Tent camping near Heart Butte, Montana offers access to remote wilderness within the Rocky Mountain Front, where elevations range from 4,500 to over 9,000 feet. Most dispersed camping areas require driving dirt roads with varying degrees of clearance needed, particularly after rain or snow melt. Summer temperatures typically fluctuate between 40-85°F with significant cooling at night even during July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Eureka Reservoir, campers have direct lakeside access for fishing. "Campsites next to the water allow for tranquil nights," notes one camper. The reservoir provides calmer waters than nearby rivers, especially during spring runoff.
Hiking to alpine lakes: The trail to Our Lake takes about 1.5 hours round trip from the trailhead at the end of the forest road. "The nearby hike to 'Our Lake' is about 1.5hrs (roundtrip) from the trailhead... It's relatively flat for the first 1 hour and then gets steeper, along good switchbacks, for the final 30 mins," according to a camper at Mill Falls.
Backcountry glacier viewing: From Sperry Wilderness Campsite, several day hikes access glaciers and alpine terrain. "Comeau pass to sperry glacier, lincoln pas and Ellen Wilson lake are great hikes out fo the campground," reports one backpacker. The site requires a challenging 6.5-mile hike with 3,600 feet of elevation gain.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Mill Falls Campground provides sites along a stream. "Wonderful, quiet site along a little-used forest road. We had the site at the end of the road, which is very close to the babbling brook, leading to Mill Falls," notes a visitor. The running water helps mask noise from neighboring sites.
Wildlife encounters: Sperry Wilderness Campsite often has resident mountain goats. One camper reported, "There is a mountain goat with blunted horns (who we named Earl) that frequented the site while we were cooking, setting up our tent, and again in the morning." Secure all gear and food properly.
Remote sunrise views: Morning at Gunsight Lake provides exceptional photography opportunities. "Walking out to the lake early in the morning provides a surreal experience with the water being so still," writes a camper. The 7-mile hike from the nearest road keeps crowds minimal even in peak season.
What you should know
Trailhead access: Several wilderness sites require substantial hiking. For Gunsight Lake, "It's a decent trek out to the lake, beginning with a quick descent, but it mellows out in the valley as you hike back in. Hike tip: don't skip the turnoffs for the various waterfalls."
Backcountry permits: All Glacier National Park wilderness sites require advance permits. Reservations become available months before the season and often fill quickly. A camper at Gunsight Lake notes it makes "a great basecamp for a 2-night stay before moving on."
Road conditions: Access to Skyland Road Dispersed Camping varies by season and recent weather. "The first two [spots] you can probably get to with low clearance but afterwords I'd recommend medium clearance," advises a recent visitor. Multiple creek crossings may become impassable after heavy rain.
Tips for camping with families
Select accessible sites: Cut Bank Campground provides a balance of accessibility and wilderness. "If you need a nice quiet car-campery campground at Glacier NP that is secluded, you can't go wrong with Cut Bank. It's a short drive away from the popular Going-to-the-Sun-Road allowing escape from busy roads and fellow tourists."
Water access: Eureka Reservoir offers calm water for swimming. "Sweet calm water access... The gem is the reservoir access. Esp if it is earlier in the year and the river's are high. You can go here to get your feet wet earlier in the season."
Animal awareness: Children need supervision around wildlife. At Gunsight Lake, "Deer can be pests here!" while at Sperry, mountain goats regularly approach campsites. Teach children proper wildlife viewing distances (minimum 25 yards for most animals, 100 yards for bears).
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed sites have minimal space for larger vehicles. At Skyland Road, "The spots were a tad small depending on your rig, just big enough for a pickup truck and tent. Really quiet and peaceful, felt like you had the whole place to yourself."
RV amenities: For full hookups, Glacier Mist RV Park in Cut Bank provides basic services. "This is a nice place to stay and in a good area. The owner will personally meet you at check in whatever time. Clean bathrooms and hot showers."
Road access: Many forest roads become increasingly difficult for larger vehicles. "Driving along the skyland road's ridge was amazing, gorgeous mountain views. Spots are few but very spaced out for privacy." Tent camping with a smaller vehicle provides access to more remote sites than larger RVs.
