Tent camping in Gallatin National Forest provides opportunities for backcountry exploration across elevations ranging from 5,700 to 10,000 feet. Located in southwest Montana, the forest's camping areas experience dramatic temperature shifts, with summer highs near 80°F dropping to 40°F at night. Most dispersed camping sites sit on compact soil with pine needle ground cover, requiring careful tent site selection to avoid roots and rocks.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Multiple fishing spots throughout Gallatin National Forest permit anglers to catch west slope cutthroat trout. At Spanish Lakes, one camper reported, "Tons of west slope cutthroat trout that get flown in. The lake is crystal clear and cold."
Mountain biking trails: The Copper City trail system offers dedicated mountain biking routes near Three Forks. A camper at Copper City BLM shared, "Great spot right on parts of the trail! It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."
Summit hiking: Several peaks near tent camping areas provide challenging day hikes with significant elevation gain. At Spanish Lakes, one hiker mentioned, "Apparently you can summit the nearby mountains and reached a higher lake called Beehive. My friends went and said they enjoyed it."
Wildlife watching: The forest hosts diverse wildlife including bears, mountain goats, and smaller mammals. According to a camper, "Mountain Goats will come in your camp and they will do what goats do and want to check you out. They are not scared."
What campers like
Mountain sunrises: The early morning light creates distinctive colors across the mountain landscape. One camper at South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site mentioned, "The mountains were pink and purple at sunrise, awesome views!"
Alpine lakes: Several tent camping locations provide access to clear mountain lakes for swimming and fishing. At Fairy Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "The lake itself is stunning, with crystal clear water that looks almost unreal. It's the perfect place to relax, hike, fish, or just sit back and take in the beauty of Montana."
Night sky visibility: The lack of light pollution makes stargazing particularly rewarding. A camper at South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site shared, "Awesome view of the Northern Lights too!" while another camper at Revenue Flats reported, "Pulled up to this spot and camped under the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen."
Isolation from crowds: Weekday camping typically means fewer people, particularly at dispersed sites. One camper observed, "The weekdays we were basically alone at the campground."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles to access camping areas. A visitor to Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping warned, "I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily, although this is by far the roughest road I've encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart!"
Wildlife precautions: Bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage and safety measures. A camper reported, "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent. 1 bear box for the whole camp ground so be prepared to store food in car or tree."
Water access: Most dispersed tent camping sites lack drinking water. Revenue Flats campers noted, "No restrooms or services but tons of little designated pull outs and fire rings. Very open and little shade during the day."
Temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for cold nights even during summer months. One camper reported, "It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke."
Tips for camping with families
Farm animal experiences: Children enjoy seeing farm animals at campgrounds that combine agricultural settings with camping. A family at 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."
Creek exploration: Small streams running through campsites provide entertainment for younger children. One parent noted, "There was a perfect little creek that my 5yo fully enjoyed for a few days."
Safety considerations: Keep children close due to wildlife and terrain risks. A family camper advised, "We felt safe and comfortable staying at the farm near all the animals. The owner of the property was very nice and she didn't hesitate to answer any questions!"
Educational opportunities: The forest offers chances to learn about ecology and wildlife. One parent mentioned, "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
Campsite sizing: Many forest locations have limited space for larger vehicles. At Blackmore Campground, a camper mentioned, "Stayed in spot 1 and finally got the inverter and battery bank connected. This place is FCFS and has a clean vault toilet."
Road access concerns: Several roads to camping areas have restrictions or difficult conditions. One RVer noted, "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."
Solar power viability: Many camping areas have open exposure for solar panel use. A camper reported, "It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."
Generator restrictions: Respect quiet hours and check if generators are permitted at your camping location. Several campgrounds in the region restrict generator use, especially during evening and early morning hours.
