Tent camping around Arlee, Montana occurs in mountainous terrain at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 7,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 45-55°F at night. The region sits at the southern edge of the Mission Mountains, creating a transition zone between the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lolo National Forest lands. Campers should note many access roads remain snow-covered until late May, with most campgrounds offering peak access from June through September.
What to do
Fishing at Kreis Pond: Kreis Pond Campground offers shoreline fishing in a mountain lake setting with campsites directly adjacent to the water. One visitor recommends "bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around," making it ideal for combining water activities with relaxation.
Hiking to mountain viewpoints: The Sleeping Woman hike near Kreis Pond provides spectacular panoramas after a challenging climb. A camper notes it's "a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water" but rewards hikers with a "360 view of the Missoula Valley, Bitteroot Mountain Range, Flathead in the distance and Mission Mountains."
Paddling opportunities: Lindbergh Lake Boat Ramp provides easy water access with "easy access to lake for swimming or boating" according to visitors. The site includes several wooded campsites near the shore, making it convenient for paddlers to launch directly from camp.
What campers like
Secluded experiences: The dispersed camping along Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 provides solitude for those willing to travel farther. One camper shared they "drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with a absolute beautiful view."
Natural water features: Campers at Corricks River Bend appreciate the riverside camping options. A visitor mentioned, "The campgrounds are pretty spread out and most along the river. Our site (9) was big enough for two trucks and a camper with plenty of room to spare."
Wildlife viewing: Morning wildlife sightings occur regularly at higher elevation sites. One camper at a backcountry location mentioned their tent site had them "neighbors with some goats," highlighting the common wildlife encounters in the area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires driving on rough forest roads. A camper at Corricks River Bend warned "The road to get to this campsite is rough!" while another at Blue Mountain noted the "road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles" and advised visitors to "be careful of sharp rocks."
Seasonal considerations: Many tent camping options near Arlee have limited seasonal access. Sites at Mere's Magic Trout Pond remain accessible longer than higher elevation locations, with amenities including "potable well water and a canoe if you wanted to row in the pond."
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal development. One Kreis Pond camper noted that while beautiful, the "pond is small and prone to very dense algae blooms," and the area gets "very busy by Montana standards."
Tips for camping with families
Facility availability: When tent camping with children near Arlee, choose sites with reliable facilities. A visitor to Mere's Magic Trout Pond reported "The porta potty was the cleanest one I've ever been to" and noted the availability of potable well water, making it suitable for families.
Spacing between sites: At Mission Meadows RV Campground, families can find "spots with hookups" though "the ground is very uneven." The campground offers mountain views and is "fairly quiet" according to campers who've stayed with children.
Swimming options: Several sites offer swimming opportunities. Kreis Pond is a "common spot for high school students" during summer months, indicating suitable swimming areas for older children, though one visitor noted it's "not a good place for an extended stay."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. A visitor at Mission Meadows noted "There are a few spots with hookups, but the ground is very uneven. The best spots are W&E, and the dumpstation is at the Cenex in Ronan."
Access road limitations: Many tent camping areas near Arlee have restricted RV access. One Blue Mountain camper advised "Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards" due to road conditions, suggesting smaller vehicles for accessing the best sites.
Water availability: RVers should note most dispersed camping areas lack water hookups. At established campgrounds like Kreis Pond, visitors should "bring water treatment methods" as potable water isn't provided even at developed sites.
