The Clancy, Montana area provides tent camping options across forested terrain ranging from 4,000-6,000 feet elevation. Located southeast of Helena in the mountainous transition zone between the Boulder Mountains and Helena National Forest, most sites experience cooler evening temperatures even in summer. Seasonal road conditions vary dramatically, with many dispersed sites becoming muddy during spring runoff and inaccessible in winter.
What to do
Mountain biking at Copper City BLM: Multiple dispersed campsites provide direct access to popular mountain biking trails. "Great spot right on parts of the trail! It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits," notes camper Ashley M. at Copper City BLM.
Fishing at Holter Lake: Access prime trout fishing spots within walking distance of campsites. Little Log Campground sits within the Log Gulch Recreation Area where the "day use area for the recreation area, where fishing appears to be good as we saw several large fish taken out of the lake in a short period of time," according to Dexter I. at Little Log Campground.
Hike-in camping adventure: For campers seeking more remote experiences, hike to secluded tent sites. "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. If you are hiking/backpacking into the campground it is a 1 mile trek," shares Dexter I. about Spokane Bay Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront solitude: Several tent sites offer direct access to water with fewer crowds than established campgrounds. Erik R. reports from Spokane Bay Campground: "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."
Open terrain views: The treeless landscape at certain BLM sites provides expansive visibility. "Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views," says Alex C. about Copper City BLM.
Cooling off spots: Many campsites provide access to shallow water areas, perfect for hot summer days. "Good location to cool off on a hot day as the creek is shallow," notes Dexter I. about Lichen Cliff, a Montana Fishing Access Site.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many dispersed sites require vehicles with appropriate clearance. One camper notes about Copper City: "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."
Limited facilities: Most of the best tent camping near Clancy, Montana requires self-sufficiency. At Copper City, Renee G. warns: "this place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)."
Variable site conditions: Some campgrounds offer limited level tent spots. At Little Log Campground, "Flat locations to put a tent are limited due to the slope of the ground in the campground, but each site does have a flat area for a tent, however it may be hard to find room for more than one tent."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with water access: Shallow water areas provide natural recreation for children. "Small camp area at a Montana Fishing Access site... Good location to cool off on a hot day as the creek is shallow," reports Dexter I. about Lichen Cliff.
Consider fee structures: Montana Fishing Access Sites have different pricing depending on licenses. James M. notes about Lichen Cliff: "Montana charges $18 a night for non-residents. It's too expensive for essentially a parking spot."
Seek established sites for amenities: When camping with children, sites with toilets and tables can be worth the small fee. At Toston Dam Campground, K B. notes it's a "Small campground tucked away from highway. Right on shore of river/reservoir," though warns "Bugs can get nasty with the slow water."
Tips from RVers
Check site size limitations: Many camping areas near Clancy have restrictions on RV access. "Most of the choices for tent placement are at the end of the parking pad next the picnic table and fire ring," notes Dexter I. about Little Log Campground, highlighting limited space.
Consider road quality: Forest service roads vary seasonally. One camper at Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite reported the "road isn't too rough," but accessibility changes throughout the year.
Avoid decommissioned campgrounds: Some former established campgrounds now function only as primitive sites. At Ladysmith Campground, "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 in the campground."
