Tent camping opportunities in Martinsdale, Montana extend beyond the Little Belt Mountains into several dispersed sites across the Shields River area and Castle Mountain Range. Most campgrounds sit between 5,000-6,500 feet elevation, creating significant temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. Wildlife considerations are particularly important during fall hunting season when campground usage peaks and bear activity increases.
What to do
Fishing access points: Richardson Campground provides direct creek access for anglers with three streamside sites perfect for fishing. According to camper Zeta S., "Great fishing, hiking, and wonderful overall experience! Saw tons of wildlife."
Horse camping: Hay Canyon features a trailhead with horse corrals at the entrance, though horses aren't permitted within the camping area itself. The campground splits into two sections with three sites each, offering options for equestrians planning trail rides.
Wildlife viewing: The Castle Mountain Range provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly during early mornings. Campers should maintain appropriate food storage at all sites. Forest Lake Camping Area and surrounding spots offer multiple observation points for deer, elk and smaller mammals throughout spring and summer.
What campers like
Solitary camping experience: Campers appreciate the isolation available at certain locations, especially during weekdays. One reviewer notes some campgrounds experienced wildfire damage: "Unfortunately, the area was extensively burned in the American Fork fire, fall 2021," reports Richard I. about Shields River Campground.
Large group accommodations: Hay Canyon Campground features an oversized site near the vault toilet with multiple tables and cooking facilities. "The site nearest to the vault toilet is amazingly large, three picnic tables a large metal fire ring and the biggest BBQ grill I have ever seen in a campground," notes Dexter I.
Natural water features: The junction of creeks at several sites creates both scenic value and practical water access. Several campgrounds position tent sites within hearing distance of running water, providing natural white noise for sleeping.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Multiple campgrounds in the Martinsdale area require proper food storage. As noted by one camper at Whitetail Camp, "This is a bear area so you will need to keep all your food items in your vehicle, bear lockers are not available."
Vehicle limitations: Narrow access roads with poor turnaround options create challenges at some locations. "Pay attention to the sign at the beginning of the campground 'NO TURN AROUND' this sign is correct. Once you get past the second campsite there will not be room to turn around if you have a trailer," warns Dexter I. about Richardson Campground.
Seasonal closures: Most Martinsdale tent camping sites operate only between May and November. Jellison Place Campground and several others close completely during winter months due to snow accumulation and hazardous access conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Campground section selection: Families should consider proximity to facilities when selecting sites. In Richardson Campground, the three campsites sit along a small creek, but bathroom facilities require planning: "The second section of campsites do require a bit of a walk to get to the vault toilet but there is a faint trail short cutting the road walk."
Meadow camping options: The dispersed camping area at Whitetail Camp provides an open meadow setting ideal for families who need space for multiple tents or activities. This setup allows parents to maintain better sight lines to children while still enjoying natural surroundings.
Water filtration needs: No drinking water is available at any tent camping locations near Martinsdale. Families must bring sufficient water or filtration equipment, especially when camping with children who typically require more frequent hydration.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access challenges: RVers should scout locations before attempting access with larger rigs. As one camper notes about Richardson Campground, "A single vehicle can turn around a tree at the third campsite, but if someone is camped in the third site you may not be able to even do that."
Vault toilet availability: Only a handful of campgrounds in the region offer vault toilets, which can be decisive factors for RV campers without onboard facilities. Whitetail Camp maintains well-stocked vault toilets according to camper reports, though most other dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever.
Free camping alternatives: For budget-conscious RVers, the Martinsdale area offers several no-fee options. "Getting this site is just awesome even at the high price of nothing to camp here," notes one camper about Hay Canyon, highlighting the value proposition of dispersed camping in national forest areas around Martinsdale.
