Best Tent Camping near Sheridan, MT

Tent campsites around Sheridan, Montana provide access to the scenic Tobacco Root Mountains, with established options like Mill Creek Campground in Beaverhead National Forest situated 7 miles from town. Several primitive tent sites can also be found along Mill Creek Road between the forest boundary and the main campground, offering more secluded alternatives for backcountry camping experiences.

Each campsite at Mill Creek features a picnic table, fire ring, and large parking area that accommodates multiple vehicles. Sites are set on level ground with good tree coverage providing natural shade. The campground maintains two double vault toilets and hand pump wells for water access, though campers at primitive sites should bring their own water supply. This is designated grizzly bear territory, requiring proper food storage in vehicles or provided bear-proof food lockers. The camping season typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some higher elevation access limited by snowmelt in early season.

Revenue Flats, located near Norris, offers another tent camping option with more rugged access. The gravel road leading to these sites requires careful navigation, especially for low-clearance vehicles. Sites are scattered across a high plateau with minimal shade but compensate with expansive views. Many tent campers use the area as a base for rock climbing activities. Most sites feature established fire rings with no amenities beyond basic clearing. A review noted, "We were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful views and quiet sites at Revenue Flats. It was well worth the 5 mile rough road with steep climb at the end." Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly strong winds due to the exposed elevation.

Best Tent Sites Near Sheridan, Montana (30)

    1. Beaverhead National Forest Mill Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheridan, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 682-4253

    "The campground is 7 miles from the town of Sheridan."

    2. Revenue Flats

    6 Reviews
    Norris, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 683-8000

    "Not restrooms or services but tons of little designated pull outs and fire rings. Very open and little shade during the day. Tons of super fun climbing!"

    "This area has a lot to offer within a 15 min drive from wherever you camp. There are a lot of people that use this and there are a lot of parties."

    4. Varney Bridge

    6 Reviews
    Cameron, MT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 994-4042

    "Quiet, great hosts (Randy and Karen), bear boxes, great level site…and we drove in without a reservation."

    "There are a few smaller sites right next to the river, which are close to the road. Further down, there are a few more spots with more space, but from those spots it's a short walk to the river."

    5. Virginia City RV Park

    1 Review
    Virginia City, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 843-5493

    6. Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site

    3 Reviews
    Glen, MT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "Brownes Island Fishing Access Site is located 6 miles south of Melrose on the Big Hole River. This nice little Fishing Access/Campground has five campsite sitting under large cottonwood trees."

    "It’s a small campground (5 spots) with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot and a vault toilet. Right on the river with big trees and a view of the Browne Bridge."

    7. Salmon Fly

    2 Reviews
    Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "Sites have gravel parking pads, metal fire rings and picnic tables, along with nice grass areas to set up a tent. The fishing access site is with in walking distance to the small town of Melrose."

    8. Pigeon Creek

    1 Review
    Whitehall, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-3223

    "This as an adorable camp site, way off the beaten trail but the road to it is maintained."

    9. Barretts Station Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Dillon, MT
    35 miles

    "Lots of highway noise and also some rail road tracks between the campground and the highway. There are a couple back in camping spots for smaller campers but they were taken when we arrived."

    "Super clean and large campsite with a few fire rings and an outhouse. A little noisy just because it’s right next to the interstate, but at night it’s fairly quiet."

    10. Pipestone RV Park & Campground

    1 Review
    Whitehall, MT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-5224

    "It was easy to set up, only saw two other sets of people."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Sheridan, MT

467 Reviews of 30 Sheridan Campgrounds


  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Palisades Campground

    Very quiet!

    Arrived on a Saturday afternoon and there were 3 spots open (only 6 sites). My site had a bear box, nice picnic table and fire ring (fire ban currently). There’s two clean vault toilets. It’s just 10 minutes to red lodge but you feel very remote. There’s a creek running through some campsites which drowns out any neighbor noise. There’s a nice trail that starts in the campground (willow creek) and it’s about 4 mi RT with 900 feet elevation gain. Super peaceful trail and wasn’t very busy for a Saturday. There’s plenty of trees around for shade. I had 2 bars of LTE so could work remotely. And it’s free!

