Best Tent Camping near Three Forks, MT

Several tent campgrounds and dispersed camping areas surround Three Forks, Montana, offering a range of primitive camping experiences. Copper City BLM provides free dispersed tent camping with established fire rings near mountain biking trails. Serenity Sheep Farm Stay offers a unique farm-based tent camping experience with amenities like showers and picnic tables. Fairweather Fishing Access Site near Three Forks provides basic tent camping without many facilities.

Most tent sites in the Three Forks area require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is typically unavailable at dispersed sites. Copper City BLM features open terrain with established fire rings but no toilets or water sources. Roads to several campsites, particularly at higher elevations like Fairy Lake Campground, require high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted about Revenue Flats, "You need a reliable car/truck to get to the campground, but it's a great view." Many primitive tent campsites enforce seasonal closures, with Fairy Lake Campground only open from July 1 to September 15.

Tent campers will find varying levels of privacy and amenities across the region's campgrounds. The Revenue Flats area offers tent sites with impressive mountain views and opportunities for rock climbing, though the 5-mile access road includes a steep climb. Fairy Lake tent sites provide access to alpine hiking trails and a small lake for swimming. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site and Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping areas allow free tent camping with minimal facilities but stunning natural settings. A visitor to Copper City BLM described it as "open space with beautiful views, common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those."

Best Tent Sites Near Three Forks, Montana (22)

    1. Copper City BLM

    4 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views"

    "Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."

    2. Serenity Sheep Farm Stay

    7 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 580-7176

    $30 / night

    "We had plenty of space to set up our tent and we felt comfortable leaving it set up to eat at one of the local spots in the nearby town (~15 min away)."

    "We're so happy to have this experienced host on our platform. This is a working farm and there are only 2 sites available. You will have plenty of peace and privacy."

    3. Toston Dam Campground

    1 Review
    Radersburg, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 494-5059

    "Small campground tucked away from highway. Right on shore of river/resevoir. Heavily used train tracks on opposite shore, so you get some train noise but not horrible."

    4. Revenue Flats

    6 Reviews
    Norris, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 683-8000

    "Not restrooms or services but tons of little designated pull outs and fire rings. Very open and little shade during the day. Tons of super fun climbing!"

    "This area has a lot to offer within a 15 min drive from wherever you camp. There are a lot of people that use this and there are a lot of parties."

    5. Fairy Lake Campground

    9 Reviews
    Gallatin National Forest, MT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "Campsite 1 was probably not the best choice but we loved the view… so did our wild life friends For sure there is 1 grizzly that’s pretty big. He checked out our truck tent."

    "Sites were readily available the night we stayed, about 12 in the main campground and several more sites with fire rings outside by the trail entrance."

    6. Fairweather Fishing Access Site

    Be the first to review!
    Gallatin National Forest, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    7. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    29 miles

    "There is sun, shade, a fire ring and 3 other neighboring sites. 2 of those sites aren’t very accessible by car but this site is big enough for multiple vehicles."

    "There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."

    8. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites."

    "I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there."

    9. Spanish Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Big Sky, MT
    37 miles

    "A relatively challenging nine-mile-hike in from the Spanish Creek campground. Turn left at the trail map and follow the well marked signs."

    "To get there you drive into the Spanish Creek Picnic area. Then you follow the trails on the map to Spanish Lakes. The trails are pretty well marked. It’s about 9.5 miles in and up."

