Best Tent Camping near Somers, MT
Tent camping near Somers, Montana provides access to pristine lakeside sites and forested mountain terrain in northwestern Montana. Yellow Bay State Park Campground on the eastern shore of Flathead Lake offers a small tent-only campground with just 6 sites located 25 yards from the parking area. Ashley Lake South Campground provides primitive tent camping with limited amenities and first-come, first-served sites. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Blankenship Bridge and Ryan Road areas offer tent sites within a short drive of Glacier National Park, while Dorris Creek Road provides quieter tent camping options near Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Most tent campgrounds in the Somers area operate seasonally from May through September, with Yellow Bay open May 1 to September 30 and Ashley Lake South available Memorial Day to September 30. Walk-in tent sites at Yellow Bay require carrying gear a short distance from the parking area, with wheelbarrows available to transport equipment. Vault toilets or pit toilets are common at established campgrounds, while dispersed camping areas typically lack facilities. Fire rings are present at most sites, though fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months. Bear safety is essential throughout the region, with proper food storage required at all tent campsites. According to reviews, the road to Ashley Lake South is "real rough" with only "6-7 spots," making early arrival advisable.
Backcountry tent camping experiences near Somers offer distinctive advantages for those willing to forgo amenities. Yellow Bay provides direct access to Flathead Lake with swimming opportunities in the relatively shallow, protected bay. One camper noted the campground has "a small stream running along the side before dumping into Flathead Lake just 200 yards away." Ryan Road dispersed camping features flat tent sites in forested settings with fire rings and good proximity to Glacier National Park. Blankenship Bridge camping offers riverside tent sites with "unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset," though weekends can become crowded. Proper waste disposal is critical at all primitive tent camping locations, as some areas have reported issues with trash accumulation.