Camping near Neihart, Montana ranges from secluded forest sites to creek-adjacent spots throughout the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The Little Belt Mountains create distinct microclimates where temperatures can drop below 40°F even during summer nights. Many higher elevation campgrounds remain snow-covered until late May, with access roads becoming passable only after spring runoff subsides.
What to do
Fossil hunting and cave exploration: Located near Logging Creek Campground, these activities require some research and preparation. "If you do some research in that area there is a place where there are some caves to explore, and another with fossils," notes one visitor to Logging Creek.
Creek fishing access: The Belt Creek area provides multiple fishing spots along Hughesville Road. "You can park right on the stream there are fire rings and man is it quiet! Cute little homestead town as you pull up to the road and the road is well maintained," according to a camper at Belt Creek on Hughesville Road.
Meteor shower viewing: The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky observation. "I went just overnight to go watch the meteor shower. Deer wandered into the campground throughout the night and morning. You can hear logging creek moving from no matter where you are," reports a Logging Creek camper.
What campers like
Private camping areas: Many Pines Campground offers well-designed sites with natural separation. "Campsites are large and each has a picnic table and fire ring, a few have a BBQ grill or extra picnic table as well. Really like how some of the sites have stairs leading to your tent and campfire area," mentions one visitor.
Water features: Most campgrounds feature creek access. At Jumping Creek Campground, "We stayed right next to the creek and had a very peaceful stay with beautiful scenery," according to a recent camper.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Neihart support diverse wildlife. "Deer wandered into the campground throughout the night and morning," notes a visitor to Logging Creek, while others regularly report seeing small mammals and various bird species.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. At Belt Creek, "We arrived at about 5 on a Friday night and a lot of the spots where taken. Traffic kept rolling until about 9 of people looking for spots. Sights are nice and have a fire pit we were east of the dam so our creek wasn't dry."
Tree removal impacts: Several campgrounds have undergone forest management. At Kings Hill Campground, "the area was recently cleared of dead trees and still bears the scares from the process, most notably the charred remains of at least 3 large slash piles in the campground. Not all the wood was burned and might site had a pile that would have last several days."
Bathroom facilities: Vault toilets vary in condition and cleanliness. "The bathroom was ATROCIOUS and gross (poop smeared on the walls)," reported one disappointed Logging Creek visitor during a busy weekend, while others note generally clean facilities at Many Pines.
Tips for camping with families
Pools and water play: Look for creek areas with natural swimming spots. "Great little pool on the far side of the campsite is great for kids," mentions a visitor to Logging Creek.
Space between sites: Aspen Campground provides good separation between campsites. "The sites are pretty level and spacious. It is right next to the highway so it can have bad highway noise. But really close to lots of nice hikes and fishing holes," notes one camper.
Winter cabin options: For cold-weather family trips, consider the heated accommodations. "I stayed at Kings Hill Cabin (available on recreation.gov) it's right by the highway so it's accessible year-round and it's a perfect winter wonderland. The area is near Showdown Ski Bowl with tons to do!" shares a winter visitor to Kings Hill Cabin.
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Many campgrounds have size restrictions. "Our 5th-wheel is 28 feet long and fit nicely in the space. Some bigger ones may have trouble fitting into the spaces," advises an RVer who stayed at Many Pines Campground.
Level sites: Some campgrounds offer more level parking than others. "The sites are pretty level and spacious," notes a visitor to Aspen Campground, making it suitable for smaller rigs and trailers.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Neihart have minimal services. "This campground was close to Memorial Falls which we wanted to hike the next day. The setting is wooded and right off scenic Highway 89. The fee for our site #6 was $5 plus $5 for extra vehicle," reports an Aspen Campground visitor.
