Belt, Montana and the surrounding region include a mixture of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. The Belt Creek on Hughesville Road offers primitive camping options near the town, while Sluice Boxes State Park Campground provides tent-only sites accessible by hike-in or walk-in routes. For those seeking more developed facilities, Great Falls KOA is located approximately 40 miles northwest and features full hookup sites for RVs, cabin accommodations, and dedicated tent camping areas. The terrain varies from riverside locations to mountain settings within the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Access to campgrounds varies by location and season, with many areas having limited availability during winter months. Roads leading to dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snowmelt. A review noted that "Dry Wolf is a beautiful area of Montana. 4-Wheeling seems to be popular in the area. There are lovely streams, nice mountains and cool cliffs." The region experiences typical Montana seasonal patterns with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Most established campgrounds like Logging Creek operate seasonally from Memorial Day through fall, while year-round options exist at certain locations like the Great Falls KOA. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at remote sites, particularly in canyon areas and higher elevations.
Campers report high satisfaction with streamside camping options near Belt. The Missouri River provides additional water-based recreation opportunities at nearby fishing access sites. According to visitor feedback, "Sluice Boxes State Park is quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the trail a ways." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various camping styles, with tent and RV sites available at most developed campgrounds. For solitude seekers, the dispersed camping areas on public lands offer more primitive experiences without designated facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer and occasional bighorn sheep sightings. Proximity to hiking trails, fishing spots, and 4-wheeling routes makes the Belt area appealing for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a central Montana base camp.
"This campground sits just on the outskirts of Great Falls. It is like most KOA's with many amenities including a pool. Showers were very nice."
"You have to drive through part of Great Falls, Montana to get to this campground, but once you are in it, you forget all about the city."
"When the directions include "drive down the dirt road for 20 miles," you know you are in for an amazing experience. Thain Creek Campground did not disappoint."
"This is probably one of the best campsites around the Great Falls area. The site are really well maintained and beautiful with a lot of trees and vegetation in the area."
"I have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years. I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years. "
"There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you."
"First camp we stayed at on a week long trip to Montana. We came on a weekday, so hardly any one there."
"This is a great place if you want to get away from Great Falls for a night or two. Each campsite has a fire pit, picnic table and a decent amount of trees."
"The road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek. There are several campsites along the road. "
"This place is off the beaten path but aren’t all the best spots? You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet!"
"The campsites are plentiful and not as close to eachother as others. Bathrooms spotless. After hours check-in was a breeze! Will use again."
"It is right next to the highway so it can have bad highway noise. But really close to lots of nice hikes and fishing holes. I did not get cell phone service with Verizon."
"The river is across the highway."
$15 - $45 / night
"Set on the edge of Historic Fort Benton, this is a great place to land for a night or a week or more. Lots to see, explore and experience in the area."
"The locals come around during the day to walk their dogs so it makes for a decent amount of traffic through the area."
$15 - $40 / night
TravelerThe road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek. There are several campsites along the road. We were there mid-week in September and I was surprised at how many other campers were there, but there were still several sites that were available. It seems to be a popular camping spot.
GuideWe arrived at about 5 on a Friday night and a lot of the spots where taken. Traffic kept rolling untill about 9 of people looking for spots. So if you want to stay on a Friday get there early lol. Sights are nice and have a fire pit we were east of the dam so our creek wasn’t dry. There are alot of spots with roads though them with multiple spread out sites. So if everything by the road is taken just drive down a side road and you will probably find something!
GuideAmazing time here. Many spots. My only two complaints is people leave their trash. So pack out what you bring in. Second if you are shooting have enough insight to know where your bullets are going.
Views are amazing and the place is great.
GuideMy husband and I started hiking up here long before we ever camped. We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you. If your up for hauling in your stuff and back out and don't mind not having access to a bathroom or a fire pit and as we did sleeping under the stars it's a perfect place to try
GuideThis place is off the beaten path but aren’t all the best spots? You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet! Cute little homestead town as you pull up to the road and the road is well maintained! Wild life wild flowers and large pull off areas that are well groomed. I can’t understand why this place is not visited more often!
LegendWe booked online and got a super helpful email with everything we needed—directions, campground info, Wi-Fi password, rules, and even a bridge clearance warning at Exit 244(“Canyon Access”). Since our rig stands tall at 13’ 6”, we played it safe and took the Hardy exit instead. Smooth sailing right to the park! Camp hosts Jesse and Ronnie gave us a warm welcome and guided us into FHU Site 8. We did a bit of the ol’ RV shuffle to back in our 40’ 5th wheel(thanks to a small drop-off across the road), but with a few adjustments, we were in and leveled. The site was nice and long, with room to park across, and hookups were well placed—electric toward the back, water and sewer mid-site. Connectivity check: Verizon gave us 1 bar, T-Mobile 2 bars, and the campground Wi-Fi wasn’t too shabby(6.03 Mbps down/ 1.05 up). But for streaming, our T-Mobile home internet saved the day with blazing 59.4 down. The bath house and laundry area were clean and convenient, with 2 washers and 2 dryers($2 each). There’s a fenced dog area too, great for traveling pups. The real magic here is the setting—nestled in a peaceful valley that muffles I-15, this place is a nature-lover’s dream. We spotted deer casually strolling through the campground and bighorn sheep doing their thing up on the rocks. The park is spacious, beautifully laid out, and refreshingly quiet—most folks are out fishing during the day and resting easy at night. No playground means fewer kids, so if you’re looking for tranquility, this is your spot. The Missouri Inn Restaurant and Bar, right next to the campground, served one of the best cheeseburgers we've had on our travels. Just up the road in Cascade, the 486 Market was surprisingly well-stocked with reasonable prices. It also has a gas station with diesel, offers 20 lb propane cylinder exchanges, and fills propane tanks. After over 300 campgrounds in the past 7 years, Prewett Creek easily lands in our top 10. And Jesse and Ronnie? Top-tier hosts—friendly, helpful, and genuinely great people. We’ll definitely be back, and next time, we’re staying longer!
