Best Tent Camping near Superior, MT

Lolo National Forest surrounds Superior, Montana with several tent-only campgrounds and primitive sites for backcountry camping enthusiasts. Forest Grove Fishing Access Site offers tent camping with basic amenities including vault toilets but no picnic tables or trash service. Kreis Pond Campground, located near Huson, provides walk-in tent sites around a small lake with a seasonal operating period from May through December 1st. Diamond Lake, specifically designated for tent camping, sits northwest of Superior and offers a more remote experience. The Peninsula Dispersed Campground provides walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more primitive camping experience.

Most tent campgrounds in the Superior area feature natural, ungraded surfaces covered with forest duff or gravel. Campers should bring water treatment supplies, as drinking water is rarely available at primitive tent sites. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but backcountry tent camping areas may lack facilities entirely. Bear activity is present throughout the region, with one camper at Kreis Pond noting visible bear prints during their stay. Access roads to many tent campsites require driving on several miles of dusty, washboard gravel roads. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some tent-only areas prohibiting fires entirely.

In early fall, tent campers experience fewer crowds at most sites around Superior. According to reviews, Kreis Pond features "7 well-spaced campsites all around the pond" but can become busy during summer months. One visitor noted that the campground "isn't a good place for an extended stay" but works well for overnight trips. Tent sites at Forest Grove Fishing Access remain usable year-round, making it suitable for all-season camping. The Ninemile Area offers tent camping opportunities but borders private land, requiring careful attention to boundaries. Backcountry tent camping options provide greater seclusion but demand self-sufficiency. Campers seeking walk-in tent sites should consider the Peninsula Dispersed Campground for a more isolated experience away from vehicle traffic.

Best Tent Sites Near Superior, Montana (41)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Superior, MT

402 Reviews of 41 Superior Campgrounds


  • s
    May. 25, 2025

    Quartz Flats Campground

    convenient & quaint

    Pulled off i-90 for a stop, plenty of campsites available. Able to reserve online thru recreation.gov as well as first come first serve. saw maybe 4 other cars. Only downside is proximity to freeway and loud train. Would go off multiple times throughout the night waking us up every time. Well maintained, plenty of restrooms they were closed though but a bear box and dumpster were available for trash/food storage.

  • Matthew S.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Copper King

    Great little spot to relax

    This is a free campground. There are five sites with generous spacing. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There is a privy and one bear box in the middle of the circle. This campground doesn't really accommodate large RVs, but it's great for tent camping. Although it sits along the river, it doesn't really have great river access. The campground is no more than 10 minutes from Thompson falls, so it's easy to get to town if you need to.

  • Kandi R.
    May. 23, 2023

    Little Joe Campground - Lolo National Forest

    Lots of trees

    Sites Right along the river. A few sites are in a cul de sac style and would be great for group camping. The other two are fairly secluded. No water. No garbage. There is a Vaulted toilet. Each site has fire ring and a picnic table.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Quartz Flat Campground

    Ranger Review: Acai Berry Liquid IV At Quartz Flat Campground

    CLICK HERE for FULL Ranger Review Video

    When traveling through Montana there is a portion of the state which suddenly opens up in such an inviting way as the National Forest and Mountains start to give you the first glimpse of the upcoming PNW environment.   Tall trees welcome you and on a cool fall day the crisp air produces  a beautiful fog over the mountains.

    Campground Review:

    As I entered into this section of the 2 million acre LOLO National Forest I initially pulled into a rest area to make lunch only to realize that the exit point for the rest area was actually also the shared entry point for the Quartz Flat Campground.

    The immediate sense of comfort abounded as large campsites became visible as I drove down the entry and the opening of the 2 loops welcomed me in with open arms.   Sites were well shaded and had ample ground to spread out and get comfortable for a stay from a day to 14 days at only $10 a night or $5 for those with the Senior Access pass.

