Tent campsites near McLeod, Montana sit at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. The area experiences significant temperature swings, with summer days reaching the 80s but dropping to the 40s at night. Many campsites remain accessible from late May through mid-October, though snow can arrive as early as September at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing access points: East Boulder Campground offers direct river access for trout fishing. "There was a modest shallow portion" of the East Boulder River accessible from the northern campsite, according to Clinton W., making it convenient for anglers.
Mountain hiking: Near Fairy Lake Campground, visitors can access the Sacajawea Peak trail. "The lake itself has a small trail to walk around" and connects to longer hiking routes, notes Anthony B., who visited in summer 2021.
Wildlife viewing: The mountain terrain supports diverse wildlife populations. At East Boulder Campground, camper Alyson M. reported: "Lots of deer in the area!" Another visitor, Mel B., described excellent fishing opportunities despite encountering aggressive fishermen who entered her campsite.
Creek exploration: Many campsites sit along waterways with swimming opportunities. At Cliff Swallow, Linda C. found: "Some algae near the shore of river but waded out deeper for refreshing dip," showing the accessible water recreation even during hot summer days.
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Camping along flowing water creates pleasant background sounds. At East Boulder Campground, Alyson M. appreciated that "the river is beautiful and loved hearing it at night" from her campsite.
Sense of solitude: Despite limited sites, campers value the privacy. "I loved this spot nestled in the forest. Quiet, secluded, no cell service," wrote Issa F. about her East Boulder stay, highlighting the remoteness that many visitors seek.
Affordable camping: Most dispersed sites are free, while established campgrounds have modest fees. At West Boulder Trailhead and Campground, the fee structure is straightforward: "$12.00, $5.00 for additional vehicle" with a "16 day" limit, according to reviewer N I.
Mountain views: The scenic surroundings provide memorable vistas. At South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, camper Tristan S. found: "Awesome view of the Northern Lights too!" during his two-day stay, showing the area's dark sky benefits.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access to many sites requires driving unpaved roads. Regarding West Boulder, N I. warns: "The gravel road in is very long and the last several miles the road narrows and it is rather bumpy," suggesting appropriate vehicle selection.
Limited amenities: Most sites have minimal facilities. "No water, except from the stream, but there are good picnic tables and a well-maintained vault toilet," notes Rob F. about East Boulder Campground.
Limited site availability: Some campgrounds fill quickly. At Fairy Lake Campground, Jen R. cautions: "Any time I've gone it's been full," while Alyson M. recommends for East Boulder: "Try to get there early or on a non weekend" since "both spots were filled on a Sunday night."
Wildlife precautions: Animal encounters require preparation. Jonathan A. reports from Fairy Lake: "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent" and "Mountain Goats will come in your camp... They are not scared."
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Children enjoy playing in shallow water areas. Near Fairy Lake, Heather F. found excellent conditions: "There was a perfect little creek that my 5yo fully enjoyed for a few days," suggesting this activity works well for younger campers.
Space considerations: Choose sites with enough room for family equipment. Clinton W. notes that East Boulder's northern site "is spacious and a large portion of it is very flat for tent placement," ideal for multi-tent family setups.
Wildlife education opportunities: Animal sightings provide learning moments. One camper at Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site "woke to the geese nearby flying overhead," creating natural wildlife viewing opportunities for children.
Bug preparation: Some sites have significant insect activity. Taylor T. reported at Swinging Bridge: "There were A LOT of bugs here," suggesting families bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many access roads limit larger vehicles. Jeff K. cautions about Swinging Bridge: "Would not recommend for trailers or campers, even a small teardrop would be tough to maneuver," indicating the need for advance research.
Leveling considerations: Find sites with flat terrain for comfortable setup. At Blackmore Campground, Brian G. noted from spot 1: "Nice primitive campground with a few big spots," suggesting some accommodation for larger vehicles.
Vault toilet availability: Access to basic facilities matters for longer stays. Regarding Blackmore Campground, Abbey B. found "clean bathroom, recycling facilities and bear boxes" which enhance the camping experience for those with limited onboard facilities.
Limited turnaround space: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. Art S. notes that at Swinging Bridge, "The narrow dirt road is really only wide enough for one vehicle. Perhaps this isn't the best spot for big rigs," warning larger RV owners to carefully consider access.
