Best Tent Camping near Hardin, MT
Fishing access sites along the Bighorn River near Hardin, Montana provide several primitive tent camping opportunities with minimal amenities. Grant Marsh FAS offers walk-in tent sites approximately 30 miles from Billings, with only a few spots situated directly on the river. Mallards Landing FAS features dispersed tent campsites with river access, while Pompeys Pillar FAS provides hike-in tent-only camping options for those seeking more seclusion. Afterbay Campground, located south of Hardin, serves as a popular base for tent campers exploring nearby hiking trails.
Most tent campgrounds in the Hardin area feature basic amenities with vault toilets being the most common facility. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, as none of the sites offer potable water. Grant Marsh provides a clean vault toilet and garbage cans but lacks cellular service. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with Two Leggins prohibiting fires and propane stove use entirely. Sites typically consist of ungraded natural surfaces, and some locations like Mallards Landing have transitioned from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping areas with minimal infrastructure. The 14-day stay limit applies to most public lands in the region.
Riverside tent camping locations offer varying levels of seclusion and natural features. According to reviews, Grant Marsh provides a "quiet little place by the river" with limited marked camping spots. At Mallards Landing, one camper noted finding solitude when "other places along the river had too many people," though they experienced some bug issues. Tent campers at Afterbay benefit from nearby hiking trails, including an 8-mile round trip route with mountain and lake views. Summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes, while fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Black Canyon Campground in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area requires boat access, as there is no road access to campsites inside the canyon. Myers Bridge features a 1.5-mile trail around the island and occasional train noise but remains relatively peaceful.
