Tent camping options near Highwood, Montana include several boat-in sites along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, with a mix of primitive and developed tent campgrounds. Sluice Boxes State Park offers hike-in tent camping with no designated sites, while the majority of camping opportunities require boat access to reach secluded riverside locations such as Eagle Creek Developed Boat Camp and Hole-in-the-Wall Boat Camp.
Most tent sites in the region lack basic amenities, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for primitive conditions. The boat-in campgrounds along the Missouri River feature varying levels of development - some primitive sites like Evans Bend and Black Bluff Rapids have minimal facilities with fire rings but no toilets, while developed sites such as Eagle Creek and Hole-in-the-Wall include vault toilets and established fire rings. A visitor commented, "Eagle Creek is a very popular camping location on the river with large cottonwoods providing shade and good locations to set up a hammock." During summer months, shade availability becomes crucial for tent campers, with cottonwood groves offering relief at select sites. Sluice Boxes State Park prohibits fires and requires campers to pack out all waste.
The tent camping experience in this region offers unique opportunities for solitude and exploration. The boat-in nature of many sites ensures fewer crowds and a genuine wilderness experience along the Missouri River. One camper noted that "the hiking up to the Hole-in-The-Wall is awesome," though it requires some easy rock climbing skills. At Eagle Creek, campers can explore a slot canyon and view pictographs. Sluice Boxes provides a different experience, with tent sites requiring walking off the main trail. Sites throughout the area follow leave-no-trace principles, with campers responsible for proper waste disposal. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with riverside locations offering chances to observe native species in their natural habitat.
"There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you."
"Site has two vault toilets and four metal fire ring, no tables but several benches. Shelters provide the only shade for the camp. Just down river is Hole-in-the-Wall."
"I never slept here, but your only shade will be the provided “shelters”. The fire-pits are not shaded as well. The hiking up to the Hole-in-The-Wall is AWESOME!"
"Located in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument at river mile 56.0. Eagle Creek is a very popular camping location on the river."
"Pretty nice shaded campsite. There are two hiking opportunities here."
"Each campground has cabins which hold about 11 people and tent spaces out side. The cabin do have semi-decent heating, but not AC."
"This is a very nice camp location at around mile 48.8 of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Site is in a grove of large cottonwoods. One fire ring and one outhouse at the site."
ScoutFor a KOA, this is a comfortable spot. There are trees and places to walk with our dog. Clean restrooms. We booked a patio spot to enjoy the fall evening with a little more room, so splurging a bit. Spent last night a Benewah Campground in Heyburn State Park, and that was amazing, but KOA is a good choice when traveling x-country. Walmart very close, so a good opportunity to restock.
RangerThis is a nice park for an inner city park. It is set down off the main road. Surprisingly I didn’t hear much road noise and I am awake a lot at night. It does have trees but most won’t help against the sun but I think it does help against road noise. The bath house has clean toilet areas and clean showers. It is a good place to stop when you need electricity for air conditioning.
GuideIt is definitely small spaces however they're well defined and green areas everywhere. Several choices of bathrooms and showers that all seem nice and clean. Lots of children because there are a lot of children activities here. Pancake breakfast too :-) cookies in the afternoon.
GuideWe have stayed at several KOA campgrounds this summer. This one in Great Falls was outstanding. The facilities are plentiful and clean. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The sites are large and comfortable. There is not a single thing we would change- except to perhaps stay longer than one night in the future. We highly recommend.
RangerThis KOA has everything and then some. One stop shop besides a grocery store honestly. Plus a pool and hot tubs and they serve free pancakes 8am-10am
ScoutLots of amenities and parking. We stayed in one of the cottages which was wonderful. WiFi was strong enough for me to work remotely.
GuideNice dirt road off the main highway, had cell service for a good 15 miles. Cell service was limited once reached campground. We were the only ones at the campground! Chose site 26. All campsites have access to Logging Creek. Able to harvest water and bring back to camp to boil. Two well stocked pit toilets, very clean. No running water, thinking it was too early in the season, no camp host either. Took a dip in the creek to rinse off! Our dog loved walking in the creek! Very WINDY though at this time of year. Overall, would stay here again! We pinned it on our maps to bring our future family here!
GuideMy husband and I started hiking up here long before we ever camped. We found out just this year you could camp into the park and we love it. It's so quiet and peaceful and the views are amazing. There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you. If your up for hauling in your stuff and back out and don't mind not having access to a bathroom or a fire pit and as we did sleeping under the stars it's a perfect place to try
TravelerI have stayed at the off base park, "Gateway Famcamp", located just outside the main gate, every year for the past 6 years. I was assigned to MAFB and lived in Great Falls for over 20 years. I return every year to visit family. The concrete pads are mostly level...nothing is absolutely level. Water, sewer and electric are provided. There is a great walking trail just on the edge of the camp. A laundry and men and women's shower house is at the entrance.