    10. Pipestone RV Park & Campground

    1 Review
    Whitehall, MT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-5224

    "It was easy to set up, only saw two other sets of people."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Three Forks, MT

574 Reviews of 22 Three Forks Campgrounds


  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Campground

    Lower Confederate Dispersed Camping

    There’s a few different sites to choose from in the area. A lot of them are close to the pit toilet near the rock beach. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. No water. The best spot that we stayed at was on top of the cliff. It was gorgeous but super windy. 14 day stay limit. Pls make sure to leave no trace and don’t leave trash. A group of guys camped on one of the site and trashed it. Even buried the fire pit completely with sand to the point you could barely see it and then left trash on top

  • Jessa
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping on Canon Ferry Lake

    Gorgeous spot! Free dispersed camping, first come basis, 14 day stay limit. Lots of spots to choose from in the area. Beautiful vies of Canyon Ferry Lake. Most spots have a picnic table and a camp fire ring. Some spots are close to each other so in the summer I bet it’s packed. The lakes beach is full of rocks. Please make sure to leave no trace if you come to this spot! Pack it in, pack it out. There are vault toilets around the area if needed. No dumping.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Duck Creek Primitive Campground

    Review of Outdoor Element's Firebiner at Duck Creek camping area

    Review of Duck Creek camping area

    This was our second camp at Duck Creek this year with our Venturing Crew. This time we conducted a wilderness survival camp at the far opposite end of the camping area from our last camp. We constructed our survival shelters on the sand and gravel shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. We picked the shore in order to get away from the bugs. The cottonwoods and willows held plenty of little vampires looking for blood, the grassy areas had fewer mosquitoes but a recent hatch had occurred and although they didn't bite all those bugs made you thing you were being attacked. So the beach it was, it was amazing that you could walk out on the beach and not have any bugs, what a slight breeze will do. After setting up our shelters it was time to build a fire and cook dinner. Our site had a rock ring built into the sand, but we found this to be to close to the trees for our liking as the wind would blow embers into the vegetation. We built a new ring next to the water for the nigh. You will be unable to find our fire ring as any evidence of our visit was removed the next morning...Leave no trace. Their is no problem finding fire wood at duck creek drift wood is everywhere. If you want to stay at Duck Creek be prepared, this is primitive camping. No vault toilets, no water, no trash service, no metal fire rings, but you do have cell service.

    Ranger review of the Firebiner from Outdoor Element.

    Gave the firebinder to one of our Scouts to get a fire started, sparks up really well, she had a little problem due to how windy was, but a second try with a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly had a fire going after three strikes. Our Scouts gave the striker five stars. The cutting blade worked well on string and fishing line, how ever we could not get through 550 para cord, and with such a small opening you are really limited on what you can cut with it. Over all everyone likes the look of the firebiner, and it held up to a weekend of use, is small and light weight and has worked well for clipping items on to packs.

  • Mai K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Langohr Campground

    Cute Little Campground with Just the Right Amenities

    About 20 minutes south of Bozeman, MT on scenic Hyalite Canyon Road sits Langohr Campground. There are 19 spacious single sites and the 20th site is a group picnic site for day use. Langohr Campground runs along Hyalite Creek and is tucked inside Custer Gallatin National Forest in a small open meadow with Douglas fir, Lodgepole pine, and Englemann Spruce. 

    I was fortunate to find a campsite as a walk-in even after arriving mid-afternoon at the beginning of June 2019 because it was too late to reserve online. Each site does have a picnic table and fire ring, and electrical sites are available. Some are drive-in or back into sites, and a few are literally next to Hyalite Creek which is an added bonus. A heavy snowfall occurred a week before and remnants of it were scattered along the campground. Good thing I brought a snow scraper to clear the picnic table of snow. The fee is $20.00 per campsite for two vehicles and $8.00 for any additional vehicles. The group picnic site is $45.00 for day use. I paid cash for the site, but I believe you may also pay by credit card.

