Primitive campsites around Big Sky, Montana range from 4,500 to 10,000 feet elevation, creating significant temperature variations even during summer months. Some backcountry sites require portable bear canisters in addition to proper food storage techniques. Most dispersed areas allow stays up to 14 days before requiring campers to move at least 5 miles away.
What to do
Hike to mountain lakes: At Targhee Creek, campers can access a 13-mile trail with seasonal wild strawberries. One camper noted, "There are about 8 single spots in the beginning that are singles with fire pits. In the middle of the road there's a meadow that if you don't get lucky with a single spot you can park next to neighbors." The area offers excellent Verizon cell service for those needing connectivity.
Fish in Madison River: Varney Bridge offers prime access to the Madison River for $5 per night. A visitor reported, "Quiet. Lots of birds, rabbits and a cow moose and calf." This fishing access site has five campsites, with the first three positioned near a dirt road used by fishermen launching boats.
Explore Yellowstone's backcountry: Heart Lake Cabin provides a remote camping experience in Yellowstone. A reviewer warns, "Come ready with camp food and water in or life straws, there is no running water available. Cabin can be used, mainly for shelter." The area requires proper bear precautions as it's home to black bears, grizzlies, and wolves.
What campers like
Solitude at higher elevations: Yellow Mule Cabin offers a secluded experience accessible by hiking 8 miles, ATV, or 4-wheeler. A camper described it as "pretty magically. The best part about this cabin is you can't reach it by car." The cabin has basic necessities but no water or electricity, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.
Easy access to Yellowstone: Travertine Road Dispersed camping offers free sites just 15 minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs. "The first spot you come to has an incredible view which is where we stayed, but if you want something more sheltered keep going around the bend and there's a little rocky outcropping/quarry type area," explains one camper. Morning temperatures can drop into the low 20s, causing frost even inside vehicles.
Clean facilities: Ruby Creek Campground offers 22 sites along the Madison River for $12 per night. A camper described it as having "water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and metal fire rings." The campground features a pack-in, pack-out policy with sites spread across a flat grassy area along the river.
What you should know
Challenging road conditions: Many dispersed sites require driving on rough terrain. At Travertine Road, one visitor warned, "The dirt road you have to drive on to access it is super bumpy due to many potholes and large rocks. This is likely no problem for a truck or suv but my sedan had a difficult time getting up the road."
Bear safety requirements: Throughout the region, bear precautions are essential. Blackmore Campground provides bear boxes at their first-come, first-served sites. A camper noted, "Great First Come First Serve campground with clean bathroom, recycling facilities and bear boxes. Nice sites with fire pits and picnic tables."
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be extreme. At Travertine Road, temperatures can drop to 22°F overnight even during camping season. Tent campers should bring appropriate cold-weather gear regardless of season, especially at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Ruby Creek Campground offers level sites with basic amenities. A camper described it as "Tucked away from the main road along the water meant a peaceful night. Open campground with few trees. $12/night for a level spot, fire ring, picnic table and clean vault toilet."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Varney Bridge provides natural educational experiences. One camper reported, "It's a quiet spot, close to Ennis and Virginia City, so there are different options if you want to explore during the day. There are usually quite a few fishermen loading and unloading their boats throughout the day, which can be fun for the younger kids to watch."
Safe swimming areas: When seeking the best tent camping near Big Sky, Montana for families with children, consider water access and safety. At Targhee Creek, one visitor noted, "The water this time of year is too high and too cold for us to swim/wade in but our dogs love it! Plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a private camping experience!"
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Many of the best tent camping locations near Big Sky, Montana cannot accommodate large RVs. Blackmore Campground has "a few big spots" according to one camper who stayed in "spot 1 and finally got the inverter and battery bank connected." The campground is first-come, first-served with a clean vault toilet.
Campsite selection timing: Arriving by early evening improves your chances of finding available sites. At Blackmore Campground, a visitor noted, "Showed up around 7pm and a few sites open still." At popular dispersed sites like Travertine Road, one camper advised, "I came in Labor Day weekend at 6:30 pm and was able to get a spot."
