Tent camping near Florence, Montana provides access to the western edge of the Lolo National Forest, with elevations ranging from 3,200 to 5,800 feet throughout the area. Many dispersed sites require driving on rough forest roads that can become dusty and rutted during summer months. Fall camping season typically runs from September through mid-November, with cooler temperatures making higher elevation sites more comfortable.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Kreis Pond Campground offers fishing in a small pond environment perfect for beginners or families. As one camper mentioned, "Great secret camping spot. There's only about 5 spots and summer will be crowded when it's hot and awesome weather! Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around."
Mountain hiking: The Sleeping Woman trail is accessible from the Kreis Pond Campground area. A visitor notes, "Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end. 360 view of the Missoula Valley, Bitteroot Mountain Range, Flathead in the distance and Mission Mountains as well."
River activities: The Blackfoot River at Corricks River Bend provides excellent floating options even into fall months. "The river is great to float and holds enough water into the fall. The campsite had picnic tables and a vault toilet," notes one reviewer.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Dispersed camping along Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 offers isolation for those willing to drive farther. A camper reported, "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with a absolute beautiful view. We hardly saw anyone on the way up but the road is very narrow."
Riverside camping: Spacious waterfront sites at Corricks River Bend provide direct river access. According to one visitor, "The campgrounds are pretty spread out and most along the river. Our site (9) was big enough for two trucks and a camper with plenty of room to spare."
Wildlife viewing: Gold Creek Campground provides opportunities to spot wildlife in a remote forest setting. A camper noted, "Located in the remote forest is a perfect campground. Not alot of people, gold creek is prime fishing for trout."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads accessing dispersed camping on Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 require careful driving. One camper warned, "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks."
Water availability: Most dispersed camping areas require bringing your own water supply. At Gold Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "The site is nice. Only water source is the creek which is not easy to access. Note, it isn't really difficult, either."
Phone service: Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the area. On Blue Mountain, one camper reported, "I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty."
Seasonal flooding: Some camping areas experience spring flooding that can impact accessibility. Regarding Harry's Flat Campground, a visitor observed, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Best ponds for kids: Earl Tennant Campground offers tent camping with basic amenities suitable for families. One visitor described it as "a cute little historical site off of FS Road 37. I almost missed the turn because it's not super well marked, but you'll see the sign for the forest service road and there's a little bridge across the river."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about proper food storage at forest sites. At Kreis Pond, a camper reported, "Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods. Bring water treatment methods."
Algae considerations: When planning water activities with children, be aware that some water features may have seasonal issues. One camper cautioned about Kreis Pond: "The pond is small and prone to very dense algae blooms."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most dispersed tent camping areas near Florence have challenging access for larger vehicles. A visitor to The Holmestead noted the benefits of their cabin option: "This cabin is so lovely, my dogs had a blast playing in the stream. I was happy to have a big real bed!"
Washboard roads: Prepare for significant washboard conditions on most forest roads. At Corricks River Bend, a camper advised, "The road to get to this campsite is rough! Kind of neat to drive past the Paws Up resort and the campground is much more affordable!"
Site spacing: RV sites at established campgrounds offer more room than might be expected. At Corricks River Bend, "Spacious sites, first come first serve. Lovely spots right along the river."
