Camping spots near Glen, Montana cluster along the Big Hole River between elevations of 5,000-6,000 feet, with many sites offering river access for anglers. The area experiences significant temperature swings, often dropping 30-40 degrees from day to night even in summer months. Most primitive sites have 14-16 day stay limits and require visitors to bring their own water.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide direct river access with boat launches for anglers targeting the Big Hole River. At Divide Bridge Campground, "the lower loop has campsites along the river" where you can "fill up with water" from the provided spigots before heading to the water.
Wildlife viewing: The river corridor attracts various wildlife throughout the camping season. As one camper noted while staying at Maiden Rock Dispersed, "this place was amazing! Very well maintained area! Picnic benches, tent camping spots, rv spots! We might have been lucky but no mosquitos!"
Historical exploration: The area features historical structures and artifacts to discover. A visitor to Browne's Bridge Campground mentioned "Historical Browns bridge is worth looking up, quite interesting" and noted "only a couple actual sites with picnic tables and burn rings, 4 in total."
What campers like
Convenient location: Many campers appreciate how accessible the camping areas are while still feeling removed from urban areas. At Salmon Fly, you'll find "great sites... clean and right on the river" that are "within walking distance to the small town of Melrose."
River proximity: Campsites with river views and access rank highly among visitors. One camper at Browne's Bridge Campground appreciated "the quiet and nature with beautiful river views and fishing."
Affordability: Most camping options near Glen are budget-friendly, with many free or low-cost sites. As noted by a visitor to Divide Bridge Campground, it's "only $10/night fee" with "cash or check only" and a "14 day limit."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being rural, many campgrounds feature clean amenities. At Maiden Rock Dispersed, campers find "picnic tables, fire pits" and a "bathroom down the road," with one camper noting it has "brand new looking picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings."
What you should know
Bear precautions required: The entire area is bear habitat, requiring proper food storage. A camper at Glen Campground noted, "It is bear country so be mindful of that when planning your visit."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. At Maiden Rock Dispersed, "there's no cell service. About 2.5 miles from Maiden Rocks Road on Frontage Road you will get service for a small portion of the road."
Weather variability: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, even in summer. A camper at Divide Bridge Campground stated the "only 10.00/night" fee was worth it despite "the mosquitoes were INSANE! Apparently only in July and August."
Seasonal access considerations: Water levels affect both camping and fishing conditions. As noted at Salmon Fly, "Montana FWP has posted that the water is shallow for larger boats" during certain periods.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shaded sites: Summer heat can be intense at these elevations. At Southside RV Park in nearby Dillon, one reviewer mentioned, "Trees and grass and the creek at each of the front sites. Nice laundry and clean bathrooms and showers."
Find swimming spots: Several access points allow for cooling off during hot days. At Maiden Rock Dispersed, campers "walked down the road to the angler parking and took a dip in the evening."
Choose campgrounds with amenities: For families needing more facilities, developed campgrounds offer more comfort. Beaverhead River RV Park features "beautiful kept park. Lots of activities. Large dog park. Propane, laundry, store."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose sites that accommodate your specific rig size. At Sportsman Lodge, Cabins & RV Park, "the sites are on grass that is pretty level. Lot of space in front and on the sides," but one visitor noted they "pulled into our assigned site and hooked up the 50 amp shore cord. There was a fault or problem, but unusable power. Made a quick call to the manager, and was assigned another site."
Consider hookup locations: Some sites have challenging hookup configurations. At Beaverhead River RV Park, "the openings for dumping are a couple of inches below ground level and the kind you just point the hose down and put a few rocks over to hold it down."
Reserve ahead in peak season: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. As one RVer noted about Sportsman Lodge, "when I was in the office there were people reserving for next year - they come fly fishing here every September."
