Lewis and Clark National Forest near White Sulphur Springs offers tent camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. The Little Belt Mountains feature primarily coniferous forest with lodgepole pine and Douglas fir dominating the landscape. Winter closures affect most campgrounds from mid-October through May, with unpredictable mountain weather possible year-round even during peak summer season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide creek fishing opportunities. At Richardson Campground, one camper noted they had a "great time! Great fishing, Hiking, and wonderful overall experience!" The small creeks throughout the area contain primarily brook and rainbow trout.
Mountain hiking: The trail system connects to multiple campgrounds with varying difficulty levels. A visitor at Kings Hill Campground appreciated camping "at around 8000 feet in elevation," which provides immediate access to high-elevation hiking trails through recently thinned forest areas.
Wildlife viewing: The Little Belt Mountains support diverse wildlife populations. According to one camper at Fairy Lake Campground, "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent. Mountain Goats will come in your camp and they will do what goats do and want to check you out. They are not scared."
What campers like
Solitude and remoteness: The dispersed camping areas provide quieter alternatives to established campgrounds. A reviewer at Camping Area 6393A found they could "camp in solitude" at this designated forest service location where "Whitetail Creek dumps into Spring Creek."
Four-season opportunities: While summer offers the most comfortable temperatures, winter camping provides unique experiences. A visitor at Camp Rotary reported it's "great for winter camping" with "semi-decent heating" in cabins and "super warm" bathrooms for cold weather camping.
Natural water features: Creeks and small lakes enhance the camping experience. At Whitetail Camp Campground, a camper mentioned the "large moose pond adjacent to the campground" and advised: "If you can catch an early morning moose, then the campground gains a few stars!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating rough forest roads. The reviewer at Camping Area 6393A recommends "a high clearance vehicle to access this camping location" as "the road is a little rough in a few places."
Limited turnaround space: Some campgrounds have restricted maneuvering room. According to one camper, Richardson campground requires paying attention to the sign at the entrance warning "NO TURN AROUND," which they confirmed was "correct" because "once you get past the second campsite there will not be room to turn around if you have a trailer."
Site availability concerns: The best tent camping near White Sulphur Springs, Montana can fill quickly during peak seasons. One camper attempted to visit Fairy Lake Campground multiple times but reported it was "always full."
Tips for camping with families
Established sites for amenities: For camping with children, choose campgrounds with reliable facilities. Kings Hill Campground provides water and vault toilets, and a visitor noted that "each site has a picnic table and metal fire rings as well as BBQ grills."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for wildlife encounters with appropriate safety protocols. At Fairy Lake Campground, a camper observed that wildlife is common: "There is 1 bear box for the whole campground so be prepared to store food in car or tree."
Stream exploration: Small creeks provide natural play areas. One visitor camping near Fairy Lake mentioned "a perfect little creek that my 5yo fully enjoyed for a few days."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most forest service roads near White Sulphur Springs restrict larger RVs. Whitetail Camp Campground can accommodate smaller RVs but a reviewer noted it's not "big-rig-friendly" and described the campground as "part established campground and part disperse camping area."
Seasonal access limitations: RV access becomes more difficult during shoulder seasons. At Kings Hill Campground, which sits at higher elevation, a camper noted the "campground is near highway 89" which provides better access but still cautioned about seasonal road closures.
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most tent camping areas near White Sulphur Springs lack disposal facilities. A visitor to Kings Hill mentioned the campground "has water and vault toilets but no trash service so be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
