Dispersed tent campsites near Wilsall, Montana offer campers access to the Absaroka and Bridger Mountain ranges at elevations ranging from 5,200 to 7,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 80°F during the day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. The camping season runs from late May through September, with higher elevation sites accessible only after snow melts in late June.
What to do
Hike to mountain lakes: The trailhead near Fairy Lake Campground provides access to Sacajawea Peak hiking trails. "The lake itself is stunning, with crystal clear water that looks almost unreal. It's the perfect place to relax, hike, fish, or just sit back and take in the beauty of Montana," notes Sayler O.
Mountain biking: Copper City BLM offers dedicated mountain biking trails just 45 minutes from Wilsall. "Great spot right on parts of the trail! It's open and you can see miles in each direction," shares Ashley M. The area features both beginner and advanced trail systems built specifically for mountain biking.
Fishing: East Boulder Creek provides trout fishing opportunities with minimal crowds. "There's good fishing and the trailhead for the Green Mountain Trail, a very nice 6 mile hike to the Natural Bridge, is across the road," explains Rob F. Streams near tent sites typically contain brook and rainbow trout, with fishing best in early morning hours.
What campers like
Stargazing: The open skies above tent sites near Wilsall provide excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Awesome view of the Northern Lights too!" says Tristan S. about South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, highlighting the area's dark skies during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: East Boulder Campground offers opportunities to observe deer, mountain goats, and occasional bears. "Lots of deer in the area!" notes Alyson M. Safety precautions include proper food storage and carrying bear spray when hiking from tent sites.
Mountain views: The surrounding ranges create dramatic backdrops at most tent campsites. "The mountains were pink and purple at sunrise, awesome views!" shares Kimberly L. about dispersed camping areas. Morning light on the Bridger and Absaroka ranges makes for particularly striking scenes from tent sites.
What you should know
Road conditions: The 6-mile access road to Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping requires high-clearance vehicles. "This is by far the roughest road I've encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart! I saw a couple sprinter vans coming up but no other RVs," warns Ariana N. Most tent sites become inaccessible after rain or snow due to mud and washouts.
Limited amenities: Most tent sites near Wilsall lack drinking water and restroom facilities. "No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there," reports Kimberly L. Campers must pack in all water and pack out all waste, with the nearest supplies available in Wilsall or Bozeman.
Weather changes: Mountain weather can shift rapidly with afternoon storms common in summer. Plan for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night. Snow can occur even in July at higher elevations, particularly above 7,000 feet.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: Blackmore Campground offers more structured camping with basic facilities. "Great First Come First Serve campground with clean bathroom, recycling facilities and bear boxes. Nice sites with fire pits and picnic tables," explains Abbey B. The developed sites provide easier camping for families with young children.
Avoid peak weekends: Campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends. "Stayed July 1-2. Showed up around 7pm and a few sites open still," notes Abbey B. about Blackmore Campground. Midweek arrivals have much better site selection at both established and dispersed tent locations.
Set realistic expectations: Higher elevation tent sites mean colder nights even in summer. Prepare children for nighttime temperatures that can drop below 45°F even in July. Bring extra blankets and warm clothing for everyone regardless of the forecast.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Few tent sites near Wilsall accommodate large RVs. "I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily," mentions Ariana N. about Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping, but cautions that larger RVs won't make it up the rough roads. Most dispersed sites limit RV length to under 25 feet due to narrow roads and tight turns.
Look for valley locations: Serenity Sheep Farm Stay offers more accessible tent camping for those with towed vehicles. "After driving 12k miles this place was a perfect place for our first night in Montana—open skies, mountain views, and the calming presence of farm animals all around," says Sayler O. The farm location provides a flat, accessible alternative to mountain roads.
Prepare for self-sufficiency: No hookups exist at tent sites near Wilsall. RVers must bring all supplies including water, and most locations have no dump stations. The nearest dump facilities are in Bozeman, approximately 35 miles from most camping areas.
