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Best Tent Camping near Glendive, MT

100 Reviews

Tent campers visiting the Glendive area in eastern Montana find several primitive options with minimal amenities. The Glendive Short Pines OHV Area offers a basic setup with a gravel parking lot and portable toilets about 25 miles southwest of town. Fallon Bridge Fishing Access Site provides boat-in tent access along the Yellowstone River, though it lacks designated camping spots and amenities. Circle Town Park in nearby Circle, Montana offers walk-in tent sites with drinking water and toilet facilities.

The terrain at most sites consists of exposed gravel or dirt surfaces with little natural shade. Short Pines OHV Area permits camping for up to 14 days, according to posted regulations. Portable toilets are maintained at the OHV area, while Circle Town Park has non-flushing wooden box-style facilities. Water availability varies significantly between locations - campers should bring their own drinking water supplies as the quality of available water is questionable. A camper noted, "Running water is available, but supposedly you aren't supposed to drink the water in most parts of east Montana." The exposed nature of these sites means preparation for wind and temperature fluctuations is essential.

Walk-in tent sites at these locations offer basic functionality rather than scenic appeal. The Short Pines area experiences regular traffic, with one visitor reporting "big trucks driving by constantly throughout the night." For tent campers seeking more natural surroundings, Elkhorn Campground in western North Dakota (about 70 miles from Glendive) provides a more secluded option with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Campsites are in a valley in the Badlands. Nice and clean with hand pump for water." Most primitive tent areas near Glendive serve primarily as convenient overnight stops rather than destination camping, with limited recreational amenities beyond basic shelter opportunities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Glendive, Montana (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Glendive, MT

1 Photos of 7 Glendive Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Glendive, MT

100 Reviews of 7 Glendive Campgrounds

  • Jenny H.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Glendive Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Ok if you need a gravel pad and hookups

    Behind the Astoria hotel, the Glendive Campground feels like an afterthought. If you need a place to stay for the night and hook up to water, sewer, and electricity, this place will do. If you can drive another 50 minutes (east), you’ll find more options in Medora.

    Even in August, when I called ahead the front desk said they never fill up and I don’t need a reservation. No fire pit, there are about 40 sites and several are next to about 6 or 7 dead and leafless trees - check the weather before parking your prize under one! No fire rings, and this year the restrooms and showers are closed “due to COVID”. Seems convenient... despite MT being a mandatory mask state, the front desk worker at the Astoria where you check in did not have a mask and there was no signage. However, there was a sign that the breakfast buffet at the hotel was cancelled.

    Many of the pedestals need repair and the vent on our sewer was broken off. I removed a pile of dead branches in order to pull our trailer into position. However, the reality is that you don’t need much if you bring your own equipment. I just wonder how not offering bathroom facilities to tent campers helps slow the spread of coronavirus... gives me something to ponder as I don’t enjoy any amenities offered.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2023

    Short Pine OHV Area

    A stop, not a campsite

    It’s a really pretty area! Very quiet. Great if you’re offroading. Pit toilet. No water, no other amenities. Only 7-8 miles from Glendive and 94! Weird little bugs that pack a bite for their size. And some flies.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    Convenient to the highway

    General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway). We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in late August with no reservation and had no problem securing a site, although it filled almost to capacity by evening. 

    Site Quality: Many are in direct sun, but we found one that had some afternoon shade. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. All camper pads are paved. 

    Bath/Shower house: There were six vault toilets (two by the entrance and two in each loop) that had sinks but no soap; they were reasonably clean. Two showers were in the other loop from where we stayed, and we did not use them. 

    Activities: There is access to the Buffalo Gap Trail, but we did not hike it as this was an overnight stop for us and quite hot. It is not far from the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    It was hot when we were there (high 80s) so we just kind of collapsed upon arrival and took off the next day. The good news is you are close to the highway, but you will hear some road noise. $20 or$10 with the senior pass makes it a good deal. Cash or check if you cannot register online (no service with Verizon).