  • Todd M.
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Grasshopper Campground and Picnic Area

    Grasshopper Campground Ko

    This is a nice smaller forest service campground adjacent to grasshopper creek. A great spot to stay if exploring the Pioneer Mountains.

    There are 7-8 spaces, most suitable for a trailer or van. We were tent camping as were others. There are vault toilets and the ubiquitous forest service green potable water pumps/drinking fountains.

    There are no dumpsters so have to pack trash out. There are campground hosts but they don’t have firewood for sale, so either need to bring or be prepared to do quite a bit of hunting for wood. The area around the campground is picked pretty clean of good firewood.

    This is bear country and there are food storage boxes located throughout the campground for shared use. I expect the presence of bears is also why they don’t have any dumpsters on site.

    The campground sits at approximately 7000 feet and by late summer gets near freezing temps overnight. Bring your fall/winter sleeping bag if tent camping here in late August or late Spring!

    Just a few minutes up the road from the campground is Elkhorn Hot Springs where you can pay a few bucks to use the rustic pool and hot springs.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2021

    Palisades Campground

    Small remote campground on the Madison River

    Palisades campground is a small 11 site campground on the shore of the Madison River.  This campground is in the open as it has no trees in the campground, so you will have no protection from the wind or sun, and minimal privacy.  The sites are nicely spread apart.  While at first glance it does not look like the greatest area for a tent due to the small boulders in the area, on closer look I found plenty of good spots to set up a tent, this is due to the large amount of room either between sites or behind each site.  Two accessible vault toilets serve the campground.  Each site has a picnic table and a metal fire ring,  most sites also have a bear locker for food storage, but some sites will need to share.  Water is available in the summer season.  Nearby day use area has a boat launch.  No trash service is available so be ready to haul out your trash. Cost is $12 a night.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2020

    Salmon Fly

    Beautiful small campground on the Big Hole River

    Salmon Fly Fishing Access Site is a beautiful small campground along the Big Hole River. The site has six campsites all nice spread apart from each other, and a decent size day use area. Sites have gravel parking pads, metal fire rings and picnic tables, along with nice grass areas to set up a tent. The fishing access site is with in walking distance to the small town of Melrose. The site has one vault toilet. No water or trash service is available. The site has a concrete boat launch, but be warned that Montana FWP has posted that the water is shallow for larger boats. The campground is nice and quiet, far enough from the Interstate to not really hear the road traffic, there also is a lightly used rail line near by, but did not notice any train noise while at the site. Cost to camp is$12 with a valid MT fishing license,$18 with out, if you are over the age of 62 then those rates drop to$6 or$9 a night.

  • Kayla K.
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Yellow Mule Cabin

    The BEST!!

    This honestly was one of my favorite trips/camping experiences I have ever done! There really is nothing like it. The cabin is so cute, tucked away in a forest. It's pretty magically. The best part about this cabin is you can't reach it by car. You can take a 4 wheeler, ATV or you can hike 8 miles. My friends and I love hiking so we chose to hike the 8 miles to the cabin. I think this makes the experience that much better. We were able to take in the scenery as we hiked, and it made us appreciate staying in the cabin. The cabin contained all the basic necessities that you need, but obviously you have to bring your own food, sleeping bags and hygiene products. We also brought sleeping pads to put down on the beds provided. The restroom is outside (outhouse) and there is no water or electricity. We brought our own supply of water and brought lanterns, and a few other light sources. There is a fireplace in the cabin but they don't provide the wood. We were able to gather another wood and branches from outside to build us a fire. It comfortably sleeps 3, however we had 4 people and one person had to make their bed on the floor. There were great trails nearby, which I think most of them are used in the winter for snowmobiling. I would definitely recommend coming here, any time of the year!!

