Best Tent Camping near Malta, MT
Tent campsites around Malta, Montana provide access to the remote plains and river valleys of northeastern Montana. BLM Cottonwood Recreation Area offers tent camping along the Milk River with pit toilets and fire rings but limited amenities. Montana Gulch Campground, nestled in the Little Rocky Mountains, provides a more developed option with 10 tent sites, clean vault toilets, and access to creek-side camping for $8 per night.
Most tent camping areas near Malta require self-sufficiency and preparation. Cottonwood Recreation Area lacks potable water and has minimal facilities beyond fire rings and a picnic table. Sites are situated on level ground with some shade along the riverbank. Montana Gulch offers more amenities but still requires campers to bring their own water. Both campgrounds have pit toilets that are generally well maintained. A camper noted that Cottonwood Recreation Area has "no signage off the main road so you need your coordinates," highlighting the remote nature of camping in this region.
Backcountry tent camping in this area offers considerable solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Little Rocky Mountains surrounding Montana Gulch provide hiking trails and fishing access, making it popular with tent campers seeking outdoor recreation. Paulo Reservoir, though small and secluded, allows tent campers direct water access for kayaking and paddleboarding. One visitor described it as a "secluded oasis" that's "a good place if you like being away from the bustle of Fort Peck." During summer months, sites can fill quickly, especially at Montana Gulch, where the combination of mountain views, shade, and creek access makes it particularly desirable for tent campers. Areas farther from town provide deeper seclusion with fewer amenities, making them suitable for experienced backcountry campers prepared for primitive conditions.
