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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
