Camping options near Polaris, Montana range from high desert settings at an elevation of 5,600 feet to forest campgrounds in the Pioneer Mountains. Situated between the Beaverhead and Pioneer mountain ranges, this region experiences significant temperature fluctuations with cool nights even in summer months. Weather can change rapidly, with some campgrounds reporting snow as late as early September.
What to do
Gold panning in Grasshopper Creek: About 15 minutes from Polaris, visitors can try panning for gold where Montana's first major gold discovery occurred in 1862. "Loved the spot camped right on Grass Hopper Creek and its walking distance to Bannack Ghost Town. Friendly Camp host and you can buy firewood from him as well!" noted a visitor to Road Agent Campground.
Crystal Park digging: Located near Elkhorn Hot Springs, visitors can dig for quartz and amethyst crystals. "A short drive to crystal park where you can dig up quartz and amethyst," mentions a camper from Grasshopper Campground. Bring your own small shovel and containers.
Junior Ranger programs: Children can participate in educational activities at Bannack State Park. "Kids visiting the park can work on a Jr. Ranger program. Great time to visit is when they have volunteers dressed in period clothing," explains a visitor about the educational opportunities.
Kayaking on Clark Canyon Reservoir: Several boat ramps provide access for water activities. "Beautiful lake! Perfect for boating and kayaking. There is a designated camping area that looked to have electric hook ups, further into the canyon are more dispersed sites," reports a visitor to Clark Canyon Recreation Area.
What campers like
Historic immersion: The area's mining history creates a unique camping backdrop. "This town holds quite a lot of history. It's open to exploration by the public. Every building is a slowly fading time capsule of a long forgotten time. I enjoyed trekking up and down the single street - investigating at my leisure," shares a camper about their visit.
Riverside camping: Many sites feature creek or river access. "Awesome little campground next to Grasshopper Creek. There aren't many sites here but we were lucky enough to get two. Each space has plenty of room for the kids to run around and play. Caught a few fish on the fly too," notes a visitor at Bannack State Park.
Natural hot springs access: Elkhorn Hot Springs offers a break from rustic camping. "Walking distance to the rustic Elkhorn Hot Springs Resort where you can swim and get a bite to eat," comments a camper from Grasshopper Campground about this welcome amenity.
Yurt and tipi camping options: Alternative accommodations provide a more comfortable experience than tent camping. "You can stay in a teepee. Excellent campsite right next to a ghost town," mentions a visitor about the unique yurt camping in Polaris, Montana area.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cellular coverage. "No att coverage, super quiet. No hook ups. Vault toilets, community water faucet... Just empty your tanks and fill up on water, food and supplies in Dillon," advises a camper.
Weather unpredictability: Be prepared for rapid weather changes even in summer. "We got snow on Labor Day weekend (still Summer!), so check the forecast," warns a visitor to Grasshopper Campground.
Water access points: Several campgrounds offer direct creek or reservoir access. "We had a lovely site that was close to the Wise River. Even with a full camp, the ambient sound of the river shielded the sounds of people talking or kids playing," describes a visitor to Lodgepole Campground.
Variable pricing: Costs range significantly between campgrounds. "Sites are a little pricey starting at $18 for residents $28 for non-residents," notes a camper about Bannack State Park, while Clark Canyon Recreation Area offers free camping with amenities: "You can stay in this great campground which has clean toilet, drinking water, fire pit, a shelter style cabin, boat ramp, small sandy beach for swimming, and beautiful water/lake view, plus handicap accessible for 14 days and it won't cost you anything."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Some campgrounds feature designated play spaces. "Great for kids... Campgrounds are right by the creek, awesome 100+ year old buildings. Check out Bannack Days!" recommends a visitor to Road Agent Campground.
Swimming options: Ruby Valley Campground offers water access for children. "My wife and I were looking for an affordable spot to spend the night in our teardrop and the Ruby Valley Campground fit the bill! With no need for hookups, we paid a mere $28 for a roomu site adjacent to the water," notes a camper.
Insect protection: Bring mosquito repellent for creek-side camping. "The mosquitos were out of control so be sure to bring bug spray and netting. Watch for snakes," warns a visitor to Clark Canyon Recreation Area.
Cultural activities: Look for scheduled historical reenactments. "The campground is right next to an old ghost town with a creek flowing around it," explains a camper about the educational opportunities available to children.
Tips from RVers
Generator considerations: Noise restrictions may limit generator use. "Bring a generator to charge you bank, though I felt bad about running them because of the disruption in the serenity," mentions an RV camper at Bannack State Park.
Site spacing: RV sites vary in spaciousness between campgrounds. "Lodgepole Campground is located about 13 miles south of Wise River on Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Road. With the exception of sites 1 and 2, all the other sites are nicely spread out. Campground is fully paved, has two vault toilets and one hand pump for water, 10 sites total," details a visitor to Lodgepole Campground.
Water and supply planning: Stock up on necessities before arrival. "Just empty your tanks and fill up on water, food and supplies in Dillon," advises an RV camper, noting the limited services at most campgrounds in the area.
