Tent Campgrounds in Montana

Discover the best tent campgrounds across Montana. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

20+ Campgrounds4.8★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.8

(87)

Alta Campground

Darby
Bitterroot National Forest

Towering ponderosa pines shelter 14 well-spaced sites where the constant rush of the West Fork Bitterroot River drowns out neighboring campers. Level, needle-cushioned ground and generous spacing between sites create secluded pockets that feel like your own riverside sanctuary.

Red Lodge
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Secluded campsites nestle among towering pines along Rock Creek, where the sound of rushing water lulls you to sleep beneath star-filled mountain skies.

Helena
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Towering Douglas firs and fragrant junipers create natural walls between spacious, level sites where tent campers enjoy true seclusion at road's end in the Big Belt Mountains.

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About Tent Campgrounds in Montana

Tent camping in Montana offers an unparalleled wilderness experience across some of the most diverse and dramatic landscapes in the American West. From the towering peaks of the Beartooth Mountains to the remote cliffs of the North Cave Hills, Montana's tent campgrounds provide access to pristine forests, alpine meadows, rushing rivers, and endless starlit skies.

Best Time

The prime tent camping season in Montana runs from late June through early September, when mountain roads are reliably snow-free and weather conditions are most stable. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and longest days, making them ideal for high-elevation destinations like Limber Pine on the Beartooth Highway, though these peak months also see the highest visitor numbers at popular campgrounds.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

More Tent Campgrounds in Montana

Discover 17 additional top-rated tent campgrounds in Montana

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Custer Gallatin National Forest

Scattered sites nestle among towering pines along Rock Creek, offering genuine seclusion where the rush of water drowns out neighboring campers. Level ground accommodates tents easily, while oversized fire pits anchor each spacious clearing beneath the Northern Rockies' canopy.

Picnic Spring Campground

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Towering Ponderosa pines shade just 8 primitive sites tucked into the remote North Cave Hills, where solitude replaces crowds and wilderness feels genuinely wild. Cliffside views frame your tent platform, with crackling fire pits and starlit nights defining this "middle of nowhere" retreat.

Wise River
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Towering pines create natural privacy between just 10 campsites, where level ground and hand-pumped mountain water deliver an authentic backcountry feel with civilized convenience.

Larry Creek Group Camp

Stevensville
Bitterroot National Forest

Towering evergreens shelter this expansive group site where up to 75 campers can pitch tents across level ground with dedicated fire pits for each gathering spot.

Kreis Pond Campground

Huson, MT
Lolo National Forest

Seven lakeside sites encircle a glassy alpine pond, each tucked among towering pines with natural spacing that creates genuine seclusion in Montana's backcountry. Level, needle-covered ground cushions tent stakes while morning mist rises off the water just steps from your vestibule.

Crystal Creek Campground

Philipsburg, MT
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Rushing creek sounds fill three primitive sites nestled beneath towering trees that provide natural shade and perfect hammock-hanging spots. Each secluded site offers genuine privacy, with level ground for pitching tents and fire rings positioned close enough to hear the water's constant melody.

Chippy Park Campground

Big Timber
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Dense forest surrounds just seven riverside sites along the Boulder River, where two walk-in spots deliver complete seclusion beneath towering pines. The constant murmur of moving water drowns out any trace of civilization, creating an intimate basecamp where anglers can literally cast...

Ennis
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Hillside sites spread across sagebrush terrain deliver sweeping views of the Madison River winding through the valley and mountain peaks beyond. The elevated positioning creates natural separation between camping spots while providing level ground for pitching tents against Montana's...

Augusta, Montana
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Nine carefully spaced sites nestle among towering pines at 5,500 feet, offering genuine solitude where only the splash of fishing lines disturbs the mountain silence. When darkness falls, the absence of light pollution reveals the Milky Way stretching overhead in stunning clarity.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Montana

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Montana

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Map Key

Alta Campground

Limber Pine

Vigilante Campground

M-K Campground

Picnic Spring Campground

Lodgepole Campground

Larry Creek Group Camp

Kreis Pond Campground

Crystal Creek Campground

Chippy Park Campground

Riverview Campground

Wood Lake Campground

Benchmark Campground

Sam Billings Memorial Campground

Copper Creek Campground

Park Lake Campground

Jennings Camp Campground

Moose Creek Campground - Little Belt Mountains

Red Meadow Lake Campground

Lakeside Lolo Campground (Mt)

View all 256 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping under Montana's legendary big skyTrout fishing in pristine mountain streams and riversHiking through alpine meadows and old-growth forestsWildlife viewing including elk, deer, moose, and black bearsPhotography of dramatic mountain landscapes and wildflowersStargazing in some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve popular campgrounds like Limber Pine and Alta well in advance during peak season, as they fill quickly on summer weekends.
2Many Montana tent campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early on Friday or camp midweek for the best site selection.
3Bring a robust tent with a quality rain fly—afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains from July through August, and wind can be fierce at exposed high-elevation sites.
4Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings, as 80-degree afternoons can give way to near-freezing nights, especially above 6,000 feet.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds in Montana

Tent Campgrounds in Montana FAQ

Montana offers 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in Montana typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for Montana conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.