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Best Tent Camping near Helena, MT

402 Reviews

Tent campsites around Helena, Montana range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands, with several options for those seeking a more primitive camping experience. Spokane Bay Campground offers walk-in tent sites accessible via a one-mile hike from the trailhead, while Scott Reservoir Dispersed provides lakeside tent camping in the Helena National Forest with mountain views and multiple established fire rings.

Most tent camping areas near Helena feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Fire rings are common at both established and dispersed sites, though picnic tables are primarily found at developed campgrounds like Little Log and Spokane Bay. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds but absent at dispersed sites such as Scott Reservoir. A review mentioned that "Scott Reservoir Dispersed has a nice handful of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots you could fit a small trailer in," making it accessible for tent campers with vehicles. During summer months, campers should check fire restrictions as they frequently impact the region.

The tent camping experience near Helena offers considerable solitude, particularly at more remote locations. Areas farther from town provide deeper seclusion and less noise, with Scott Reservoir and Little Blackfoot River sites offering peaceful settings. One camper noted that Spokane Bay Campground is "a good place to be alone" with limited visitors except occasional boaters and hikers. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite features multiple tent sites along the river with good water access, though some road noise may be audible. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with several sites providing direct water access. Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather conditions for tent camping in the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Helena, Montana (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Helena, MT

2 Photos of 15 Helena Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Helena, MT

402 Reviews of 15 Helena Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2019

    Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground

    Ranger review of Wenzel's Windy Pass Mummy 0° Sleeping bag and Holter Dam C

    Holter Dam Campground Review

    Holter Dam Campground at Holter Dam Recreation site is a BLM 15 site campground located just below Holter Dam. All 15 sites at the campground feature covered picnic tables with a fire ring. All the sites sit along the edge of a very large parking area. 13 of the sites have plenty of room for tents on a nice flat grassy area. Two sites are close together and have limited room for tents. The campground has a double vault toilet with numerous water faucets, and dumpsters. A second vault toilet can be found at the boat ramp area just a short distance from the campground. An ADA campsite sits right in front of the vault toilets. The concrete pad for the ADA site extends to and surrounds the fire ring allowing wheelchairs to get as close to the fire as they want. Campsites run $10 an night (½ price for senior and access pass holders). Keep an eye out on the surrounding hills around the campground for Big Horn Sheep. While staying at the campground we saw 5 sheep on the hill next to the campground entrance.

    Ranger review of the Wenzel Windy Pass Mummy 0° Sleeping bag

    I was quiet pleased with the Windy Pass 0° Mummy sleeping bag. The bag is roomy, giving you room to turn around in the bags with out needing to have to bag turn with you. On the bags stuff sack it says it is a cold weather bag 0-20 degrees. I slept warm all night with the temps dropping into the low 30's with it raining all night (snow was on the ground on the hills above us). I was quiet pleased with the amount of padding the bag provided during the night as my sleeping pad failed to hold air, but I was still able to sleep comfortably on the hard ground. I got up several times during the night and each time I was able to warm back up in just a few minutes after getting back in to the bag. It will be interesting to test it out next winter in colder weather to see if it meets its temperature claims. I weighted the bag, and at 4 pounds 10 ounces, you might not be taking this one out on a backpacking trip, but for the front country camping you can't go wrong with this warm bag, specially for the price of $45.

  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Campground

    Lower Confederate Dispersed Camping

    There’s a few different sites to choose from in the area. A lot of them are close to the pit toilet near the rock beach. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. No water. The best spot that we stayed at was on top of the cliff. It was gorgeous but super windy. 14 day stay limit. Pls make sure to leave no trace and don’t leave trash. A group of guys camped on one of the site and trashed it. Even buried the fire pit completely with sand to the point you could barely see it and then left trash on top

  • Jessa
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping on Canon Ferry Lake

    Gorgeous spot! Free dispersed camping, first come basis, 14 day stay limit. Lots of spots to choose from in the area. Beautiful vies of Canyon Ferry Lake. Most spots have a picnic table and a camp fire ring. Some spots are close to each other so in the summer I bet it’s packed. The lakes beach is full of rocks. Please make sure to leave no trace if you come to this spot! Pack it in, pack it out. There are vault toilets around the area if needed. No dumping.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Duck Creek Primitive Campground

