Tent camping near Sula, Montana provides opportunities within Bitterroot National Forest with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through September at most locations, with freezing temperatures possible even in summer months. Winter access remains possible at certain lower elevation sites when roads remain clear.
What to do
**Fishing access: **Stuart Mill Bay offers shoreline camping with direct lake access for anglers. A camper noted, "This state fishing access site campground has you right on the lake shore or very close to lake for easy fishing and boating access. The campground has two boat launches, one for non motorized and one for motorized boats."
Hiking nearby: Pintler Campground serves as a trailhead for several backcountry routes. "Pinter Lake is 10 miles from the main road hwy 43. The mostly gravel road is far from smooth with uncomfortable washboard feeling much of the route," reports one visitor who found the remote location worth the journey.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds in the Sula area provide wildlife viewing opportunities. At Bobcat Gulch, campers can hear the river while watching for wildlife. One reviewer mentioned the campground is "Pretty small and basic... Most sites back up to the river which is pretty nice. FREE and pretty quiet for the Saturday night I stayed."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Fishtrap Creek Montana FWP campground features numerous sites along the Big Hole River. A camper described, "While this campground sits along state highway 43, it is quiet at night as this is a lightly used highway with little to no truck traffic. The campground's 17 sites all feature level gravel parking pads, picnic tables and metal fire rings, and plenty of grassy areas to pitch a tent."
Lake views: Stuart Mill Bay campground provides varied lake views. "The first seven campsites sit in an area with trees and is near the non motorized boat launch. The remainder of the campsites sit closer to the lake but are out in the open. Several sites have you right on the shore," notes a reviewer who appreciated the options.
Solitude: Some tent campers near Sula value the quieter campgrounds. At Crazy Creek Campground, a visitor observed, "While there are only about 8 sites only 2 (including mine) were taken. Maybe it was the smoke from distant first fires. Anyway, great little campground! Right next to the creek, with another small branch cutting through the middle of the campground."
What you should know
Water sources: Most tent sites near Sula require campers to bring their own water. At Pintler Campground, a reviewer warned, "No water pump here, so must bring your own. The lake is lovely but covered for the most part with lily pads on the backside of the lake."
Weather considerations: Mountain camping means variable conditions year-round. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even in July.
Site selection: Campgrounds vary significantly in layout and privacy. At Fishtrap Creek, "about half the campsites sit along the river. Camping fees are $12 with a valid fishing license, $18 without."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, bathroom access becomes important. At Bobcat Gulch, "One large accessible pit toilet is available. Only downside is it's rather close to the highway and you can hear cars driving by pretty regularly."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access for cooling off during summer months. Stuart Mill Bay provides multiple swimming areas with gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Insect protection: Parents should prepare for mosquitoes and flies. A visitor to Pintler noted, "It's buggy with only a slight breeze to keep flies away. Overall nice but remote with only one bathroom facility. Fairly clean but lots of flies."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RV campers should scout for the most level options. At Crazy Creek Campground, a camper observed, "Sites were of different sizes (the parking pad curbs had lengths listed on them), and of differing amounts of levelness. I had site 2 and had to go to a fairly low spot to find a level place to pitch my tent."
Limited facilities: RVers should arrive self-contained as hookups are not available at most sites around Sula. Water fill stations and dump facilities can be found in larger towns like Darby or Wisdom.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving. Many forest roads become rutted after rain, with washboard sections common on approaches to remote campgrounds.
