Tent camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest encompasses diverse terrain from 4,500 feet along river valleys to alpine settings exceeding 8,000 feet at locations like Kings Hill Campground. The camping season varies dramatically by elevation, with lower sites accessible April through October and higher elevation campgrounds frequently snow-covered until June. Most riverside campgrounds require fishing access site permits for overnight stays, with different fee structures for Montana residents and non-residents.
What to do
Fishing access opportunities: Wolf Creek Bridge provides direct access to the Missouri River with a concrete boat ramp. "This is one of the main starting off points for floating, fishing or canoeing the Missouri River through the canyon," according to reviewer Dexter I. The site underwent improvements with paved parking replacing the previous dirt and mud areas.
Hiking from campsites: Spokane Bay Campground requires a one-mile hike from the trailhead to reach the campground. A reviewer notes, "Park at N46 38.914 W111 47.825 at the Spokane Bay trail head to hike in. If hiking in please stay on the trail as it crosses through private land. At the gate please close the gate behind you."
Water activities: Fishing prospects vary by location, with some sites offering exceptional opportunities. At Spokane Bay, one camper reported: "Caught a couple of big rainbow trout off the dock. Fish were jumping out of the water all night long and throughout the day which was pretty cool."
What campers like
Elevated camping experience: Kings Hill Campground sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation near the Showdown Ski Area. "This 18 site campground should be a five star but just couldn't give it the 5th on as the area was recently cleared of dead trees," notes Dexter I., who appreciated the nicely spaced sites with tables, metal fire rings, and BBQ grills.
Solitude and isolation: Lichen Cliff offers a small camping area with basic amenities. A visitor mentioned: "Small camp area at a Montana Fishing Access site. Sites are at a pull off on Recreation Road. Both have a table and fire ring. One outhouse is at the site, no trash bins."
Waterfront camping: Multiple sites provide direct water access. Reviewer James M. observed at Lichen Cliff: "This has a large pullout from the road. It is along the creek, which is pretty. It has a fire pit and a picnic table."
What you should know
Fee structures: Camping costs vary by site and residency status. At Lichen Cliff, James M. noted, "I probably won't stay here again because Montana charges $18 a night for non-residents. It's too expensive for essentially a parking spot."
Limited facilities: Sluice Boxes State Park offers a pristine camping experience but requires self-sufficiency. A camper shared: "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."
Seasonal improvements: Facilities at some sites receive periodic upgrades. At Wolf Creek Bridge, a reviewer documented: "Wolf Creek Bridge FAS got a big upgrade over the winter. The fishing access site is now fully paved. No more parking in the mud or dirt. With the upgrade the old vault toilet is gone and two new vault toilets have replaced it."
Tips for camping with families
Winter camping options: Camp Rotary offers heated cabins suitable for winter camping with children. "I camp here with Boy Scouts since the place is often reserved for youth organizations. 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.
Boat access considerations: Some sites require boat access or hiking for entry, which affects family camping plans. At Mountain Palace Fishing Access Site, Dexter I. observed: "Mountain Palace FAS is a popular take out location for fishing float boats on the Missouri River. The FAS has three campsites, sites 1 & 2 sit above the Missouri river and are quite nice with great views of the Missouri river."
Pack-in/pack-out requirements: Most fishing access sites lack trash service. When visiting Spokane Bay Campground, erik R. encountered: "There was trash in the fire pit that I took out with me." The reviewer also noted the presence of "Two fire stations (boxes with shovel and bucket) are available for putting out you campfire."
Tips from RVers
Small RV access: Lowry Bridge Access Site accommodates smaller recreational vehicles on fairly level sites. Susan A. reported: "Nice, quiet, clean campground. About 5 level sites. Good for small rv's. Road to the campground is decent. Monday night in July and there were 2 tenters and 2 rv/campers."
Site access directions: Clear directions help RVers find less-developed sites. Marilyn K. provided specific access information for Lowry Bridge: "4 miles off route 200, Left on MT-21, Right on Lowry Road, over bridge. Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet, gravel pad. 5-6 sites mostly level. BLM land free."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to roads. A Kings Hill Campground reviewer noted: "Campground is near highway 89 so their is some road noise." This factor affects site selection for light sleepers in RVs without significant sound insulation.
