Best Tent Camping near Boulder, MT

National forests and public lands surrounding Boulder, Montana provide diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Scott Reservoir Dispersed camping area offers secluded tent sites overlooking water with mountain views, while Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides riverside tent camping with established fire rings. Spokane Bay Campground near Helena features walk-in tent-only sites accessible via a one-mile hiking trail. Deerlodge National Forest contains several primitive tent camping areas, though some former established campgrounds like Ladysmith have been converted to dispersed camping due to pine beetle damage.

Most tent campsites in the Boulder region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Dispersed tent camping areas typically include rock fire rings but lack facilities like drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Finding level tent pads can be challenging at some locations, particularly at Orofino Campground where several sites have uneven terrain. Road conditions vary significantly, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. At Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314, four-wheel drive is recommended, especially during wet conditions. Most tent camping areas follow standard 14-day stay limits and require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste.

Tent-only camping experiences near Boulder offer considerable solitude compared to developed campgrounds. According to reviews, Scott Reservoir campers often have the entire area to themselves on weeknights, with minimal interaction even during peak season. One visitor noted having "the entire place to myself on a Thursday night" with only occasional passing vehicles. At Spokane Bay Campground, the one-mile hike-in requirement ensures fewer crowds, with a camper reporting it as "a good place to be alone." Walk-in tent sites generally provide better separation from other campers and road noise. Little Blackfoot River sites feature short trails to water access points where tent campers can cool off during summer months, though some road noise may be audible from nearby routes.

Best Tent Sites Near Boulder, Montana (20)

    1. Scott Reservoir Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Clancy, MT
    15 miles
    Website

    "About 4-5 rock fire rings fairly close together. I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night. Some bugs but not too bad."

    "There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered."

    3. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Elliston, MT
    21 miles
    Website

    "This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs.  The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table. "

    "Easy to find, road isn’t too rough, no service with t mobile, nice little fire ring. Definitely recommend getting there a little earlier to get the good spots"

    4. Ladysmith

    1 Review
    Boulder, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-3223

    5. Pipestone RV Park & Campground

    1 Review
    Whitehall, MT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-5224

    "It was easy to set up, only saw two other sets of people."

    7. Homestake Lake Camp

    1 Review
    Butte, MT
    26 miles

    "This campsite is right off the exit, but not very noisy. There were several other campers and RVs and trucks there. Even just parts of cars."

    8. Copper City BLM

    4 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views"

    "Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."

    9. Spokane Bay Campground

    2 Reviews
    Helena National Forest, MT
    33 miles

    "This is a fairly unknown campground along Hauser Lake. If you come to this campground you will most likely will have the place to yourself. Campground can only be reached by boat or hiking into it."

    "1 mile hike in. Like the other reviewer said, good place to be alone. Vaulted toilet. I used the first site. There was trash in the fire pit that I took out with me."

    10. Pigeon Creek

    1 Review
    Whitehall, MT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-3223

    "This as an adorable camp site, way off the beaten trail but the road to it is maintained."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Boulder, MT

3 Photos of 20 Boulder Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Boulder, MT

471 Reviews of 20 Boulder Campgrounds



Guide to Boulder

Boulder, Montana, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility in nature.

Scenic River Access and Activities

  • The Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides easy access to the river, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days and enjoying fishing opportunities.
  • At Scott Reservoir Dispersed, campers can enjoy stunning views of the water while engaging in peaceful activities like kayaking or birdwatching.
  • The Pigeon Creek site is tucked away off the beaten path, offering a serene environment for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Amenities for Tent Campers

  • The Orofino Campground features picnic tables and vault toilets, making it a comfortable spot for families and groups.
  • Campers at Fish Hawk Campground can enjoy walk-in tent sites with established fire rings and easy access to the nearby lake.
  • The Basin Canyon Campground offers drinking water and electric hookups, ensuring a more convenient camping experience.

Pricing and Accessibility

  • Tent camping at the Toston Dam Campground is free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Prices for tent camping at sites like Ladysmith can vary, but many options are available at no cost, allowing for a more spontaneous adventure.
  • The Copper City BLM area is accessible by various means, including drive-in and walk-in, providing flexibility for different camping styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Boulder, MT is Scott Reservoir Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Boulder, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.