Tent camping options near Colstrip, Montana primarily cluster along the Yellowstone River corridor, with sites scattered across public access points and fishing access sites. This eastern Montana region experiences temperature extremes, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows well below freezing. Most camping areas feature minimal development with natural terrain consisting of river bottomlands and cottonwood groves.
What to do
Fishing access: Try your luck at Grant Marsh, which offers prime river access for anglers. One camper notes, "Only two spots I could find right on the Big Horn river, but a beautiful and Serene location."
Swimming opportunities: Blacks Pond Campground provides alternative water recreation. A visitor mentions, "Tried fishing for trout that are supposedly stocked in the pond but no luck. More of a swimming hole."
Hiking trails: Explore the natural terrain at Myers Bridge, where a camper reports, "A nice 1 1/2 mile trail runs around the island." The trail offers a convenient walking option without requiring travel to more developed recreation areas.
What campers like
Natural isolation: The seclusion at Grant Marsh draws positive comments, with one camper describing it as "a beautiful and Serene location" despite limited riverside spots.
Wildlife encounters: Nighttime at Grant Marsh offers natural soundscapes according to one recent visitor who appreciated the "Lots of lovely animal noises" during their stay.
Clean facilities: Far West on the Yellowstone River maintains its limited amenities well. A camper notes, "The grass was cut and the vault toilet was in good condition," indicating basic but functional site maintenance.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in this remote area. At Grant Marsh, one camper explicitly warns, "No cellular service whatsoever."
Access challenges: Road conditions and construction can impact campground availability. Far West on the Yellowstone River had a recent accessibility issue with one camper reporting, "No off ramp access" due to road construction.
Confusing directions: Navigation systems may not provide accurate guidance. A Grant Marsh visitor cautions, "Pulled in late at night, it was confusing finding it as the pin sends you to a private driveway. The previous turn in the road has the turn off the campsite though."
Water availability: Most tent camping sites near Colstrip lack potable water. Bring ample supplies for your entire stay duration, especially during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for space: Choose locations with adequate room for family setups. At Blacks Pond Campground, "Has a couple nice level spots" which work better for multiple tents or larger family shelters.
Swimming options: Kids may enjoy the swimming opportunities at Blacks Pond more than fishing. As one camper notes, it's "More of a swimming hole" than a productive fishing spot.
Toilet accessibility: Consider bathroom access when selecting a site with children. At Myers Bridge, one camper warns, "The pit toilet is far from the camping, so don't rely on it," which could be problematic for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limited options at these primitive sites. At Grant Marsh, a camper with a medium-sized setup observed, "I have a 28 ft total length and there were only one or two spots that would work."
Boondocking preparedness: These tent camping areas near Colstrip require self-sufficiency. At Myers Bridge, conditions are basic as one RVer notes, "it's a good place to boondock. No services. A couple of fire pits."
Road conditions: Access roads may be unpaved but can be navigable for smaller rigs. Far West on the Yellowstone River features "a quarter mile drive down a well managed dirt road to arrive to the site," suggesting careful driving is required but access is possible for appropriately sized vehicles.