    I was very surprised when I noticed that Loop C was designed for smaller RVs, Vans and Tent campers and Loop A was designed for larger units which required pull through entry.    There was attention to detail for any possible traveler, something which commonly is not considered in design of National Forest campsites.

    But far beyond the size this started to reveal to me that it was not your typical campsite on National Forest land for many other reasons.    There were both vault toilets and flush toilets at the location scattered throughout camp and drinking water spigots available at central points.

    For tent campers the forest bed offered a lush and soft pad for set up and with sites being quite large there was a tranquility which came from camping here.  All sites were equipped with fire rings and tables but a select few were the location of bear boxes.    After leaving Yellowstone where each site had a bear box this was bit confusing to me as to why there were limited bear boxes but this did not deter me.

    Additionally there is a dump station and trash collection at the Loop C entry point, very uncommon for these type of sites.   There also was a trail which began on the C Loop and traversed 1/2 a mile with information available at the main road with free brochures.

    Departing this loop, I thought I had seen it all, but boy was I wrong!!  There was an entire other campground on the opposite side of the highway, accessible by a tunnel which passed under the highway itself.  This campground near mirrored that of the A & C Loops however appeared a bit closer to the highway.

    TIPS:

    • If you are visiting this campground make sure you bring everything with you, there is no store nearby for a quick stop.

    • Check dates of closure for this campground.   When I arrived there were signs posted at the pay kiosk of closure beginning September 16th.    

    For More Information About LOLO National Forest CLICK HERE

    Product Review:

    Upon occasion I am given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to try out some amazing new products along my adventures.   For this trip I was able to try out the Acai Berry Liquid IV, a unique product which offers hydration multiplication for those who are needing a little pick me up.

    How Does It Work?

    Hydration multipliers work in a very interesting way.   Through adding a concentrated amount of electrolytes to your regular water they are able to make a single water hydrate your body as much as 3 waters of the same size.     The CTT technology used by Liquid IV is unique to the brand  and allows glucose and sodium to move differently in the body.  

    In simple terms, if you don't drink enough water regularly, if you add Liquid IV to your intake, it allows your body to feel like it actually is getting enough water.

    How Do I Use It?

    Use is simple!! Servings are prepackaged and can be added to water of any temperature.    Simply tear the top, scissors not needed, and pour then shake!  I personally like adding it to hot tea in addition to plain water for a little punch of flavor.

    How Does It Taste?

    The Acai Berry flavor is a light flavor additive which allows you a subtle punch of flavor,   Unlike many drink additives it does not have a chalky taste and when it is fully dissolved you have no textural discrepancy from a standard water.   It just tastes like something other than water...lol

    Does It Really Work?

    I have been trying Liquid IV for a few weeks and have noticed a definite difference when using it versos not using it.    The product allows your body to not feel the signs of fatigue on a strenuous hike and allows you to stay hydrated, preventing muscle cramps, profuse sweating and heat related fatigue.

    When using on a standard day of light activity your body just feels more energized, despite not being an energy supplement.    

    I would recommend using this product for your day to day, especially if you struggle with consuming the recommended amount of water regularly.   For those who participate in strenuous athletic activity this is a game changer much better than Gatorade or Powerade.

  • Katherine B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Isabella Landing Camp

    Simple but pretty

    More of a primitive type of campground, although there are vault toilets. Plenty of spaces along the river; however there is a river take out that may be used to back trailers up to, so the flat spots across from it may not be ideal.

  • Shaun W.
    Aug. 18, 2017

    Weitas Creek Campground

    Needs a Titdy up.

    it is free witch is amazing thank you. But it would like a tidy up. Only 2 of the sites are in my opinion any good one ones to the left and right of the bridge. I dear not go in the vault toilets. Great location for fishing access. Did get little busy before dark and not many trees so you had dust going threw your camp but it was free.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2023

    Big Pine Campground

    Near river, not far from 90

    Conveniently only 4 miles down a well maintained road and positioned next to the river, this campground has vault toilets and bear boxes. It’s very nice!

