Belt, Montana sits at the base of the Little Belt Mountains in central Montana at about 3,500 feet elevation. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures in the 80s and cold winters that often drop below freezing. Many camping options near Belt offer access to the Belt Creek drainage system where anglers can fish for rainbow and brown trout throughout the spring and summer months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Memorial Falls is accessible from the Aspen Campground, which provides a convenient base camp. "Memorial Falls which is a really nice hike" notes Angela G., who adds that the "sites are pretty level and spacious."
Creek exploration: Wade and fish in Belt Creek, accessible from dispersed camping spots. "You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet!" reports StaceeQ Q. from her stay at Belt Creek on Hughesville Road.
Fossil hunting: Search for fossils in nearby areas with proper permits. "If you do some research in that area there is a place where there are some caves to explore, and another with fossils," shares Jean L. about excursions from Logging Creek.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for deer throughout the area, particularly in the morning hours. "Deer wandered into the campground throughout the night and morning," notes Tara T. during her stay at Logging Creek, adding "You can hear logging creek moving from no matter where you are."
What campers like
Secluded creek access: Many campers appreciate the solitude found along Belt Creek's dispersed sites. "We found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek. There are several campsites along the road," says Tim T. about Belt Creek on Hughesville Road.
Camping under the stars: Some campgrounds offer excellent stargazing opportunities. "We arrived in the middle of the night but were delighted to find a small, virtually empty campground... The star gazing is great here because it's right in the middle of the Little Bely mountains so there is no light pollution," shares Ruby Y. about her experience at Aspen Campground.
Fishing spots: Anglers enjoy the multiple fishing access points. "Love the Pelican point pond. Great for kids," reports Jamie O. about Pelican Point Fishing Access Site.
Shaded sites: Many locations offer tree cover for summer heat relief. "Many Pines campground lives up to its name, it sits in an area with many pines. This makes for plenty of privacy in most spots," according to Dexter I.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack formal amenities. "The road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek," says Tim T., but notes there are no designated facilities.
Cell service gaps: Expect limited or no connectivity in the mountains. "No phone service so you can really get away from everyday life," explains Judy K. about Many Pines Campground.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit close to roads. "The campground sits right along U.S. highway 89," notes Dexter I. about Aspen Campground, though trees can buffer sound at some sites.
Weather preparedness: Summer heat and sudden storms require planning. "Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that," warns Vanessa S. about camping in the region.
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Many campgrounds require taking all trash with you. "This is a Pack-In, Pack-out camp ground," reminds Dexter I. about Many Pines Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campground amenities: Families benefit from designated facilities. "We really enjoyed camping there and our day trips with the cub scouts," says Judy K. about her stay at Great Falls KOA, which offers "an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, tent, cabin and rv spots. Outside kitchens."
River access spots: Find gentle water access for children. "Great spot to SUP and play around," notes Jean L. about Pelican Point, adding "A toilet, a boat ramp, and several trails down to the water."
Multi-level campsites: Some sites offer unique layouts kids enjoy. "Really like how some of the sites have stairs leading to your tent and campfire area," mentions Dexter I. about Many Pines Campground, where "campsites are large and each has a picnic table and fire ring."
Wildlife education opportunities: Use camping trips as teaching moments. "My 7yr old enjoyed catching soft shell turtles," shares Jean L. from her camping experience at Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Check campground restrictions before arrival. "Our 5th-wheel is 28 feet long and fit nicely in the space. Some bigger ones may have trouble fitting into the spaces," advises Melody M. about her stay at Many Pines Campground.
Alternative to full hookups: Find electric-only sites when full hookups aren't available. "Easy access from 15 and nice RV spots... No hook up but a pit toilet," notes tracy R. about Pelican Point Fishing Access Site.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require additional work. "The sites are pretty level and spacious," says Angela G. about Aspen Campground, though at other locations RVers report needing blocks.
Dog friendly options: Several campgrounds welcome pets. "We were in tents and heard everything," reports Jacee R. about Logging Creek, indicating that the dog friendly campgrounds near Belt have varying noise levels that pet owners should consider.
