Lisa P.
Scout
ScoutCameahwait Campground
Nice. Worth the few extra miles to be away from 1-15.
Tent Camping near Glen, MT
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Tent campgrounds in the Glen, Montana region offer several options located along the Big Hole River and throughout the surrounding Beaverhead National Forest. Notable locations include Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site with five tent campsites under large cottonwood trees approximately 6 miles south of Melrose, and Salmon Fly Fishing Access Site which features six well-spaced tent sites along the Big Hole River within walking distance to Melrose.
Most tent sites in the Glen area feature dirt or gravel parking pads with metal fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but drinking water is rarely available—only Grasshopper Campground and Pigeon Creek provide water via hand pumps during their operating season from approximately June through September. Campers should bring their own water and pack out all trash as most sites lack garbage service. Bear-resistant food storage is necessary at some locations like Mill Creek Campground, where food lockers are provided due to grizzly bear activity in the region.
Tent campers appreciate the shade provided by the mature cottonwood trees at river access sites, which help buffer highway and occasional railroad noise. "It's a small campground with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot and a vault toilet. Right on the river with big trees and a view of the Browne Bridge," noted one visitor about Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site. Areas farther from Interstate 15, such as Pigeon Creek and Grasshopper Campground, offer more seclusion for backcountry tent camping experiences. Many tent campsites provide direct access to fishing opportunities, with numerous sites positioned within sight of the Big Hole River. Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with fees ranging from free at some fishing access sites to approximately $12-18 per night at others, with discounts often available for Montana residents with fishing licenses.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Glen (31)
1. Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site
"Brownes Island Fishing Access Site is located 6 miles south of Melrose on the Big Hole River. This nice little Fishing Access/Campground has five campsite sitting under large cottonwood trees."
"It’s a small campground (5 spots) with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot and a vault toilet. Right on the river with big trees and a view of the Browne Bridge."
2. Salmon Fly
"Sites have gravel parking pads, metal fire rings and picnic tables, along with nice grass areas to set up a tent. The fishing access site is with in walking distance to the small town of Melrose."
3. Maidenrock
4. Maidenrock FAS
5. Barretts Station Park Campground
"Lots of highway noise and also some rail road tracks between the campground and the highway. There are a couple back in camping spots for smaller campers but they were taken when we arrived."
"Super clean and large campsite with a few fire rings and an outhouse. A little noisy just because it’s right next to the interstate, but at night it’s fairly quiet."
6. Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area
"The sprinter all wheel drive negotiated the trail easily from the trailhead up. We found an open meadow of sagebrush. Beautiful sunrise. One bar AT&T signal."
7. Beaverhead National Forest Grasshopper Campground and Picnic Area
"Walking distance to the rustic Elkhorn Hot Springs Resort where you can swim and get a bite to eat. A short drive to crystal park where you can dig up quartz and amethyst."
8. Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground
"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. "
"There are only 3 paved spots at Pettengill, but they offer a large fire ring and picnic table."
9. Pigeon Creek
"This as an adorable camp site, way off the beaten trail but the road to it is maintained."
10. Canyon Creek Campground
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 44 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 2 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 5 min from Idaho Falls, ID
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Glen, MT
8 Photos of 31 Glen Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Glen, MT
460 Reviews of 31 Glen Campgrounds
Aaron S.
RangerButte KOA Journey
A No-Frills, Budget Stopover (Plus a Must-See Mining Tour!)
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for an overnight stop while rolling through southwestern Montana on Interstate 15 or Interstate 90, the Butte KOA Journey serves its purpose as a functional travel hub. It is far from a luxury resort destination, but if you need a safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible place to park your rig for the night, it gets the job done.
Campground Grounds & Amenities
It is best to set expectations before pulling in—this is a very basic, older KOA:
- The Grounds: The roads and driveways are dirt and gravel, which can get muddy after a rain. There is virtually no grass throughout the sites, so expect some dust or dirt around your rig.
