Best Tent Camping near Belgrade, MT
Dispersed camping sites dot the mountains and forests surrounding Belgrade, Montana, offering tent campers a range of options from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. The Fairy Lake area provides both an established tent campground and dispersed camping opportunities in the Gallatin National Forest, while South Fork Brackett Creek offers primitive tent sites with mountain views approximately 20 minutes from Bozeman. Serenity Sheep Farm Stay provides an alternative for tent campers seeking a working farm experience with basic amenities.
Most primitive tent sites in the Belgrade region require high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly in the Fairy Lake area where the unmaintained forest road presents challenging conditions. A visitor commented, "The road to get to the trailhead and campground was slow going and really just a logging route—would recommend something with good clearance and ideally 4WD." Dispersed sites typically include established fire rings but lack facilities like running water, trash service, or maintained toilets. Established tent campgrounds, such as Fairy Lake Campground, offer vault toilets and bear boxes but no drinking water. During summer months, fire restrictions may apply due to wildfire risk.
Walk-in tent locations throughout the area provide seclusion and scenic views away from road noise. Sites along South Fork Brackett Creek feature level ground suitable for tent camping with panoramic mountain vistas. A camper noted that the "mountains were pink and purple at sunrise" from their primitive tent setup. Wildlife encounters are common in these backcountry tent areas, with reviews mentioning bear activity near Fairy Lake Campground and the importance of proper food storage. Most dispersed tent sites allow camping for up to 14 days, though availability varies seasonally with higher elevation areas inaccessible until snowmelt, typically by early July. The tent-only sites nearest to Belgrade offer convenience for quick weekend camping trips, while those seeking deeper wilderness experiences can find remote backcountry camping deeper in the Bridger and Gallatin ranges.







