Tent camping in Plains, Montana provides access to forested recreation areas with sites ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed options. The region sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation where the Clark Fork River flows through mountainous terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F nights to 85°F days, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain in spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing access sites: Forest Grove Fishing Access Site offers tent camping with good boating opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "We boated around and actually bought some fish! I guess that's what happens when you go with people who have the right equipment and frequent this area often."
Mountain hiking: Kreis Pond Campground serves as a base for nearby mountain trails. According to one camper, "Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close. Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end."
Winter activities: Some sites remain accessible year-round for cold-weather adventures. One visitor noted Forest Grove Fishing Access Site is "an all season spot so if you are getting stir crazy indoors, this is an area you can adventure to."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Gold Rush Campground provides a quiet setting away from crowds. A camper shared, "great trail for hiking and exploring. this camp is not heavily used so you could possibly get the place to yourself. lots of shade great place to go get away."
Water features: Despite its small size, Kreis Pond offers water recreation opportunities. A reviewer stated, "Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around," making it suitable for warm-weather camping.
Spacious sites: Off The Beaten Path Glampground provides "Nice large tent sites. They also have a geodesic dome you can rent," according to a recent visitor, offering alternatives to standard tent camping near Plains.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some tent sites requires navigating rough roads. At Kreis Pond Campground, a camper advised, "Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."
Water availability: Most tent sites in the Plains area lack potable water. Campers should bring water treatment methods or containers, especially at higher elevation sites like Kreis Pond where one camper recommended, "Bring water treatment methods."
Wildlife considerations: Bear activity occurs throughout the region. One camper at Kreis Pond Campground reported, "Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods," highlighting the importance of proper food storage when tent camping near Plains.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds can be difficult to locate. One visitor attempting to reach Kreis Pond noted, "Honestly I never made it to this campsite because my GPS couldn't figure out how to get me there without going on private property."
Tips for camping with families
Pond-side camping: Small bodies of water can provide entertainment for children. Kreis Pond Campground features "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond," creating a contained recreation area for families with younger children.
Consider seasonal timing: Algae can affect water quality in summer. One experienced camper cautioned about Kreis Pond: "The pond is small and prone to very dense algae blooms," which may impact swimming during warmer months.
Be aware of local activity: Some sites experience varied use patterns. A local noted Kreis Pond "is a common spot for high school students to be hooligans," which might affect weekends or evenings during the school year.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Plains have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Copper King Campground, a visitor noted, "This campground doesn't really accommodate large RVs, but it's great for tent camping."
Proximity to supplies: Consider distance to services when planning. One camper mentioned Copper King Campground "is no more than 10 minutes from Thompson falls, so it's easy to get to town if you need to," making it practical for resupplying during longer stays.