    Many of the campers were settling in and had parked RVs and pop-ups. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash as wildlife such as bears, deers, moose, and elk frequent the area. Bear lockers should be used for food storage or properly stored in vehicles. There are huge bear safe trash and recycling containers near the entrance for campers to use. The bathroom is clean, free of odor and bugs, and it is a vault toilet. There are no showers, dump station, or camp store, but you are close to Bozeman.  The camp host was settled on site 11 and sells firewood for $6.00. You can take a walk along the Hyalite Creek or drive 3.5 miles south down to Hyalite Reservoir for other activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, hiking, and boating. The night sky was pretty spectacular especially with the trees around on a clear day.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2018

    Goose Bay Marina and Campground

    Large Primitive campground at Goose Bay

    Goose Bay Primitive Campround is right next to Goose Bay Marina and Campground. The primitive campground is free. The very large disperse campground area has several Vault Toilets. Rock fire rings are at the sites. Sites are not numbered as you can camp anywhere, but the good spots have rock fire rings. Sites do not have picnic tables. Their are ADA camp sites next to each Vault Toilet. The ADA sites each have large concrete pads, picnic table and metal fire ring. We had a Boy Scout Camporee at this location a few years ago and made for a nice camp, tons of room and plenty of lake access. If you use a water craft on Canyon Ferry you must have your craft inspected and cleaned before leaving. The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks inspection site is located at the entrance of Goose Bay Marina and Campground

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2019

    Confederate Campground

    Relax on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake

    Confederate Campground is a Bureau of Reclamation campground on the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. This small free campground does not have developed campsites with the exception of the one ADA available campsite. Their appears to be six camping spots, five that have rock made fire rings, the only developed site is the ADA site which has a concrete parking pad and metal fire pit. No picnic tables are available at this campground. The campground does have a ADA accessible vault toilet directly across from the ADA campsite. Two of the campsites sit along the lakes beach. Don't be expecting a nice sandy beach however, this is a gravel beach, but still nice. Two sites are near the vault toilet and ADA site, these sites sit on the edge of the lake among cotton wood trees and willows. The final location is away from the other sites in a grassy area near large cotton woods. Camping at Confederate campground is limited to 14 days. There is no water, trash service or picnic tables so come prepared. Their is not a boat launch at this campground, but boats can easily be launched from the rocky beach area. All water craft regardless of size must be inspected prior to launching at Canyon Ferry Lake.

  • Kayla K.
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Yellow Mule Cabin

    The BEST!!

    This honestly was one of my favorite trips/camping experiences I have ever done! There really is nothing like it. The cabin is so cute, tucked away in a forest. It's pretty magically. The best part about this cabin is you can't reach it by car. You can take a 4 wheeler, ATV or you can hike 8 miles. My friends and I love hiking so we chose to hike the 8 miles to the cabin. I think this makes the experience that much better. We were able to take in the scenery as we hiked, and it made us appreciate staying in the cabin. The cabin contained all the basic necessities that you need, but obviously you have to bring your own food, sleeping bags and hygiene products. We also brought sleeping pads to put down on the beds provided. The restroom is outside (outhouse) and there is no water or electricity. We brought our own supply of water and brought lanterns, and a few other light sources. There is a fireplace in the cabin but they don't provide the wood. We were able to gather another wood and branches from outside to build us a fire. It comfortably sleeps 3, however we had 4 people and one person had to make their bed on the floor. There were great trails nearby, which I think most of them are used in the winter for snowmobiling. I would definitely recommend coming here, any time of the year!!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2019

    Silos Campground

    Exposed windy Campground + Midland Radio Review

    The Silos Campground located on Canyon Ferry Lake is a Bureau of Reclamation campground with 77 dry sites, 4 gazebos, handicapped accessible restrooms and RV sites. The campground is run by Broadwater County. The 4 gazebos in the campground that can be reserved through the nearby KOA campground.

    Silos campground is a large open and windy campground with no tree cover. All the trees are along the lake and provide little to no releaf from the sun or constant winds that blow through the area. The campground consist of 5 camping areas, four of which have boat ramps. One of the camping areas is for tent only camping. Sites are $10 for a single site and $20 for a double site, Stays are limited to 14 days. Golden Age pass holders are $5.00 a night. No Cost during the winter season. The only way to tell if you are in a single site or a double site is if the site number post tells you if it a double site. Each camping area has at least two vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring. Almost all of the picnic tables are concrete tables.

