Tent camping options near Moore, Montana include free and primitive sites scattered throughout Lewis and Clark National Forest. Many locations sit at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet with seasonal access typically running May through November. Winter snow closes most forest roads from late fall through spring, while summer temperatures range from 40-80°F with afternoon thunderstorms common during July and August.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kings Hill Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing from its 8,000-foot elevation setting. According to one camper, "This 18 site campground sits at around 8000 feet in elevation" and notes that while recently cleared of dead trees, "you can still find sites with trees in place."
Fishing access: Whitetail Camp provides streamside camping along Spring Creek with additional water access at nearby ponds. A visitor mentioned the "large moose pond adjacent to the campground" and advised, "If you can catch an early morning moose, then the campground gains a few stars!"
Backcountry drives: Forest roads throughout the region offer remote camping experiences and scenic drives. One camper at Camping Area 6393A noted they "Bumped into this camping area while hunting recently" and found it "located where Whitetail Creek dumps into Spring Creek," offering a completely flat camping area with multiple fire rings.
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many tent sites throughout Lewis and Clark National Forest offer significant distance between campers. At Hay Canyon, a visitor described how "This site is broken into two sections with three sites each. The first section is easy to find, the second is just around the bend on the main road on a road to the right."
Free camping options: Several campgrounds offer no-fee tent camping with basic amenities. One camper called Hay Canyon "Hay 'Free' Canyon Camping" noting it has "picnic tables and metal fire rings at all the sites" plus "A vault toilet serves the campground."
Natural settings: Most tent sites retain natural features like mature trees and creek access. A visitor to Kings Hill Campground described how "Some of the sites have stairs that lead up to or down to the campsite" and noted that despite being near Highway 89, the spacious sites offer a forest experience.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds provide minimal infrastructure. At Whitetail Camp, a reviewer noted "The campground has a vault toilet but no water or trash service. Vault toilet was well stocked." They added this is "a very popular campground during the hunting season."
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often requires appropriate vehicles. For Camping Area 6393A, a camper warned "The road is a little rough in a few places on the way to this site, would recommend a high clearance vehicle to access this camping location."
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds at higher elevations have shorter open seasons. Kings Hill Campground sits at 8,000 feet elevation near Showdown Ski Area, making it inaccessible during winter months but a cool summer option when lower elevations experience heat.
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with extra room for children to play safely. At Hay Canyon, one camper described "The site nearest to the vault toilet is an amazingly large site, three picnic tables a large metal fire ring and the biggest BBQ grill I have ever seen in a campground."
Water proximity: Sites near shallow creeks provide natural entertainment for children. Judith River State WMA offers "Nice and shady, simple primitive sites" along the Judith River with "Lots of boat activity at this site" and "Tons of animals great and small."
Food storage: Bear activity requires proper precautions with family food supplies. At Whitetail Camp, a visitor warned "This is a bear area so you will need to keep all your food items in your vehicle, bear lockers are not available."
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many forest campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At Hay Canyon, a visitor described it as a "free six site (Forest service says 7) campsite in a narrow canyon among large mature trees," indicating potential challenges for larger vehicles navigating narrow forest roads.
Camping limits: Most dispersed and established sites enforce maximum stays. For Whitetail Camp, a camper noted "Their is no fee to stay at Whitetail Camp Campground, but you are limited to 16 day" - a common restriction throughout the forest.
Limited hookups: The best tent camping near Moore, Montana offers primitive experiences without RV amenities. Even at established campgrounds like Kings Hill, a visitor reported it "has water and vault toilets but no trash service so be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
