Blacks Pond Campground

290 Campers Point, PO Box 8, Decker, Montana, 59025, United States

Nestled in southeastern Montana's rugged landscape, Tongue River State Park beckons adventurers with its stunning 12-mile reservoir that winds through dramatic red rock country. Six distinct campgrounds—from the aptly named Rattlesnake to the waterfront havens of Sand Point and Campers Point—offer 156 total campsites, including 81 reservable spots for those who plan ahead. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat into crystal-clear waters, or settling in for a night under Montana's vast sky, this park delivers the authentic Western outdoor experience that draws visitors back season after season.

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212, ASHLAND, MT 59003, USA

High above the rolling Wyoming landscape, Diamond Butte Lookout stands as a testament to decades of wilderness protection. This 30-foot masonry tower, rising 4,245 feet into the big sky, began its journey at Yeager Butte before finding its permanent home here in 1958. For over four decades, vigilant fire spotters called this tower home during the summer months, scanning the horizon for telltale wisps of smoke until 2001. Today, visitors can step into this piece of living history and experience the same breathtaking 360-degree views that once helped protect these wild lands. By day, the endless vistas stretch to the horizon; by night, the tower becomes your private observatory under some of the darkest, most star-filled skies in the American West.

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Tucked away in the rugged expanse of the Ashland Ranger District, Cow Creek Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This intimate wilderness retreat features four primitive campsites and a peaceful picnic area, perfect for those seeking solitude and simplicity. Despite its remote setting, the campground provides essential amenities including accessible restroom facilities, making it an ideal basecamp for hunters, hikers, and anyone drawn to Montana's untamed landscapes.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Ashland Ranger District, Red Shale Campground offers a refreshing escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem in the Custer Gallatin National Forest welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis, completely free of charge. With 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, you'll find the perfect blend of rustic simplicity and natural comfort. While you won't find hookups or running water here, the campground's vault toilets and easy access off Highway 212 make it an ideal basecamp for those seeking authentic outdoor experiences. The spacious sites and peaceful atmosphere have made this a favorite among campers who prefer their adventures unscripted and their nights filled with crackling campfires instead of crowded neighbors.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Tucked away in the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Holiday Spring Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's rugged wilderness. This hidden gem features just three secluded campsites, perfect for those seeking solitude and a genuine back-to-nature experience. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this rustic retreat strips camping down to its essentials—no trash service or provided firewood means you'll practice true Leave No Trace ethics. During autumn, the campground transforms into a basecamp for hunting enthusiasts, while the generous 10-day stay limit allows visitors to truly unwind and explore the surrounding wilderness at their own pace.

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212, Ashland, MT, 59003, USA

Step back in time at Whitetail Cabin, a hidden gem nestled in the northern reaches of Custer National Forest. This authentic 1930s treasure, meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps, beckons adventurers seeking solitude among towering ponderosa pines. Here, where privacy meets pristine wilderness, you'll discover the perfect blend of rustic charm and historical significance—your own private retreat where the modern world fades away and nature's symphony takes center stage.

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Tucked away in the rugged expanse of the Ashland Ranger District, Cow Creek Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This intimate wilderness retreat features four primitive campsites and a peaceful picnic area, perfect for those seeking solitude and simplicity. Despite its remote setting, the campground provides essential amenities including accessible restroom facilities, making it an ideal basecamp for hunters, hikers, and anyone drawn to Montana's untamed landscapes.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Ashland Ranger District, Red Shale Campground offers a refreshing escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem in the Custer Gallatin National Forest welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis, completely free of charge. With 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, you'll find the perfect blend of rustic simplicity and natural comfort. While you won't find hookups or running water here, the campground's vault toilets and easy access off Highway 212 make it an ideal basecamp for those seeking authentic outdoor experiences. The spacious sites and peaceful atmosphere have made this a favorite among campers who prefer their adventures unscripted and their nights filled with crackling campfires instead of crowded neighbors.

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Nestled along the pristine southern shores of Reservoir Lake, this high-elevation retreat offers an intimate camping experience where 16 thoughtfully placed sites blend seamlessly into the landscape of towering pines and aromatic sagebrush. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Reservoir Lake Campground provides a perfect balance of wilderness solitude and modern conveniences, including fresh drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and bear-resistant food storage to ensure both comfort and safety. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table, while a primitive boat ramp invites anglers and paddlers to explore the tranquil 11-acre lake, where only electric motors disturb the mountain silence.

