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

    3 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

502 Reviews of 20 Boulder Campgrounds


  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Campground

    Lower Confederate Dispersed Camping

    There’s a few different sites to choose from in the area. A lot of them are close to the pit toilet near the rock beach. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. No water. The best spot that we stayed at was on top of the cliff. It was gorgeous but super windy. 14 day stay limit. Pls make sure to leave no trace and don’t leave trash. A group of guys camped on one of the site and trashed it. Even buried the fire pit completely with sand to the point you could barely see it and then left trash on top

  • Jessa
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping on Canon Ferry Lake

    Gorgeous spot! Free dispersed camping, first come basis, 14 day stay limit. Lots of spots to choose from in the area. Beautiful vies of Canyon Ferry Lake. Most spots have a picnic table and a camp fire ring. Some spots are close to each other so in the summer I bet it’s packed. The lakes beach is full of rocks. Please make sure to leave no trace if you come to this spot! Pack it in, pack it out. There are vault toilets around the area if needed. No dumping.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Duck Creek Primitive Campground

    Review of Outdoor Element's Firebiner at Duck Creek camping area

    Review of Duck Creek camping area

    This was our second camp at Duck Creek this year with our Venturing Crew. This time we conducted a wilderness survival camp at the far opposite end of the camping area from our last camp. We constructed our survival shelters on the sand and gravel shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. We picked the shore in order to get away from the bugs. The cottonwoods and willows held plenty of little vampires looking for blood, the grassy areas had fewer mosquitoes but a recent hatch had occurred and although they didn't bite all those bugs made you thing you were being attacked. So the beach it was, it was amazing that you could walk out on the beach and not have any bugs, what a slight breeze will do. After setting up our shelters it was time to build a fire and cook dinner. Our site had a rock ring built into the sand, but we found this to be to close to the trees for our liking as the wind would blow embers into the vegetation. We built a new ring next to the water for the nigh. You will be unable to find our fire ring as any evidence of our visit was removed the next morning...Leave no trace. Their is no problem finding fire wood at duck creek drift wood is everywhere. If you want to stay at Duck Creek be prepared, this is primitive camping. No vault toilets, no water, no trash service, no metal fire rings, but you do have cell service.

    Ranger review of the Firebiner from Outdoor Element.

    Gave the firebinder to one of our Scouts to get a fire started, sparks up really well, she had a little problem due to how windy was, but a second try with a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly had a fire going after three strikes. Our Scouts gave the striker five stars. The cutting blade worked well on string and fishing line, how ever we could not get through 550 para cord, and with such a small opening you are really limited on what you can cut with it. Over all everyone likes the look of the firebiner, and it held up to a weekend of use, is small and light weight and has worked well for clipping items on to packs.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2018

    Goose Bay Marina and Campground

    Large Primitive campground at Goose Bay

    Goose Bay Primitive Campround is right next to Goose Bay Marina and Campground. The primitive campground is free. The very large disperse campground area has several Vault Toilets. Rock fire rings are at the sites. Sites are not numbered as you can camp anywhere, but the good spots have rock fire rings. Sites do not have picnic tables. Their are ADA camp sites next to each Vault Toilet. The ADA sites each have large concrete pads, picnic table and metal fire ring. We had a Boy Scout Camporee at this location a few years ago and made for a nice camp, tons of room and plenty of lake access. If you use a water craft on Canyon Ferry you must have your craft inspected and cleaned before leaving. The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks inspection site is located at the entrance of Goose Bay Marina and Campground

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2019

    Confederate Campground

    Relax on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake

    Confederate Campground is a Bureau of Reclamation campground on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. This small free campground does not have developed campsites with the exception of the one ADA available campsite. Their appears to be six camping spots, five that have rock made fire rings, the only developed site is the ADA site which has a concrete parking pad and metal fire pit. No picnic tables are available at this campground. The campground does have a ADA accessible vault toilet directly across from the ADA campsite. Two of the campsites sit along the lakes beach. Don't be expecting a nice sandy beach however, this is a gravel beach, but still nice. Two sites are near the vault toilet and ADA site, these sites sit on the edge of the lake among cotton wood trees and willows. The final location is away from the other sites in a grassy area near large cotton woods. Camping at Confederate campground is limited to 14 days. There is no water, trash service or picnic tables so come prepared. Their is not a boat launch at this campground, but boats can easily be launched from the rocky beach area. All water craft regardless of size must be inspected prior to launching at Canyon Ferry Lake.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Deerlodge National Forest Orofino Campground

