Best Tent Camping near Ekalaka, MT

Tent camping options near Ekalaka, Montana include several primitive campgrounds scattered across the surrounding countryside. Ekalaka Park Campground lies just north of town in a small forested area, while Lantis Spring Campground provides more remote tent camping approximately 20 miles southwest of Ekalaka. Both locations offer basic sites suitable for tent campers seeking simplicity rather than amenities.

Most tent sites around Ekalaka feature minimal services and primitive setups. Lantis Spring Campground provides clean pit toilets and established fire rings but no electric hookups or running water. A nearby spring offers water for filtering. Ekalaka Park Campground historically offered water and pit toilets, though recent reviews indicate reduced maintenance following a forest fire that affected the area. The terrain at Ekalaka Park is notably steep, creating natural separation between campsites. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, as services in this remote region are limited.

Tent-only camping experiences in the Ekalaka area generally provide peaceful surroundings with minimal crowds. A recent review noted that Lantis Spring Campground remained nearly empty even during peak summer season: "Stayed here 4 nights in late June and only had 1 overnight camp neighbor and a couple of day-use neighbors." The campsites at Lantis Spring feature several shaded areas with picnic tables and groves of trees suitable for hammocks, though some sites receive full sun exposure. Macnab Pond and Wickham Gulch also offer tent camping opportunities with varying levels of solitude. Cell service ranges from minimal to nonexistent at most campgrounds, contributing to the disconnected backcountry experience. The gravel access roads to most sites are generally well-maintained, with some accessible without four-wheel drive.

Best Tent Sites Near Ekalaka, Montana (5)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ekalaka, MT

1 Photos of 5 Ekalaka Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Ekalaka, MT

10 Reviews of 5 Ekalaka Campgrounds


  • S
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Lantis Spring Campground

    Beautiful and easy free camping

    Great free campground! No electric or water, but a spring nearby for filtering water, established fire rings, and a very clean pit toilet. There’s ample space for spreading out and several shaded picnic tables. There’s a few groves of trees for shade and hammocks and while my group managed to find spots that stayed shaded all day, some of the sites are very sunny. The roads in were gravel but well maintained, didn’t even have to put my vehicle into 4WD. I had 1 bar of cell service in the campground that came and went but strong service at the top of hill before entering the campground and at the nearby fire look out. Stayed here 4 nights in late June and only had 1 overnight camp neighbor and a couple of day-use neighbors. You may even have some cow neighbors if you’re lucky. Very beautiful scenery, would stay again :)

  • Daphne D.
    Jun. 10, 2022

    Medicine Rocks State Park Campground

    Quiet, mysterious place!

    Beautiful park off the beaten path. The rocks are fascinating, the sites are shaded and quiet. Very few services, so bring your own firewood and water (there's a pump near the entrance, but it's tricky). No electric at most of the campsites. The pit toilets were clean and well maintained, and there is a camp host on duty (although he kept to himself unless we needed him). We were hoping for good stargazing, but it was too cloudy--the night sky is very dark, though, so I'm sure it would be breathtaking on a clear night.

  • m
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Medicine Rocks State Park Campground

    Couple of nights under the stars

    We spent a couple of nights in our 22’ trailer over July 4th weekend. We were very lucky to find one site left. Very basic sites and a little uneven so you will want blocks to level up. There is water at the gate but it’s a hand pump with no way of attaching a hose to fill a camper so I would bring water. Lovely spot if you want peace and tranquility, that sky at night is something else!

  • James D.
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Medicine Rocks State Park Campground

    It was an alright place but just didn't do it for me

    Had originally planned on staying here for a few nights but decided to head elsewhere after the first night. That was purely a personal choice and not because of any of the parks offerings. The coolest thing is seeing carvings in the rock that are said to date back several hundred years. That alone was worth the stop. Other than that it was just another campsite to me. They have fire pits for the sites, dogs are allowed which is a big plus for me, vault toilets and even a picnic area. You have access to water also, but be prepared, this is a pack in - pack out place. Don't get me wrong it is a decent place and there is a lot of wildlife, but for whatever reason I just didn't get into it. Maybe if I had stayed as planned and hit the trails I would have reviewed differently.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Medicine Rocks State Park Campground

    Beautiful sunset

    Interesting park and campground. Almost like boondocking. Sites were numbered but it was sometimes hard to see where you should park. Sites were not really level. No trash pickup. Water pump at entrance. Trails were all over and around the cool formations.

  • T
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Ekalaka Park Campground

    Not active

    Unfortunately a forest fire bordering the campground has led to it being nearly unusable. Maintenance is minimal.

  • AJ L.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Ekalaka Park Campground

    steep terrain makes it secluded

    the park is just north of the town in a small forested area. water and a pIt toIlet are available. camping spots are very few but well spaced and comfortable for tents.

  • Cindy A.
    Oct. 28, 2018

    Medicine Rocks State Park Campground

    this is back to nature at it's finest!