    Review of Outdoor Element's Firebiner at Duck Creek camping area

    Review of Duck Creek camping area

    This was our second camp at Duck Creek this year with our Venturing Crew. This time we conducted a wilderness survival camp at the far opposite end of the camping area from our last camp. We constructed our survival shelters on the sand and gravel shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. We picked the shore in order to get away from the bugs. The cottonwoods and willows held plenty of little vampires looking for blood, the grassy areas had fewer mosquitoes but a recent hatch had occurred and although they didn't bite all those bugs made you thing you were being attacked. So the beach it was, it was amazing that you could walk out on the beach and not have any bugs, what a slight breeze will do. After setting up our shelters it was time to build a fire and cook dinner. Our site had a rock ring built into the sand, but we found this to be to close to the trees for our liking as the wind would blow embers into the vegetation. We built a new ring next to the water for the nigh. You will be unable to find our fire ring as any evidence of our visit was removed the next morning...Leave no trace. Their is no problem finding fire wood at duck creek drift wood is everywhere. If you want to stay at Duck Creek be prepared, this is primitive camping. No vault toilets, no water, no trash service, no metal fire rings, but you do have cell service.

    Ranger review of the Firebiner from Outdoor Element.

    Gave the firebinder to one of our Scouts to get a fire started, sparks up really well, she had a little problem due to how windy was, but a second try with a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly had a fire going after three strikes. Our Scouts gave the striker five stars. The cutting blade worked well on string and fishing line, how ever we could not get through 550 para cord, and with such a small opening you are really limited on what you can cut with it. Over all everyone likes the look of the firebiner, and it held up to a weekend of use, is small and light weight and has worked well for clipping items on to packs.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2018

    Goose Bay Marina and Campground

    Large Primitive campground at Goose Bay

    Goose Bay Primitive Campround is right next to Goose Bay Marina and Campground. The primitive campground is free. The very large disperse campground area has several Vault Toilets. Rock fire rings are at the sites. Sites are not numbered as you can camp anywhere, but the good spots have rock fire rings. Sites do not have picnic tables. Their are ADA camp sites next to each Vault Toilet. The ADA sites each have large concrete pads, picnic table and metal fire ring. We had a Boy Scout Camporee at this location a few years ago and made for a nice camp, tons of room and plenty of lake access. If you use a water craft on Canyon Ferry you must have your craft inspected and cleaned before leaving. The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks inspection site is located at the entrance of Goose Bay Marina and Campground

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2018

    Copper Creek Campground

    Quiet Mt. Campground & Ranger review of the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG

    Cooper Creek Campground is a nice quiet campground in the Helena National Forest. Cooper Creek Campground offers 20 sites with metal fire rings and concrete picnic tables, and has three vault toilets and potable Water is available from a hand pump. For those who like to fish, the campground is along Cooper Creek and Snowbird lake is just across the road from the campground. Like to hike, the trailhead for Snowbank Creek/Sucker Creek trail is just across the road next to Snowbird lake. The trailhead has plenty of parking space and a Vault Toilet. Like bears, good, this is grizzly bear country so Food Storage Order is in effect. You will have to store your food in your vehicle as storage lockers are not available. Campground does have trash service. Cost in 2018 was $8 a night put this is planned to go up to $15 next year, but still well worth the price.

    A Ranger review of the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG / Soft Ground.

    I really like these shoe, but when I first pulled them out the box I wasn't sure. My first experience with these shoes was a little hard, hard as in, these shoes were hard to get in to. I though I was going to have to send these back, but I finally got them on. These shoe need to be broke in as they are very snug around the ankle. Luckily the shoes get easier to put on as you wear them, but still a bit of a challenge. That snug fit at the top of the shoe has its advantage, you don't get debris in your shoe as there is no room for anything to make its way into the shoe.

    I was concerned at first that these shoes would not provide enough protection from rocks, but after taking them out on the trail my mind was changed. I was able to hike a rocky trail easily and comfortably, I even purposely stepped on loose rocks to see how it would feel. While I could feel the rocks, the shoe was tough enough to protect my feet, even the front of the shoe has enough material to protect your toes if you stub your toe on a rock.