    The campground's four gazebos can be rented for the night for $30 by contacting the Silos KOA Campground which is located just before the Silos campground. The gazebos all have power and lights.

    The campground has four small boat launches and one large launch with a marina (Broadwater Bay) for docking your boat. The marina is managed by Silos KOA. If you need more information on either the campground or the marina facilities call 406-266-3100.

    On our visit we only found one site that had any protection from the winds, that was site #1.

    The campground does not have a store, but the KOA does have one. If you don't fell like cooking you have two options just outside of the campground. Between the KOA and Silo Campground is the Flamingo Grill which is open seasonally. At the turn on Hwy 12/287 is the Silos Junction Bar and Grill which is open year round. The town of Townsend is less than 10 minutes from the campground is you need more supplies.

    Ranger Review of Midland Radios X-TALKER T10X3 Walkie Talkie

    The X-Talker T10X3 Walkie talkie has a reported range of up to 20 miles and has 22 available channels. These walkie talkies take three AAA batteries. We gave these radios a test shortly after receiving them. Took one for a hike and left another at home. The trail-head for my hike was 16 miles from home and I had a clear crisp signal at the start. While on the hike I added a few more miles to that distance and was still able to communicate without any problems, even while in heavy timber. It wasn't until I started rounding the back of the mountain and lost line of site that the signal was lost, just like all walkie talkies do. We are quiet please with how these radios have been holding up, our Scouts have used them several times and are no worse for wear. Great to use with out Scout group as we can stay in better communication during our activities and trips, especially in those areas with out cell phone signal, which is the location of most of our activities.

    A very good quality 2 way radio at a low cost. We have another set of Midland Radios that these work just as well with.

  • TMB
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

    A SW Montana Favorite

    Great park and campground popular with locals for a quick getaway, and ideal for travelers between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.  Yes, it is on a bench above a river valley and below higher sage and juniper covered foothills.  It can be windy, and it can be hot and sunny in the summer.  Locals find it a great early and late season destination for these reasons.  The trails also dry out/stay dry early and late making it a hiking and mountain biking destination when the higher mountains are snowy or muddy.

    The campground itself has great facilities, and manicured lawns (good since this is rattlesnake country), but little to no natural shade.  Clean restrooms and clean vault toilets.  Small visitor center at the highway entrance and second visitor center for the cave entrance at the top of the mountain (foothill).  Summer brings intermittent ranger programs. I reserved a star for wind and lack of shade, otherwise it’s great camping.

    P.S. spotty cell coverage!


Guide to Three Forks

Dispersed camping sites around Three Forks, Montana range from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, providing diverse camping experiences across different mountain ecosystems. Most tent camping sites in this area see summer temperatures between 75-85°F during the day and 40-50°F at night, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Many sites have seasonal restrictions due to winter conditions or wildlife management concerns.

What to do

Mountain biking access: At Copper City BLM, campers can enjoy direct access to biking trails. "Great spot right on parts of the trial! It's open and you can see miles in each direction," reports Ashley M. The area serves as a hub for cycling enthusiasts with primitive camping options.

Hiking alpine trails: The area near Fairy Lake Campground offers excellent high-elevation hiking opportunities. "The lake itself has a small trail to walk around," notes Anthony B. For more adventurous hikers, nearby trails lead to mountain summits with panoramic views of surrounding ranges.

Rock climbing adventures: Revenue Flats provides multiple rock climbing areas within walking distance of camping spots. "Tons of super fun climbing!" mentions Lucille W., who visited the area. The natural rock formations attract climbers of various skill levels, with routes suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

Fishing opportunities: Several camping locations provide fishing access with varying catch potential. Spanish Lakes is particularly notable for fishing enthusiasts, with one visitor noting, "Tons of fishing in all of the lakes... Tons of bugs. But all great fun!" The alpine lakes contain west slope cutthroat trout.

