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Best Tent Camping near Deer Lodge, MT

407 Reviews

Deerlodge National Forest surrounding Deer Lodge, Montana offers several primitive tent camping options with varying levels of development and seclusion. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, located in the Helena National Forest section, provides tent-only camping with established fire rings and occasional picnic tables. Orofino Campground, open from late May to mid-September, offers 11 designated tent sites with vault toilets and hand-pump water access. Scott Reservoir Dispersed area provides backcountry tent camping opportunities with minimal facilities but excellent water views. These public lands support both established campgrounds and primitive tent camping areas where visitors can experience Montana's mountain landscapes.

Most tent campsites in the Deer Lodge area feature basic amenities with varying surface conditions. Orofino Campground provides level tent pads, though campers report that "finding a level spot for a tent is difficult" at some sites. The Ladysmith area, once a developed campground, now functions as primitive tent camping with paved access but few remaining facilities. Fire rings are common at most sites, though their condition varies from established metal rings to makeshift stone circles. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds but absent at most dispersed sites. Campers should bring water and pack out all trash, as most areas operate on a leave-no-trace basis. Seasonal access varies, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until late spring due to snow.

In early summer, tent campers frequently find solitude even at established sites. According to reviews, Scott Reservoir Dispersed camping offers exceptional privacy, with one visitor noting they "had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night." Little Blackfoot River sites provide access to cooling water during hot summer days, with short trails leading to swimming spots. Walk-in tent sites at Stuart Mill Bay Campground (sites 1-7) offer more tree cover than lakeside locations, providing shade during summer months. Tent-specific sites often feature more seclusion than multi-use areas, with primitive tent camping areas receiving less traffic than developed campgrounds. The region's backcountry tent camping opportunities allow visitors to experience Montana's forests, mountains, and waterways with minimal crowds, particularly on weekdays.

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Best Tent Sites Near Deer Lodge, Montana (23)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Deer Lodge, MT

4 Photos of 23 Deer Lodge Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Deer Lodge, MT

407 Reviews of 23 Deer Lodge Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2022

    Philipsburg Bay Campground

    Camp and Fish on Georgetown lake.

    Philipsburg Bay Campground is a beautiful large campground right on the shore of Georgetown lake.  This 69 site campground sits among large pine trees with campsites nicely spread apart.  The large trees give you plenty of shade throughout the day.  This paved campground is split up into three loops, two of which are first come first served, the other can be reserved.  The area also has a day use area and boat launch.  Cost is $15 per night.  Campground has trash service, and water is available during the summer season.  I visited in November so no water for me.  Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring.  Several vault toilets are located in each loop.  Bear lockers are spread out through out the campground for food storage.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Browns Lake

    Want to catch trout, go to Browns Lake FAS Campground

    Browns Lake Fishing Access Site Campground is located on the 459 acre Browns Lake. This fishing access campground has 14 sites all with metal fire rings and picnic tables. The site is serviced by two vault toilets. This is a dry campground so bring water. This is also a trash-in trash-out campground. The campground is fairly exposed and tends to be windy during the summer. We visited in early June and were amazed by all the birds in the area. The real draw for this campground is the fishing. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks stocks this lake with over 50,000 rainbow trout per year….that's right 50,000. The lake is known for large rainbow trout and 10 pounders in the spring are apparently not a fish story. The lake also has Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Longnose suckers. So grab your tent and fishing pole, because with 50,000 trout being added every year a trout dinner has to be on the menu.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2020

    Dalles

    Camp and fish at the Dalles Campground

    The Dalles Campground is a nice pleasant campground with 10 sites along Rock Creek.  Situated in a mature lodge pole pine forest all the site have plenty of shade.  All sites have picnic tables and metal fire rings.  Site has a water hand pump and ADA vault toilet.  Site 1 was interesting as you have to walk up an embankment to reach the site, which makes it not visible from the campground road.  A bear proof locker is available for food storage.  Being along Rock Creek gives those who wish to fish access to the blue ribbon stream with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.  Cost is $6 per night.  All the sites are nicely spread apart.  The road to Dalles campground is not recommended for RVs of trailers as it get pretty bumpy after the pavement ends,  this only get worse the further you travel down the road, but is doable if you drive very slow.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2018

