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Best Tent Camping near Bonner, MT

497 Reviews

Tent campsites in the forests surrounding Bonner, Montana provide a mix of established and dispersed options for visitors seeking outdoor experiences. The area features Blue Mountain Forest Road 365, which offers dispersed tent camping locations in Lolo National Forest, while Corricks River Bend provides established tent sites with basic amenities along the water. Clearwater Crossing campground north of Bonner offers additional tent sites within reasonable driving distance.

Most tent camping areas around Bonner feature basic amenities with varying access conditions. Corricks River Bend provides vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Many sites have fire rings and allow fires when seasonal restrictions aren't in place. Several campgrounds like Blue Mountain dispersed sites require campers to travel at least 5 miles down forest roads that can become dusty and rough, making high-clearance vehicles beneficial though not always necessary. Vault toilets are available at some established sites but absent at dispersed locations.

Tent campers in the Bonner area can expect varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Sites at Kreis Pond Campground, though slightly farther from Bonner, offer a peaceful pond setting with well-spaced campsites in a forested environment. The dispersed sites along Blue Mountain Forest Road provide greater seclusion but may occasionally experience dust from passing vehicles. According to reviews, Corricks River Bend features "campgrounds that are pretty spread out and most along the river" with sites large enough for multiple tents. Many tent campers appreciate the area's quiet atmosphere and proximity to river access points, making these locations popular bases for fishing and hiking activities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Bonner, Montana (29)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bonner, MT

10 Photos of 29 Bonner Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bonner, MT

497 Reviews of 29 Bonner Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Browns Lake

    Want to catch trout, go to Browns Lake FAS Campground

    Browns Lake Fishing Access Site Campground is located on the 459 acre Browns Lake. This fishing access campground has 14 sites all with metal fire rings and picnic tables. The site is serviced by two vault toilets. This is a dry campground so bring water. This is also a trash-in trash-out campground. The campground is fairly exposed and tends to be windy during the summer. We visited in early June and were amazed by all the birds in the area. The real draw for this campground is the fishing. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks stocks this lake with over 50,000 rainbow trout per year….that's right 50,000. The lake is known for large rainbow trout and 10 pounders in the spring are apparently not a fish story. The lake also has Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Longnose suckers. So grab your tent and fishing pole, because with 50,000 trout being added every year a trout dinner has to be on the menu.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2020

    Dalles

    Camp and fish at the Dalles Campground

    The Dalles Campground is a nice pleasant campground with 10 sites along Rock Creek.  Situated in a mature lodge pole pine forest all the site have plenty of shade.  All sites have picnic tables and metal fire rings.  Site has a water hand pump and ADA vault toilet.  Site 1 was interesting as you have to walk up an embankment to reach the site, which makes it not visible from the campground road.  A bear proof locker is available for food storage.  Being along Rock Creek gives those who wish to fish access to the blue ribbon stream with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.  Cost is $6 per night.  All the sites are nicely spread apart.  The road to Dalles campground is not recommended for RVs of trailers as it get pretty bumpy after the pavement ends,  this only get worse the further you travel down the road, but is doable if you drive very slow.

  • s
    May. 25, 2025

    Quartz Flats Campground

    convenient & quaint

    Pulled off i-90 for a stop, plenty of campsites available. Able to reserve online thru recreation.gov as well as first come first serve. saw maybe 4 other cars. Only downside is proximity to freeway and loud train. Would go off multiple times throughout the night waking us up every time. Well maintained, plenty of restrooms they were closed though but a bear box and dumpster were available for trash/food storage.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Harrys Flat

    Nice campground on Rock Creek

    Harry's Flat campground is a great campground along Rock Creek, set in a huge old growth ponderosa pine forest.  The sites are large, especially the ones bordering right up to Rock Creek. The campground has 15 campsites each with Picnic tables and metal fire rings.  The campground has vault toilets and a few bear lockers for food storage, water is available.  Not all the campsites were available during my visit as about 1/2 the campground was closed due to damage during the heavy spring and early summer rains.  This is a great spot for people interested in doing some fishing, as Rock Creek is a blue ribbon stream, with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.  Cost is $6 per night, first come first served.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2019

    Big Nelson Complex

    Big Nelson not big no no no it is small very small.