    If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. It is remote, secluded, and beautiful. If you are looking for peace and quiet, it's definitely available here! There isn't "much" to do...if you're looking for swimming pools, golf courses, yada yada...but if you just want to camp in one of the prettiest places on earth, this is it.

  • Talia D.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Medicine Rocks State Park Campground

    I love this campground!

    This campground is secluded! A couple of short trails. Nice camp spots. A couple of outhouses. No running water, BUT there is fresh spring water at the entrance of the park! Close enough to Baker, you can stop by during the day and grab a couple of brews at Old Skool Brewing!


Guide to Ekalaka

Tent camping near Ekalaka, Montana offers primitive sites in the southeastern corner of the state, where elevations range from 3,400 to 3,700 feet. This remote area experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs often exceeding 90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below zero. The surrounding landscape features ponderosa pine forests interspersed with prairie grasslands and sandstone formations.

What to do

Fishing at nearby ponds: Macnab Pond provides a small fishing area approximately 5 miles northeast of Ekalaka where tent campers can enjoy catching trout during early mornings or evenings. The pond sits adjacent to several primitive camping spots with no formal designated sites.

Hiking to lookout points: The Lantis Spring Campground area offers hiking trails with elevation changes of 300-500 feet. As one visitor noted, "Very beautiful scenery" with "strong service at the top of hill before entering the campground and at the nearby fire look out."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wickham Gulch Campground provides tent campers with opportunities to observe deer, pronghorn antelope, and various bird species at dawn and dusk. The campground sits in a natural depression that concentrates wildlife activity, especially during morning hours.

Stargazing without light pollution: With minimal development in the region, the areas around South Sandstone Fishing Access Site offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. The site's location approximately 45 miles north of Ekalaka provides some of the darkest skies in the region, ideal for night sky photography during new moon periods.

What campers like

Natural spring access: At Lantis Spring Campground, campers appreciate having a natural water source nearby. One reviewer mentioned, "No electric or water, but a spring nearby for filtering water, established fire rings, and a very clean pit toilet."

Spacious, private sites: Many tent campers value the separation between sites. A camper at Ekalaka Park noted, "camping spots are very few but well spaced and comfortable for tents."

Minimal crowds even during peak season: The remote nature of these campgrounds ensures solitude. A Lantis Spring visitor reported, "You may even have some cow neighbors if you're lucky," highlighting the rural, uncrowded experience.

Hammock-friendly tree groves: Several sites offer stands of trees suitable for hammock camping. According to a recent visitor to Lantis Spring, "There's a few groves of trees for shade and hammocks and while my group managed to find spots that stayed shaded all day, some of the sites are very sunny."

What you should know

Road conditions vary seasonally: Access roads to most campgrounds are gravel and can become impassable after heavy rain or snow. A Lantis Spring camper noted, "The roads in were gravel but well maintained, didn't even have to put my vehicle into 4WD."

Limited or no cell service: Most tent camping areas near Ekalaka have minimal connectivity. A visitor to Lantis Spring reported, "I had 1 bar of cell service in the campground that came and went but strong service at the top of hill before entering the campground."

Fire restrictions change frequently: During dry periods, fire bans may be implemented with little notice. Always check current restrictions before camping.

Maintenance varies between sites: The condition of facilities fluctuates based on budget and staffing. A visitor to Ekalaka Park Campground observed, "Unfortunately a forest fire bordering the campground has led to it being nearly unusable. Maintenance is minimal."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with toilet facilities: For families with young children, prioritize campgrounds with maintained pit toilets. Lantis Spring Campground receives positive reviews for its "very clean pit toilet."

Bring games and activities: The remote location means no playgrounds or structured recreation areas. Pack cards, portable games, and nature identification guides.

Plan for temperature swings: Temperature variations of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common in this region. Pack appropriate clothing layers for children, especially for cool mornings.

Wildlife safety precautions: Teach children about keeping food properly stored and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, particularly during early morning and evening hours.

Tips from RVers

Limited suitable sites for larger rigs: Most tent camping areas near Ekalaka accommodate small trailers or truck campers but present challenges for larger RVs. Sites at Macnab Pond and Ekalaka Park have terrain limitations that restrict larger vehicles.

No hookups available: All camping areas around Ekalaka are primitive with no electrical, water, or sewer connections. RVers must be fully self-contained and prepared for boondocking.

Gravel road access considerations: RVers should be prepared for 5-20 miles of gravel road driving to reach most campgrounds. As noted about Lantis Spring, the roads are "gravel but well maintained," though conditions can change seasonally.

Water availability limited to natural sources: No potable water exists at any sites, though some locations like Lantis Spring Campground offer natural springs for filtering: "a spring nearby for filtering water."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ekalaka, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ekalaka, MT is Ekalaka Park Campground with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Ekalaka, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.