Dispersed camping near Belgrade, Montana offers primitive sites in the surrounding mountains at elevations between 5,500 and 9,000 feet. Most accessible areas open June through September, with some sites accessible earlier in spring depending on snow conditions. Fall camping brings cooler nights with temperatures typically dropping into the 30s after mid-September.
What to do
Hiking near Sacajawea Peak: The Fairy Lake area serves as a gateway to multiple hiking trails, including the popular summit trail. "The lake itself is stunning, with crystal clear water that looks almost unreal. It's the perfect place to relax, hike, fish, or just sit back and take in the beauty of Montana," notes a visitor to Fairy Lake Campground.
Mountain biking at Copper City: The BLM land near Three Forks offers extensive mountain biking trails with camping options nearby. "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," reports a camper at Copper City BLM.
Fishing in Spanish Lakes: For backcountry anglers, this high alpine destination requires a 9.5-mile hike but rewards with excellent fishing. A visitor reports, "The lake is crystal clear and cold. Tons of west slope cutthroat trout that get flown in. There is a ~40 ft cliff you can jump off of into the super deep water."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The mountains surrounding Belgrade host diverse wildlife. At Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping, one camper mentioned, "No bugs, no bear scat nearby, some traffic but still private." Another camper had a different experience, noting "Mountain Goats will come in your camp and they will do what goats do and want to check you out. They are not scared."
Farm camping experience: For those seeking a unique alternative to forest camping, Serenity Sheep Farm Stay offers camping on a working farm. A visitor wrote, "The scenery was beautiful. The airport and train crossings are distant enough that we could not really hear them." Another mentioned, "The kids enjoyed the animals. There is a nice fire pit that made for a gathering spot for the other few campers."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies make tent campsites near Belgrade ideal for night sky viewing. "We pulled up to this spot and camped under the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen," commented a camper at Revenue Flats.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed tent campsites near Belgrade require vehicles with good clearance. At South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, a camper advised, "The road has some potholes but nothing too problematic. There are a lot of small pull-ups and some large spaces as well. You'll be buried deep in the woods near Bridger bowl."
Seasonal access: High-elevation camping areas have limited access windows. The Fairy Lake area generally opens in early July after snowmelt, with a season that runs "July 1 to September 15," according to official information.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. A camper at South Fork Brackett Creek noted, "No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there. It's about 20-30 minutes outside of Bozeman, MT."
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes for kids: Look for camping spots with nearby easy trails. At Serenity Sheep Farm Stay, a camper mentioned, "We loved staying here. The kids enjoyed the animals." Another family noted, "We loved this place nestled in the valley about 30 minutes outside of Bozeman. Not only did we have spectacular views of the mountains but we loved seeing the farm animals. My 5 year old liked it."
Campground alternatives: When established campgrounds are full, look for nearby options. A camper at Fairy Lake shared, "Actual campground was closed, so we camped right outside. There was a perfect little creek that my 5yo fully enjoyed for a few days."
Food storage: Bear activity is common near Belgrade camping areas. One visitor advised, "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent... 1 bear box for the whole camp ground so be prepared to store food in car or tree."
Tips from RVers
High-clearance considerations: Many roads to tent sites near Belgrade become challenging for larger vehicles. A camper with a large setup noted, "We drove a F450 with triple slide truck camper and made it ok. Also saw a 2 wheel drive 30 foot class C motorhome that made it but would not recommend anything larger."
Alternative camping spots: When main areas are full, look for secondary locations. "We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper. We stayed at the first pull off a few minutes off the main road," shared a visitor to South Fork Brackett Creek.
Seasonal preparation: Early and late-season campers should prepare for temperature swings. "It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke," reported a fall camper at South Fork Brackett Creek.
