Tent camping opportunities in the Lewis and Clark National Forest near Hobson, Montana range from established Forest Service campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites. The region encompasses part of the Little Belt Mountains with elevations reaching approximately 8,000 feet at Kings Hill Campground. Summer temperatures are typically cooler at higher elevations while spring access may be limited by seasonal road conditions. Most Forest Service campgrounds in the area operate from May through November with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Fishing access points: The Judith River State WMA serves as a gateway to fishing opportunities. "Took the Judith River Backcountry Scenic Drive in a Jeep, camped here. Lots of boat activity at this site. Tons of animals great and small," reports Harry H.
Hiking nearby trails: Several trailheads are accessible from campgrounds in the Little Belt Mountains. Kings Hill Campground sits at about 8,000 feet elevation and connects to high mountain trails. As one camper notes, "This 18 site campground sits at around 8000 feet in elevation. The sites are nicely spread apart and you can still find sites with trees in place."
Winter recreation options: Some camping areas transition to winter recreation during snow season. Camp Rotary accommodates winter visitors with heated facilities. According to Sterling C., "In the winter it can be fun but to climb some hills. The bathrooms are really big and well developed (and super warm for the winter)."
What campers like
High elevation coolness: The mountain sites provide relief from summer heat. Whitetail Camp offers both established and dispersed camping options. "The campground is part established campground and part disperse camping area. The campground is located on both sides of Spring Creek road," explains Dexter I.
Free camping options: Several no-cost sites exist throughout the forest. Hay Canyon campsites appeal to budget-conscious visitors. "Hay Canyon Campground is a free six site (Forest service says 7) campsite in a narrow canyon among large mature trees," reports one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campers mention animal sightings as a highlight. Sunshine S. explains that near Whitetail Camp there is "a large moose pond adjacent to the campground. If you can catch an early morning moose, then the campground gains a few stars!"
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds require self-sufficiency. At Camping area 6393A, "If you camp here come prepared, this is a Trash-in Trash-out site, no water, no vault toilet," advises Dexter I.
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. "The road is a little rough in a few places on the way to this site, would recommend a high clearance vehicle to access this camping location," warns a camper about the Spring Creek area.
Bear precautions: The Little Belt Mountains have bear activity requiring proper food storage. "This is a bear area so you will need to keep all your food items in your vehicle, bear lockers are not available," notes a Whitetail Camp reviewer.
Recent forest management: Some campgrounds show evidence of forest health treatments. Kings Hill Campground "should be a five star but just couldn't give it the 5th as the area was recently cleared of dead trees and still bears the scares from the process, most notably the charred remains of at least 3 large slash piles."
Tips for camping with families
Group facilities: Camp Rotary offers structured accommodations ideal for family groups. "Each campground has cabins which hold about 11 people and tent spaces outside. There is also a big 'roof building' with picknick tables to eat food," reports Sterling C.
Large group sites: Some campgrounds feature oversized sites for family gatherings. At Hay Canyon, "The site nearest to the vault toilet is a amazingly large site, three picnic tables a large metal fire ring and the biggest BBQ grill I have ever seen in a campground."
Water safety awareness: Families camping near river access points should monitor children closely. Multiple campgrounds are situated along creeks and rivers, including Whitetail Camp where Spring Creek runs adjacent to camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: RVs are accommodated at select sites but size restrictions apply. "Whitetail Camp Campground located 12 miles north of U.S. Hwy 12 on Spring Creek road in the Little Belt Mountains" has some designated sites with tables and fire rings but is not designed for large rigs.
Road clearance issues: RVers report challenging access routes to several campgrounds. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the best tent camping near Hobson, Montana, especially for more remote sites like those along Spring Creek.
Hookup availability: Most sites near Hobson operate without services. Campers seeking the best tent camping near Hobson, Montana should plan to boondock without water or electrical connections at Forest Service sites.