The MAFB "Annex Campground" is located in a corner on base. This is the original campground and has not been updated in over 30 years. The gravel spaces are close together, mostly back in, and small. Showers are available at the base gym across the road and laundry is at the off base campground.
The base doesn't have an active runway so planes are not taking off at all hours but you will hear lots of helicopters.
Great Falls is the windiest city in America so be prepared for that. There is a lot of water nearby to enjoy on the Missouri river.
Tent camping opportunities near Highwood, Montana concentrate along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument with multiple boat-in access points. Most sites require river travel by canoe or kayak to reach secluded camping locations situated at specific river mile markers. Winter camping options exist at Camp Rotary, which offers heated cabins and warm bathroom facilities for cold weather excursions.
Explore slot canyons: At Eagle Creek Developed Boat Camp, campers can hike through Neat Coulee Canyon. "There are two hiking opportunities here. The first is the awesome Neat Coulee Canyon where it's a short hike with small climbing (and bigger climbing opportunities; pretty risky)," notes Sterling C. The hike includes opportunities for both beginner and advanced rock scrambling.
View ancient pictographs: Eagle Creek Developed Boat Camp offers access to Native American rock art. "There are also pictographs in the opposite direction of the campsite to the canyon. It is kinda hard to find, but look for reddish rock near a juniper," advises Sterling C., who also shared photographs of the area.
Winter recreation: For cold-weather camping, Camp Rotary provides heated accommodations. "In the winter it can be fun but to climb some hills... The cabin do have semi-decent heating, but not AC. The bathrooms are really big and well developed (and super warm for the winter)," reports Sterling C., making this an option for year-round tent camping near Highwood, Montana.
Natural shade: The cottonwood groves at Senieur's Reach Primitive Boat Camp provide essential protection from summer heat. "Nice camp locations under the cotton woods... A bonus is the swim someone has made in a large cottonwood," writes Dexter I., highlighting the creative use of trees at this riverside location.
Solitude and quiet: Hikers can find private spots away from trails at Sluice Boxes State Park. "There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you," according to Chloe B., who recommends this location for those seeking isolation.
Established facilities: Lone Tree Campground offers basic amenities for boat-in campers. "This is a very nice camp location at around mile 48.8 of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Site is in a grove of large cottonwoods. One fire ring and one outhouse at the site," notes Dexter I., describing the simple but functional setup.
Variable campsite quality: Not all boat-in sites along the Missouri River are equally suitable. "This site is listed as having 2 fire rings, but we could not find them due to the 3 foot plus high vegetation. If you did find them you would start a wild fire with all the high vegetation," warns Dexter I. about Evans Bend Primitive Boat Camp, suggesting campers should have backup options when planning river trips.
Bathroom facilities: The developed boat camps typically provide vault toilets while primitive sites have none. At Hole-in-the-Wall Boat Camp, "Site has two vault toilets and four metal fire ring, no tables but several benches," reports Dexter I., offering important information for trip planning.
Fire restrictions: Campfire regulations vary between locations. Sluice Boxes State Park prohibits all fires and requires carrying out all waste, while boat camps along the river typically provide designated fire rings. "The site has two vault toilets and five metal fire rings, several more rock fire rings are also available," notes Dexter I. about Eagle Creek Developed Boat Camp.
Rock climbing safety: Black Bluff Rapids Primitive Boat Camp offers easier access than some other river sites. "Site is located just upriver from the Wood Bottom Developed site and is a nice camp site, nicer than the sites at Wood Bottom," explains Dexter I. Families should note that some hiking trails require climbing skills, as Sterling C. cautions about Hole-in-the-Wall: "you will have to do some easy rock climbing so be prepared. It's also really easy to fall hundreds of feet as well."
Structured camping: Youth organizations frequently use Camp Rotary for organized outings. "I camp here with Boy Scouts since the place is often reserved for youth organizations... There is also a big 'roof building' with picknick tables to eat food," says Sterling C., making this a good option for families seeking more structured camping environments.
Wildlife and livestock awareness: Cattle sometimes approach boat landing areas along the river. "Since you will take boats there, cows can walk to the landing sites, but remember to keep all your gates shut," advises Sterling C. about Hole-in-the-Wall Boat Camp, highlighting the importance of teaching children proper gate etiquette.
No RV access to river camps: The boat-in tent camping near Highwood requires canoe or kayak transportation and offers no RV accommodations. For RV campers seeking tent options, Camp Rotary provides electric hookups and sewer connections, though primarily serves organized groups.
Alternative accommodations: For RV campers wanting to experience the Missouri River area, consider base camping at established RV sites in nearby towns and arranging guided day trips or boat rentals to access the river corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Highwood, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Highwood, MT is Evans Bend Primitive Boat Camp with a 1-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Highwood, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Highwood, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