    Heads up for trailers, the coordinates will take you to the official campground which seemed potentially a little snug, but if you take the right toward “Rivulet” at the T at the bottom of the road, there are more campsites!

    I had no service here.

  • Milagros A.
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Lolo Creek Campground

    Lolo Creek Campground Montana

    Despite how this site has it listed, the sign says Lolo Creek Campground . This is in Montana . https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10268

    This this is a well-maintained forest service Campground right on Highway 12 about 15 minutes. (20 miles) north of Lolo the town. There is an adjacent day-use picnic area with about 3 or 4 picnic tables pretty well separated and in the woods. I believe they each have a grill with them. If the campsite is full and you are self-contained, the parking lot maybe a good pull off spot.

    There are 17 camping sites about half are pull throughs. It is heavily forested and Lolo Creek is adjacent but not in the campground. However, two of the sites are very near the creek. Because it is beside Highway 12, you can hear the road noise but this quiets down substantially after dark. This also makes it super easy if you are traveling and need to pull off for the night.

    There are 3 Wells with potable water( lift the handle ) and 2 well-maintained and stocked pit toilets. Each site has a metal fire ring and a picnic table. Some sites have really nice areas for tents , others the tent might be a little bumpy! There is a campground host and a dumpster for trash. Bear proofing regulations are in effect.

    There Is No Reservations, no electricity. no services for RVs, no cell, and no firewood for sale.

    I stayed the maximum amount of time which is 16 days. Most of that time I could have had a fire if I wanted but the last few days there was a fire ban due to very dry conditions. I was there in August.

    The cost is $10 a night payable in cash or US Bank drawn checks. There is a $4 per night charge for a second vehicle at a site. This is for every night that you are there.

    There are a few nice but not necessarily Stellar hikes in the area. None originate near the campground, you must drive to them. The campground host was very helpful in directing us to these. Lolo Creek Campground was spared in the Lolo forest fire of 2017. However some areas slightly South between the campground and the town are burnt out. But the new growth of bright green framing the black trees imakes for some visually beautiful hiking.

    Lolo Creek itself is cold and I saw several guys fishing. If you can take the temperature it's a great wading Creek too!

    There isn't any cell service at the campground and I have Verizon. In fact, you lose cell service shortly north of Lolo.

    Up the road going north about three-quarters of a mile is Jack's Saloon. You have to drive about three-quarters of a mile back a very well-maintained dirt road. This is a bar , a restaurant with what looked like a very decent food even though I didn't have any , and music there one or two nights a week. The theme is lumberjacking and the bar is made out of a single giant log , many of the bar stools are carved out of single logs as well and there is a swinging log bar stool. There was a quite good blues band there the Saturday night I went. This bar was in the movie The Best Bar in America. This is your closest civilization if you want to get something to eat. Otherwise, you have to drive 15 or so minutes south to Lolo where there are several restaurants, a couple fast food places Quick Stop's, gasoline and a casino. Do try Florence coffee it's a drive-thru and yummy.

    There may be a restaurant at Lolo Hot Springs about 5 miles north on Highway 12, past Jack's. Lolo Hot Springs is a large complex with hot springs pool, many buildings, camping, and cabins and a sign that proclaims a cafe. I assume it's open to the public and not just guests, but I personally did not verify that. Their rates for anything are not listed on their website , neither is availability if you want to camp. You must call. I called two different times and left messages. they didn't return my call either time . I called a third time and got a person who answered my questions. It's more than triple the cost at staying Lolo Creek but then there's all the amenities too. There's another dance Campground on the other side Lolo Creek Campground that has about the same prices as the hot springs.

    Also, be careful, there is much wildlife along Highway 12, and I saw deer multiple times crossing the road at night. And though I didn't see any, between the campground and Jack's is a painted on the road moose Crossing.

    This is a clean Campground and I was happy to stay there. I I can highly recommend this Campground if you can live without electricity and cell phone for the duration of your stay. And you're main activity is either leaving the campsite to go find something else to do, simply hanging out, or some trout fishing in the creek.

