Tent campsites near Pony, Montana range from rustic dispersed sites to more established campgrounds with basic facilities. The surrounding Tobacco Root Mountains reach elevations over 10,000 feet, creating dramatic alpine landscapes accessible through rough forest roads. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with nighttime lows often dropping to 40-45°F even in July and August.
What to do
Mountain biking at Copper City BLM: Copper City offers easy access to trail networks from your camping spot. "Great spot right on parts of the trail! It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits," notes Ashley M. about this Copper City BLM area.
Fishing at Varney Bridge: Camp within walking distance of prime Madison River fishing spots. "Great for Madison River fishing access. Not a whole lot of conveniences, but nice," writes Edward N. about the Varney Bridge area. Early morning fishing provides the best opportunity for catching brown and rainbow trout.
Rock climbing: Several established climbing routes exist within walking distance of camping areas. "Pulled up to this spot and camped under the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen. Road in was no beuno for the Honda Civic. She barely made it up and couldn't make it all the way back to some of the climbing spots," reports Lucille W. about the climbing opportunities.
Hiking to alpine lakes: The Spanish Lakes trail offers a challenging 9.5-mile hike to pristine mountain lakes. "To get there you drive into the Spanish Creek Picnic area. Then you follow the trails on the map to Spanish Lakes. The trails are pretty well marked. It's about 9.5 miles in and up. The first 4.5 miles are super chill and flat," explains Lucille W.
What campers like
Privacy in remote settings: Many campsites offer secluded spots away from crowds. "Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views," says Alex C. about camping at Copper City BLM land.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife including moose and numerous bird species. Robert W. reports from Varney Bridge that campers can expect to see "Lots of birds, rabbits and a cow moose and calf" while camping along the riverbank.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Wow what an awesome spot with beautiful views. As other have noted, it's a rocky gravel road headed in. We had our van in 2-wheel the whole time and had no issue," shares Alyssa L. about camping at Revenue Flats.
Alpine lake swimming: Higher elevation camps provide access to cold, clear mountain lakes. "The lake is crystal clear and cold. Tons of west slope cutthroat trout that get flown in. There is a ~ 40 ft cliff you can jump off of into the super deep water," describes Lucille W. about Spanish Lakes.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles and potentially 4WD. "You need a reliable car/truck to get the campground, but it's a great view, and if you climb up to the Fishbowl, it is worth it!" advises Boyce B. about Revenue Flats camping.
Water sources are limited: Pack in all water or have filtration systems for natural sources. "This place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)," warns Renee G. about Copper City BLM camping.
Bear safety precautions: The area has both black and grizzly bear activity. "This is grizzle bear territory, food must be stored in your car or the provided bear proof foot locker at the campground," warns Dexter I. about Mill Creek Campground.
Weather changes rapidly: Summer thunderstorms are common with quick temperature drops. "Daytime temperatures can be intense at exposed sites with little natural shade," note several campers about the exposed plateaus.
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded campgrounds: Mill Creek Campground offers protection from intense summer sun. "This is a well shaded campground due to the large fir and pine trees," notes Dexter I., which helps prevent heat exposure for children during summer months.
Farm-stay camping option: For a unique experience with amenities, consider farm camping. "We loved staying here. The kids enjoyed the animals. There is a nice fire pit that made for a gathering spot for the other few campers," shares Chula R. about Serenity Sheep Farm Stay.
Watch for traffic in fishing areas: Be cautious with children around popular fishing access points. "My biggest beef is how fast some of these fisherman go by. They have no regard for children running around and just want to get into the water. I'm constantly worried about my 2 year old getting nailed by one of these idiots," warns Micah O. about Varney Bridge.
Group camping spots: Look for designated sites with space for multiple tents. "Between the 2nd and 3rd campsites is a short trail leading to a large group fire ring with four benches circling it," mentions Dexter I. about Mill Creek Campground's group facilities.
Tips from RVers
Limited sites for larger rigs: Most tent camping areas near Pony have restricted access for big RVs. "We drove a F450 with triple slide truck camper and made it ok. Also saw a 2 wheel drive 30 foot class C motorhome that made it but would not recommend anything larger," shares Lisa A. about accessibility at Revenue Flats.
Avoid washboard roads: Some access roads can damage RV components. "We talked w multiple campers who had things broken in their rigs coming up the road. We won't return due to the access, but loved the campground," explains Elizabeth W.
Parking pad sizes: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs with limited room to maneuver. "Each site has a large parking area that can easily fit two vehicles," notes Dexter I. about Mill Creek Campground, though turning around can be challenging for larger trailers.
