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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