    Big Nelson Campground is anything but big. This is a tiny cramped campground. I found 6 campsites, but the Forest Service website list this campground as having four. With the exception of site three, all the other sites require you to park in a parking area. Site 3 was the first site I noticed on arriving at the campground and was located to the left of the parking area. Sites 4, 5 and 6 require parking in the parking area and walking down a set of stairs to access. Sites 4, 5, and 6 can only be accessed from the stairs, driving down the road to the boat launch will only get you to the boat launch. Site 4 is on the left at the bottom of the stairs. Site 4 is tiny, it is a picnic table next to a metal fire ring, if you want to pitch a tent at site four you would need to do it next to the fire ring and skip making a fire or pitch it in a small flat area above the picnic table near the parking area on the opposite side of the fence. Site four really doesn't have much room for a tent. Sites 5 and 6 are fairly roomy, especially when compared to site 4. Site 5 is on the right side of the stairs, plenty of room for a tent, nice view of the lake and has a metal fire ring and picnic table. Site 6 can be reached by walking through site 5 or from the boat launch road. You could unload your gear at site 6 right from your car, but would can not park next to site 6, you will need to drive back up to the camping area. Site 6 has plenty of room for a tent and also has a picnic table and metal fire ring. The campground has one small vault toilet and is at the beginning of the road to the boat ramp. The boat ramp isn't really a ramp, but the shore of the lake with a gradual entrance in to the water. Campsite 2 I found as I was leaving the area, it is just past the vault toilet as you leave. Campsite 2 requires a walk down a few stairs. It is a tight campsite with just enough room for a small tent next to the picnic table. A metal fire ring is on the opposite side of the picnic table. What I guess would be campsite 1 is further down the road and down below the road, I would not suggest using this site as it is a bit of a walk from the parking area, the road is two narrow to park here. Site 1 does not have a picnic table but does have a fire ring, odds are you won't even notice the site coming in or out. During my stay the campground did not have a fee, but the information sign indicates a fee may be coming next year. This is a dry campground, your only source of water is the lake so come prepared, this is also a trash-in trash-out site.

  • J
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Thibodeau

    Thibodeau Rapids

    Great place to stay. First come first stay 8 day max stay. Vault toilets, picnic table, sites are spread out. $18 dollars per day

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Upsata Lake

    Flat grassy camping on a small lake

    Upsata Fishing Access campground is located four miles north of Montana Highway 200.  This is a pleasant small five site campground.   All five sites are next to each other on a flat grassy area which appears to be regularly maintained.  Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.  One vault toilet serves the site.  No water or trash service.  The fishing access has a small parking area for vehicles and boat trailers, boat ramp is gravel.  Only one other site was occupied on our visit, but that was on a Sunday evening.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2019

    Monture Creek

    Quiet camp with good fishing

    Monture Creek Fishing Access site is a nice small campground/fishing access site with five campsites. Two just off of Hwy 200 and three more back away from the highway. Monture Creek has good trout fishing with the creek being only about 100 feet from the campsites. One vault toilet serves the fishing access and camping area. Each campsite has a picnic table and metal fire ring. Sites 1, 2 and 3 sit far enough back that the large pine trees do a pretty good job of blocking most of the highway noise. Like all the fishing access sites with camping in the state, the nightly rate is based on if you have a fishing license and are a Montana resident or not. This is a trash-in, trash-out site and no water is available so come prepared.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Quartz Flat Campground

    Ranger Review: Acai Berry Liquid IV At Quartz Flat Campground

    CLICK HERE for FULL Ranger Review Video

    When traveling through Montana there is a portion of the state which suddenly opens up in such an inviting way as the National Forest and Mountains start to give you the first glimpse of the upcoming PNW environment.   Tall trees welcome you and on a cool fall day the crisp air produces  a beautiful fog over the mountains.

    Campground Review:

    As I entered into this section of the 2 million acre LOLO National Forest I initially pulled into a rest area to make lunch only to realize that the exit point for the rest area was actually also the shared entry point for the Quartz Flat Campground.

    The immediate sense of comfort abounded as large campsites became visible as I drove down the entry and the opening of the 2 loops welcomed me in with open arms.   Sites were well shaded and had ample ground to spread out and get comfortable for a stay from a day to 14 days at only $10 a night or $5 for those with the Senior Access pass.

    I was very surprised when I noticed that Loop C was designed for smaller RVs, Vans and Tent campers and Loop A was designed for larger units which required pull through entry.    There was attention to detail for any possible traveler, something which commonly is not considered in design of National Forest campsites.

    But far beyond the size this started to reveal to me that it was not your typical campsite on National Forest land for many other reasons.    There were both vault toilets and flush toilets at the location scattered throughout camp and drinking water spigots available at central points.

    For tent campers the forest bed offered a lush and soft pad for set up and with sites being quite large there was a tranquility which came from camping here.  All sites were equipped with fire rings and tables but a select few were the location of bear boxes.    After leaving Yellowstone where each site had a bear box this was bit confusing to me as to why there were limited bear boxes but this did not deter me.

    Additionally there is a dump station and trash collection at the Loop C entry point, very uncommon for these type of sites.   There also was a trail which began on the C Loop and traversed 1/2 a mile with information available at the main road with free brochures.

    Departing this loop, I thought I had seen it all, but boy was I wrong!!  There was an entire other campground on the opposite side of the highway, accessible by a tunnel which passed under the highway itself.  This campground near mirrored that of the A & C Loops however appeared a bit closer to the highway.

    TIPS:

    • If you are visiting this campground make sure you bring everything with you, there is no store nearby for a quick stop.

    • Check dates of closure for this campground.   When I arrived there were signs posted at the pay kiosk of closure beginning September 16th.    

