Tent campsites near Proctor, Montana offer primitive camping options within the Flathead Lake region. The area sits at approximately 2,900 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The camping terrain varies from lakeside locations to forested sites, with many primitive camping spots requiring high-clearance vehicles to access.
What to do
Swimming in clear waters: At Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping, campers can enjoy riverside recreation along crystal-clear waters. A camper noted it's "right on a clear river" and "the perfect spot for dogs" with safe swimming areas.
Fishing opportunities: The region offers excellent fishing in both lakes and streams. Yellow Bay State Park Campground provides access to some of the deepest parts of Flathead Lake. One visitor mentioned, "Yellow Bay is the deepest part of Flathead Lake and it's a very cool spot to swim or fish."
Kayaking and paddle boarding: Flathead Lake provides ideal conditions for water sports. A Yellow Bay camper shared: "My family always brings their boat, and we go tubing, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. We also really love to kayak and stand up paddle board, and this is the perfect place to do it."
What campers like
Secluded water access: Many dispersed camping areas offer direct access to water without crowds. At Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the proximity to nature despite limited amenities. One reviewer described it as "Cozy Spot next to Glacier National Park" with "Sizable turnout spot at the end of the FSR. Quite busy, but spacious enough to feel private."
Clean facilities: Even primitive sites often maintain clean facilities. One camper at Mere's Magic Trout Pond was impressed that "The porta potty was the cleanest one I've ever been to" and noted "There is potable well water and a canoe if you wanted to row in the pond."
Spacious campsites: Many camping areas near Proctor offer room to spread out. At Ashley Lake South Campground, one camper explained there are "only about 6-7 spots, first come first serve," but noted it's "a perfect location for easy water access."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many tent camping areas require navigating challenging roads. At Ashley Lake South Campground, a camper warned "The camp sites are a bit rough to get too but as long as you're tent camping or have a very small and agile pull behind you'll be okay."
Limited cell service: Several camping areas have spotty or no phone coverage. Campers at Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed noted "No reliable service for Verizon" and recommended visiting the Ranger station in Hungry Horse for dispersed camping information.
Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly during summer months. A camper at Ryan Road Dispersed Camping advised, "There are only about 10 sites so get there early" and mentioned some sites can accommodate larger vehicles while others are better suited for tents.
Tips for camping with families
Check for swimming safety: Some water access points are more family-friendly than others. A reviewer at Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed shared that after "a long and arduous drive" of "37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough," you'll find "numerous spots along the lake including an open meadow and several areas where you can launch a boat or kayaks."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in the region, requiring proper food storage. Yellow Bay State Park campers are reminded they are "pretty strict about where you dump your trash- do not burn your garbage in your fire pit. Make sure to dump your trash in the assigned garbage bins (they are bear-resistant bins)."
Water access considerations: Not all shorelines are equally accessible for children. At Blankenship Bridge, a visitor found "Beautiful beach side or individual sites. Super clean porta potty. Off road to access - need 4WD if real muddy. Not easy access for campers."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Most tent-specific campgrounds near Proctor cannot accommodate large RVs. While describing Blankenship Bridge, one RVer noted "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road. Decided not to risk it in my van."
Dispersed options for smaller rigs: Smaller trailers and vans can access some primitive sites. A Ryan Road camper reported "We have a 42' trailer and thought we would give this spot a shot. There's a slightly rough dirt road to get to the camp spots. There were about 3-4 sites that could fit our RV."
Consider alternative locations: When traditional campgrounds are full, look for designated overflow areas. Hungry Horse Reservoir has "Some paid for camping spots but they were full, after dragging my 38' rv up the road I wished that they had signs at the bottom noting all the paid for sites were full. Otherwise narrow road and no cell services."