  • TMB
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

    A SW Montana Favorite

    Great park and campground popular with locals for a quick getaway, and ideal for travelers between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.  Yes, it is on a bench above a river valley and below higher sage and juniper covered foothills.  It can be windy, and it can be hot and sunny in the summer.  Locals find it a great early and late season destination for these reasons.  The trails also dry out/stay dry early and late making it a hiking and mountain biking destination when the higher mountains are snowy or muddy.

    The campground itself has great facilities, and manicured lawns (good since this is rattlesnake country), but little to no natural shade.  Clean restrooms and clean vault toilets.  Small visitor center at the highway entrance and second visitor center for the cave entrance at the top of the mountain (foothill).  Summer brings intermittent ranger programs. I reserved a star for wind and lack of shade, otherwise it’s great camping.

    P.S. spotty cell coverage!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Moose Creek Flat Campground

    Busy Hwy means little ZZZ's at night

    Moose Creek Flat campground is a small campground sandwiched between the Gallatin River and U.S. highway 191. If you are planning on visiting this campground be prepared as you approach as there is little notice that you are approaching the campground while driving down the highway. Moose Creek Flat is a wide open campground, basically a flat open area with campsites along the river and highway. Campsites have no tree cover. The campground has 13 campsites and site 14 is a large day use only site. Moose Creek Flat is a popular starting point for rafting companies and those wanting to kayak the river. All the sites are along the river with the exception of three pull through sites which are along the highway. Sites 6-8 are near a nice beach. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. ADA sites are available. Two vault toilets serve the campground and water is available at a hand pump next to the first vault toilet. If you want a quiet nights sleep then you are out of luck, Highway 191 is busy all night so bring earplugs if you are planning on staying the night. If you like to fish then be sure to bring your license and pole as the Gallatin River is very popular fly fishing destination. All sites can be reserved for$20 per night.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Harrison Lake Campground

    Large spacious campground

    Harrison Lake FAS campground is a large spacious campground with most campsite being well spread out from each other.  The fishing access site has several vault toilets, which is nice for how large of an area the campground occupies.  Each campsite has a picnic table and a metal fire ring.  Plenty of flat ground at each site for your tent. No water or trash service is available.   The site has a concrete boat ramp as well as several other locations one could put a boat in the water.  The lake is really hurting for water this year, I would say that about only 25% of the lake volume was left on my visit, so this lake and all of Montana could really do with some rain.   The big down point for this campground is that everything is in the open, the site has no trees so you are at the mercy of the sun and wind.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2020

    Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site

    Nice little campground on the Big Hole River

    Brownes Island Fishing Access Site is located 6 miles south of Melrose on the Big Hole River. This nice little Fishing Access/Campground has five campsite sitting under large cottonwood trees. The campsite all have dirt parking pads, metal fire rings, picnic tables with a decent amount of room for tents. The campsites are nicely spread apart from each other. The camping area has one ADA accessible vault toilet. The FAS has a dirt boat ramp just down stream from Brownes Bridge. No water or trash service at this campground, but the price to camp can't be beat, the site is free. While this site is near the Interstate and a railroad the campground was still fairly quiet thanks to all the large cottonwood trees.


Guide to Sheridan

Tent campsites near Sheridan, Montana are situated in the heart of the Ruby Valley, surrounded by three mountain ranges: the Tobacco Roots, Ruby, and Gravelly ranges. The area sits at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates that transition from forested riverside sites to exposed high-elevation plateaus. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during peak afternoon hours.

What to do

Rock climbing access: Revenue Flats serves as a premier base for climbing enthusiasts with numerous established routes. "Pulled up to this spot and camped under the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen. Road in was no beuno for the Honda Civic. She barely made it up and couldn't make it all the way back to some of the climbing spots. Not restrooms or services but tons of little designated pull outs and fire rings," notes reviewer Lucille W.

