Best Campgrounds near Mcleod, MT
Camping areas around McLeod, Montana include primitive forest service sites, fishing access points, and established campgrounds along the Boulder and Yellowstone rivers. East Boulder Campground offers two tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a forested setting beside East Boulder Creek. Other nearby options include Boulder Forks Fishing Access Site, which provides rustic riverside camping with boat access, and Grey Bear Fishing Access Area, which accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping. The area features a mix of free Forest Service sites and fee-based fishing access campgrounds, most within 30 miles of Big Timber.
Road conditions vary significantly, with several campgrounds requiring travel on gravel roads. East Boulder Campground sits about 19 miles south of Big Timber plus 6 miles east on East Boulder Road, making high-clearance vehicles preferable. Most sites operate seasonally, with Forest Service sites like Aspen Campground open year-round while others like Spring Creek Campground close from mid-October to mid-April. Cell service is limited or non-existent at more remote locations. Vault toilets are common, but drinking water is scarce, requiring filtration from streams or bringing your own supply. A camper noted, "Seven miles down a gravel road. Nice camp site along the Boulder river. Just two camp sites, first come first serve."
The fishing access sites receive consistently positive reviews for their proximity to water. Grey Bear offers shaded sites under cottonwood trees along the Yellowstone River, though visitors mention occasional train noise. East Boulder Campground provides more seclusion and mountain views but with limited capacity. One review highlighted, "There are only two campsites in this no cost Forest Service campground. There's no water, except from the stream, but there are good picnic tables and a well-maintained vault toilet." Wildlife sightings are common, with several campers reporting deer near their sites. Mixed-use campgrounds balancing tent and RV sites are available throughout the region, though primitive tent sites predominate in the more remote locations. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, while few offer electric hookups or running water.