Belt Creek camping areas offer primitive recreation options in the Little Belt Mountains of central Montana. The Hughesville Road corridor follows an alpine stream through forested terrain at elevations between 4,600-5,800 feet. Multiple undeveloped sites accommodate both small and large camping setups with no facilities or services available. Access roads remain unpaved but generally passable for most vehicles during summer and early fall.
What to do
Creek fishing access: Belt Creek provides trout fishing opportunities directly from numerous camping spots along Hughesville Road. According to one visitor at Belt Creek on Hughesville Road, "We found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek."
Wildlife observation: The surrounding forest supports diverse wildlife including deer, birds, and occasional larger mammals. A camper noted the area offers "Wild life wild flowers and large pull off areas that are well groomed."
Target practice: Some visitors bring firearms for recreational shooting, though proper safety precautions are essential. One camper at Belt Creek advised, "if you are shooting have enough insight to know where your bullets are going."
What campers like
Streamside parking: Multiple pull-offs allow for camping directly alongside the creek. A visitor described the experience: "You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet!"
Natural seclusion: The remote setting provides a quiet, undeveloped camping experience. A camper mentioned Dispersed site 9210 has sites that "sit among very large trees and along side the creek."
Alternative sites: When main areas fill up, additional options exist on side roads. According to one camper, "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!"
What you should know
Weekend crowding: Friday and Saturday nights see significantly higher usage, particularly during summer months. One visitor warned, "We arrived at about 5 on a Friday night and a lot of the spots where taken. Traffic kept rolling until about 9 of people looking for spots."
Pack out trash: No garbage service exists and some visitors report littering problems. A camper at Belt Creek on Hughesville Road complained, "people leave their trash. So pack out what you bring in."
Water availability: Belt Creek flows year-round in most sections but seasonal variations affect water levels. A visitor noted their location "was east of the dam so our creek wasn't dry."
Tips for camping with families
Picnic facilities: Some former designated sites retain infrastructure. At Dispersed site 9210, "each site having a picnic table and metal fire ring. This is at the site of the former Indian Hills Campground which was decommissioned a few years ago."
Road conditions: Access roads remain unpaved but generally well-maintained. One visitor described the approach as "off the beaten path but aren't all the best spots? Cute little homestead town as you pull up to the road and the road is well maintained!"
Midweek visits: School-age families find more available sites during weekdays. A September visitor noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Pull-off dimensions: Several sites accommodate larger vehicles with adequate turn-around space. According to one review, Belt Creek features "large pull off areas that are well groomed."
Creek proximity: RV campers can position vehicles near water at many sites. A camper described their experience: "This place is off the beaten path but aren't all the best spots? You can park right on the stream."
Site availability: Rustic camping near Belt, Montana requires earlier arrival for larger rigs. One visitor advised, "if you want to stay on a Friday get there early."
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