Tent camping near St. Ignatius, Montana provides access to both Mission and Swan Mountain ranges, with elevations from 3,000 feet in the valleys to over 9,000 feet at mountain peaks. Primitive camping sites throughout the region experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, even in summer months. Local forest roads can become impassable during spring runoff from late April through early June.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking: Blue Mountain Forest Road offers numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking. "Blue Mountain is a great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping is allowed west of road 365," notes Celine K.
Paddle sports: Holland Lake Boating Site caters to non-motorized water activities. "We use this area a lot. The boat launch is definitely not for larger boats, so there's not a lot of the chaos associated with type places. Parking is good, and it's easy to get to the restrooms," says Heather B.
Fishing opportunities: Mere's Magic Trout Pond offers stocked fishing close to camp. "There is potable well water and a canoe if you wanted to row in the pond," according to Melita B.
What campers like
Secluded mountain camping: Campers seeking isolation can find it on Blue Mountain. "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with an absolute beautiful view. We hardly saw anyone on the way up but the road is very narrow," reports Ady.
Lake-based campsites: Lindbergh Lake Boat Ramp offers lakeside camping with few crowds. "Several sites grouped together by lake down an access road. Only one other camper here on a Sunday night. Nice wooded sites and easy access to lake for swimming or boating," writes Matt.
Unique amenities: Some private camping areas offer extras not found in public sites. At Mere's Magic Trout Pond, "The porta potty was the cleanest one I've ever been to. You have to fill up your own water for the shower."
What you should know
Tribal permit requirements: Tribal lands have specific entry requirements. "This campground was difficult to find online so we drove out anyways. Campers should know that it is on Tribal land and permits are required for use," explains Brittany H..
Road conditions: Many campsites require driving on rough forest roads. "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend an rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks."
Campsite locations: At Blue Mountain, "This area allows disperse camping beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down."
Water sources: At tent sites without services, plan for water needs. "Bring water treatment methods," advises a Kreis Pond Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pond camping: Kreis Pond offers family-friendly tent camping. "Great secret camping spot. There's only about 5 spots and summer will be crowded when it's hot and awesome weather! Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around," suggests Kirsten R..
Wildlife awareness: Keep food secure at all tent camping locations. "Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods," warns a camper at Kreis Pond.
Cell service planning: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. "I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty," notes a Blue Mountain visitor.
Seasonal timing: The best tent camping near St. Ignatius occurs between late June and early September. "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities."
Tips from RVers
Road access limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have challenging access. "Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road," warns Tom N. about the drive to Kreis Pond.
Campground surfaces: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "There are a few spots with hookups, but the ground is very uneven," notes an RVer about Mission Meadows RV Campground.
Finding your way: GPS reliability varies throughout the region. "Honestly I never made it to this campsite because my GPS couldn't figure out how to get me there without going on private property," reports one frustrated camper.
