Best Tent Camping near Pompeys Pillar, MT

Fishing Access Sites surrounding Pompeys Pillar, Montana provide primitive tent camping opportunities along the Yellowstone River corridor. Pompeys Pillar FAS offers walk-in tent sites with historical significance as a Lewis and Clark expedition landmark. Grant Marsh FAS near Hardin (about 15 miles south) provides tent-only camping with river access. Myers Bridge FAS, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Pompeys Pillar, offers additional tent camping options. These sites primarily serve anglers and history enthusiasts exploring the region's significant landmarks.

Most tent campsites in this area feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. Sites typically have ungraded dirt or gravel surfaces with little site preparation. Campers should bring all necessary water, as drinking water is unavailable at these locations. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with Pompeys Pillar and Two Leggins prohibiting fires year-round while Grant Marsh allows campfires when conditions permit. Vault toilets exist at some locations but may be positioned far from tent sites. Cellular service is inconsistent throughout the area, with Grant Marsh noted for having no service. Access roads to several sites, particularly Pompeys Pillar, can be rough with washboard conditions unsuitable for large vehicles.

In early fall, tent campers find these riverside locations particularly appealing with fewer visitors and pleasant temperatures. One camper described Grant Marsh as "a quiet little place by the river" with "not a lot of marked camping spots." Mallards Landing offers dispersed tent camping with vault toilets and mobile phone service. Visitors to Pompeys Pillar noted the area features "huge open fields" alongside "sandstone cliffs and deep gullies," making it suitable for backcountry tent camping and hiking. The region experiences significant seasonal variations, with summer bringing mosquitoes and potential crowding at more accessible sites. Tent campers seeking solitude often prefer the less-developed walk-in sites that offer greater separation from day-use areas and fishing access points.

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Best Tent Sites Near Pompeys Pillar, Montana (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Pompeys Pillar, MT

170 Reviews of 8 Pompeys Pillar Campgrounds


  • Sasha W.
    Jul. 26, 2018

    Afterbay

    Beautiful

    Montana is such a beautiful state! The hiking and outdoor activities are limitless! My family and I go to Montana once every few years because he outdoor life is hard to stay away from. We stayed at this campground because there is some really good hikes nearby and we wanted to see this part of Montana. The campground was pretty good, just s typical campground. The restrooms weren’t the cleanest, but they were portapotties which to me are never clean! Bring your own toilet paper, they ran out the last day we stayed. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring. Within the campground there is a large grass area where people were playing horseshoes, volleyball and spike ball. My family and I enjoyed hanging out in this area, throwing a frisbee around with our dog. Again? Highly recommend hiking in the areas nearby! We also went to the lake that was close by! Enjoyed swimming and playing fetch in the water with our dog. Loved our stay and can’t wait to come back!

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2020

    Manuel Lisa

    Montana FAS campground

    This was down a gravel road situated by the I94 bridge over the Bighorn River. We took what looked to be the main site with picnic table and fire ring. There may have been more sites especially under the bridge. There was a small but clean vault toilet but no garbage. Thankfully, the traffic on I-94 is light so the noise was negligible. We had a view of the river nestled against the ubiquitous cottonwoods. The site is free. We were there in late September 2020 in a pop up truck camper.

  • C
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Captain Clark

    Nice spot with boat launch

    A few miles off of the highway and you will find this nice camping area along the Yellowstone River. Very windy the day we were there, but the campsites were nice with fire rings and the scenery was exceptional. This is close to Pompey’s Pillar(which is currently closed for repair), and the Little Bighorn battlefield. Also not far from Billings.

  • L
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground

    Nice RV park and campground

    Stopped for one night tent dry camping on 9/10/20. Clean and quiet. Close to interstate (pros and cons). Parking available next to tent area. No fire rings in the large tent area. Limited picnic tables. Had two bucks stroll within 30 yards of the tent area. Bathrooms and showers were secure and clean. No firewood for sale. Had to buy from KOA next door.