Fishing opportunities: The Salmon Fly Fishing Access Site provides direct access to the Big Hole River with a concrete boat launch suitable for smaller watercraft. According to Dexter I., "The fishing access site is within walking distance to the small town of Melrose. The site has a concrete boat launch, but be warned that Montana FWP has posted that the water is shallow for larger boats."

Historic town exploration: Tent sites near Virginia City put campers within 15 minutes of one of Montana's best-preserved ghost towns. While the Virginia City RV Park has transitioned to new management, visitors can still find dispersed camping options in the surrounding hills that provide easy access to the historic mining district and its daily living history demonstrations.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between tent sites in the area. At Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site, "This nice little Fishing Access/Campground has five campsite sitting under large cottonwood trees. The campsites are nicely spread apart from each other," according to Dexter I.

Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions at most tent sites. One camper at Revenue Flats reported, "Wow what an awesome spot with beautiful views. After about 15 minutes of climbing we were rewarded with picturesque spots nestled in the rocks," highlighting the elevated vantage points that enhance astronomical observation.

Cost-effective options: Many camping locations near Sheridan offer significant value. Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site reviewer noted, "No water or trash service at this campground, but the price to camp can't be beat, the site is free." Similarly, Salmon Fly FAS has reasonable fees: "Cost to camp is $12 with a valid MT fishing license, $18 without, if you are over the age of 62 then those rates drop to $6 or $9 a night."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many tent camping areas near Sheridan require careful consideration of vehicle capabilities. As one Revenue Flats camper advised, "You need a reliable car/truck to get the campground, but it's a great view, and if you climb up to the Fishbowl, it is worth it!"

Early season limitations: Higher elevation tent campsites have restricted access until late spring snowmelt. At Pigeon Creek, visitors should note, "This as an adorable camp site, way off the beaten trail but the road to it is maintained. Google will take you up a private road if you come from the East, keep going three miles past the Cedar Hills Road turn to hit Fish Creek Road."

Insect preparation: Biting insects can be prevalent, particularly at riverside locations. At Barretts Station Park Campground, one camper warned, "Prepare for the skeeters our thermacell was no match for these guys," suggesting stronger repellent measures than standard equipment might provide.

Tips for camping with families

Novice-friendly fishing spots: The Big Hole River access points offer gentler sections for beginning anglers. At Salmon Fly, families appreciate that "Great sites. Close together but clean and right on the river," providing supervised water access for children learning to fish.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Young campers can observe diverse bird species at riverside camping areas. A visitor to Barretts Station Park Campground reported, "I was serenaded by Canadian Geese nesting on the nearby cliff. Very close to the river."

Sound considerations: Some tent sites experience ambient noise that might affect light sleepers. One reviewer at Barretts noted, "It was close to the freeway, so there was lots of road noise all night," which could be problematic for families with sensitive sleepers but might help mask normal camping sounds for others.

Tips from RVers

Length limitations: Many tent camping areas have limited space for larger vehicles. At Varney Bridge Fishing Access Site, visitors mention, "We stayed here for 2 nights, and it has become our traditional early summer spot. There are a few smaller sites right next to the river, which are close to the road."

Road condition awareness: Access roads to more remote tent sites require careful navigation. "The sites were roomy and private on a high plateau with beautiful views. Will definitely go back," shared a Revenue Flats visitor who successfully navigated the route in a larger rig, adding, "It was well worth the 5 mile rough road with steep climb at the end."

Campsite selection timing: Weekends see significantly higher usage at accessible locations. A Revenue Flats camper observed, "We were there on Saturday and it was busy but not crazy. In the morning we went down to Norris hot springs and over to Ennis for pizza and beer. Pretty ideal way to spend the weekend!"

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sheridan, MT is Beaverhead National Forest Mill Creek Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Sheridan, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.