Dispersed camping options surround Nye, Montana, with sites offering varying levels of amenities depending on location. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness borders this area, creating camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day with cool 45-55°F nights, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Pine Creek Falls trail starts near Pine Creek Campground and offers an accessible 1-mile trek to impressive falls. "Hike from trailhead in campground was beautiful as well," notes Scottie C., while other visitors mention "a 1/2 mile hike to beautiful waterfalls and 5 miles hike to the lake."
Fly fishing: The Boulder River provides productive fishing spots accessible from several campgrounds. At Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch, "The river for trout fishing was easily accessible and lovely," according to Mary H., while another camper notes they "stock the ponds with trout so that for dinner you can eat fish. They also clean the fish for you."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings and evenings offer prime viewing opportunities for deer, elk, and birds. At Aspen Campground, campers report occasional bear sightings: "We did encounter a young grizzly who gave me a scare in the middle of the night when I was urinating but he didn't threaten me," reports Brodie B., reminding visitors to maintain proper food storage and wildlife awareness.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds provide good spacing between sites. At Woodbine Campground, "Campsites were spaced out so you weren't right on top of each other," reports Thomas F., while another visitor notes, "If you couldn't see them in the spots next to you, you really wouldn't know they're there."
River access: East Boulder Campground offers prime riverfront positioning. "This site has wonderful river access," writes Clinton W. Issa F. describes it as "a nice spot nestled in the forest... by the roaring river." Multiple campers mention falling asleep to the sound of flowing water.
Clean facilities: Vault toilets at most campgrounds receive positive reviews. Basin Campground maintains "very clean" vault toilets according to Tonya Y., while another camper noted "the vault toilet bathrooms were very clean and there is water available at several pump spigots throughout the campground."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds near Nye have minimal to no cell coverage. At Basin Campground, visitors report "no cell coverage with T-Mobile and so-so reception with Starlink due to the tree cover," while Michael M. at East Boulder Campground notes he "traveled MILES on stone/dirt roads through gorgeous Montana back country" with no service.
Bear country precautions: Food storage is mandatory. "Each campsite had a bear locker to put food in!" notes Linnea W. at Pine Creek Campground. Aspen Campground provides "bear boxes, clean tables and fire pits," according to Brodie B.
Site availability: During peak summer months (June-August), established campgrounds fill quickly. Buffalo Jump Camp has "only 2 spots for camping here. It's a nice spot with river access, but close to road and no room for big rig," warns Mike M., highlighting the importance of arrival timing or reservations where accepted.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing: Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch offers stocked ponds perfect for children learning to fish. "I have 5 kids of all ages. They love it here. Fishing ponds and river too," writes Christyn T., adding that "kids got to feed fish in the pond just stop in and ask for the food."
Accessible recreation: Several campgrounds offer short, manageable hikes for children. Rob F. notes that at East Boulder Campground, "the trailhead for the Green Mountain Trail, a very nice 6 mile hike to the Natural Bridge, is across the road."
Playground options: While most forest campgrounds lack playground equipment, Big Timber-Greycliff KOA provides additional amenities for families. "There was a nice playground, pool, enormous jumping pillow (I had never seen one before - this was definitely a treat, even for adults!)," reports Melissa H.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature paved but uneven parking pads. At Woodbine Campground, one RVer noted: "I'm not entirely sure what the point of paving the site driveways were when most are really unlevel... We couldn't get level and wasted at least a half hour trying to do so."
Dog-friendly considerations: Buffalo Jump Camp is among the many dog friendly campgrounds near Nye where pets are welcome. Most sites require leashes and proper waste disposal. Mitchell W. simply notes it's a "pretty decent campground" for those traveling with dogs, while the primitive setting offers good walking opportunities.
Hookup availability: For RVers needing full services, Spring Creek Campground provides complete hookups. "It's a nice, clean, friendly, quiet, and perfect place to relax and unwind... The sites are level with gravel, framed out, and have nice grass," reports Soren B., adding their site was "perfect for them [dogs] and backed up to the river."
