Tent camping near Canyon Creek, Montana provides primitive and secluded options within the Helena National Forest. This area sits along the eastern edge of the Continental Divide with elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,800 feet, resulting in cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most dispersed camping areas remain accessible from late May through mid-October, though spring access can be limited by muddy conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Bean Lake, visitors can catch rainbow trout in relative solitude. One visitor noted, "If you plan to fish Bean Lake, the odds are high you'll have the lake to yourself. Few people ever bother to visit this remote lake."
Swimming access: Little Blackfoot River offers cooling relief during summer months. A camper observed there's "a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat" with a "short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling."
Boat launching: The Wolf Creek Bridge area provides concrete boat ramps for river access. A reviewer mentioned it's "a great location to start a nice day long float down the Missouri River, even better now that it is paved."
Wildlife viewing: Mountain Palace Fishing Access Site offers prime viewing opportunities for waterfowl and river wildlife. A visitor noted sites "sit above the Missouri river and are quite nice with great views of the Missouri river."
What campers like
Improved facilities: Wolf Creek Bridge recently received upgrades. A camper reported: "Wolf Creek Bridge FAS got a big upgrade over the winter. The fishing access site is now fully paved. No more parking in the mud or dirt. With the upgrade the old vault toilet is gone and two new vault toilets have replaced it."
Lake access: At Scott Reservoir Dispersed, campers enjoy waterfront access and mountain views. A visitor shared: "You're right by the water with. Great mountain view, couldn't ask for more."
Privacy level: Many sites offer minimal neighbor contact. At Spokane Bay Campground, a camper noted: "If you come to this campground you will most likely will have the place to yourself."
Flat tent sites: Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite offers level ground for setting up. A reviewer described it as "a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs."
What you should know
Fees vary significantly: Non-resident costs can be substantial at some locations. At Lichen Cliff, one camper stated: "I probably won't stay here again because Montana charges $18 a night for non-residents. It's too expensive for essentially a parking spot."
Road conditions: Access to Scott Reservoir requires moderate clearance vehicles. A camper advised: "Not the best roads but I got up there fine with my 2015 Outback just fine."
Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Little Blackfoot River, a visitor suggested: "Definitely recommend getting there a little earlier to get the good spots."
Seasonal closures: Gate access may be restricted during certain times. At Spokane Bay, campers must follow specific protocols: "If you are hiking/backpacking into the campground it is a 1 mile trek to the campground... At the gate please close the gate behind you."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: At Big Nelson Complex, layout varies dramatically. A reviewer explained: "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."
Water planning: No potable water exists at most sites. At Bean Lake, a visitor noted: "No water (except for what is in the lake) and no trash bins."
Tent-only options: Little Log Campground offers dedicated tent sites with specific constraints. A camper explained: "Each site does have a flat area for a tent, however it may be hard to find room for more than one tent."
Noise considerations: Some sites experience intermittent road noise. At Little Blackfoot River, a visitor mentioned: "The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV spots: Most locations accommodate smaller vehicles only. At Mountain Palace Fishing Access Site, there are just "three campsites, sites 1 & 2 sit above the Missouri river and are quite nice with great views of the Missouri river, the third one sits next to Recreation Road."
Parking constraints: Many sites require separate parking and walking to tent areas. At Big Nelson, a visitor explained: "With the exception of site three, all the other sites require you to park in a parking area."
Size restrictions: Larger rigs cannot access most primitive sites. At Wolf Creek Bridge, there are "5 campsites along the edge of the parking area" which can accommodate smaller campers but not large RVs.
Boat trailer considerations: Some locations provide dedicated trailer parking. Mountain Palace FAS has a "large parking area for boat trailers" which makes it convenient for those bringing watercraft.