    Solitude in Montana

    Orofino campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion.  The sites are not numbered.  The Campground has a vault toilet.  The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites.  This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance.  The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape.  The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult.  One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section.  Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills.  All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings.  The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

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

    Orofino Campground

    Mountain Solitude in Montana

    Orofino Campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion. The sites are not numbered. The Campground has a vault toilet. The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites. This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance. The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape. The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult. One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section. Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills. All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings. The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2019

    Silos Campground

    Exposed windy Campground + Midland Radio Review

    The Silos Campground located on Canyon Ferry Lake is a Bureau of Reclamation campground with 77 dry sites, 4 gazebos, handicapped accessible restrooms and RV sites. The campground is run by Broadwater County. The 4 gazebos in the campground that can be reserved through the nearby KOA campground.

    Silos campground is a large open and windy campground with no tree cover. All the trees are along the lake and provide little to no releaf from the sun or constant winds that blow through the area. The campground consist of 5 camping areas, four of which have boat ramps. One of the camping areas is for tent only camping. Sites are $10 for a single site and $20 for a double site, Stays are limited to 14 days. Golden Age pass holders are $5.00 a night. No Cost during the winter season. The only way to tell if you are in a single site or a double site is if the site number post tells you if it a double site. Each camping area has at least two vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring. Almost all of the picnic tables are concrete tables.

    The campground's four gazebos can be rented for the night for $30 by contacting the Silos KOA Campground which is located just before the Silos campground. The gazebos all have power and lights.

    The campground has four small boat launches and one large launch with a marina (Broadwater Bay) for docking your boat. The marina is managed by Silos KOA. If you need more information on either the campground or the marina facilities call 406-266-3100.

    On our visit we only found one site that had any protection from the winds, that was site #1.

    The campground does not have a store, but the KOA does have one. If you don't fell like cooking you have two options just outside of the campground. Between the KOA and Silo Campground is the Flamingo Grill which is open seasonally. At the turn on Hwy 12/287 is the Silos Junction Bar and Grill which is open year round. The town of Townsend is less than 10 minutes from the campground is you need more supplies.

    Ranger Review of Midland Radios X-TALKER T10X3 Walkie Talkie

    The X-Talker T10X3 Walkie talkie has a reported range of up to 20 miles and has 22 available channels. These walkie talkies take three AAA batteries. We gave these radios a test shortly after receiving them. Took one for a hike and left another at home. The trail-head for my hike was 16 miles from home and I had a clear crisp signal at the start. While on the hike I added a few more miles to that distance and was still able to communicate without any problems, even while in heavy timber. It wasn't until I started rounding the back of the mountain and lost line of site that the signal was lost, just like all walkie talkies do. We are quiet please with how these radios have been holding up, our Scouts have used them several times and are no worse for wear. Great to use with out Scout group as we can stay in better communication during our activities and trips, especially in those areas with out cell phone signal, which is the location of most of our activities.

    A very good quality 2 way radio at a low cost. We have another set of Midland Radios that these work just as well with.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2021

    Racetrack Campground

    Hidden gem in the mountains

    Racetrack campground is a hidden gem of a campground tucked just in side the Forest Service boundary.  This 13 site campground has large roomy sites well spread out from each other.  Plenty of level ground to place a tent(s) at every site.  Two vault toilets serve this campground.  Each site has a metal fire ring (first sit is a rock ring) and picnic table.  Water is provided from a hand pump.  No trash service so be prepared.  A few of $15 is planned to go in to effect in 2022.  Campground sits in very large mature evergreens along a small creek.


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 3 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.