Dispersed and established camping around Roberts, Montana provides access to mountain recreation, riverside sites, and reservoir activities. The area sits at approximately 4,000 feet elevation with surrounding peaks reaching above 9,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day but can drop to 45-55°F at night, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing at multiple elevations: Both Rock Creek and Cooney Reservoir offer different fishing experiences within short drives of each other. At Water Birch Fishing Access Site, campers can fish Rock Creek while staying in sites that balance creek access with road proximity. "The campground is right off the highway, but the creek drowns out the road noise," notes one camper.
Scenic drives from basecamp: Use Roberts area camping as a starting point for mountain explorations. The Red Lodge KOA puts you near two spectacular routes. "Beartooth hwy was undescribable! Amazing views. Close to Red lodge," writes one visitor, though they caution about travel times: "don't try and do everything in Yellowstone from one Basecamp. Spend more time traveling than anything else."
Swimming and watersports: Cooney Reservoir offers multiple activities beyond fishing. According to visitors, "The lake has nice options for all levels of use... Whether you're on a unicorn floatie or a giant wave boat this lake is a nice way to spend a day or a week." Three boat launches accommodate different watercraft sizes.
What campers like
Free camping with river views: Several free or low-cost options exist near Roberts. At Itch-Kep-Pe Park, campers appreciate riverside sites that balance accessibility with natural settings. "We pulled in as evening was coming on, and got one of the last of the spread-out, fairly flat sites. Although near the road, we were also near the river, and could not hear road noise much above the river water's beautiful noise," reports one visitor.
Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds in the area feature spacious sites rather than crowded arrangements. Basin Campground receives praise for its layout: "The site was beautiful and very close to the river. The vault toilets were very clean. The water was available through an easy to use hand pump... The sites were all very far apart from each other."
Balance of amenities and nature: Perry's RV and Campgrounds offers established camping with natural features. "The tent sites didn't have electricity but that was fine for us. The price was good & the owner was nice," mentions one camper, while another notes that "tent sites give you a primitive feel and are right on the heavy flowing Rock Creek making sleeping nice."
What you should know
Conservation license requirement: Several fishing access sites require purchasing a Montana conservation license for overnight stays. At Horsethief Station Fishing Access, a visitor explains: "I had to get the conservation license to camp here but apparently that's a must in all public land of Montana so I got it. $10 for the year."
Weather variables affect experience: Strong winds can affect camping comfort at open sites. One visitor to Cooney State Park Campground mentions: "July 23-24, 2019 Windy, raining and dust flying everywhere." Another visitor notes sites can experience "wind and dust" in certain conditions.
Weekday vs weekend differences: Campgrounds near water or town fill quickly on weekends but remain quieter midweek. "The proximity to surrounding towns brings the typical weekenders with lots of kiddos, Fido's, and weirdos and (of course) the occasional drunk firesiders," notes one camper about reservoir camping.
Tips for camping with families
Free camping options with amenities: Families on a budget can find established sites without fees. "It's no frills but it is lovely and perfect for a night stopover as traveling through. Easy to access. It's a pretty area with well laid out camp spots. You aren't on top of each other. Nice trees, shade, grassy areas," reports one visitor about Itch-Kep-Pe Park.
Kid-friendly facilities: The Palisades Campground offers amenities typically found at paid sites but without charge. "Campground is clean has bear boxes and fire pits at each camp sight and multiple bathrooms on sight. Feels secluded from the near by town and road, but is set up as you would expect a paid camp site to be," explains one visitor.
Town proximity for supplies: Several campgrounds provide easy access to services. Near Bridger City Campground, visitors report: "within walking distance of a few blocks you'll find the small but surprisingly complete Valley Foods with excellent meat, a pizza joint, inexpensive gas/diesel/propane at the local ranch store, auto service, auto parts."
Tips from RVers
Site selection at shared hookups: At smaller parks, check utilities before choosing site orientation. One camper at Bridger City Campground advises: "Sites are set up to oppose one another with a shared pedestal in between, so scout your site first to decide which way you're going to pull in."
Electrical capabilities: Pay attention to amperage offered at various campgrounds. While Red Lodge KOA offers both 30 and 50 amp service, many other sites may provide only 30 amp connections or no hookups at all.
Alternative to large RV parks: Some fishing access sites accommodate smaller RVs without hookups. "Nice long lot with spots to park Van RV or pitch a tent. It's technically a fishing access spot, that allows overnight camping. There are 5 or 6 concrete pads at each spot with rocks for a campfire," notes a visitor to Horsethief Station.
