Tent camping near Sidney, Montana offers primitive sites across eastern Montana and western North Dakota. Most campgrounds in this region maintain basic facilities within a semi-arid prairie landscape characterized by open grasslands and river valleys. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F during daytime hours, dropping significantly at night, with consistent winds across the exposed terrain.
What to do
Historical exploration: Visit Fort Buford State Historic Site where campers can walk through preserved military buildings and artifacts. According to visitor Brian L., "Lots of great history with the old forts (Buford and Union) nearby. And the Confluence Visitor Center was good."
Wildlife viewing: The Dakota grasslands provide habitat for native prairie species. At Bennett Campground, Lynn G. notes, "There are some nice long hiking trails, bison and other prairie critters. This is wide open country with no real facilities."
River activities: Camping locations along the Missouri River support fishing and paddling opportunities during warmer months. Access points require minimal preparation but deliver productive fishing spots from spring through fall.
What campers like
Open landscapes: The unobstructed terrain creates exceptional night sky visibility. At Elkhorn Campground, Jim M. reports, "Campsite was empty, so we had different sites to choose from. We were in a spot with some shade for our tent. Nice view of landscape and Trailhead nearby."
Solitude: Many tent camping locations near Sidney remain uncrowded even during peak season. One camper at Fort Buford noted, "Nobody has pulled in around us. Nothing better than free camping with solitude these days!"
Weather experiences: The dynamic weather patterns create memorable camping moments. As Lynn G. describes Bennett Campground, "Thunderstorms rolling over the prairie is something you'll never forget!"
What you should know
Water limitations: Most primitive camping sites require visitors to carry in water. At Bennett, Lynn G. advises, "No water (byo or filter/boil). Sunny open sites without shade."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. Jim M. reports about Elkhorn Campground: "Traveled about 35 miles on unpaved road in RAV4 AWD."
Limited facilities: Expect minimal amenities at most locations. Elkhorn provides "Hand pump was hard to pump which produced light brown water which wasn't something we wanted to drink, so bring in your own water."
Payment systems: Several campgrounds utilize self-pay stations with simple procedures. As Brittany describes Elkhorn: "$6 cash or check, put the money in the envelope and drop it in the box, clip the tag to your site #."
Tips for camping with families
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant temperature variations in this region. Kevin T. notes about camping at Bennett: "In the day time the temperature gets really hot."
Wildlife education opportunities: Snowden Bridge provides wildlife viewing suitable for children. Stacey N. reports: "Have seen great wildlife, excellent summer stargazing."
Site selection strategy: Arrive early to secure limited spots at smaller campgrounds. Stacey N. mentions Snowden Bridge has "Not a very big spot and only two camp sites close to the vault toilet."
Activity planning: Prepare alternative activities when weather prevents outdoor exploration. Many sites have minimal shelter options during storms or extreme heat.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites near Sidney accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. At Elkhorn Campground, Steve D. describes: "Campsites in valley in Badlands. Nice and clean. No power, no dumps, hand pump for water."
Self-containment requirements: Most tent camping locations near Sidney lack hookups or dump stations. Brian L. reports successfully using Fort Buford with larger equipment: "We camped here in a 35 ft 5th wheel."
Water management: Prepare to arrive with full freshwater tanks. Most locations provide no reliable water sources for filling RV systems during your stay.
