Best Tent Camping near Highwood, MT
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.