  • Nathan L.
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Yellowstone River RV Park & Campground

    More of an RV park

    Tent camping here is not very private. You basically pitch a tent in the middle of a bunch of RVs with very little tree cover. Also, we were in T1 and near the bathrooms which made it so people would cut through our campsite often.

    That being said all the facilities are very nice and the staff as well.

    Tent campers beware but not that ware.

  • Kandi
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Mallards Landing

    Great Fishing Spot!

    Heading back behind some local farms is a gem of a fishing spot. It's a wide open group camp spot with vaulted toilet only no showers. Great access to the river with a little boat ramp. There's only one campsite with shade and it looks like you need a 4x4 to get in there. The shaded spot is quite a distance from the toilet.

  • Jamie B.
    Dec. 9, 2018

    Billings KOA Holiday

    Neat Place

    The original KOA. This place is well kept, and staff was very friendly. Our site was pretty far from the restrooms/showers/office/store, but that was made up for by the spaciousness of the site, a picnic table, and access to potable water at the site, even though that was not included in our site description when booking. You can also hear the Yellowstone River flowing behind the site, which was nice to fall asleep to. In the mornings, they offer a pancake breakfast. In the evenings, there is an ice cream social where you can meet other campers, swap stories, share experiences, etc.

  • Melani T.
    Aug. 27, 2018

    Afterbay

    Great place to visit

    We really enjoyed our stay at Afterbay campground in Montana. Montana is such an incredible place to camp because there are so many outdoor activities. If you love the outdoors, I recommend visiting Montana. It is a great place year round. This campground is one of my favorite places because right down the road are a few different hikes. One hike is 8 miles round trip and it has the most amazing views ever. Views of the lake and mountains all around. You can’t beat that. The campground is well kept, but a little on the smaller side. Not sure how many spots they have, but during the summer it gets very busy. If you are planning to come in the summer I would recommend making your reservation ahead of time. We have stayed here twice and both times all the campsites were full. Bring your own fire wood because they don’t have any for sale close by. Also bring water because they don’t have any water hookups. Luckily we brought jugs of water, which we needed for our hikes. There are plenty of trees that provide great shade. Lots of bugs and mosquitos during the summer so I’d recommend good mosquito spray. We have come in the winter and stayed in our RV (see snow pictures) and we have come in the summer.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2020

    Roundup City Park

    One of few campgrounds in this area

    We stayed here one night while traveling on Highway 12. This is a city park in Roundup, a small town along with a string of smaller towns along Highway 12. It is called Cow Bells

    The cost is by donation that you place in a pay station near the entrance. There are flush toilets, a little dated but clean and functioning. There is a dumpster for your trash near the restrooms. I believe this is the campground for the Musselshell Rodeo.

    The sites are spread out with picnic tables. You are sheltered by huge cottonwoods. While it was windy while we stayed, none of the branches fell. We were there mid September when the cottonwoods turn gold.

    This was a godsend to us as we tried Deadman’s Basin but there were signs warning of rattlesnakes. Also, there was little shade there. There are few other public places to camp and in this part of Montana there is little public land.


Guide to Pompeys Pillar

Tent camping near Pompeys Pillar, Montana, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $5

  • At Pompeys Pillar FAS, camping is free, providing a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the area.
  • Grant Marsh offers a serene riverside experience, with minimal fees and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • For a more rustic experience, Two Leggins is available at no cost, perfect for those who enjoy fishing and nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Afterbay, visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Myers Bridge provides access to the Yellowstone River, ideal for fishing and boating adventures.
  • History buffs will appreciate a visit to Pompeys Pillar FAS, where Lewis and Clark left their mark on the sandstone cliffs.

Unique features of the campgrounds

  • Grant Marsh is known for its quiet ambiance and proximity to the Big Horn River, making it a great spot for relaxation.
  • Mallards Landing offers a beautiful riverside setting with opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching.
  • At Voyagers Rest, campers can enjoy a peaceful environment with basic amenities, perfect for a simple getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pompeys Pillar, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pompeys Pillar, MT is Pompeys Pillar FAS with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pompeys Pillar, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Pompeys Pillar, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.