Best Tent Camping near Pray, MT
Several dispersed tent campgrounds surround the Pray, Montana area, with most concentrated in nearby Custer-Gallatin National Forest. Travertine Road Dispersed offers tent sites just outside Yellowstone National Park, while Little Trail Creek Road provides additional tent camping options approximately 15 minutes from Gardiner. Most sites are primitive with no designated boundaries, serving as simple access points for backcountry exploration.
These primitive tent campsites typically feature only basic fire rings without amenities like potable water, toilets, or trash service. Roads accessing dispersed camping areas often have washboard surfaces and may become challenging during wet conditions. According to one visitor, "Road is bumpy but manageable. Wouldn't bring an RV though." The majority of tent sites are located along forest service roads where camping becomes permissible after certain distance markers. Bear activity is common in the region, so proper food storage is essential at all tent camping locations.
Tent-only camping areas provide excellent views of surrounding mountains, including sightlines toward Mammoth Hot Springs within Yellowstone. Sites farther from main roads offer greater seclusion, though pullouts directly off forest roads remain the most common tent placement options. A reviewer noted that "Beautiful area. If you don't see any just keep going I promise you will find at least 3 in the first mile or so." Some sites accommodate multiple tents while others suit solo campers. Most dispersed tent areas have cell service, with Verizon coverage reported at multiple locations. Elk and other wildlife sightings are common from these tent campsites, particularly at dawn and dusk. Summer brings wildflowers to surrounding meadows, enhancing the primitive camping experience.
