Best Tent Camping near Fort Benton, MT
Tent camping near Fort Benton, Montana primarily consists of boat-in campsites along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The region features both primitive and developed boat-accessible tent sites, with Eagle Creek Developed Boat Camp and Hole-in-the-Wall Boat Camp among the highest-rated locations. Primitive options include Senieur's Reach and Black Bluff Rapids boat camps, which offer more rustic experiences. For hikers, Sluice Boxes State Park provides walk-in tent camping opportunities approximately 50 miles southwest of Fort Benton.
Most boat-in tent campsites along the Upper Missouri River Breaks have minimal amenities. Primitive sites typically offer only basic fire rings with no toilets or tables, while developed sites include vault toilets and established fire rings. Many campsites are situated in cottonwood groves that provide natural shade, though some exposed areas like Hole-in-the-Wall rely on shelters for protection from the sun. Campers must pack in all supplies including drinking water, as no potable water is available at these remote locations. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and all sites require visitors to pack out their trash.
The tent camping experience along the Upper Missouri River offers unique historical and natural connections. Sites are positioned at specific river mile markers, making them strategic stops for multi-day paddling trips. A camper wrote that Eagle Creek "is a very popular camping location on the river" with "large cottonwoods that provide shade and good locations to set up a hammock." Many sites offer hiking opportunities to notable features, including slot canyons and pictographs. At Hole-in-the-Wall camp, trails lead to the namesake geological formation, though some scrambling is required. Sluice Boxes State Park provides a different tent camping experience with one visitor noting "it's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing" for those willing to backpack their gear in and camp without facilities.