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2022

    Camel's Hump Lake

    Nice lake

    This is a nice camping spot. Close to interstate. Which you can hear. Heard a train go by a few times. Lake gets a few fisherman throughout the day. Only 4 spots which filled up before dark. No water or dump. Campsites are right on edge of lake.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2020

    Intake Dam

    Cottonwoods along Yellowstone River

    We stayed here for 2 nights just relaxing along the Yellowstone River. Price was $18 unless you had a Montana Fishing license. The sites were wide and spacious. We were there September 2020 and few people were there. The huge cottonwoods were turning gold. Yes, there is a dam but it was quiet. The sites are really spread out and several like ours were by the river. There were vault toilets scattered about and two water pump spigots with amazing water pressure. Garbage cans were also provided. There were also a fire ring and a picnic table. It was a quiet campground away from the highway that didn’t see much traffic.

  • Jessica S.
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    Beautiful Scenery

    Campground was clean and well maintained, camp hosts were friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Easy access, nice parking pads, have picnic tables and fire rings at each camp site.  Offers RV dump and potable water in campground.  Does not have hook ups and have limited times to run a generator. Great option close to Medora (7 miles) without the hustle and bustle of town.  Very beautiful views of the badlands.  Easy access to trails for hiking and biking.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2020

    Makoshika State Park Campground

    Pine on Rocks campground

    This was one of several sites up a winding steep but paved road where trailers are not allowed. We had a very private site #20 with our own clean private vault toilet and garbage can. It was down a single track rutted road but our 24’ pop up truck camper made it with ease. We could see some of the hoodoos if we walked around. There was lots of room to set up a tent and just wander around. Cost was $14. We had groupings of pine trees for shade as it can get hot there even in Late September.

    There is a campground for larger RVs but they are on asphalt closer to the entrance. They were crowded and it looked hot there.

  • Doug L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Makoshika State Park Campground

    Paleontology Abound at Makosika State Park in

    This is on of the coolest state parks this side of the Cenozoic Period! They found dinosaur fossils in this park. and you never know you just might find some too! Our campsites butted right up to a cool mountain and the peaks are small enough for you to scamper around on. PLUS the have the coolest frisbee golf course this side of the jurassic Period with embedded holes spread over the ancient cretaceous landscape! How cool is that.

    Astronomy wise this is a Bortle Class 4 site SQM: 21.62 mag./arc sec2. I did not get to observe due to smoke and poor weather.

    All sites are primitive but there is fresh water in each of the two campgrounds and vault toilets are nearby. Trash pickup id also available. There is no dump-station but one is close by at: Glendive Landfill City government office 801 E Brennan St. (406) 377-9839

    Hiking at the park contains easy and tough trails but each one is sure to delight with wonder and discovery on each one.

  • Josh K.
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    Good, nice sites

    Overall a nice campsite. Many sites for tents, some for campers and trailers. Each had a picnic table and a fire ring. Pretty loud road noise from the highway but a good spot to stop for a night.

Guide to Glendive

Tent camping near Glendive, Montana offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds available, there are options that cater to different needs and preferences.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Glendive Short Pines OHV Area provides a rustic experience with basic facilities like toilets, making it a straightforward choice for those who enjoy simplicity.
  • At the Fallon Bridge, you can enjoy fishing access, although it lacks traditional campground amenities, making it ideal for those seeking a more rugged stay.
  • The Visitors Center - Beach features a clean environment with limited sites, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Tent campers should check out Custer Snow Camp

  • Nestled in the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Custer Snow Camp offers a serene setting for tent camping, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
  • The Circle Town Park is available year-round and provides essential facilities like toilets, making it a convenient option for campers.
  • For those looking for a private experience, Diamond Motel & Campground offers tent camping in a more secluded environment.

Tips for tent camping near Glendive

  • Always come prepared, as many sites like the Fallon Bridge do not provide amenities such as drinking water or trash disposal.
  • If you’re traveling with pets, the Glendive Short Pines OHV Area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Be mindful of the lack of firewood and picnic tables at many sites, including the Circle Town Park, so plan your meals and activities accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glendive, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glendive, MT is Glendive Short Pines OHV Area with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Glendive, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Glendive, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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