Tent camping near Glen, Montana provides direct access to the Beaverhead National Forest and the Big Hole River valley at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet. Campers should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching 85°F but dropping to the 40s at night. The camping season generally runs from late May through September, with many smaller campgrounds closing after Labor Day due to early mountain snowfall.
What to do
Fly fishing access: The Salmon Fly campground provides direct river access for anglers. "Great sites. Close together but clean and right on the river," notes nathan, adding it can accommodate RVs up to 29 feet.
Crystal hunting: Visit Crystal Park near Beaverhead National Forest Grasshopper Campground where you can dig for quartz and amethyst crystals. "A short drive to crystal park where you can dig up quartz and amethyst," reports Mitch G., who visited during Labor Day weekend.
Ghost town exploration: Coolidge Ghost Town sits within driving distance of several campgrounds on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Dexter I. recommends: "Further up the byway be sure to visit Coolidge Ghost Town and dig for crystal at Crystal park," when describing activities near Pettengill Campground.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers appreciate Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site for its location. Siegfried M. describes it as "Small but Private, Right on the River" in a recent 5-star review.
Hot springs access: Camping at Grasshopper Campground provides easy access to natural hot springs. "Walking distance to the rustic Elkhorn Hot Springs Resort where you can swim and get a bite to eat," shares Mitch G., highlighting this unique feature not found at other area campgrounds.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite remote locations, some campgrounds receive excellent care. Harold mentions Grasshopper Campground specifically: "The camp host, Al, does a fabulous job. Pit toilets were clean, plenty of TP, didn't stink. The campground is well maintained, and a beautiful place to camp."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Food storage precautions are necessary throughout the region. Multiple campgrounds require proper food storage due to bear activity, particularly in the higher elevation sites.
Limited cell coverage: Most camping areas have minimal to no cell service. "One bar AT&T signal," reports David M. about the Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area, one of the few mentions of any connectivity in the region.
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds lack reliable water sources. Only Grasshopper and Pigeon Creek campgrounds provide water via hand pumps during their operating season. Most sites require campers to bring their own water supply.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at river sites. At Barretts Station Park Campground, Richard C. warns: "prepare for the skeeters our thermacell was no match for these guys."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access option: Barretts Station Park Campground offers convenient camping for families needing facilities. "I needed a place to camp overnight and this place fit the bill. There are 9 tables dispersed in a grassy area and a couple RV parking spaces. There are pit toilets and a water pump," shares Richard N.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer. "We got snow on Labor Day weekend (still Summer!), so check the forecast," cautions Mitch G. about camping at Grasshopper Campground in the Pioneer Mountains.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. Marne F. notes about Barretts Station Park: "It was close to the freeway, so there was lots of road noise all night," making it potentially challenging for light-sleeping children.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. At Salmon Fly, nathan mentions, "A little short on the length but okay for our 29'" indicating larger rigs may struggle.
Paved sites available: Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground offers rare paved parking. "The campground road and parking pads are all paved. A large paved parking area is also available and is used for snowmobile parking in the winter," notes Dexter I., which may benefit RVers concerned about leveling.
Dispersed options limited: True boondocking sites for larger RVs are scarce in the immediate Glen area. Most designated campgrounds have size limitations, with few suitable for vehicles over 30 feet in length.
