Best Tent Camping near Big Timber, MT

Searching for the best camping near Big Timber, MT? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Big Timber, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Big Timber and user-submitted reviews.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Big Timber, Montana (12)

    1. East Boulder Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mcleod, MT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 222-1892

    "Site: 2

    RESERVATIONS NO 

    FCFS 

    FEES: NONE 

    Open all year 

    No water Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet 

    This campground is located right off East Boulder Road."

    "There's no water, except from the stream, but there are good picnic tables and a well-maintained vault toilet."

    2. Cliff Swallow

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    27 miles

    "Sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem. Did not use vault toilet so cannot speak to its condition."

    3. West Boulder Trailhead and Campground

    1 Review
    Mcleod, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 222-1892

    $12 / night

    4. Initial Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Nye, MT
    30 miles
    Website

    "6 sites, each has a picnic table and a bear proof container. You can hear the West Fork of the Stillwater River from each site and trails lead down to the river."

    5. Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    4 Reviews
    Fishtail, MT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "One vault toilet and no water source(other than the river) make this a primitive camp. 

    We had cell service but not LTE."

    "You are along a fast moving creek and the campsites are well spaced out with trees, vegetation or roads between each site. The sites themselves are well sized."

    6. Fairy Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Gallatin National Forest, MT
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "Campsite 1 was probably not the best choice but we loved the view… so did our wild life friends

    For sure there is 1 grizzly that’s pretty big. He checked out our truck tent."

    "Sites were readily available the night we stayed, about 12 in the main campground and several more sites with fire rings outside by the trail entrance."

    7. Rosebud Isle

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    8. Shields River Campground

    1 Review
    Wilsall, MT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 222-1892

    9. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites."

    "I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there."

    10. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    49 miles

    "There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."

    "This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Big Timber, MT

382 Reviews of 12 Big Timber Campgrounds


  • N
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Pine Creek Campground

    Great access to pine creek falls and pine lake

    Quiet secluded sites near pine creek. Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes at every site. Most sites have a level-ish spot to park. Multiple vault toilets, drinking water faucets, and garbage containers. No hookups and no dump station. Access road is narrow and winding but paved right up to the gate. Can walk to the pine creek trailhead. Sites in the 20’s back right up to pine creek as well.

  • TMB
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground

    Dry Camping in a Wilderness Setting

    Snowbank is an excellent off-the-grid semi-developed and hosted FS campground.  Spacious and private sites better for small RVs, trailers, and all tents.  Clean vault toilets, bear-proof storage boxes, and plenty of community water spigots.  Decent picnic tables and fire rings at each site.  No hookups to my knowledge.  The campground is on recreation.gov and sites are reservable.  Access to a great trail and FS road from campground, other hiking nearby.  Also, a 20 minute drive to Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa (food, bar, soaking).  Expect to see wildlife, and this is grizzly country so proper food storage and best practices are required by law.  No cell service.  Excellent spot before or after visiting Yellowstone.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Otter Creek Fishing Access Site

    Camping by the Yellowstone river!

    Beautiful location with several spots. All have fire pits but picnic tables are in bad shape. Going to sleep with sound of Rushing Water 20 ft away from me. Good cell reception on T-Mobile but no trash, water or power hookups. However, only 3 mi from Big Timber and very easy to get here. Beautiful, almost unbeatable spot.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Otter Creek Fishing Access Site

    Montana FAS by Yellowstone River

    This is a free Montana Fishing Access Site next to the Yellowstone River north of Big Timber. There was one clean single vault toilet for about 5 sites. No water or garbage available but each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a boat launch for fishing. It snowed when we were there in very late September 2019. We were the only ones there the two days we waited out the snow. This is a campground where there are few public campgrounds.

    I added another star as this is a quiet campground in an area with few public ones available. And, it was free.

