Best Tent Camping near Polaris, MT
Beaverhead National Forest provides several tent camping options near Polaris, Montana, with locations spread across the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Grasshopper Campground offers primitive tent sites in a well-spaced layout along a tributary of the Missouri River, while Pettengill Campground features three paved tent sites at the beginning of the scenic byway. Many campsites in this region provide access to fishing on the Big Hole River, with Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site and Salmon Fly offering additional tent camping opportunities for anglers.
Most tent sites in the Polaris area have basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, though campers should check current fire restrictions before planning trips. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, but drinking water is limited to only a few locations like Grasshopper and Pettengill campgrounds. Sites typically feature dirt or gravel parking pads with grassy areas for tent setup. The camping season generally runs from late May through September, with higher elevation sites often closed during winter months due to snow. A visitor noted, "We got snow on Labor Day weekend, so check the forecast."
The tent camping experience in this area provides good privacy between sites and proximity to natural features. Pettengill Campground's three sites offer "good spacing between them," according to one review, creating a quiet atmosphere even when fully occupied. Many campgrounds are situated near creeks or the Big Hole River, providing both scenic views and recreational opportunities. The area around Polaris offers numerous hiking trails, with Crystal Park nearby where visitors can dig for quartz and amethyst crystals. Elkhorn Hot Springs Resort is within walking distance of some campgrounds, offering swimming opportunities. A camper commented that Grasshopper Campground is "a beautiful place to camp" with "a full campground on Father's Day weekend and very peaceful."
