Best Tent Camping near Nye, MT

Public lands surrounding Nye, Montana offer several tent-only camping options with river access and mountain views. East Boulder Campground, located 19 miles south of Big Timber and 6 miles east on East Boulder Road, provides two spacious tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Cliff Swallow, a designated tent camping area about 7 miles west of Absarokee, sits along the river with primitive facilities. Initial Creek Campground features six tent sites with bear-proof containers and access to the West Fork of the Stillwater River. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Custer-Gallatin National Forest dispersed camping areas provide numerous options on forest service roads with established fire rings.

Most tent campsites in the Nye area feature flat, natural surfaces ideal for tent setup. East Boulder sites have soft ground where tent stakes can be easily placed without requiring rocks to pound them in. Access roads to many primitive tent camping locations are unpaved and can be rough, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. The West Boulder Trailhead Campground has a particularly long, narrow, and bumpy gravel road leading to its ten tent sites. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds, but dispersed camping areas require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and bear-aware camping practices are essential throughout the region.

Tent campers frequently mention the solitude and natural beauty as highlights of camping near Nye. According to reviews, East Boulder Campground offers "spacious and private" sites where visitors can hear "the river beautiful at night." One camper noted being "the only one here" during a June visit, though mining traffic occasionally passes by. At Initial Creek, a visitor reported that "trails lead down to the river from each site" and the "rough road cuts down on traffic," enhancing the secluded experience. Fishing opportunities abound at most riverside tent campsites. Walk-in tent sites at Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site provide separation between campers with "trees, vegetation or roads between each site," creating natural privacy barriers that enhance the primitive tent camping experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Nye, Montana (33)

    1. East Boulder Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mcleod, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 222-1892

    "Site: 2

    RESERVATIONS NO 

    FCFS 

    FEES: NONE 

    Open all year 

    No water Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet 

    This campground is located right off East Boulder Road."

    "There's no water, except from the stream, but there are good picnic tables and a well-maintained vault toilet."

    2. Initial Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Nye, MT
    7 miles
    Website

    "6 sites, each has a picnic table and a bear proof container. You can hear the West Fork of the Stillwater River from each site and trails lead down to the river."

    3. Cliff Swallow

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    10 miles

    "Sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem. Did not use vault toilet so cannot speak to its condition."

    4. Rosebud Isle

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    5. Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    4 Reviews
    Fishtail, MT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "One vault toilet and no water source(other than the river) make this a primitive camp. 

    We had cell service but not LTE."

    "You are along a fast moving creek and the campsites are well spaced out with trees, vegetation or roads between each site. The sites themselves are well sized."

    6. West Boulder Trailhead and Campground

    1 Review
    Mcleod, MT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 222-1892

    $12 / night

    7. Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass

    2 Reviews
    Cooke City, MT
    28 miles

    "The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not to bad to get to."

    8. Loch Leven

    10 Reviews
    Pray, MT
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    ". $18 per site, 2 pit toilets, no water, pack out trash."

    "We found a prime spot right on the river that was empty so parked started setting up and noticed that there was a slip on the pole stating reserved so we moved and noticed in the morning no one was there"

    9. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Cooke City, WY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 527-6241

    "That area has 2 pretty shaded spots, and both were taken. We headed over to Pilot and we were pleasantly surprised. Yes, there is a big open area with little privacy if it is crowded."

    10. Firemans Point FAS

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535
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Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Nye, MT

496 Reviews of 33 Nye Campgrounds



Guide to Nye

Nye, Montana, offers a fantastic escape for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes and a range of activities.

Tent campers should check out East Boulder Campground

  • The East Boulder Campground features two spacious and private sites, perfect for a peaceful retreat by the river.
  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the sound of the river at night, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and stargazing.
  • This campground allows fires, so you can cozy up around a fire ring after a day of exploring.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Pelican Fishing Access Site, where you can cast a line along the Yellowstone River.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, the Initial Creek Campground offers access to hiking trails and the soothing sounds of the West Fork of the Stillwater River.
  • Explore the scenic trails around the West Boulder Trailhead and Campground, which is perfect for horseback riding and hiking.

Tips for tent camping near Nye

  • Arrive early at the East Boulder Campground to secure one of the limited sites, especially on weekends when they fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for a primitive camping experience at the Initial Creek Campground, as it lacks amenities like drinking water and electric hookups.
  • Keep in mind that the Firemans Point FAS does not allow overnight camping, so plan your visit accordingly if you're looking to stay the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nye, MT is East Boulder Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Nye, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.