Tent camping options near Zortman, Montana include several established campgrounds nestled in the Little Rocky Mountains. Montana Gulch Campground offers ten tent sites with basic amenities and is situated along a creek with ample shade from surrounding trees. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring hiking trails in the area. Other tent camping opportunities can be found at boat-accessible primitive sites along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, including Gist Bottom and Lower Woodhawk.
Montana Gulch Campground provides fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with a single vault toilet serving the entire campground. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supplies. The campground costs approximately $8-9 per night with no reservations accepted, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are separated by trees and shrubs, offering some privacy between campsites. The primitive boat-in campsites along the Missouri River feature minimal facilities, typically limited to fire rings and occasionally picnic tables or vault toilets.
The tent camping experience in this area offers genuine seclusion and natural surroundings. A visitor commented, "Montana Gulch is nestled in the Little Rocky Mountains, with a creek running by it and lots of shade." The campground's location provides access to numerous hiking trails with mountain views in all directions. Sites at Montana Gulch can accommodate multiple tents and a vehicle, making them suitable for small groups. During peak summer months, the established campgrounds may fill quickly, though one camper noted finding available sites even during summer visits. The primitive boat-in tent sites along the Missouri River offer a more remote experience, with mature cottonwoods providing essential shade during hot weather and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
"Montana Gulch is such a great place to visit and stay if you are ever in the area."
"Nestled in the Little Rocky Mountains, campground offers lots of shade with creek running by it. Bathroom was clean and nice tables by fire rings."
"This is the nicest primitive camp we stopped at during our canoe trip through the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument."
ScoutGot there pretty late in the night, was very easy to navigate finding a spot, as well as the cash dropbox. Pretty park, not many other rigs there, but enough. Sufficient water spouts throughout and decent bathrooms. ONLY NEGATIVE IS THE MOSQUITOS
TravelerIncredible scenery on the short grass prairie. The showers are excellent, a stove, microwave, and fridge are also available. Food prep areas (indoor and out, shaded). Fire ring, tent pad, and picnic table at each tent site. Small cabins, tipis, and rv/camper sites too. The nature is great. In the middle of a prairie dog town. Silent as can be except for the very occasional car. The campground hosts were super awesome, friendly and helpful. There is not shade at the campsites so be prepared for if it is hot.
RangerGreat BLM campground with spacious sites that don’t feel like you’re right up on your neighbor. Fishing in the river right next to the campground. Plenty of pit toilets. Great camp host who was very helpful and friendly.
LegendVery nice of the city of Malta to allow overnight campers to stay in the park for $5. It’s just that though, a city park. It’s not a campground, so there are no signs or designated spots to park for the night. We drove around the loop and found a little gravel driveway type thing by the soccer field, so we didn’t have to pull up on to the grass for the night. A cool skoolie pulled in after us and parked along the row next to us on the grass.
The setup is just weird and you’ll have to find a spot to squeeze into where you’ll feel comfortable. I can’t imagine parking next to the playground structures, but along the edges of the park are a decent option. You pay with cash at a drop box at the entrance. Good cell reception for ATT and Verizon. Trash bins here, and gendered accessible pit toilets. And lots and lots of play options for kids.
But the star of the show here were the mosquitoes. I had to put on long pants, thick socks, and long sleeve hoodie every time I had to take the dogs out. I also carried a little hand held fan with me to keep them off the dogs. Occasionally a little breeze picked up and gave us a little break, but mostly the air was heavy and hot and still when we were here in late July and the mosquitoes were vicious.
ScoutThis park has a nicely maintained yard for tent camping for you to pick any spot to pitch your tent. There are grills available but no fire rings. The Womens bathroom was okay, the one sink was clogged and dirty so I didn’t even use it. My fiancé said the men’s bathroom was fine. There is a train right next to the park that runs frequently throughout the day and night. The horn goes off during the day, not at night; however, every time the train passed at night it would wake both of us up. This park was a much better pick compared to the Trafton park we went to first.
TravelerPulled off highway 2 and had a lovely night at this campsite. A nice grass area for tent camping. The highlight for us was spending the evening in the pool and hot tub.
TravelerThis campground is pretty nice and is tucked back up a road. It was for the most part fairly quiet.
