Tent camping near Boulder, Montana provides numerous opportunities for wilderness solitude in the Deerlodge National Forest and surrounding public lands. Most dispersed camping locations sit between 5,000-7,000 feet elevation with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 40-50°F even in July. Road conditions vary significantly with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or short hikes from parking areas.
What to do
Water activities at reservoir sites: Scott Reservoir Dispersed offers fishing opportunities in a secluded mountain setting. "You're right by the water with a great mountain view, couldn't ask for more," notes camper Ashley C., who mentions only occasional cars passing through during evening hours.
Mountain biking from primitive sites: Copper City BLM provides direct access to trail networks. "Great spot right on parts of the trial! It's open and you can see miles in each direction," reports Ashley M., though she cautions about the lack of shade or restroom facilities.
Hiking to secluded sites: From many dispersed locations, informal trails connect to established Forest Service paths. One visitor to Copper City notes: "This place seems common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those. This place is DRY—so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)."
What campers like
Fishing access from walk-in sites: Spokane Bay Campground offers productive angling opportunities according to camper Erik R., who reports: "Caught a couple of big rainbow trout off the dock. Fish were jumping out of the water all night long and throughout the day which was pretty cool."
Privacy during weekdays: Many dispersed camping areas have minimal occupancy Sunday through Thursday. A camper at Copper City BLM described the setting as having "plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views."
Regrowth in beetle-affected areas: While many sites experienced significant tree loss from pine beetles, camper Dexter I. noted at Ladysmith that "Aspen Trees are starting to reclaim the area" after forest management activities removed dead pines.
What you should know
Water sources unreliable: At most dispersed sites, no potable water exists. Camper Renee G. emphasizes at Copper City BLM: "This place is DRY—so be sure to bring your own water."
Campground closures and status changes: Some former established campgrounds have been converted to dispersed camping. A reviewer found "Ladysmith Campground is no longer a campground. After years of little use and then the pine beetle attack on the trees, the forest service cleared out the dead trees and everything else."
Challenging tent sites: Finding level ground proves difficult at certain locations. At Orofino Campground, Dexter I. observed: "The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult."
Bridge and road closures: Access changes seasonally. At Copper City, Hunter warns: "The road to this location is closed, the bridge is out. There is no access."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with water activities: Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite offers cooling options during summer heat. Katie T. notes it's "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."
Check vault toilet conditions: Facility maintenance varies widely. At Orofino, one camper observed: "The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape."
Consider arrival timing: Weekend competition increases at accessible sites. Meredith at Little Blackfoot River notes: "This was a pretty spot on the river with quite a few sites and a day use area. Access to the river was a bit tight through the day use area."
Tips from RVers
Navigation hazards for trailers: Access roads often present challenges for towed RVs. At Pigeon Creek, Hellrazor D. warns: "Google will take you up a private road if you come from the East, keep going three miles past the Cedar Hills Road turn to hit Fish Creek Road."
Loop road accessibility: Some former campgrounds maintain paved driving surfaces. At Ladysmith, a camper notes "the pavement for the campgrounds loop road is still in place. Four pull outs are available," making it suitable for smaller RVs despite the lack of amenities.
Primitive RV parking at reservoirs: At Homestake Lake Camp, Tee C. found: "This campsite is right off the exit, but not very noisy. There were several other campers and RVs and trucks there... down the various 2 tracks, there are hidden sites that afford some shade and privacy."