What campers like

Working farm experiences: Serenity Sheep Farm Stay offers a unique camping experience alongside farm animals. "The kids enjoyed the animals. There is a nice fire pit that made for a gathering spot for the other few campers," shares Chula R. This site provides a different camping environment than typical forest or mountain locations.

Privacy between sites: Several dispersed camping areas offer good separation between campers. At Revenue Flats, "The sites were roomy and private on a high plateau with beautiful views," according to Lisa A. Most dispersed sites have natural buffers of trees or terrain features that create private camping spaces.

Alpine lake settings: The region features multiple high-mountain lakes for swimming and scenery. One camper described Spanish Lakes as "indescribably breathtaking. Surrounded by massive mountains, a rolling stream, and a little dead forest accompanied by a campsite and fire ring." These alpine settings provide refreshing swimming opportunities during summer months.

Star viewing conditions: The clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create excellent star gazing conditions. At Revenue Flats, one camper "pulled up to this spot and camped under the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen." The higher elevation sites offer particularly good astronomical viewing opportunities.

What you should know

Road conditions and vehicle requirements: Many of the best tent camping near Three Forks, Montana requires careful planning for access. The road to Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping is "by far the roughest road I've encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart!" according to Ariana N. Similarly, for Revenue Flats, "You need a reliable car/truck to get the campground," advises Boyce B.

Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change quickly, with temperature drops of 30+ degrees possible in a single day. At higher elevations like Fairy Lake, snow is possible even in summer months. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season.

Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in many camping areas. One camper at Fairy Lake Campground reported, "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent." Proper food storage is essential, with limited bear boxes available at established campgrounds.

Water sources: Most dispersed sites lack reliable water sources. One camper at Copper City BLM emphasized, "This place is DRY—so be sure to bring your own water." Plan to carry all needed drinking water or bring filtration equipment for natural sources when available.

Tips for camping with families

Farm-based alternatives: South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site provides easier access for families with children. "We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper," notes TexasRed. The site is approximately 20-30 minutes from Bozeman, making supply runs manageable.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several camping areas offer opportunities to observe wildlife at safe distances. At Serenity Sheep Farm Stay, families can interact with farm animals in a controlled environment. "We loved staying here. The kids enjoyed the animals," reports one family.

Swimming options: For families seeking water activities, Fairy Lake provides a small but accessible alpine lake. "The lake itself is stunning, with crystal clear water that looks almost unreal," reports one visitor. The shallow edges are appropriate for supervised children, though water remains cold year-round.

Elevation considerations: Families camping with young children should consider the effects of higher elevations. Sites above 7,000 feet can cause mild altitude symptoms in some children and may feel significantly colder than valley locations. Plan extra time for acclimatization when camping at higher elevations.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas have limited space for larger rigs. At Revenue Flats, one RVer reported, "We drove a F450 with triple slide truck camper and made it ok. Also saw a 2 wheel drive 30 foot class C motorhome that made it but would not recommend anything larger." Most high-elevation sites cannot accommodate RVs over 25 feet.

Site positioning: When camping in open areas like Copper City BLM, position RVs to maximize shade and wind protection. "Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views," notes Alex C. about the available spaces.

Seasonal accessibility: RV access to many sites is highly seasonal. Fairy Lake and similar high-elevation campgrounds have limited seasons, generally July through mid-September. Lower elevation sites like Toston Dam Campground remain accessible longer but may still have seasonal closures.

Level terrain challenges: Finding level parking for RVs can be challenging in many dispersed areas. RVers should bring leveling blocks or hydraulic systems. "We made it past the campsite and down a dirt road (it was extremely bumpy!)," reports one camper about accessing Fairy Lake area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Three Forks, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Three Forks, MT is Copper City BLM with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Three Forks, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.