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Best Tent Camping near Shawmut, MT

176 Reviews

Lewis and Clark National Forest lands surrounding Shawmut, Montana offer several primitive tent camping options for those seeking solitude in central Montana's rugged landscape. Hay Canyon Campground provides tent-only camping in a narrow canyon setting with mature trees, while Camping Area 6393A offers a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience at the confluence of Whitetail and Spring Creeks. Jellison Place and Daisy Dean Camp Campgrounds provide additional tent campsites with basic amenities during their May to November operating seasons.

Access to tent campgrounds varies significantly across the region, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Camping Area 6393A features a completely flat tent site with a concrete and wood picnic table and rock fire ring, but campers should be prepared for rough road conditions. Most primitive tent camping locations operate on a "pack it in, pack it out" basis with no water or trash services available. Vault toilets are present at some locations like Hay Canyon, but many backcountry tent sites lack even basic facilities. The 16-day stay limit applies to designated camping areas within national forest lands.

Tent campers report finding genuine solitude at these sites even during hunting season. According to reviews, Hay Canyon Campground offers six free tent sites divided between two sections, with the site nearest the vault toilet being exceptionally spacious with three picnic tables and an unusually large BBQ grill. Walk-in tent sites in the second section require a short hike to reach facilities, though a faint trail provides a shortcut. Campers noted that Shields River Campground, once a popular tent camping destination, was extensively damaged in the American Fork fire of 2021, significantly altering the landscape. For those seeking places to tent camp near Shawmut, preparation is essential as most sites lack amenities but compensate with quiet, natural settings.

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Best Tent Sites Near Shawmut, Montana (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Shawmut, MT

1 Photos of 8 Shawmut Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Shawmut, MT

176 Reviews of 8 Shawmut Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2019

    Camping area 6393A

    Camp in solitude

    Bumped in to this camping area while hunting recently. This Lewis and Clark National Forest designated camping location has one site, one site in that the location has one forest service concrete and wood picnic table and a rock fire ring. Stay limit is 16 days. The camping area is located where Whitetail Creek dumps into Spring Creek. The camping are is completely flat. Two additional rock fire rings are in the area. The area has plenty of room for your vehicle and tent at the picnic table site and the two additional fire rings, just no picnic tables for these two fire rings. If you camp here come prepared, this is a Trash-in Trash-out site, no water, no vault toilet. The road is a little rough in a few places on the way to this site, would recommend a high clearance vehicle to access this camping location.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Hay Canyon

    Hay "Free" Canyon Camping

    Hay Canyon Campground is a free six site (Forest service says 7) campsite in a narrow canyon among large mature trees.  This site is broken in to two sections with three sites each.  The first section is easy to find, the second is just around the bend on the main road on a road to the right which has three more sites.  The campground has picnic tables and metal fire rings at all the sites. A vault toilet serves the campground.  No water or trash service so come prepared.  The site nearest to the vault toilet is a amazingly large site, three picnic tables a large metal fire ring and the biggest BBQ grill I have ever seen in a campground.  Getting this site is just awesome even at the high price of nothing to camp here.  The second section of campsites do require a bit of a walk to get to the vault toilet but their is a faint trail short cutting the road walk.

  • Rachel S.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Halfmoon Campground

    The Crazies got Crazy on us!

    Absolutely breathtaking views with a long, beautiful dirt road in to the campsite. The campground is rural but perfectly well equipped with vault toilets (which needed tending to when we were there TBH), rock fire rings and picnic tables. We were looking forward to exploring this gorgeous area, but Mother Nature had other plans for us. We were able to easily find a private site and set up camp and have a peaceful evening under the stars, looking forward to our hike in the morning. We went to sleep all happy and cozy. We woke up to the craziest wind storm around 1am!!! Our tent took quite a beating, we are estimating that winds were above 50mph!!! Needless to say, we were exhausted in the morning and packed up promptly and promised ourselves we would return!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Deadmans Basin

    Looks to be Fishing Haven

    Deadman’s Basin Montana FWP Campground 10/24 Stopover for one night in 10/24. The reservoir along which this cg lies is low this time of year. Reservoir must be prettier in the spring and early summer when the water level is higher. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: See pricing in photo. Contrary to posted signs the website says that camping is free. Screenshot of website is also provided in photos . Security: no Usage during visit: our loop empty. Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: good Pad surface: dirt Reservations: First come first serve Campground Noise: According to signage some action has been taken. Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: no Potable Water Available: no Generators: sb allowed Bathroom: a clean pit toilet Showers: no Pull Throughs: yes Cell Service (AT&T): 1 bar Setting: near reservoir Recent Weather: clear and w highs in70s and 80s.
    Solar: very good Insects: none Host: no Rig Size: large rigs should fit in some sites. Sites: see pics.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Otter Creek Fishing Access Site

    Overnight stop

    Permit required if you look hard enough to notice. Pit toilet, no water, no electric, rock fire rings, several spots to set up, boat ramp. I was just passing through and needed a place to sleep for the night. It's a nice little spot with some great scenery. When I stayed, there were about 4 others there as well, all scattered about. It was quiet except for the train horn that woke me from my slumber a couple of times throughout the night. Nice little spot. Would stay again despite the train.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Martinsdale Reservoir Montana FWP

