Best Campgrounds near Polaris, MT
The small town of Polaris, Montana serves as a gateway to diverse camping opportunities within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Grasshopper Campground, located directly in Polaris, provides basic amenities with drinking water and toilet facilities for both tent and RV campers. Within a 30-mile radius, visitors can access established sites at Bannack State Park, which features two campgrounds—Vigilante and Road Agent—adjacent to a preserved 1860s ghost town. The surrounding national forest lands offer additional options ranging from developed campgrounds with picnic tables and fire rings to more remote dispersed camping areas along creeks and mountain roads.
Camping in this region requires preparation for variable mountain weather conditions, even during summer months. According to one visitor at Lodgepole Campground, "Bring bug spray because the mosquitos are out of control!" Most forest service campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through mid-September, with some sites like Willow Campground specifically open from Memorial Day to September 15. Many campgrounds near Polaris lack cell service, and GPS coordinates can sometimes be unreliable. As one local camper noted, "I always double check before leaving home plus I live in Montana and been in that area. GPS readings are not necessarily correct." Bear country precautions are necessary throughout the region, with proper food storage required.
Fishing access sites along the Big Hole River receive consistently high ratings from campers seeking water-based recreation. Dickie Bridge Campground, a free BLM site, offers "level gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings" with a dirt boat ramp for anglers. Several reviewers mention the quality of fly fishing opportunities as a primary draw to the area. Historical attractions complement the natural setting, with Bannack State Park allowing visitors to "camp next to a ghost town" where buildings from Montana's first territorial capital have been preserved. The combination of mountain scenery, river access, and historical sites makes the Polaris area particularly appealing for campers seeking both recreation and cultural experiences.