Embodiments of camera mounting systems are disclosed. Certain embodiments include a ball swivel mechanism that joins a camera mounting plate to a bracket arm. In some embodiments, the bracket arm is joined to a grip plate that can be secured to an object such as a tree. In other embodiments, the bracket arm is joined to a monopod that can be secured to the ground. Some embodiments of camera mounting plates are configured to secure multiple types of game-security cameras.