and a shop for dance apparel.
What began as an event center quickly evolved, adding campsites for their summer guests and eventually expanding into the more than 50 sites we offer today. When Ray and Afton handed the keys to the business to our parents, there was an understanding that changes would be made to help the business thrive for another generation while keeping the core values intact.
New ownership meant new relationships—our parents forged bonds with nearby landowners and conservation groups like the Lolo Watershed Group and the Montana Climate Office to ensure the health of our natural resources and the future of the business. Campsites were improved, electrical upgrades were made, and new processes were put in place.
As the new owners of Yellowrock, things are coming full circle. For both of us, this was our first job. Riding around on the tractor, raking needles from the campground in exchange for a modest allowance (with bonus candy bars for extra-hard work) seems like just yesterday. Those experiences shaped us and make our ownership all the more meaningful today.
Built On Values: What Has Always Made Us Different
Yellowrock was founded on timeless values: kindness, respect for nature, and community connection. These principles continue to guide our work today, shaping the experience we offer our guests. Our commitment to land stewardship, local partnerships, and personal connections with guests is what keeps people coming back every year. To this day, we still host guests who were friends with Ray and Afton. Hearing from long-time visitors who tell us our parents and grandparents would be proud reminds us that we’re staying true to our roots.
Moving Forward: A Vision for the Future
Our vision is to provide a simple yet elevated outdoor hospitality experience, blending nature with small luxuries that help guests feel both grounded and cared for.
As part of this vision, we’re updating our facilities, introducing unique lodging options, and expanding amenities to enhance your stay. We will continue to modernize operations and streamline the guest experience so you can fully relax, retreat, and revive while you’re here with us. We remain dedicated to sustainable practices, working with conservation and community groups to protect the natural beauty of Yellowrock for future generations. And while there are many updates on the horizon, the core values and spirit of the business will remain the same.
Staying Connected: How You Can Be Part of This Journey
We’re proud of our legacy, and we invite you to share your memories with us. Send us an email or stop by the front desk to tell us what made your stay special—whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. Be sure to check back for spring and summer promotions, and follow us on social media for updates and events as they happen. From our family to yours, thank you for being part of the Yellowrock story. Your loyalty and friendship have kept us going for generations, and we’re excited to continue this journey together. Here’s to new memories and many more seasons to come.
We look forward to welcoming you to Yellowrock as we embark on this new chapter.