TravelerI have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years. I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years. I return every year to visit family. The concrete pads are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level. Water, sewer and electric are provided. There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp. A laundry and men and women's shower house is at the entrance.
The MAFB "Annex Campground" is located in a corner on base. This is the original campground and has not been updated in over 30 years. The gravel spaces are close together, mostly back in, and small. Showers are available at the base gym across the road and laundry is at the off base campground.
The base doesn't have an active runway so planes are not taking off at all hours but you will hear lots of helicopters.
Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that. There is a lot of water nearby to enjoy on the Missouri river.
GuideThere was no sign for this campsite on the highway. I just pulled off the highway where it said access to National Forest, and it appeared fairly close to the highway. There were only half a dozen sites or so, and no amenities. And of course, no cost. I think the actual Moose Creek Campground is farther up the road and away from the highway. But this was perfect for someone who is caravaning and needed a quick place to stop. It's right on the creek and it was delightful. There was one other camper in there the evening I was there.
LegendKOA 8/24: The area we stayed in is for medium sized rigs or smaller. It was wooded and very nice for a KOA. The larger spaces are in a newer and less shady portion of the campground.
FUN POOL PARK, PLAYGROUND, PETTING ZOO, SHORT TRAIL. GREAT ICE CREAM
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4 Security: No locked gate Usage during visit: pretty full on weekends Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: close Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: yes Campground Noise: Fairly quiet Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: yes Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: very nice Showers: yes / nice Pull Throughs: most all Cell Service (AT&T): fine Recent Weather: very hot Insects: none Host: staff Rig Size: large
Belt, Montana sits at an elevation of 3,510 feet within the Little Belt Mountains of central Montana. Camping sites near Belt, Montana include options ranging from primitive creek-side spots to established campgrounds with RV hookups. Most dispersed camping areas remain open year-round, though access becomes difficult after snowfall, with main camping season running from May through October.
Hiking in Sluice Boxes State Park: The park offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels along Belt Creek. Day hikers can access primitive camping spots within the park boundaries. According to one visitor, "It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the trail a ways." (Sluice Boxes State Park Campground)
Fishing in Belt Creek: The creek provides trout fishing opportunities throughout the warmer months. Belt Creek on Hughesville Road offers streamside camping with direct water access. A camper notes, "This place is off the beaten path but aren't all the best spots? You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet!" (Belt Creek on Hughesville Road)
Mountain exploration: The Little Belt Mountains contain numerous forest service roads for off-road vehicles and scenic driving. At Thain Creek Campground, "You are also not too close to other campsites (not side by side, but fairly close). I didn't find a single problem in the site. 10/10 for campin!" The trailhead for route #431 starts directly from the campground.
Secluded camping spots: Many visitors appreciate the remote feel of camping areas near Belt. One Thain Creek camper mentioned, "This is probably one of the best campsites around the Great Falls area. The site are really well maintained and beautiful with a lot of trees and vegetation in the area." (Thain Creek)
Natural swimming areas: Logging Creek Campground provides a natural swimming hole popular with families. According to a visitor, "Great little pool on the far side of the campsite is great for kids." Another noted, "There is water for kids to play in. There is a camp host. And several toilets. Endless trail." (Logging Creek)
Wildlife viewing: The Belt area supports diverse wildlife including deer that frequently visit campgrounds. At Logging Creek, "Deer wandered into the campground throughout the night and morning. You can hear logging creek moving from no matter where you are."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on gravel or dirt roads. At Thain Creek, campers report: "The last 30 miles or so are dirt roads and I wouldn't want to try it in most sedans (or an RV)." Another visitor noted the access is "your typical gravel, a few larger potholes but completely doable in any car (or towing)."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have limited or no cell reception, particularly in canyon areas. One camper at Logging Creek advises: "No cell service. But one of my favs so far."
Campground facilities: Facilities vary widely between established and dispersed sites. At Aspen Campground, "The camp spots were nice, with a metal fire pit and concrete picnic table. We set up camp and fell asleep under the light of a million stars. The star gazing is great here because it's right in the middle of the Little Belt mountains so there is no light pollution." (Aspen Campground)
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Belt, Montana?
Belt, Montana offers diverse camping options within a short drive. For those seeking RV accommodations, Great Falls KOA provides full amenities including a pool and showers while remaining close to city conveniences. Nature enthusiasts can explore Belt Creek on Hughesville Road, which offers drive-in access and is big-rig friendly. The Little Belt Mountains provide additional options like Many Pines Campground, which accommodates both RVs and tents with fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Simpler facilities can be found at Aspen Campground, a small 6-site area with vault toilets and water spigots near hiking trails and fishing spots.
Where is Belt, Montana located?
Belt, Montana is located in north central Montana, approximately 17 miles southeast of Great Falls. Situated in Cascade County, Belt is nestled in the Belt Creek Valley near the Little Belt Mountains. The town is positioned along U.S. Highway 87, making it easily accessible for travelers. This picturesque area is characterized by rolling hills, prairie lands, and nearby mountain ranges that provide scenic backdrops for outdoor recreation. From Belt, visitors can easily access natural areas like Dry Wolf Campground near Stanford, which showcases the region's beautiful streams, mountains, and cliffs typical of north central Montana.
What camping is available near Belt, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Belt, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 43 campgrounds and RV parks near Belt, MT and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Belt, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Belt, MT is Great Falls KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Belt, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Belt, MT.
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