Moose Creek Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Tucked away in the heart of Montana's Little Belt Mountains, Moose Creek Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. With just six carefully positioned campsites along the babbling waters of Moose Creek, this hidden gem invites anglers and nature lovers to experience the untouched beauty of Montana's backcountry. The winding approach road and compact layout make this destination perfect for tent campers and small trailers up to 20 feet, ensuring that the peaceful atmosphere remains undisturbed by larger RVs. Here, the gentle rush of creek water and the whisper of wind through towering pines create nature's perfect soundtrack.

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Nestled along the breathtaking Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Lodgepole Campground invites you to experience the serene beauty of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This intimate retreat features 10 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with modern amenities that blend comfort with wilderness charm. Every site comes complete with a picnic table for memorable outdoor meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and convenient paved parking. The campground's commitment to accessibility shines through its ADA-compliant restrooms and facilities, while fresh mountain water flows from a traditional hand-pump spigot, adding an authentic touch to your outdoor adventure.

FOREST ROAD 2421, RED LODGE, MT, 59068, USA

Escape to Limber Pine Campground, where the whisper of wind through ancient pines and the gentle babble of Rock Creek create nature's perfect symphony. Tucked away in the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains along the legendary Beartooth Highway, this hidden gem invites adventurers to cast their lines in crystal-clear waters, explore winding mountain trails, and cruise one of America's most spectacular scenic routes. Each secluded campsite offers an intimate connection with the wilderness, while keeping you within easy reach of the region's most treasured attractions.

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Step back in time at Hornet Lookout, where a historic 1922 fire tower awaits adventurous souls seeking an unforgettable mountain retreat. After a scenic one-mile hike through recovering wildlands, you'll discover this two-story sanctuary floating above the clouds at 6,744 feet. Wake to breathtaking 360-degree vistas stretching from the pristine waters of Kintla Lake to the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park. This rustic hideaway comes equipped with propane cooking facilities, lanterns, and comfortable cots, though you'll need to bring your own water and bedding for this authentic backcountry experience. The journey may test your legs, but the reward—sleeping where forest guardians once kept watch—is pure magic.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, 6735 WEST FORK RD, DARBY, MT 59829

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River, Fales Flat Campground offers a unique group camping experience where history and wilderness converge. This equestrian-friendly haven serves as your gateway to endless trails winding through untouched backcountry, following the same paths once traveled by the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu people. Gather around the expansive campfire circle under starlit skies, park your rigs on stable gravel surfaces, and enjoy the simplicity of camping with basic amenities including vault toilets. True to its backcountry character, the campground operates without drinking water or trash services, encouraging a leave-no-trace ethos that preserves this special place for generations to come.

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Nestled along the pristine banks of the East Fork Bitterroot River, this intimate riverside retreat offers four thoughtfully positioned campsites where the gentle murmur of flowing water provides nature's soundtrack. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings under Montana's star-filled skies, while an accessible vault toilet ensures comfort during your stay. The campground welcomes RVs and trailers up to 20 feet, making it perfect for couples or small families seeking a peaceful escape into nature's embrace.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, Alta Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in the Bitterroot National Forest welcomes adventurers with 14 thoughtfully positioned campsites, including three fully accessible sites designed for all visitors. Known for its immaculate grounds and the warm hospitality of its dedicated hosts, Alta provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking authentic mountain experiences without sacrificing comfort.

East Boulder Campground, Big Timber, MT, USA

Discover a hidden gem where the melodic sounds of the East Boulder River create nature's perfect soundtrack for your camping adventure. East Boulder Campground welcomes you with open arms and no fees—a rare find in today's outdoor landscape. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this riverside retreat has become a beloved basecamp for anglers casting lines at dawn and hikers setting off on mountain trails. Here, accessibility meets untouched wilderness, offering an authentic Montana experience without the crowds or complications.

/ Turn east off of HWY 83 MM 54.6 onto Van Lake rd #9882

Nestled within the breathtaking expanse of Flathead National Forest, this secluded campground offers visitors a pristine escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. Spanning nearly 64 acres of protected forest land, the site provides an intimate connection with nature where towering pines whisper ancient stories and crystal-clear mountain air rejuvenates the soul.