    Copper Creek Campground

    Quiet Mt. Campground & Ranger review of the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG

    Cooper Creek Campground is a nice quiet campground in the Helena National Forest. Cooper Creek Campground offers 20 sites with metal fire rings and concrete picnic tables, and has three vault toilets and potable Water is available from a hand pump. For those who like to fish, the campground is along Cooper Creek and Snowbird lake is just across the road from the campground. Like to hike, the trailhead for Snowbank Creek/Sucker Creek trail is just across the road next to Snowbird lake. The trailhead has plenty of parking space and a Vault Toilet. Like bears, good, this is grizzly bear country so Food Storage Order is in effect. You will have to store your food in your vehicle as storage lockers are not available. Campground does have trash service. Cost in 2018 was $8 a night put this is planned to go up to $15 next year, but still well worth the price.

    A Ranger review of the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG / Soft Ground.

    I really like these shoe, but when I first pulled them out the box I wasn't sure. My first experience with these shoes was a little hard, hard as in, these shoes were hard to get in to. I though I was going to have to send these back, but I finally got them on. These shoe need to be broke in as they are very snug around the ankle. Luckily the shoes get easier to put on as you wear them, but still a bit of a challenge. That snug fit at the top of the shoe has its advantage, you don't get debris in your shoe as there is no room for anything to make its way into the shoe.

    I was concerned at first that these shoes would not provide enough protection from rocks, but after taking them out on the trail my mind was changed. I was able to hike a rocky trail easily and comfortably, I even purposely stepped on loose rocks to see how it would feel. While I could feel the rocks, the shoe was tough enough to protect my feet, even the front of the shoe has enough material to protect your toes if you stub your toe on a rock.

    A few things to note when you take the shoes out of the box, be sure to put the inserts in the shoes. I missed them at first and wore the shoes for several days before noticing them. While they are slim, those inserts made the shoes so much more comfortable. The shoes have elastic laces, but also come with a set of traditional laces, but the shoes fit so well I could probably go without the laces at all.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Deerlodge National Forest Orofino Campground

    Solitude in Montana

    Orofino campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion.  The sites are not numbered.  The Campground has a vault toilet.  The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites.  This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance.  The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape.  The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult.  One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section.  Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills.  All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings.  The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Orofino Campground

    Mountain Solitude in Montana

    Orofino Campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion. The sites are not numbered. The Campground has a vault toilet. The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites. This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance. The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape. The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult. One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section. Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills. All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings. The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2021

    Racetrack Campground

    Hidden gem in the mountains

    Racetrack campground is a hidden gem of a campground tucked just in side the Forest Service boundary.  This 13 site campground has large roomy sites well spread out from each other.  Plenty of level ground to place a tent(s) at every site.  Two vault toilets serve this campground.  Each site has a metal fire ring (first sit is a rock ring) and picnic table.  Water is provided from a hand pump.  No trash service so be prepared.  A few of $15 is planned to go in to effect in 2022.  Campground sits in very large mature evergreens along a small creek.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Harrys Flat

    Nice campground on Rock Creek

    Harry's Flat campground is a great campground along Rock Creek, set in a huge old growth ponderosa pine forest.  The sites are large, especially the ones bordering right up to Rock Creek. The campground has 15 campsites each with Picnic tables and metal fire rings.  The campground has vault toilets and a few bear lockers for food storage, water is available.  Not all the campsites were available during my visit as about 1/2 the campground was closed due to damage during the heavy spring and early summer rains.  This is a great spot for people interested in doing some fishing, as Rock Creek is a blue ribbon stream, with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.  Cost is $6 per night, first come first served.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Copper Creek Campground

    Peaceful with a friendly host

    This has to be one of the most peaceful campgrounds I’ve even been to. It’s 10 miles off the main road so there is no street noise to speak of. But watch out for the cows as you drive in, they aren’t too fond of sharing the road. Only 8 sites with a host at one of them, you don’t have many neighbors. I was not able to camp here as it was totally full and according to the host, was going to stay that way for the week. He said it stays quiet except when a family with kids show up. He also said the fishing was pretty good in Copper Creek. The vault toilet was clean (his least favorite job), he will split a log or two if you ask real nice like, and there are two bear boxes for the 8 sites to share (he said most don’t bother to use them). The water pump delivers good clean spring water from the well. Every site has a picnic table and a fire ring. If you want solitude and quiet, this is the place to camp!

