The Lewis and Clark National Forest near Neihart, Montana sits at elevations around 5,000-7,000 feet in the Little Belt Mountains. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing with significant snowfall, while summer days reach the 70s and 80s with cool nights. Campgrounds in this area typically operate from Memorial Day through Thanksgiving, with forest service roads often inaccessible before late May due to snow.
What to do
Hiking the Castle Mountains: Grasshopper Campground provides access to multiple hiking trails including the Hanging Valley trail. "A trail head in camp for Hanging Valley trail, 11+ mile round trip, lots of climbing to get to a hole in the wall that lets you look straight down into the canyon," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Visit Logging Creek during mornings or evenings when wildlife is most active. "Deer wandered into the campground throughout the night and morning. You can hear logging creek moving from no matter where you are," reports a visitor.
Swimming in natural pools: Natural swimming areas provide summer relief from heat. At Jumping Creek Campground, "Beautiful creek flows through the campsite," and despite limited shade, "a nice stream is near the campground."
Fishing at Newlan Creek Reservoir: This fishing access area offers multiple camping sections with boat access. "Newman creek is prettier than it looks in the pictures with good shade but it is very busy. The camp site 14 was right next to the boat launch and beach which is used as a day access site," shares one reviewer.
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Vigilante Campground offers wooded sites in a canyon setting. "Multiple trailheads for popular hiking trails near campground (one is in the campground). Creek nearby to cool off in the heat," notes one visitor. Another adds, "All the campsites sit along a rocky canyon and a stream runs parallel to the road."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive sites provide solitude. "A nice little campground. Two nice hiking trails, the fairly flat Trout Creek trail runs through the canyon a 6 miles round trip," reports a camper at Vigilante.
Natural water features: Streams and small pools enhance the camping experience. One camper at Jumping Creek states, "Right off the road but feels pretty tucked away. Shared the camp with 3 small RVs but everyone had plenty of space. The are has been cleared of timber and there was plenty of wood laying around."
Dark night skies: The remote location allows for stargazing opportunities. "I went just overnight to go watch the metor shower. I camped in a tent," shares a visitor to Logging Creek.
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds in this area offer basic amenities only. At Jumping Creek Campground, "Sites are nice with solid tables and fire pits. Two vault toilets as well. $10 self pay no reservations."
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season. "Beautiful little campground with a creek running through. About 10 sites. The campground is large enough for small trailers. Some sites are not terribly level and they were all quite overgrown with flowers and weeds," reports a Jumping Creek visitor.
Road conditions: Forest roads may be challenging without high-clearance vehicles. At Vigilante, "Road to this is pretty rough in spots. No accessible water, bathrooms, firewood must be found or brought in."
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity is common in the area. "A black bear is in the area this year," notes a Vigilante Campground visitor. Another camper warns, "This is definitely bear country and be very cautious about ticks. Make sure to store food properly."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water play: Logging Creek offers natural water features suitable for children. "Great place for a family weekend. This is a great place if you want to get away from Great Falls for a night or two. Each campsite has a fire pit, picnic table and a decent amount of trees. Great little pool on the far side of the campsite is great for kids."
Weekend planning: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. "Campground is very busy during the weekend, plenty of shade with lots of fir trees in the campground," reports a Vigilante visitor. Another notes, "A cool camping spot, but often crowded. Come early to get your spot."
Educational opportunities: The area offers geological exploration options. "If you do some research in that area there is a place where there are some caves to explore, and another with fossils," shares a Logging Creek visitor.
Cell service limitations: Plan for disconnected time as coverage is spotty. "No cell phone service with Verizon," notes a Jumping Creek visitor. Similarly, at Logging Creek, a camper mentions "No cell service. But one of my favs so far."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Rillway Cabin offers glamping alternatives to RV camping near Neihart. "Cozy forest service cabin, wood stove for heat. Close to highway, so there's road noise but creek and cliffs make it relaxing to sit outside."
Level parking challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. "Newlan Creek had a very nice drive into the campground, was well kept and had toilets, boat ramp, etc. Nice beach areas as well. It is hard to find a site as you have to drive through the loops of sites which have trees and some tight corners for those larger rigs."
Size limitations: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. "The campground is large enough for small trailers. Some sites are not terribly level and they were all quite overgrown with flowers and weeds," according to a Jumping Creek visitor.
Alternative glamping options: For those seeking luxury camping near Neihart, Montana, consider cabins or yurts with amenities. "Not going to lie. I didn't know what to expect and white knuckled a but driving my little old motorhome down into this ground. This is a bit of a trek. TOTALLY worth it if you are up for the adventure though," shares a Logging Creek visitor.
