Dispersed camping options near Heron, Montana provide a rustic, immersive experience in the Cabinet Mountains wilderness. The region sits at approximately 2,300 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during daytime hours. Winter camping requires extensive preparation as snowfall accumulations can exceed 3 feet at higher elevations, and most primitive sites remain accessible only by snowshoe or cross-country ski from December through March.
What to do
Hiking and photography trails: The Scotchmans Peak trail offers challenging terrain with significant wildlife viewing opportunities. "This is a very very difficult hike, which makes camping here even more rewarding. Plenty of wildlife. I have only been one time and not seen mountain goats," reports Shariah T. about Scotchmans Peak.
Fishing in alpine lakes: Lake Elsie provides excellent trout fishing opportunities just 30 minutes from the highway. "We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere! There is a outhouse bathroom but you are on your own otherwise!" notes Jessica C. about Lake Elsie Campground.
Water activities: Calm waters at several sites allow for paddling and swimming. "Camping here was a real treat, even through a thunderstorm! Lightning cutting across the lake was a real spook. We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day," shares Michelle B.
What campers like
Morning lake views: The still waters of Lake Pend Oreille create ideal conditions for photography. "Sunrise over the lake was incredible. We spent the morning soaking up the sun and wading around in the icy, clear water. You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom," describes Melissa G. about Green Bay Campground.
Abundant campfire wood: Some sites feature ready-to-use firewood. "There was a bunch of cut wood already at a couple of the sites and some fallen trees in late August that were good for firewood," mentions Alex P. from Lake Creek Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The Cabinet Mountains area hosts diverse wildlife. "Be careful with your food and be smart," warns Natalie J. about Lake Elsie, where "multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many sites require navigating rough terrain. "The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard," cautions Samuel H. about access to Lake Elsie.
Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites near Heron feature minimal amenities. "Boat and hike in only access. No pump for water source, only lake or creek. Multiple sites. 3 bouy-tethers for boats," explains Libby N. about Maiden Rock Campground.
Off-season availability: Some Heron area campgrounds remain accessible year-round but with seasonal limitations. "The road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June, so beware," advises Saphrenne R. about Lake Elsie Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Weekday arrivals: Avoid crowds by planning midweek stays. "We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to our selves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site. Spots filled quickly in the days following," recommends William N. about Green Bay.
Water safety preparation: Bring appropriate flotation devices for young children. "You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom," notes one camper, indicating clear but potentially deep water conditions.
Bug protection: Yellow jackets can be problematic in summer months. "Our only complaint was that there were a lot of yellow jackets- A LOT. But they weren't too aggressive. Despite being frequently swarmed by them, neither of us got stung while we were there," shares one Lake Creek Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most roads to tent camping locations near Heron cannot accommodate large rigs. "Narrow road up to the lake but definitely worth it," states Russell M. about Lake Elsie, adding it's "roughly 11 miles from where the asphalt ends."
Dispersed options: The wider region offers more suitable RV camping for those with smaller units. "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots," notes Lane P. about Breakwater Campground.
No hookups: Even at developed sites, RVers should prepare for primitive conditions. "Great tent camping. Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it costs nothing," explains Dealspeed about Breakwater.
