Dispersed tent camping areas surrounding Drummond, Montana provide primitive, no-fee options for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The elevation in this region ranges from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Forest roads typically open by late May, with most primitive sites accessible through October depending on snowfall patterns.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several primitive camping areas offer river access where campers can fish for trout. At Placid Creek Pull Off, you'll find basic sites near creeks. "Open. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance," notes one visitor who found the location practical for fishing day trips.
Day hiking: Tent campers at Corricks River Bend can enjoy riverside trails along the Blackfoot River. "The river is great to float and holds enough water into the fall," writes one camper who visited during autumn. The campground's location provides good access to both water activities and surrounding forest trails.
Wildlife viewing: Morning hours provide the best opportunity for spotting deer, elk, and various bird species near campsites. "I was there Friday night in early August and was the only camper there," mentions a visitor to River Junction, highlighting the solitude that allows for better wildlife encounters in less-visited areas.
What campers like
River proximity: At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, campers appreciate the water access. "Beautiful spot on the river with quite a few sites and a day use area. Access to the river was a bit tight through the day use area," reports one visitor who found the setting peaceful despite minor access challenges.
Shade availability: Many primitive sites feature ponderosa pine coverage providing natural shelter from summer sun. "This campground has two areas for camping - one close to the non motorized launch and one that stretches from the motorized launch along the lakeshore," explains a camper at Stuart Mill Bay, noting that "Sites 1-7 had more trees than sites 8-16."
Unique amenities: Some dispersed sites offer unexpected features not common in primitive camping. A camper at Little Blackfoot River noted, "The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table," which makes meal preparation more convenient than at typical dispersed sites where campers must bring all their own equipment.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving and sometimes high-clearance vehicles. "The road to get to this campsite is rough! Kind of neat to drive past the Paws Up resort," writes a visitor to Corricks River Bend, indicating the contrast between luxury accommodations and primitive camping in the same area.
Seasonal flooding: Spring runoff affects site availability in low-lying areas. At Lolo National Forest Harry's Flat Campground, a camper warns, "It gets really flooded out in the spring time. Some times half the site is closed for a while into the season until it dries up."
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from reasonable to non-existent depending on specific location. One camper at Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites observed, "Verizon has around 2 bars, there's no toilets or running water," which helps those needing to stay connected plan accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: For camping with children, look for flat terrain and shade. "Big Nelson Campground is anything but big. This is a tiny cramped campground," warns a visitor, explaining that "Sites 5 and 6 are fairly roomy... plenty of room for a tent, nice view of the lake and has a metal fire ring and picnic table."
Water safety precautions: Rivers in the region can have strong currents and cold temperatures year-round. A Little Blackfoot River camper mentioned, "A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling," indicating the need for close supervision of children when accessing water features.
Outhouse facilities: Some sites offer basic sanitation while others have none. At Upsata Lake, a camper noted, "One vault toilet serves the site. No water or trash service," which helps families prepare accordingly for primitive conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller campers and trailers only. "The campground was sold out when I came by, but a couple of campers let me take some photos of their sites," reported a visitor to Stuart Mill Bay, adding that "sites 8-16 seemed larger and more suited to RVs."
Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites require leveling blocks and careful positioning. "It's not completely level but the road in is easy," writes a camper about Placid Creek Pull Off, suggesting smaller rigs can access the area with minimal difficulty if prepared for uneven ground.