  • Donald C.
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Washington Creek Campground

    Rustic

    This site was haven sent. Large spacious, on the Clearwater river. Fishing was great. Solitude was the best. 10 days was our stay at $10 per night, no hook ups. Boondocking or dry camping was the tone. The vault toilets were clean enough for the ladies not to mind the situation. Laying in the river, hiking, wildlife viewing, was great.


Guide to Superior

Tent camping near Superior, Montana offers numerous backcountry options in the Lolo National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the 70s-80s during the day, dropping to the 40s-50s at night, with occasional dips into the 30s even in June. Many primitive sites lack potable water, requiring campers to filter from streams or lakes.

What to do

Fishing access: Forest Grove Fishing Access Site provides year-round angling opportunities on the Clark Fork River. "We boated around and actually bought some fish! I guess that's what happens when you go with people who have the right equipment and frequent this area often," notes one visitor to Forest Grove Fishing Access Site.

Backcountry airplane camping: For adventurous campers, the Fish Lake Trailhead offers a unique experience with its backcountry airstrip. According to a visitor at Fish Lake Trailhead, it provides "Great backcountry airstrip. Easy to catch cutthroat and solitude."

Hiking the Sleeping Woman trail: Located near Kreis Pond, this challenging trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas. "Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end. 360 view of the Missoula Valley, Bitteroot Mountain Range, Flathead in the distance and Mission Mountains as well."

What campers like

Secluded pond settings: Kreis Pond offers a peaceful lakeside environment with well-spaced campsites. "Great little hidden gem. Just a handful of spots to camp but absolutely beautiful!!" writes a camper at Kreis Pond Campground.

Cedar tree canopy: The mature cedar groves provide natural shade and windbreaks at some campgrounds. A visitor to Cedars Campground notes, "Beautiful spot and the river there. Huge Cedar trees kinda hidden off the road."

Cold-weather camping: For those prepared with proper gear, the area offers excellent off-season camping opportunities with fewer crowds. "Had a very nice time staying here. Very quiet, with some sites very dispersed from each other. It was very cold at night though. In the 30s at the end of June. We thankfully brought lots of blankets, but it would have been very cold had we not."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to many campsites requires traveling on rough forest roads. As one camper at Three Forks Ponds explains, "This campground is farther south from the Big pine campground. Big pine campground has cell phone service this one does not. The only water source is the stream which when the water is high it can be difficult and you've got to carry it up a bit of a hill."

Property boundaries: National forest areas often border private land, creating navigation challenges. A camper at Ninemile Area observed, "My only complaint is we felt awkward hiking around in case we were accidentally crossing into private land, when exploring the Lolo National Forest."

Seasonal algae: Some pond sites experience heavy algae growth during summer months. One Kreis Pond visitor noted, "The pond is small and prone to very dense algae blooms. Campsites are very close in and very busy by Montana standards."

Tips for camping with families

Overnight vs. extended stays: When camping with children, shorter trips work better at certain locations. "Good for a quick jaunt out for one night if you don't mind making new friends but it isn't a good place for an extended stay."

Water recreation options: Bringing inflatable tubes or rafts enhances the camping experience at pond sites. "Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around. Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close."

Navigation difficulties: GPS reliability varies throughout the region. One visitor to Off The Beaten Path Glampground encountered issues: "Honestly I never made it to this campsite because my GPS couldn't figure out how to get me there without going on private property."

Tips from RVers

Small vehicle requirements: Most tent camping areas near Superior cannot accommodate large RVs or trailers. The rough access roads and limited turning areas necessitate smaller vehicles or car camping setups.

Winter accessibility: While some areas remain open year-round, access becomes significantly more difficult during winter months. "This is an all season spot so if you are getting stir crazy indoors, this is an area you can adventure to."

Washboard road preparation: Pack items in your vehicle securely to prevent damage from rough roads. "Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Superior, MT is Forest Grove Fishing Access Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Superior, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.