Best Tent Camping near Clinton, MT
Clinton, Montana offers several tent camping options in the surrounding Lolo National Forest area. Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites provide primitive tent camping opportunities along pull-off areas with stone fire pits. Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 offers dispersed tent camping beyond a marked point approximately five miles up the forest road, with some sites providing sunset views and relative seclusion. Harry's Flat Campground near Clinton provides established tent sites, though portions may flood during spring runoff.
Most dispersed tent camping areas near Clinton have no amenities, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies including water. Fire rings are present at some sites, particularly along Garnet Range Road, but fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Tent campers should prepare for dusty, washboard forest roads that may require high clearance vehicles. The Blue Mountain area specifically requires drivers to travel several miles in before reaching designated camping zones. Vault toilets are available at established sites like Corricks River Bend, but most dispersed areas have no toilet facilities. Cell service varies significantly, with Verizon showing approximately two bars in the Garnet Road area but spotty coverage elsewhere.
Tent campers can enjoy relative privacy at dispersed sites, though Blue Mountain receives day-use traffic from hikers and mountain bikers. Higher elevation tent sites offer cooler temperatures and views, while riverside locations provide water access. According to one visitor, "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road and found a very secluded camping spot with an absolute beautiful view." Campgrounds along rivers like Corricks River Bend offer spacious riverside tent sites, though they fill quickly during peak season. Most tent sites are surrounded by forest, providing natural shade and windbreaks, though some sites may be exposed to road dust. Campers should be prepared for occasional wildlife encounters and changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.