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."