    A few things to note when you take the shoes out of the box, be sure to put the inserts in the shoes. I missed them at first and wore the shoes for several days before noticing them. While they are slim, those inserts made the shoes so much more comfortable. The shoes have elastic laces, but also come with a set of traditional laces, but the shoes fit so well I could probably go without the laces at all.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2019

    Confederate Campground

    Relax on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake

    Confederate Campground is a Bureau of Reclamation campground on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. This small free campground does not have developed campsites with the exception of the one ADA available campsite. Their appears to be six camping spots, five that have rock made fire rings, the only developed site is the ADA site which has a concrete parking pad and metal fire pit. No picnic tables are available at this campground. The campground does have a ADA accessible vault toilet directly across from the ADA campsite. Two of the campsites sit along the lakes beach. Don't be expecting a nice sandy beach however, this is a gravel beach, but still nice. Two sites are near the vault toilet and ADA site, these sites sit on the edge of the lake among cotton wood trees and willows. The final location is away from the other sites in a grassy area near large cotton woods. Camping at Confederate campground is limited to 14 days. There is no water, trash service or picnic tables so come prepared. Their is not a boat launch at this campground, but boats can easily be launched from the rocky beach area. All water craft regardless of size must be inspected prior to launching at Canyon Ferry Lake.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Deerlodge National Forest Orofino Campground

    Solitude in Montana

    Orofino campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion.  The sites are not numbered.  The Campground has a vault toilet.  The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites.  This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance.  The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape.  The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult.  One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section.  Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills.  All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings.  The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Orofino Campground

    Mountain Solitude in Montana

    Orofino Campground is a small campground with 11 sites, but it also has a second half across the road which has two large family/group camps and a Day Use area with a large pavilion. The sites are not numbered. The Campground has a vault toilet. The two family sites each have their own vault toilets, the day use site shares two vault toilets with one of the family sites. This campground appears to get little use and little maintenance. The vault toilets are quite old wooden structures, but in good shape. The campground area has several sites where finding a level spot for a tent is difficult. One hand pump is available for water and is located on the campground section. Each family site had 6+ picnic tables and firer rings with a few BBQ grills. All the sites in the campground have picnic tables but a couple do not have fire rings. The campground has plenty of shade from its large trees, fewer trees in the family areas but still some good tree cover.

Guide to Helena

Tent camping near Helena, Montana offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from lakeside views to secluded forest settings, campers can find the perfect spot to pitch their tents.

Tent campers should check out Fish Hawk Campground

  • Located near Helena, Fish Hawk Campground features walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it a great choice for a rustic camping experience.
  • This campground allows pets and has easy access to the lake, perfect for those looking to enjoy water activities during their stay.
  • Campers should be aware that this site is primarily for day use, so plan your visit accordingly.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $15

  • Scott Reservoir Dispersed offers free camping with stunning views of the reservoir, ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
  • At Little Log Campground, the fee is $15 per night, providing amenities like running water and trash service, making it a convenient option for families.
  • For a more budget-friendly experience, Lichen Cliff offers primitive camping at no cost, perfect for those looking to save while enjoying the outdoors.

Enjoy activities at Spokane Bay Campground

  • Spokane Bay Campground is accessible only by hiking or boating, providing a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy fishing and hiking.
  • This campground features a vaulted toilet and picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for campers who want to be close to nature without sacrificing basic amenities.
  • With its secluded location, Spokane Bay is an excellent choice for campers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet night under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping sites in Helena, MT?

Helena offers diverse tent camping experiences from secluded lakeside spots to mountain retreats. Spokane Bay Campground on Hauser Lake provides a peaceful experience accessible by a 1-mile hike or boat access, making it perfect for campers seeking solitude. For those who prefer dispersed camping, Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite offers flat sites next to flowing water in Helena National Forest. Both locations offer a true Montana wilderness experience with minimal crowds and beautiful natural settings.

What amenities are available at tent campsites near Helena?

Tent campsites near Helena typically offer basic amenities while maintaining a rustic experience. Wolf Creek Bridge provides upgraded facilities with paved access and new vault toilets across five campsites. At Little Log Campground, you'll find a tent-only environment with 10 sites situated above Holter Lake, though the sloped terrain limits flat tent spaces. Most established campgrounds in the area include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while dispersed sites typically have minimal or no amenities.

What is the best time of year for tent camping in Helena, Montana?

The prime tent camping season in Helena runs from late May through early October. Summer (June-August) offers warm days ideal for water activities at places like Scott Reservoir Dispersed, where you can camp right by the water with mountain views. Fall camping at Orofino Campground in Deerlodge National Forest provides colorful scenery with fewer crowds. Spring camping can be unpredictable with rain and cool nights. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers but requires specialized cold-weather gear as temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

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