Best Tent Camping near Neihart, MT

Tent campsites in the Little Belt Mountains near Neihart, Montana range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Kings Hill Campground, situated at approximately 8,000 feet elevation in Lewis and Clark National Forest, offers 18 tent sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings. Other options include Whitetail Camp Campground, located 12 miles north of U.S. Highway 12 on Spring Creek Road, which combines designated tent sites with dispersed camping areas in an open meadow setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the Neihart area provide basic amenities with vault toilets but no running water or trash service. Campers should pack in all necessary supplies and be prepared to pack out all waste. Sites typically feature picnic tables and metal fire rings, though some primitive areas may only have rock fire rings. The terrain varies from flat meadows to forested settings with limited level ground. A 16-day stay limit applies at most locations, and bear activity requires proper food storage in vehicles since bear lockers are not available at most sites.

The higher elevation tent sites near Neihart offer cooler temperatures during summer months and excellent access to hiking trails. Sluice Boxes State Park provides walk-in tent camping opportunities with no designated sites, requiring hikers to venture off-trail to find suitable camping spots. Richardson Campground offers three tent sites along a small creek but has limited turnaround space and only a basic outhouse facility. Hay Canyon Campground features six free tent sites in a narrow canyon among mature trees. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "If you camp here come prepared, this is a Trash-in Trash-out site, no water, no vault toilet. The road is a little rough in a few places, would recommend a high clearance vehicle to access this camping location."

Best Tent Sites Near Neihart, Montana (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Neihart, MT

4 Photos of 17 Neihart Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Neihart, MT

207 Reviews of 17 Neihart Campgrounds


  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Campground

    Lower Confederate Dispersed Camping

    There’s a few different sites to choose from in the area. A lot of them are close to the pit toilet near the rock beach. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. No water. The best spot that we stayed at was on top of the cliff. It was gorgeous but super windy. 14 day stay limit. Pls make sure to leave no trace and don’t leave trash. A group of guys camped on one of the site and trashed it. Even buried the fire pit completely with sand to the point you could barely see it and then left trash on top

  • Jessa
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping on Canon Ferry Lake

    Gorgeous spot! Free dispersed camping, first come basis, 14 day stay limit. Lots of spots to choose from in the area. Beautiful vies of Canyon Ferry Lake. Most spots have a picnic table and a camp fire ring. Some spots are close to each other so in the summer I bet it’s packed. The lakes beach is full of rocks. Please make sure to leave no trace if you come to this spot! Pack it in, pack it out. There are vault toilets around the area if needed. No dumping.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Duck Creek Primitive Campground

    Review of Outdoor Element's Firebiner at Duck Creek camping area

    Review of Duck Creek camping area

    This was our second camp at Duck Creek this year with our Venturing Crew. This time we conducted a wilderness survival camp at the far opposite end of the camping area from our last camp. We constructed our survival shelters on the sand and gravel shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. We picked the shore in order to get away from the bugs. The cottonwoods and willows held plenty of little vampires looking for blood, the grassy areas had fewer mosquitoes but a recent hatch had occurred and although they didn't bite all those bugs made you thing you were being attacked. So the beach it was, it was amazing that you could walk out on the beach and not have any bugs, what a slight breeze will do. After setting up our shelters it was time to build a fire and cook dinner. Our site had a rock ring built into the sand, but we found this to be to close to the trees for our liking as the wind would blow embers into the vegetation. We built a new ring next to the water for the nigh. You will be unable to find our fire ring as any evidence of our visit was removed the next morning...Leave no trace. Their is no problem finding fire wood at duck creek drift wood is everywhere. If you want to stay at Duck Creek be prepared, this is primitive camping. No vault toilets, no water, no trash service, no metal fire rings, but you do have cell service.

    Ranger review of the Firebiner from Outdoor Element.

