Tent camping near Gallatin Gateway, Montana provides access to the Gallatin National Forest, where elevations range from 5,000 to over 10,000 feet in the surrounding peaks. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Many dispersed camping areas remain open from May through October, weather permitting, though higher elevation sites often don't open until late June.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Spanish Lakes offers exceptional hiking opportunities with multiple alpine lakes for exploration. One visitor described the area as "an absolutely stunning area to camp. A relatively challenging nine-mile-hike in from the Spanish Creek campground... You'll have stunning views of the mountains, rivers, and pines on your hike in."
Mountain biking nearby trails: Copper City BLM provides access to popular mountain biking trails. A camper noted it's a "Great spot right on parts of the trial! It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area. At Fairy Lake Campground, campers should be prepared for animal encounters: "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent. Mountain Goats will come in your camp and they will do what goats do and want to check you out. They are not scared."
Rock climbing access: Revenue Flats provides access to climbing areas within a short distance from camp. As one visitor explained, "Pulled up to this spot and camped under the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen... Tons of super fun climbing!"
What campers like
Remote mountain settings: The area offers genuinely secluded camping spots. A camper at Travertine Road Dispersed shared: "We are literally the only people up here off this FS road. Strange to see so many dead elk carcasses all around but it's Montana so not surprised. Epic views, peaceful atmosphere and lots of open space."
Night sky viewing: Clear night skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities. At South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, one camper mentioned: "Got up to this spot after picking my buddy up from the airport and we stayed here for two days. Had a fire ring, but no other amenities. Could hear some of the louder vehicles traveling through the valley at night time, but otherwise super quiet. Awesome view of the Northern Lights too!"
Alpine fishing opportunities: Many lakes in the region offer fishing. A visitor to Spanish Lakes mentioned: "The lake is crystal clear and cold. Tons of west slope cutthroat trout that get flown in. There is a ~40 ft cliff you can jump off of into the super deep water."
Farm-based camping experiences: Serenity Sheep Farm Stay offers a unique camping setting. A camper described it as: "The scenery was beautiful. The airport and train crossings are distant enough that we could not really hear them. The night before we arrived we had been camping in Wyoming so the shower was quite glorious (6'1" guy was able to stand up in it comfortably)."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campsites require navigating rough roads. One Fairy Lake visitor warned: "I would highly not recommend unless you have 4 wheel drive and even then we saw a jeep wrangler sliding everywhere. We made it past the campsite and down a dirt road (it was extremely bumpy!)."
Site availability challenges: Some campgrounds fill quickly. At Revenue Flats, "We were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful views and quiet sites... It was well worth the 5 mile rough road with steep climb at the end. We drove a F450 with triple slide truck camper and made it ok."
Limited facilities at most sites: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal amenities. At Blackmore Campground, "This place is FCFS and has a clean vault toilet. Great option when the reservable sites are full. Been here a few days and most spots empty out midweek. Just us and one other RV are here long-term."
Seasonal accessibility limitations: Higher elevation sites have limited seasons. At Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping, "I went all the way to the dispersed campsite above Fairy Lake. I felt it was adequate but the 2 remaining sites were full sun and the trailhead right below the CG was packed (approx. 30 vehicles)."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with toilet access: When tent camping with children near Gallatin Gateway, prioritize sites with bathroom facilities. At Blackmore Campground, a camper noted: "Great First Come First Serve campground with clean bathroom, recycling facilities and bear boxes. Nice sites with fire pits and picnic tables."
Consider farm-based camping: For a unique family experience, one visitor to Serenity Sheep Farm Stay shared: "We loved staying here. The kids enjoyed the animals. There is a nice fire pit that made for a gathering spot for the other few campers."
Choose lower elevation sites with children: Lower sites offer easier access and milder conditions. Another family at Serenity Sheep Farm noted: "Not only did we have spectacular views of the mountains but we loved seeing the farm animals (cows, sheep, llama, chickens). This is not a campground but a working farm."
Tips from RVers
RV site options are limited: Revenue Flats accommodates some RVs but with challenges: "We drove a F450 with triple slide truck camper and made it ok. Also saw a 2 wheel drive 30 foot class C motorhome that made it but would not recommend anything larger. The sites were roomy and private on a high plateau with beautiful views."
Plan for limited hookups: No campgrounds in the immediate area offer hookups. Bring sufficient water and plan for boondocking. At Copper City BLM, conditions are primitive: "Great spot right on parts of the trial! It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."
Consider site location carefully: Choose sites with sufficient space and level ground. A visitor camping near Blackmore noted: "Stayed in spot 1 and finally got the inverter and battery bank connected... No signal at all but only 30 mins from downtown bozeman. Short hike to the reservoir along a beautiful trail."
