Tent camping options near Laurel, Montana provide access to some of Eastern Montana's scenic waterways and public lands. Camping areas range from riverside sites to more remote BLM lands, with elevations averaging 3,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Riverside wading: At Cliff Swallow, approximately 7 miles west of Absarokee, campers can enjoy refreshing dips in the Stillwater River. "Some algae near the shore of river but waded out deeper for refreshing dip," notes Linda C., who stayed at Cliff Swallow.
Historical exploration: Visit Pompeys Pillar, where William Clark carved his signature in 1806. "Lewis and Clark signed the sandstone here and its the only location of its kind. Not really a hot camping spot, but a really awesome piece of Americana and a worthwhile visit," shares Lindsay B. at Pompeys Pillar FAS.
Horseback riding: The open terrain around some camping areas offers excellent opportunities for equestrians. "This is actually a fantastic place to ride Young Horses. There is huge Open Fields. There are also a lot of sandstone Cliffs and deep gullies a very big good assortment of varied Terrain to teach young horses for trail riding," reports Kathi F. about the Pompeys Pillar area.
Recreational games: Some campgrounds offer open spaces for group activities. "Within the campground there is a large grass area where people were playing horseshoes, volleyball and spike ball. My family and I enjoyed hanging out in this area, throwing a frisbee around with our dog," mentions Sasha W. about her experience at Afterbay.
What campers like
Natural privacy: Many campsites offer good separation from neighboring sites. At Swinging Bridge, a camper observed, "The sites themselves are well sized. Roads are narrow and curved- would not be good for a trailer unless you really knew what you were doing. Each camp site has a fire ring with grate for cooking, picnic table and plenty of room for a tent or two."
Wildlife viewing: Morning wildlife sightings add to the camping experience. One visitor at Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site mentioned, "We enjoyed a chilly overnight and woke to the geese nearby flying overhead."
Accessibility to water: Many camping areas provide direct access to rivers or streams. "This is a nice campground that is right on the river. Sites are really separated down along the river. There's lots of trees and bushes that separate sites," notes Art S. about his stay at Swinging Bridge.
Clean facilities: Some campsites maintain well-kept amenities. "The clean bathroom and privacy between sites are probably the two best aspects about the campground," reports Taylor T. about their Swinging Bridge experience.
What you should know
Limited availability: Some campgrounds fill quickly due to their small size. Thomas F. advises about Rosebud Isle, "Only 8 spots available. Too close to civilization as we had cell service."
Challenging access roads: Several camping areas have narrow, difficult access routes. "The narrow dirt road is really only wide enough for one vehicle. Perhaps this isn't the best spot for big rigs," warns Art S. about his camping experience.
Boat-only access: Some campgrounds require water transportation. John H. cautions about Black Canyon Campground, "There is no road access to any of the campgrounds located inside the canyon. The only road access campsites are downstream of dam in the afterbay."
Insect preparation: Summer months bring mosquitoes to many waterside locations. "Lots of bugs and mosquitos during the summer so I'd recommend good mosquito spray," advises Melani T. based on her camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Montana weather can change rapidly even during summer. "We have come in the winter and stayed in our RV (see snow pictures) and we have come in the summer," shares Melani T., highlighting the importance of packing for variable conditions.
Water supply: Since most tent camping areas lack potable water, families should plan accordingly. "Bring your own water because they don't have any water hookups. Luckily we brought jugs of water, which we needed for our hikes," recommends Melani T. about her Afterbay experience.
Toilet supplies: Public facilities may run out of essentials. "Bring your own toilet paper, they ran out the last day we stayed," advises Sasha W. from her family camping trip at Afterbay.
Site selection strategy: For optimal family camping, consider specific site attributes. "The creek is what makes it actually worth the drive though. There are 5 sites, one without access to the creek," notes Taylor T., suggesting families choose water-accessible sites when possible.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Smaller RVs fare better at most camping areas. "Sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem," mentions Linda C. about her experience at Cliff Swallow, indicating flexibility for compact vehicles.
Road conditions: RVers should research access routes before attempting some campgrounds. "The road getting there is horrible it's very washboard and the going is very slow. I do not recommend it for any kind of RV or camp trailer," warns Kathi F. about the Pompeys Pillar area.
Limited maneuvering space: Even smaller trailers face challenges at some sites. "Would not recommend for trailers or campers, even a small teardrop would be tough to maneuver," cautions Jeff K. about his Swinging Bridge experience.