  • Robert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Big Rock

    Camping by the River

    Great spot not too far in from Big timber. Lots of river running through the campground and low enough to enjoy a swim, fish, or get your feet wet. Restroom is located here. Not far from town so for dinner or anything else you might have forgot.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2021

    East Boulder Campground

    Country Time

    Site: 2

    RESERVATIONS NO 

    FCFS 

    FEES: NONE 

    Open all year 

    No water Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet 

    This campground is located right off East Boulder Road. It could be tent sites or very small RV, van, trailer. One site is right along side the creek which is the best site. The second site has a path to the creek. The toilet is located between the two sites. Needed fly spray for the toilet. Toilet didn't smell the flies were just so BAD. The site next to the creek is totally open, great for solar. The other site is wooded and shady. With so many of the sites in Montana you will have amazing mountain views. 

    Directions: 19 miles S of Big Timber on US 298, then 6 miles East on East Boulder Road County R 205.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 16, 2021

    West Boulder Trailhead and Campground

    Primitive But a Mountain High

    Pack it in Pack it out

    FCFS

    Open all year

    Sites:  10 Fees: $12.00 $5.00 for additional vehicle LIMIT: 16 day One bear box, picnic table on some sites, fire ring.  The gravel road in is very long and the last several miles the road narrows and it is rather bumpy. Nice size trailhead just as you turn into the campground. The pit toilet is right at the entrance and the toilet was very clean. The campground has been bush hogged and the sites are mowed so to speak.  Some sites had amenities and some didn't. I would not make the trip unless I am bringing my horses for the trail. Some sites had full sun, and some sites shade. The backdrop of the mountains is just beautiful.

    Directions: 16 miles south of Big Timber, MT on US 298, 6.5 miles SW on County Road 30, 8 miles SW on West Boulder Road. Access is limited due to snow. Bring your supplies with you since it is so far back into the camp.

    Pack it in, Pack it out,

    LNT BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2021

    Big Beaver Campground

    Beautiful High

    SITES 5 

    FCFS 

    FEES: NONE 

    RESERVATIONS: NO 

    LIMIT: 16 days 

    No trash, No firewood, No water Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet PACK IT IN PACK IT OUT This campground is located right on the gravel road. You will see the first site before you see the sign. The spaces are very small but a small rv, trailer, truck will be fine. This is a beautiful site right on the side of a wonderful swift moving clear, rocky bottom stream. If traffic is moving fast this can be a dusty area. The backdrop of the mountains put the cherry on top for me. I love this place. Pit toilet is cleaned by volunteers so be nice and leave it better than you found it. The toilet was very clean and no flies. Directions: 25 miles south of Big Timber on US 298, 8 miles on County Road 212

  • Rachel S.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Halfmoon Campground

    The Crazies got Crazy on us!

    Absolutely breathtaking views with a long, beautiful dirt road in to the campsite. The campground is rural but perfectly well equipped with vault toilets (which needed tending to when we were there TBH), rock fire rings and picnic tables. We were looking forward to exploring this gorgeous area, but Mother Nature had other plans for us. We were able to easily find a private site and set up camp and have a peaceful evening under the stars, looking forward to our hike in the morning. We went to sleep all happy and cozy. We woke up to the craziest wind storm around 1am!!! Our tent took quite a beating, we are estimating that winds were above 50mph!!! Needless to say, we were exhausted in the morning and packed up promptly and promised ourselves we would return!


Guide to Big Timber

Big Timber, Montana, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in the stunning natural beauty of the area. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, you'll find campgrounds that cater to your needs.

Tips for tent camping near Big Timber

  • The East Boulder Campground features two spacious and private sites, perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
  • At the Initial Creek Campground, you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the West Fork of the Stillwater River while camping in a quiet setting with minimal traffic.
  • Remember to arrive early at the West Boulder Trailhead and Campground to secure one of the limited sites, especially on weekends when they fill up quickly.

Local attractions and activities

  • The Pelican Fishing Access Site is ideal for rockhounding along the Yellowstone River, offering a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Enjoy fishing and hiking opportunities at the Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site, where you can also take in the scenic views of the creek.
  • Explore the nearby trails from the Cliff Swallow, which provides a great base for hiking and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $12

  • Camping at the Firemans Point FAS is free, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
  • The Rosebud Isle offers a low-cost camping experience with only a few sites available, so it's wise to arrive early to secure your spot.
  • For a fee of $12, you can camp at the West Boulder Trailhead and Campground, which provides access to beautiful trails and stunning mountain views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Timber, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Timber, MT is East Boulder Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Timber, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Big Timber, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.