Tent camping near Monarch, Montana offers opportunities in the Little Belt Mountains within Lewis and Clark National Forest. The region features several dispersed camping options with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during days and drop to 45-55°F at night, making this area cooler than surrounding lowlands during hot summer months.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Camp Rotary provides access to nearby fishing spots with well-developed facilities. According to a camper, "The bathrooms are really big and well developed (and super warm for the winter). There is also a big 'roof building' with picknick tables to eat food" (Camp Rotary).
Wildlife viewing: Judith River State WMA offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. One visitor noted, "Took the Judith River Backcountry Scenic Drive in a Jeep, camped here. Nice and shady, simple primitive sites. Lovely setting. Lots of boat activity at this site. Tons of animals great and small" (Judith River State WMA).
Hiking without crowds: Multiple unmaintained trails branch out from Richardson Campground. A camper shared their experience: "We had a great time! Great fishing, Hiking, and wonderful overall experience! Saw tons of wildlife" at this small three-site campground.
What campers like
Seasonal temperature advantages: Kings Hill Campground sits at 8,000 feet elevation, providing cooler temperatures during summer heat. One visitor explains, "Kings Hill campground in the Lewis and Clark National Forest sits at around 8000 feet in elevation. This 18 site campground...has water and vault toilets but no trash service so be prepared to pack out everything you bring in" (Kings Hill Campground).
Free camping options: Hay Canyon Campground offers no-cost camping in a secluded setting. According to a review, "The site nearest to the vault toilet is a amazingly large site, three picnic tables a large metal fire ring and the biggest BBQ grill I have ever seen in a campground. Getting this site is just awesome even at the high price of nothing to camp here" (Hay Canyon).
Walk-in camping solitude: For those willing to pack in gear, Sluice Boxes State Park provides exceptional isolation. A camper reports, "There is a ton of spots to camp at as long as you walk off the tail a ways you won't even notice hikers during the day nor will they notice you" (Sluice Boxes State Park Campground).
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is mandatory throughout the region. At Whitetail Camp Campground, "This is a bear area so you will need to keep all your food items in your vehicle, bear lockers are not available."
Limited vehicle access: Several campgrounds have restricted turning space. Richardson Campground requires attention to signage: "Be sure to pay attend to the sign at the beginning of the campground 'NO TURN AROUND' this sign is correct. Once you get past the second campsite their will not be room to turn around if you have a trailer."
Pack-in, pack-out policies: Most campgrounds lack trash service. Kings Hill Campground provides water but requires visitors to "be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Tips for camping with families
Youth organization facilities: Camp Rotary offers structured camping for organized youth groups with heated cabins. A visitor notes, "I camp here with Boy Scouts since the place is often reserved for youth organizations. In the winter it can be fun but to climb some hills. Each campground has cabins which hold about 11 people and tent spaces out side."
Site selection for convenience: At Hay Canyon, choose sites in the first section for easier bathroom access. A camper suggests, "The second section of campsites do require a bit of a walk to get to the vault toilet but their is a faint trail short cutting the road walk."
Mixed-use camping areas: Whitetail Camp Campground offers flexibility with "part established campground and part disperse camping area. The campground is located on both sides of Spring Creek road. On the left side of the road is two sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings. On the right side the campground is an open meadow with a few designated sites and a lot of room for disperse camping."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Most campgrounds near Monarch cannot accommodate large RVs. Richardson Campground specifically warns about turnaround difficulties: "Once you get past the second campsite their will not be room to turn around if you have a trailer. A signal vehicle can turn around a tree at the third campsite."
Dispersed options for larger units: Whitetail Camp offers more space for RVs in its meadow area. A visitor describes it as having "an open meadow with a few designated sites and a lot of room for disperse camping. Noticed one campsite with picnic table and metal fire ring on the right side."
Limited hookups: None of the campgrounds near Monarch offer RV hookups or dump stations. Kings Hill Campground provides water access but lacks electrical connections, with sites that "have a picnic table and metal fire rings as well as BBQ grills."
