Best Tent Camping near Bridger, MT
Tent camping opportunities near Bridger, Montana include several primitive sites in diverse terrain, from riverside locations to mountain settings. Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site provides tent-only camping along the Stillwater River with separated sites among trees and bushes. Cliff Swallow offers tent camping approximately 7 miles west of Absarokee with river access, though visitors should note the final 2.5 miles are on gravel roads.
Most tent sites in the Bridger area feature basic amenities with fire rings and picnic tables at established locations, while dispersed sites often lack facilities entirely. Vault toilets are available at several locations including Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping and Swinging Bridge, but campers should bring their own toilet paper as supplies may run out. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with no potable water available at most primitive tent sites. Visitors must pack in all drinking water or filter from natural sources. Many tent campsites have restricted vehicle access, with narrow dirt roads making some locations challenging for anything larger than passenger vehicles.
The tent camping experience near Bridger offers substantial privacy at most locations, with vegetation and terrain creating natural separation between walk-in tent sites. Swinging Bridge campsites are well-spaced with trees, vegetation, or roads providing separation. Proximity to water is a notable feature of several tent campgrounds in the region, allowing for fishing and cooling off during summer months. While many areas provide pleasant riverside camping, seasonal mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in grassy areas. A camper noted, "We watched cows grazing down the power line clearing through the trees and at one point watched eight cows walking by single file right by my site."