    Gave the firebinder to one of our Scouts to get a fire started, sparks up really well, she had a little problem due to how windy was, but a second try with a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly had a fire going after three strikes. Our Scouts gave the striker five stars. The cutting blade worked well on string and fishing line, how ever we could not get through 550 para cord, and with such a small opening you are really limited on what you can cut with it. Over all everyone likes the look of the firebiner, and it held up to a weekend of use, is small and light weight and has worked well for clipping items on to packs.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2018

    Goose Bay Marina and Campground

    Large Primitive campground at Goose Bay

    Goose Bay Primitive Campround is right next to Goose Bay Marina and Campground. The primitive campground is free. The very large disperse campground area has several Vault Toilets. Rock fire rings are at the sites. Sites are not numbered as you can camp anywhere, but the good spots have rock fire rings. Sites do not have picnic tables. Their are ADA camp sites next to each Vault Toilet. The ADA sites each have large concrete pads, picnic table and metal fire ring. We had a Boy Scout Camporee at this location a few years ago and made for a nice camp, tons of room and plenty of lake access. If you use a water craft on Canyon Ferry you must have your craft inspected and cleaned before leaving. The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks inspection site is located at the entrance of Goose Bay Marina and Campground

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2019

    Confederate Campground

    Relax on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake

    Confederate Campground is a Bureau of Reclamation campground on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. This small free campground does not have developed campsites with the exception of the one ADA available campsite. Their appears to be six camping spots, five that have rock made fire rings, the only developed site is the ADA site which has a concrete parking pad and metal fire pit. No picnic tables are available at this campground. The campground does have a ADA accessible vault toilet directly across from the ADA campsite. Two of the campsites sit along the lakes beach. Don't be expecting a nice sandy beach however, this is a gravel beach, but still nice. Two sites are near the vault toilet and ADA site, these sites sit on the edge of the lake among cotton wood trees and willows. The final location is away from the other sites in a grassy area near large cotton woods. Camping at Confederate campground is limited to 14 days. There is no water, trash service or picnic tables so come prepared. Their is not a boat launch at this campground, but boats can easily be launched from the rocky beach area. All water craft regardless of size must be inspected prior to launching at Canyon Ferry Lake.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2019

    Camping area 6393A

    Camp in solitude

    Bumped in to this camping area while hunting recently. This Lewis and Clark National Forest designated camping location has one site, one site in that the location has one forest service concrete and wood picnic table and a rock fire ring. Stay limit is 16 days. The camping area is located where Whitetail Creek dumps into Spring Creek. The camping are is completely flat. Two additional rock fire rings are in the area. The area has plenty of room for your vehicle and tent at the picnic table site and the two additional fire rings, just no picnic tables for these two fire rings. If you camp here come prepared, this is a Trash-in Trash-out site, no water, no vault toilet. 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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2019

    Whitetail Camp

    Camp in the heart of the Little Belt Mountains

    Whitetail Camp Campground located 12 miles north of U.S. Hwy 12 on Spring Creek road in the Little Belt Mountains. The campground is 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. Noticed one campsite with picnic table and metal fire ring on the right side. The campground has a vault toilet but no water or trash service. Vault toilet was well stocked. This is a very popular campground during the hunting season. Their is no fee to stay at Whitetail Camp Campground, but you are limited to 16 day. This is a bear area so you will need to keep all your food items in your vehicle, bear lockers are not available

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Hay Canyon

    Hay "Free" Canyon Camping

    Hay Canyon Campground is a free six site (Forest service says 7) campsite in a narrow canyon among large mature trees.  This site is broken in to 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 which has three more sites.  The campground has picnic tables and metal fire rings at all the sites. A vault toilet serves the campground.  No water or trash service so come prepared.  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.  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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Martinsdale Reservoir Montana FWP

    Large exposed campground on Reservoir

    Martinsdale Reservoir Fishing Access Site campground is a very large campground with out a ton of campsite which means they are well spread apart from each other.  Not all the sites are numbered, some have picnic table (a few of the numbered site did not have tables or fire rings). Some of the sites have metal fire rings, others rock fire rings and others had nothing.  All of the site are along the north shore of the lake (or are when the reservoir has more water in it) .  Numerous vault toilets are to be found.  No water and no trash collection so come prepared.  The problem with this campground is it has no trees so you are at the mercy of the sun and wind.  The wind, it really blow through the area, every time I have visited this site I have found it to windy to attempt to fish.