There is a store in Landusky we didn't visit, but we did check out the DY store as well as the store in Zortman. Keep in mind this area is pretty rural, so there's not much available when it comes to stores and whatnot.
The folks in both stores were quite accommodating and friendly.
I would definitely go back.
ScoutWe just returned from a very pleasant two night stay. The camp is clean and well maintained. The community bathrooms/showers are cleaned daily. One recommendation would be to bring your own drinking water as the camp water has a high and noticeable mineral content. That said, the sun rises and sun sets were worth the trip and any hardship from having to use my own water for drinking and cooking.
Only downside is the camp is literally in a prairie dog town so my bird dogs were constantly on high alert living among the natives. A small price to pay for a well run camp with hosts that clearly care.
GuideWe just needed a quick and inexpensive place for one night. This fit the bill. It was Labor Day. We thought we would grab a bite to eat at the DQ. It was closed. As was every other restaurant in town. We had corn dogs at the Cenex. We were one of two trailers camping there. We found a water spigot and camped beside it. No electricity. It's .5 miles from the highway.
Tent camping near Zortman, Montana offers opportunities in the Little Rocky Mountains and along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The area sits at approximately 3,500 feet elevation with seasonal temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to 90°F in summer. Most primitive camping locations require visitors to bring their own water and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Wildlife observation: Montana Gulch Campground serves as an excellent base for wildlife spotting. "Fun place to explore with the kids. Nothing beats flowing water," notes Kelli D. about Montana Gulch Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit Lewis and Clark historical sites near river campsites. "Lewis and Clark's May 27, 1805 campsite is located a few hundred yards down stream, just follow the trail to the marker," writes Dexter I. about McGarry Bar Primitive Boat Camp, located at river mile 103.1.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities within walking distance. "Very reasonable units that are open year around. $8 a night. Has bathroom and a fire ring. Basic necessities. Good fishing nearby," reports Myra K. about Montana Gulch.
Shade coverage: The mature trees at boat-access sites provide crucial protection from summer heat. "This is the nicest primitive camp we stopped at during our canoe trip through the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument... The large cottonwoods give plenty of shade from the sun," explains Dexter I. about Gist Bottom Primitive Boat Camp.
Bathroom facilities: Montana Gulch maintains clean toilet facilities despite its remote location. "The campground was really clean, and actually the bathrooms were clean as well and stocked with toilet paper when we were there. Which is shocking because most campgrounds have nasty bathrooms," mentions Adeline T.
Affordable rates: Campsites in the area maintain low nightly fees. "This place is about 8 bucks per night, there are toilets but other than that it's pack in pack out, and the people seem to be doing well with it because there was no trash around," states Jill R.
Limited supplies: The nearest stores have minimal inventory. "There is a store in Landusky we didn't visit, but we did check out the DY store as well as the store in Zortman. Keep in mind this area is pretty rural, so there's not much available when it comes to stores and whatnot," warns Jeffrey R. about camping at Lower Woodhawk Campground.
Water requirements: No potable water exists at most sites. "There is no potable water so come prepared. The cost was minimal, $8 or $9 each night if I remember correctly," advises James D.
Navigation challenges: Boat-in campsites can be difficult to locate from the river. "Without the river map or GPS this site would be easy to miss. Can't see the campground from the river due to all the willow and the sign is missing. Only a small flag tied to a willow marked the landing location," cautions Dexter I.
Creek exploration: Children enjoy the flowing water features near some sites. "Fun place to explore with the kids. Nothing beats flowing water," recommends Kelli D.
Hammock opportunities: Trees at river sites provide good hammock spots. "Plenty of cottonwoods provide shade and good spots to use a hammock," notes Dexter I. about Lower Woodhawk Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. "We saw a bear and her cubs in the distance on one of the hikes we went on. It was incredible to see, but we were definitely pretty cautious," shares Melani T.
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds may become impassable in wet weather. "Caution: entry and exit by road will not be possible during wet conditions," warns Dexter I. about Lower Woodhawk.
No RV hookups: Tent camping dominates the area with limited RV facilities. "This campground was only for tents, and there was only 1 bathroom which was the only downside," explains Melani T.
Site spacing: Tent sites offer adequate space for vehicles and equipment. "The campsite spaces were fairly big, with enough room to pitch 2 tents and have our car in front too," reports Adeline T. about Montana Gulch.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Zortman, MT is Montana Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
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