Guide to Deer Lodge

Dispersed camping opportunities near Deer Lodge, Montana range from forest service areas to reservoir sites. The region sits between 5,000-7,000 feet elevation with varied terrain across the Deerlodge National Forest. Camping areas remain accessible May through October, with higher elevation sites opening later due to snowpack conditions.

What to do

Fishing access points: At Stuart Mill Bay, Georgetown Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities. "This site is one of the best sites if you want a bit of privacy. As with the rest of the Georgetown Lake sites, there are a number of people, but you have many options to try and limit contact," notes camper Caleb J.B.

Hot weather swimming: During summer months when temperatures climb into the 80s, access cool water at Scott Reservoir Dispersed. One visitor reports, "Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir. About 4-5 rock fire rings fairly close together. Some bugs but not too bad."

Boat launching: Both motorized and non-motorized boats can launch from certain campgrounds. "The campground has two boat launches, one for non motorized and one for motorized boats," notes a camper about Stuart Mill Bay, making it convenient for kayakers and motorboaters alike.

What campers like

Midweek solitude: East Bank Rec Site offers quiet camping with river access. "Very beautiful area with not too many people around. River runs right next to it. Has a vault toilet and bear proof food storage," reports Maggie K. Visiting Monday through Thursday typically offers more privacy.

Accessible lake views: Water proximity remains a top feature. Ashley C. describes Scott Reservoir: "You're right by the water with great mountain view, couldn't ask for more. There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered."

Paved access to primitive sites: Some dispersed areas maintain improved access despite minimal facilities. At Ladysmith Campground, "The good thing about this site for a dispersed camping area is that the pavement for the campgrounds loop road is still in place. Four pull outs are available."

What you should know

Campground condition changes: Several former developed campgrounds have reverted to dispersed camping status. Dexter I. notes about Ladysmith: "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."

Water access limitations: Water sources vary significantly between sites. While Deerlodge National Forest Orofino Campground has "One hand pump available for water and is located on the campground section," most dispersed sites require bringing all water.

Tent pad variability: Finding level ground can be challenging at some locations. Reviews indicate that "the campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult" at Orofino Campground, requiring careful site selection upon arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Tree cover considerations: For families seeking shade, select walk-in tent sites at certain campgrounds. "Sites 1-7 had more trees than sites 8-16, and sites 8-16 seemed larger and more suited to RVs," notes Annie C. about Stuart Mill Bay.

Late arrival planning: When arriving after dark with children, look for easily accessible sites. Aisha T. describes Pipestone RV Park & Campground: "We pulled in late at night and found a site off the main road. It was easy to set up, only saw two other sets of people."

Fire restrictions: Fire bans commonly affect the area during dry periods, particularly July-September. Come prepared with alternative cooking methods, as fire rings may be present but unusable during restrictions.

Tips from RVers

Road condition awareness: Access to dispersed sites requires careful vehicle assessment. At Scott Reservoir, Ashley C. advises: "Pretty easy to get to from Helena. Just take Rimini road all the way up, past the town, past private property. Not the best roads but I got up there fine with my 2015 Outback."

Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack adequate turning radius for larger vehicles. Small trailers can access select areas at Scott Reservoir, where a camper noted: "There's a nice hand full of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots your could fit a small trailer in."

Tree clearance issues: Pine beetle damage has changed many camping areas. According to reviewers, many sites that once had tree cover are now more exposed, affecting both shade availability and wind protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Deer Lodge, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Deer Lodge, MT is Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Deer Lodge, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Deer Lodge, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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