Guide to Neihart

Tent camping opportunities around Neihart, Montana span across the Little Belt Mountains, with elevations ranging from 5,600 feet in the valleys to over 8,000 feet at higher sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-75°F with significant overnight cooling regardless of season. The camping season generally runs May through October with limited winter accessibility on forest roads.

What to do

Fishing creek waters: Several campgrounds offer direct access to mountain streams. At Richardson Campground, campers report "Great fishing, Hiking, and wonderful overall experience! Saw tons of wildlife." The small creek running alongside the three tent sites provides convenient fishing without traveling far from camp.

Wildlife observation: The Little Belt Mountains support diverse wildlife populations including deer, elk, and occasionally moose. Camping at Judith River State WMA provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. According to one camper, "Tons of animals great and small. Really lovely trip." Many campers report early morning and dusk as optimal viewing times.

Backcountry hiking: Tent campers seeking solitude can access walk-in sites at Sluice Boxes State Park Campground. The park requires hikers to venture off established trails to find suitable camping spots. A camper notes, "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."

What campers like

Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-fee sites in the area. Hay Canyon offers six free tent sites with basic amenities. One camper describes, "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."

High elevation cooling: Summer heat relief comes naturally at higher elevation sites. Kings Hill Campground sits at approximately 8,000 feet, providing naturally cooler temperatures. A camper notes, "The sites are nicely spread apart and you can still find sites with trees in place. Some of the sites have stairs that lead up to or down to the campsite."

Primitive camping experience: Many tent campers specifically seek the rustic, undeveloped nature of sites in this region. At Whitetail Camp Campground, the combination of designated sites and dispersed areas appeals to those wanting flexibility. The campground features "an open meadow with a few designated sites and a lot of room for disperse camping."

What you should know

Bear safety protocols: All campgrounds in the Little Belt Mountains require proper food storage. This means securing all food, cooking equipment, and scented items in vehicles overnight. No campgrounds in the immediate Neihart area provide bear lockers. At Whitetail Camp, "This is a bear area so you will need to keep all your food items in your vehicle, bear lockers are not available."

Road access limitations: Many tent sites require high-clearance vehicles. Richardson Campground has particularly challenging access with "NO TURN AROUND" signs that should be heeded. One camper warns, "Once you get past the second campsite their will not be room to turn around if you have a trailer."

Water and waste management: Most tent sites near Neihart lack running water. Campers must bring all drinking water and be prepared to pack out all trash. Kings Hill Campground provides water but "no trash service so be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."

Tips for camping with families

Youth organization camping: Families with children can find structured camping facilities at Camp Rotary, which frequently hosts youth groups. A camper reports, "Each campground has cabins which hold about 11 people and tent spaces outside. The cabins do have semi-decent heating, but not AC. The bathrooms are really big and well developed."

Winter camping options: Families interested in cold-weather camping have limited but viable options. Camp Rotary provides heated facilities suitable for winter camping. One 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."

No-fire alternatives: Families should note that several sites prohibit open fires, particularly during dry seasons. Pack alternative cooking methods such as camp stoves. Sluice Boxes State Park campers must prepare accordingly, as one visitor mentioned they enjoyed "sleeping under the stars" without "having access to a bathroom or a fire pit."

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Most tent campgrounds near Neihart can accommodate small RVs and trailers but have significant size limitations. Richardson Campground explicitly warns about limited turning space. According to one camper, "A single vehicle can turn around a tree at the third campsite, but if someone is camped in the third site you may not be able to even do that."

Dispersed options for larger vehicles: RVs seeking more space can utilize the dispersed areas at Whitetail Camp Campground, where the "open meadow" section provides more maneuverability than designated sites. The campground layout offers flexibility with "two sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings" on one side of the road and open areas on the other.

Seasonal accessibility: RV campers should check road conditions before traveling to higher elevation sites. Kings Hill Campground at 8,000 feet elevation has limited accessibility during shoulder seasons. Snow can block access well into June and return as early as September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Neihart, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Neihart, MT is Camp Rotary with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Neihart, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Neihart, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.