- Facilities & Security: While there is nothing fancy about the park, it felt completely safe and quiet during our overnight stay. Staff members were very welcoming and friendly.
- The Value: The nightly rate was very reasonable, which makes up for the lack of upscale amenities. If you just need hookups, level ground, and a spot to catch some sleep without paying premium resort fees, the price matches what you get.
Location & Highway Access
- Easy In-and-Out: The standout practical benefit of this park is the convenience. It offers quick, hassle-free on-and-off access from the nearby interstate junction, which makes pulling in after a long driving day and departing the next morning straightforward.
- The Town Setting: Butte definitely shows signs of an old mining town that has struggled economically since its historic copper mining heydays, but it makes up for that with raw character and rugged Western history.
Must-See Local Stop: The Berkeley Pit Tour
If you stay here, do not leave town without visiting the Berkeley Pit.
- The Experience: It is an overwhelmingly massive open-pit copper mine that operated for decades and is now filled with heavily mineralized water. Known historically as part of"The Richest Hill on Earth," it offers a fascinating window into America’s industrial past.
- The Logistics: The viewing stand and tour setup—conveniently run right by the local chamber of commerce/visitors center—is inexpensive and only requires about 30 minutes of your time.
- Active Mining Nearby: While the Berkeley Pit is retired, active open-pit mining is still happening right next door (projected to continue through 2050!). If you have any interest in mining, geology, or gold and mineral prospecting, this quick detour is well worth your time.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
The Butte KOA Journey won't win awards for landscaping, but its budget-friendly rate, safe atmosphere, and prime interstate convenience make it a viable 3-star overnight rest stop. Pair it with a half-hour visit to the Berkeley Pit to get an authentic taste of Montana's copper history before hitting the highway again.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 Stars)
- Barb T.
GuideLewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Needs more trees
We are here in October and we are getting snow I love it. Only 3 other campers here. .the dogs just run. Getting about 6 inches of snow. Going to hike some trails tomorrow. We have AT&T and there is cell service but we also have Starlink. No water this time of year and there is only 1 pit toilet...across the campground. It would not be a place I would stay in summer....no trees I'm not a fan of seeing all the campers. Looks like pretty decent gravel sites. We do have electric. The rangers are very nice.
- LLarry H.Scout
Butte KOA Journey
Nice for Stop overnight stop
Nice for overnight stop cose to I90 sites are tight trails and Butte visitor center next to campground
- ccindy X.Scout
Madison Valley Campground
Perfect
The camp has changed names to Clark’s Den. It is a small site on the edge of town. It is well maintained meeting all our needs. Laundry room and bathrooms are very clean. They even provide a complimentary towel and bath mat. Owner was very nice and accommodating. Surprisingly quite. I would recommend if you are touring the area. It would be a good home base.
Emily A.RangerMaiden Rock Dispersed
This is an awesome campsite
We had it mostly to ourselves and It’s so lovely and remote. Can’t hear highway noise, lots of beautiful views and an accessible creek to the front and side of all camp sites. Easy to get into Butte (30 mins) and even like the nearby restaurant (15 mins) called The Hitchin Post!
- SSue R.Guide
American Legion Park
Minimal but acceptable
No luxuries but if you need a place to pull off the road with restrooms, it works great. Tents can stay under shelter. Run by veterans and members of the American Legion, we appreciated it.
- RRonnie K.Scout
Maiden Rock Dispersed
Amazing
This place was beautiful. We enjoyed our 1 evening and night here. No fresh water, but in the town of Butte you can fill up at a casino/ gas station on Harrison Ave
- AAmy O.
TravelerBarretts Station Park Campground
Nice place
Nice place. Come here to just hangout and relax before get my kid. It’s right by interstate and train so not sure if anyone will mind this. But nice place good place to do some Picnics.
Guide to Glen
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glen, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glen, MT is Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Glen, MT?
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