Tent camping near Nye, Montana provides solitude in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains at elevations ranging from 5,000-7,000 feet. The area's continental climate creates hot summer days that cool significantly at night, with temperatures often dropping below 40°F even in July. Most dispersed camping locations sit along mountain streams or rivers, with sites typically accessible from May through October depending on snowmelt conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: East Boulder Campground sits along a productive trout stream where campers can fish directly from their sites. At Initial Creek Campground, "trails lead down to the river from each site" according to Jessica, making it easy to access the West Fork of the Stillwater River for fishing.
Mountain hiking: The Green Mountain Trail starts across from East Boulder Campground, offering a 6-mile hike to Natural Bridge. As Rob F. notes, this is "a very nice 6 mile hike" with trailhead access directly from the campground. For more remote hiking, the Lady of the Lake Trail connects to numerous backcountry routes with "scattered campsites throughout the trails" that are "easy to spot and not too bad to get to," according to Rosstin W.
Wildlife viewing: The mountain terrain around Nye hosts abundant wildlife. At Lady of the Lake, campers report frequent moose sightings. Rosstin W. mentions, "We spotted lots of moose, they are everywhere up there." Henry W. adds that "there was a few Grizzly spotted on the trail around where we camped," highlighting the importance of proper bear awareness.
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: Many campsites around Nye offer significant privacy between sites. At Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site, Stacey N. appreciates that "campsites are well spaced out with trees, vegetation or roads between each site" and "the sites themselves are well sized." She adds that campers "woke to the geese nearby flying overhead," highlighting the natural surroundings.
Stream sounds: Falling asleep to river sounds is frequently mentioned in reviews. At East Boulder Campground, Alyson M. notes "The river is beautiful and loved hearing it at night." Similarly, Michael M. described the campground as having a "roaring river" that created a peaceful atmosphere despite occasional mining traffic.
Mountain backdrops: The dramatic mountain scenery surrounds most campsites. N I. describes the West Boulder Trailhead Campground with "The backdrop of the mountains is just beautiful." Campers at dispersed sites frequently mention the views of surrounding peaks as a major highlight of staying in this area.
What you should know
Limited sites at established campgrounds: Most official campgrounds near Nye have very few sites. East Boulder has only two sites total, and as Sasha P. notes, "Both were full when I arrived (one family spread across both sites)," suggesting early arrival is essential. Alyson M. confirms this, saying, "Both spots were filled on a Sunday night, so try to get there early or on a non weekend."
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites are rough and unpaved. The West Boulder Trailhead Campground road is described by N I. as "very long and the last several miles the road narrows and it is rather bumpy." Initial Creek's access road is similarly described as "rough" though this "cuts down on traffic" according to Jessica, creating more seclusion.
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal amenities. Clinton W. explains that East Boulder "appeared to be two designated sites each with picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate; there is also a centrally located vault toilet." Dispersed sites rarely have facilities beyond fire rings, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
Tips for camping with families
Bear safety precautions: Proper food storage is essential around Nye. Initial Creek provides bear-proof containers at each site, making it safer for families with children. Mel B. at East Boulder warns that fishing activity can be busy: "One morning about 12 people showed up and just walked onto my site and went fishing despite my objections," suggesting site selection away from popular fishing spots for families seeking privacy.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require preparation even in summer. Henry W. from Lady of the Lake Trail reports, "It was very cold at night even in August," highlighting the need for warm sleeping bags and layers even during peak summer months.
Water crossing caution: Many campsites require crossing or accessing swift mountain streams. Stacey N. at Swinging Bridge advises "bring waders!" for safely crossing water, particularly important for families with children given the cold, fast-moving streams throughout the area.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campsites near Nye accommodate only small RVs or vans. At Cliff Swallow, Linda C. notes that while "the sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem," suggesting smaller vans may work at some tent-designated sites.
Narrow access roads: Swinging Bridge's access is particularly challenging for larger vehicles. Jeff K. warns it "would not recommend for trailers or campers, even a small teardrop would be tough to maneuver" because the "narrow dirt road is really only wide enough for one vehicle."
Limited turnaround space: Many forest service roads lack adequate turnaround areas for larger vehicles. N I. notes that West Boulder has a "nice size trailhead just as you turn into the campground" that provides one of the few substantial areas to maneuver larger vehicles in the vicinity.