    Large exposed campground on Reservoir

    Martinsdale Reservoir Fishing Access Site campground is a very large campground with out a ton of campsite which means they are well spread apart from each other.  Not all the sites are numbered, some have picnic table (a few of the numbered site did not have tables or fire rings). Some of the sites have metal fire rings, others rock fire rings and others had nothing.  All of the site are along the north shore of the lake (or are when the reservoir has more water in it) .  Numerous vault toilets are to be found.  No water and no trash collection so come prepared.  The problem with this campground is it has no trees so you are at the mercy of the sun and wind.  The wind, it really blow through the area, every time I have visited this site I have found it to windy to attempt to fish.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2019

    Ackley Lake State Park Campground

    Camping and fishing oasis in central Montana

    Ackley Lake State Park campground has no camping fees for Montana residents, for nonresidents the cost is$24 per night. The campground has two vault toilets, but no running water or trash service. While visiting I counted 26 metal fire rings at the campground. Most of those fire rings had picnic tables, but not all of them. Their are 15 numbered campsites with metal fire rings with a cement picnic table with a lean-to to block the wind and provide a little shade. The numbered sites sit along the shore of the lake allowing you to fish from your campsite. The state park also has 2 boat ramps and a seasonal boat dock.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Otter Creek Fishing Access Site

    Montana FAS by Yellowstone River

    This is a free Montana Fishing Access Site next to the Yellowstone River north of Big Timber. There was one clean single vault toilet for about 5 sites. No water or garbage available but each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a boat launch for fishing. It snowed when we were there in very late September 2019. We were the only ones there the two days we waited out the snow. This is a campground where there are few public campgrounds.

    I added another star as this is a quiet campground in an area with few public ones available. And, it was free.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2018

    Spring Creek Campground

    Nice small campground & Ranger review of Ethnotek Premji 20 Liter Day Pack

    Spring Creek Campground is a small campground along spring creek in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The campground sits is a small canyon making this a potentially good campground to avoid the summer heat, which also means a colder camp in the spring and fall. Spring Creek campground has 10 campsite sitting along the creek among mature fir and pine trees, all sites have picnic tables and metal fire rings. The campground has two vault toilets and one hand pump for water. A trailhead is located in the campground and is for a spur on a 15-mile multiple-use trail. Like bears, then your in luck, bears may frequent the area so a mandatory food storage order is in affect. You'll need to keep all food in approved containers or stored in your vehicle as no food lockers are available. It is reported that Brook Trout can be caught in the creek. Want a little more excitement, the campground is subject to flash flooding so keep tabs on the weather as heavy rains at the site or upstream can result in flash flooding. If the creek starts to suddenly rise be prepared to move.

    A ranger review of Ethnotek Premji 20 Liter. Travel Day pack. This is an excellent day pack. Just the right size for a full day out on the trails. The Premji 20 Liter has plenty of room for all the gear you will need for a full day in the wilderness. One of the things I like best about the Premji 20 Liter is the side zipper which allows you to easily gain access to items at the bottom of the pack without having to take everything out. A small pocket at the top of the pack is great for holding granola bars or other small snacks or objects. Another small pocket on the back has holders for pens/pencils, your cell phone and other items such as a note book or maps. The pack has two external pockets, one which is a mesh pocket. Both of these will fit water bottles such as a Lifestraw Go, or Camelbak chute. Two sets of double side straps allow you to strap additional items like a jacket to the outside of the pack. The shoulder straps are comfortable even after a full day of hiking. The pack has plenty of padding which means no gear poking you in the back. The only thing I would add to this pack is a chest strap, but this is just because I like having chest straps on my packs. Overall a great pack for a day on the trail.

Guide to Shawmut

Shawmut, Montana, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. From serene riverside spots to secluded forest areas, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Jellison Place Campground

  • Jellison Place Campground provides a rustic experience with no electric hookups or reservable sites, perfect for those seeking solitude in the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
  • This campground is ideal for tent camping, as it features basic amenities like toilets, but no water hookups or picnic tables.
  • Open from May to November, it invites campers to enjoy the natural beauty of Montana without the distractions of modern conveniences.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $20

  • Camping area 6393A offers a free site with a picnic table and fire ring, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without spending much.
  • At Hay Canyon, you can camp for free among large mature trees, with access to picnic tables and a vault toilet, providing a comfortable yet cost-effective experience.
  • The Pelican Fishing Access Site allows both tent and RV camping, with a highly rated experience for just a nominal fee, making it a great option for families.

Enjoy local activities like fishing and hiking

  • The Pelican Fishing Access Site is perfect for anglers looking to cast a line along the Yellowstone River, with easy access for both tent and RV campers.
  • Hay Canyon offers scenic hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Camping area 6393A is located near Whitetail Creek, providing a peaceful setting for fishing and exploring the surrounding forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shawmut, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shawmut, MT is Jellison Place Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Shawmut, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Shawmut, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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