The area around Malta, Montana sits at approximately 2,250 feet elevation in north-central Montana's high plains region, characterized by semi-arid conditions and dramatic temperature fluctuations. Summer daytime temperatures often exceed 90°F while dropping significantly at night, requiring campers to prepare for both heat and potential cold. The region features several water-based camping options with Nelson Reservoir and numerous fishing access points providing alternatives to traditional campgrounds.
What to do
Mineral hot springs access: At Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, campers can enjoy unique mineral pools of varying temperatures. "The hot springs were incredible—clean, relaxing, and just what we needed to recharge," notes one camper, while another mentions "There are indoor and outdoor pools, 3 temperatures and spacious. Also, sauna is huge...very nice facilities."
Basketball for older children: Families with energetic kids can take advantage of the basketball court at Sleeping Buffalo. "The boys loved basketball court," shares one reviewer, while another camper confirms "There's a basketball court for the kids, and while it's not packed with amenities for families, our kids still had fun."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer exceptional viewing at Heritage Hills Farm Camp. "I camped on an overlook and went to sleep to an amazing sky full of stars (not a lot of excess light nearby)," writes one visitor, adding they "woke up to a beautiful sunrise and a herd of deer on the opposite ridge."
Fishing access: Multiple water access points allow for excellent fishing opportunities near Malta. Nelson Reservoir offers waterfront camping with "Nice launch for boats" according to one reviewer, while another noted they "Saw kayakers and a duck family on the water."
What campers like
Affordable options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the range of price points. Trafton City Park offers basic camping at minimal cost, with one camper noting "This place isn't fancy but it's only $5 to camp for the night." Another camper confirms its value: "Very nice of the city of Malta to allow overnight campers to stay in the park for $5."
Clean facilities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Malta maintain good standards. One visitor to Edgewater Inn And RV Park reported, "The grounds/bathhouse was clean and well maintained," while another noted it had the "Cleanest bathrooms!"
Evening pool access: After hot days, cooling off is highly valued. "The highlight for us was spending the evening in the pool and hot tub," shares one Edgewater visitor, while another mentioned "A nice grass area for tent camping."
Waterfront views: Nelson Reservoir campsites offer prime sunset views. A camper described, "Spaces right on the water with sunset over the water," and another mentioned, "Nice spot. Had the place mostly to ourselves."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Nearly every campground in the Malta area reports significant mosquito presence. At Nelson Reservoir, one camper warned "The mosquitoes were unbearable when we stopped to look for a spot," while another noted, "I suspect the bug this is real, though the wind kept us from dealing with them."
Train noise at certain locations: Light sleepers should consider campground placement. At Edgewater, a camper reported, "There is a train track on south side of campground but it doesn't blow horn as it goes by so it's not as noisy as you would think," though another noted "Every time the train passed at night it would wake both of us up."
Weather extremes: Be prepared for significant temperature variations. One Nelson Reservoir visitor experienced "REALLY windy when we arrived" and "it was also really cold (28 degrees when I woke at 5 am)."
Limited services: Buffalo Camp exemplifies the remote nature of many sites: "Definitely come prepared since nothing is available on site or nearby." Another camper notes, "No water at all on site, so fill up your tank before you go. No dump station."
Tips for camping with families
Prairie wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy the unique wildlife encounters. "Prairie dog towns were all over," reports a Buffalo Camp visitor, while at Trafton Park a camper noted "lots of playground equipment here that kids would enjoy and lots of horses next door at the rodeo grounds."
Playground access: Trafton City Park provides multiple play structures. "And lots and lots of play options for kids," shares one visitor, making it one of the more dog-friendly campgrounds near Malta with space for both pets and children.
Nature trails: Some campgrounds offer educational opportunities. "From the campground, there is a small auditorium and nature trail available," notes a Buffalo Camp visitor, though they caution "Bugs were pretty bad the night we were there, so we didn't try much of the nature trail."
Wildlife safety: Children should be supervised around wildlife. "There are lots of prairie dog holes in the ground here so don't turn your ankle," warns a Trafton City Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Buckhorn Store, Cabins & RV Park provides "Great little-known Gas & Grocery store with easy access" according to one camper, making it convenient for restocking supplies.
Level sites available: Multiple campgrounds offer level parking. At Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, a camper reported, "Nice level pull through spots, gravel...room to enjoy picnic table and fire ring."
Hookup placement: RV campers appreciate thoughtfully designed sites. One Sleeping Buffalo visitor noted, "Our RV site was wide and easy to pull into, with perfectly placed hookups. It felt like the campground was actually designed with RVers in mind."
Road quality awareness: Access roads can be challenging. "It was about 40 miles of high-quality gravel road to get here," notes a Buffalo Camp visitor, while another advises "Many of the roads in the preserve are in pretty primitive shape so 4WD is recommended."
