Primitive campsites in Helena National Forest range from 4,500 to 7,800 feet in elevation across diverse mountain terrain. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with overnight lows dipping into the 40s even in July. Road closures often restrict access to higher elevation camping areas until late May or early June due to lingering snow conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Wolf Creek Bridge: The recently upgraded fishing access site provides excellent starting points for float trips down the Missouri River. "Wolf Creek Bridge FAS got a big upgrade over the winter. The fishing access site is now fully paved. No more parking in the mud or dirt," notes one camper at Wolf Creek Bridge.
Hike-in camping at Sluice Boxes: For more adventurous campers, this park offers primitive camping without designated sites or facilities. "There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the trail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you," reports a visitor to Sluice Boxes State Park Campground.
Swimming in mountain waters: The Little Blackfoot River dispersed camping area offers natural swimming holes for cooling off on hot summer days. "The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat," mentions a camper who stayed at the site during July.
What campers like
Secluded reservoir camping: Scott Reservoir offers direct water access with minimal crowds. "Came up here on a whim one night and got lucky! No one else camped up there so it was peaceful. You're right by the water with a great mountain view," writes a camper who visited Scott Reservoir Dispersed camping area.
Winter camping opportunities: Some locations in the Helena National Forest remain accessible year-round for cold weather camping. "I camp here with Boy Scouts since the place is often reserved for youth organizations. In the winter it can be fun to climb some hills. The bathrooms are really big and well developed (and super warm for the winter)," says a winter camper at Camp Rotary.
Budget-friendly options: Many dispersed camping areas around Helena National Forest are free or low-cost. "Montana charges $18 a night for non-residents. It's too expensive for essentially a parking spot," notes one camper at Lichen Cliff, highlighting the value comparison that makes free dispersed sites more attractive.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote tent campsites requires planning for unpaved roads. "Not the best roads but I got up there fine with my 2015 Outback just fine," reports a camper about Scott Reservoir, where high-clearance vehicles perform better on forest roads.
Seasonal facilities: Availability of facilities changes throughout the season at Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite. "The vault toilet was clean," notes one camper, though many dispersed sites lack such amenities entirely.
Campfire restrictions: Helena National Forest frequently implements fire bans during summer months. "A short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place," mentions a visitor, highlighting the conditional nature of campfire permissions.
Site occupancy patterns: Weekdays offer better chances for solitude at popular spots. "I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night. Some bugs but not too bad," reports a camper at Scott Reservoir, suggesting timing affects both privacy and insect populations.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: Choose sites with minimal hiking for younger children. "Mountain Palace FAS is a popular take out location for fishing float boats on the Missouri River. The FAS has three campsites, sites 1 & 2 sit above the Missouri river and are quite nice with great views," notes a visitor to Mountain Palace Fishing Access Site.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer best animal sighting times near water sources. "Straight across the lake someone was hunting ducks and geese with their dog. An older couple with their dog came through for a walk who were pretty nice as well," mentions a camper at Spokane Bay, highlighting the diverse activities visible from camp.
Safety precautions: Bring bear spray and teach children proper food storage. "If hiking in please stay on the trail as it crosses through private land. At the gate please close the gate behind you," advises a camper about access protocols that also apply to children's behavior around camp.
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Most forest roads accommodate small trailers but require careful navigation. "There's a nice hand full of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots your could fit a small trailer in," notes a Scott Reservoir visitor regarding space limitations.
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require blocks for proper leveling. "This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs," reports a visitor to Little Blackfoot River, one of the few dispersed areas with naturally level parking.
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Helena National Forest lack RV services. "Small camp area at a Montana Fishing Access site. Better as an RV site than a tent," suggests a camper at Lichen Cliff Fishing Access Site, indicating some sites favor self-contained units despite limited amenities.
