Primitive tent campsites near Glendive, Montana offer basic accommodations in the eastern prairie region where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in summer months and drop below freezing October through April. The landscape features rolling grasslands with limited natural shade and protection from wind. Water availability presents a significant challenge throughout the region, with most primitive sites lacking reliable drinking water.
What to do
Fishing access points: The Fallon Bridge Fishing Access Site provides entry to the Yellowstone River for anglers looking for boat-in camping options. According to a visitor, "This is a spot that provides fishing access not really a campground. I believe you could stay here but there are no real designated spots, it is right next to the road, no trees, nothing really to do."
Badlands exploration: Located about 70 miles from Glendive, Elkhorn Campground offers access to nearby trails with distinctive badlands features. A reviewer notes: "Nearby is Elkhorn Ranch Unit trail leading to Theodore Roosevelt Ranch site. No buildings but interpretive signage."
Swimming opportunities: During hot summer months, Circle has public swimming facilities near the campground. One camper mentioned, "Pool nearby is a plus, the pool let me use their flushing toilets. Cheap entry fee to pool aswell. Park fairly close to grocery store."
What campers like
Seclusion options: For campers willing to travel a bit farther from Glendive, Elkhorn Campground offers more solitude. A visitor reported, "Campsite was empty, so we had different sites to choose from. We were in a spot with some shade for our tent. Close to clean pit toilet."
OHV recreation: The drive to Glendive Short Pines OHV Area offers scenic views and recreational opportunities. A reviewer commented, "The drive to this area is stunning to say the least. You get to the end of a paved road that turns into dirt. Take a right hand turn into a gravel parking lot. The parking lot is big."
Budget-friendly options: Tent camping locations around Glendive generally offer low-cost or free camping. One camper at Elkhorn Campground described the fee structure: "$6 cash or check, put the money in the envelope and drop it in the box, clip the tag to your site #. Not a busy spot, there was only one other person camping when we were there mid first week of August."
What you should know
Water supply challenges: Most primitive camping options near Glendive require bringing your own drinking water. At Elkhorn Campground, a reviewer warned: "Hand pump was hard to pump which produced light brown water which wasn't something we wanted to drink, so bring in your own water."
Road conditions: Access to some campsites requires travel on unpaved roads. One camper noted about Elkhorn Campground: "Traveled about 35 miles on unpaved road in RAV4 AWD."
Restroom facilities: Toilet facilities vary widely between locations. The Short Pines OHV Area has "a clean and well maintained porta potty" according to one visitor, while another commented on Circle Town Park: "One bathroom, non-flushing wooden box style toilet. Horrible bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose campgrounds with amenities that support family needs. At Beach Visitors Center, a reviewer observed: "This was a small rv park we stayed at for 3 nights there is space for around 7 units. And some tent space as well. It was clean and we liked it alot."
Grocery proximity: When tent camping with families, proximity to supplies becomes important. Circle Town Park provides this convenience as one camper noted, "Park fairly close to grocery store."
Heat management: With limited shade at most tent sites near Glendive, families should plan for cooling options. Swimming facilities in Circle provide relief as mentioned by a visitor: "Pool nearby is a plus, the pool let me use their flushing toilets. Cheap entry fee to pool aswell."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive tent campsites near Glendive are not conducive to larger RVs. At Circle Town Park, the tent-focused facilities lack RV hookups though a sanitary dump is available according to the amenities list.
Overnight parking options: For RVers passing through, several sites function better as quick stopovers than destination camping. One camper described Fallon Bridge: "I'm sure if you needed a spot to stop for the night, it would do but that's about it."
Noise considerations: Light sleepers should note potential disruptions at some locations. A visitor to Short Pines OHV Area reported: "There were big trucks driving by constantly throughout the night. In the morning there were few ATV out driving up the hills, but none were a bother."
