Camping opportunities near Polaris, Montana center around the Pioneer Mountain range where elevations range from 6,000-9,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from late May through early October, with lingering snow possible at higher elevations until mid-June. Most dispersed camping areas follow Forest Service regulations requiring campsites to be at least 100 feet from water sources and limited to 16-day maximum stays.
What to do
Crystal digging opportunities: Crystal Park, located near Grasshopper Campground, offers a unique activity for campers. "A short drive to crystal park where you can dig up quartz and amethyst," notes camper Mitch G. The park requires a small day-use fee and provides basic tools, though bringing your own small shovel and bucket is recommended.
Hot springs access: Several tent campsites near Polaris, Montana provide proximity to natural hot springs. "Walking distance to the rustic Elkhorn Hot Springs Resort where you can swim and get a bite to eat," mentions one camper about Grasshopper Campground. The resort offers day passes for non-guests to access their two mineral pools.
River fishing: Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site provides direct access to the Big Hole River. Jessica E. describes it as having "5 spots with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot and a vault toilet. Right on the river with big trees and a view of the Browne Bridge." The site includes a dirt boat ramp for watercraft access, though boaters should note shallow water warnings during certain seasons.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Campers consistently praise the peaceful environment at many tent campsites near Polaris. At Pettengill Campground, visitors appreciate that "all three sites are quiet nice, with good spacing between them" and that "with only three sites crowds will not be a problem." The campground's position next to the scenic byway doesn't create noise issues since "the road only received recreational traffic."
Clean facilities: Site maintenance receives positive mentions in reviews. "The pit toilets were clean, plenty of TP, didn't stink. The campground is well maintained," notes Harold about his stay at Grasshopper Campground. Similarly, at Barretts Station Park Campground, a visitor mentioned "Two vault toilets near the parking area were very clean."
Riverside locations: Salmon Fly offers "Great sites. Close together but clean and right on the river," according to nathan. Many campsites in the region provide either direct river access or proximity to creeks, making water a central feature of the camping experience. Sites often include grassy areas for tent setup with views of surrounding waterways.
What you should know
Weather variability: Mountain weather in the Polaris region can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. One camper at Grasshopper Campground reported, "We got snow on Labor Day weekend (still Summer!), so check the forecast." Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months. Pack appropriate clothing layers regardless of season.
Insect preparation: Bugs can be prevalent in certain areas, particularly near water sources. A visitor to Barretts Station Park Campground warned, "Bugs are INTENSE though!" Another camper elaborated, "prepare for the skeeters our thermacell was no match for these guys." Bringing effective insect repellent, head nets, and maintaining sealed tents becomes essential during peak bug season.
Limited services: Most tent campsites in the Polaris area provide basic amenities only. "No water or trash service at this campground," mentions Dexter I. about Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with most reliable coverage found in the town of Wise River. Campers should bring sufficient water or water purification systems and plan to pack out all trash.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Families with young children may prefer Barretts Station Park Campground for its open layout. "There are 9 tables dispersed in a grassy area and a couple RV parking spaces. There are pit toilets and a water pump," notes Richard N. The grassy areas provide play space while maintaining proximity to facilities.
Road noise considerations: When selecting a campsite with children who are light sleepers, consider ambient noise levels. Some campsites experience interstate or railroad noise. At Barretts Station Park, one camper mentioned, "It was close to the freeway, so there was lots of road noise all night." Conversely, at Brownes Bridge, a camper noted that despite proximity to infrastructure, "the campground was still fairly quiet thanks to all the large cottonwood trees."
Activity planning: Plan shorter hiking distances with children, focusing on accessible trails near campgrounds. Crystal Park offers a family-friendly activity within a short drive of several campgrounds, with clear guidelines about where digging is permitted. During summer months, the nearby creeks provide shallow wading opportunities for supervised water play, though water temperatures remain cool year-round.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: RV campers should note size restrictions at most campsites. At Salmon Fly, a camper with a 29-foot RV mentioned the sites were "A little short on the length but okay for our 29'." Most campgrounds in the area can accommodate smaller to medium-sized RVs, but access roads may present challenges for larger rigs.
Parking surfaces: Pay attention to the parking pad conditions when selecting a site. Dexter I. notes that at Pettengill Campground, "The campground road and parking pads are all paved," making it suitable for RVs concerned about level parking. In contrast, at Brownes Bridge, "The campsite all have dirt parking pads," which may become soft during wet weather conditions.
Hookup availability: None of the established campgrounds near Polaris offer electrical, water or sewer hookups. RVers must be self-contained and prepared for dry camping. Most sites charge $6-12 per night, with some offering discounts for Montana fishing license holders or seniors over 62. Bring sufficient fresh water and plan for appropriate waste management during your stay.