    For More Information About LOLO National Forest CLICK HERE

    Product Review:

    Upon occasion I am given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to try out some amazing new products along my adventures.   For this trip I was able to try out the Acai Berry Liquid IV, a unique product which offers hydration multiplication for those who are needing a little pick me up.

    How Does It Work?

    Hydration multipliers work in a very interesting way.   Through adding a concentrated amount of electrolytes to your regular water they are able to make a single water hydrate your body as much as 3 waters of the same size.     The CTT technology used by Liquid IV is unique to the brand  and allows glucose and sodium to move differently in the body.  

    In simple terms, if you don't drink enough water regularly, if you add Liquid IV to your intake, it allows your body to feel like it actually is getting enough water.

    How Do I Use It?

    Use is simple!! Servings are prepackaged and can be added to water of any temperature.    Simply tear the top, scissors not needed, and pour then shake!  I personally like adding it to hot tea in addition to plain water for a little punch of flavor.

    How Does It Taste?

    The Acai Berry flavor is a light flavor additive which allows you a subtle punch of flavor,   Unlike many drink additives it does not have a chalky taste and when it is fully dissolved you have no textural discrepancy from a standard water.   It just tastes like something other than water...lol

    Does It Really Work?

    I have been trying Liquid IV for a few weeks and have noticed a definite difference when using it versos not using it.    The product allows your body to not feel the signs of fatigue on a strenuous hike and allows you to stay hydrated, preventing muscle cramps, profuse sweating and heat related fatigue.

    When using on a standard day of light activity your body just feels more energized, despite not being an energy supplement.    

    I would recommend using this product for your day to day, especially if you struggle with consuming the recommended amount of water regularly.   For those who participate in strenuous athletic activity this is a game changer much better than Gatorade or Powerade.

Guide to Bonner

Tent campsites near Bonner, Montana range from secluded riverside spots to wooded pond settings across the surrounding national forest lands. Located where the Blackfoot River joins the Clark Fork River, this area sits at approximately 3,250 feet elevation with camping seasons typically running May through September. Winter snow and spring runoff significantly impact access conditions to many dispersed sites.

What to do

Fishing access points: Multiple camping areas serve as fishing bases along the Blackfoot River. The Clearwater Crossing campground offers streamside access with a reviewer noting, "Fishing access site, so if you have a fishing licence in Montana it's $12. If not, $18" and "The Clearwater Sinclair petrol station is maybe a half mile" for supplies.

Mountain biking trails: Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 provides access to numerous trails. A local camper reports, "Blue Mountain is a great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping is allowed west of road 365."

Paddle sports: Sites along Placid Creek offer put-in access for kayakers. A camper at Placid Creek Pull Off describes it as "Open. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance."

What campers like

Seclusion on forest roads: The higher elevation dispersed sites provide isolation from crowds. A visitor to Blue Mountain states, "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with a absolute beautiful view. We hardly saw anyone on the way up but the road is very narrow."

Pond-side camping: Kreis Pond Campground offers lakeside sites with wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper shares, "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities. Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."

River access: Riverside tent sites provide cooling options during summer heat. A visitor to Harry's Flat Campground explains, "It gets really flooded out in the spring time. Sometimes half the site is closed for a while into the season until it dries up. Good place to launch your boat though."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require travel on rough forest roads. A Blue Mountain camper warns, "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks."

Seasonal flooding: Riverside campgrounds face spring runoff issues. At Harry's Flat Campground, "It gets really flooded out in the spring time. Some times half the site is closed for a while into the season until it dries up."

Limited amenities: Prepare to be self-sufficient at most locations. A camper at Blue Mountain notes, "On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs."

Tips for camping with families

Safer swimming areas: Choose pond locations for young swimmers. A camper recommends, "Kreis Pond is a great secret camping spot. There's only about 5 spots and summer will be crowded when it's hot. Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around."

Historical camping facilities: Camp Paxson offers structured group camping experiences. A visitor shares, "Primitive cabins with electricity and bunk beds but nothing else. Dock to jump off of. Trails all over seely lake. An area with benches surrounding the fire and a stage."

Wildlife awareness: Bears frequent the area during summer months. One Kreis Pond visitor advises, "Nice little lake, was there in fall so not busy. Wooded and sites are along the lake, but views aren't fantastic. Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most forest roads limit RV access to smaller units. At Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites, a camper notes, "There are multiple spots to pull off from Garnet Range Rd, and there are spots with a stone firepit along them. Verizon has around 2 bars."

Power options: Only established campgrounds provide electrical hookups. A visitor to Clearwater Crossing warns, "Only 6 sites. Fishing access site... One vault toilet. Six sites. No water. Lots of road noise, bring earplugs."

Turn-around space: Forest roads may lack adequate space for larger vehicles to turn around. At Blue Mountain, a camper advises, "The pin is at just a pull off on the side of the road. Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side (Only in a truck)."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bonner, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bonner, MT is Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Bonner, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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