Best Tent Camping near Virginia City, MT

Tent campsites near Virginia City, Montana range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites across the surrounding mountains and valleys. Revenue Flats offers tent camping with fire rings in an open setting, while Varney Bridge Fishing Access Site provides tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits along the Madison River. Mill Creek Campground in Beaverhead National Forest, located 7 miles from Sheridan, offers shaded tent sites with basic amenities including vault toilets and hand pump wells for water.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature dirt or gravel parking pads with designated areas for pitching tents. Vault toilets are common at established sites, though drinking water availability varies significantly. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at developed tent sites, while dispersed camping areas may have rudimentary rock fire rings or none at all. Bear activity is present throughout the region, with some campgrounds providing bear-proof food lockers. Campers should note that many higher elevation tent sites, particularly in the Tobacco Root Mountains, remain inaccessible until July due to snowmelt and are typically closed by September.

The tent camping experience near Virginia City offers varying levels of solitude depending on location and season. Spanish Lakes provides backcountry tent camping reached via a challenging 9-mile hike, rewarding visitors with pristine alpine lakes and mountain views. Sites along fishing access points like Varney Bridge can experience regular daytime traffic from anglers, particularly during peak fishing seasons. Tent campers at Revenue Flats enjoy exceptional stargazing opportunities but minimal shade during daytime hours. According to one visitor, "The sites have a large rock fire ring in the cooking area with logs sitting around it to sit on," highlighting the rustic but functional nature of many tent sites in the area. Walk-in tent sites at several campgrounds provide greater separation from vehicle noise and other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Virginia City, Montana (30)

    1. Varney Bridge

    6 Reviews
    Cameron, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 994-4042

    "There are a few smaller sites right next to the river, which are close to the road. Further down, there are a few more spots with more space, but from those spots it's a short walk to the river."

    "Quiet, great hosts (Randy and Karen), bear boxes, great level site…and we drove in without a reservation."

    2. Revenue Flats

    6 Reviews
    Norris, MT
    19 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."

    3. Beaverhead National Forest Mill Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheridan, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 682-4253

    "The campground features 2 double vault toilets and two hand pump wells for water. This is a well shaded campground due to the large fir and pine trees."

    4. Virginia City RV Park

    1 Review
    Virginia City, MT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 843-5493

    5. Ruby Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cameron, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 683-8000

    "Tucked away from the main road along the water meant a peaceful night. Open campground with few trees. $12/night for a level spot, fire ring, picnic table and clean vault toilet."

    "Campground has water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and metal fire rings.  This is a Pack in, pack out campground. I have stayed here twice and each time their were only a couple others camped here. "

    6. Spanish Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Big Sky, MT
    26 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."

    8. Yellow Mule Cabin

    1 Review
    Big Sky, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    $55 / night

    "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."

    9. Clover Meadows

    Be the first to review!
    Cameron, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 682-4253
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Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Virginia City, MT

542 Reviews of 30 Virginia City Campgrounds



Guide to Virginia City

Virginia City, Montana, offers a charming backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds nestled in scenic locations.

Tips for tent camping near Virginia City

  • Palisades Campground provides a peaceful experience with only a few sites, ensuring a quiet getaway surrounded by nature.
  • Revenue Flats is ideal for those seeking stunning views and a rugged adventure, but be prepared for a rough road to access the campground.
  • Ruby Creek Campground offers a flat grassy area along the Madison River, perfect for setting up your tent and enjoying the sounds of nature.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $12

  • At Varney Bridge, you can enjoy a riverbank location for just $5 a night, making it a budget-friendly option for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Palisades Campground charges $12 per night, featuring clean vault toilets and a serene creek running through the sites.
  • Ruby Creek Campground also has a nightly fee of $12, providing essential amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

Tent campers should check out Revenue Flats

  • Revenue Flats is known for its breathtaking views and spacious sites, making it a great choice for those who enjoy hammocking and rock climbing.
  • The Palisades Campground offers a unique experience with its proximity to the creek, which helps drown out any noise from neighboring campers.
  • Mill Creek Campground is nestled in the Tobacco Root Mountains, providing a shaded and quiet environment for a relaxing camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Virginia City, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Virginia City, MT is Varney Bridge with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Virginia City, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.