Lisa P.
Scout
ScoutCameahwait Campground
Nice. Worth the few extra miles to be away from 1-15.
Best Tent Camping in Montana
Montana's dispersed tent campgrounds provide a gateway to pristine wilderness areas with varied terrain and minimal infrastructure. Travertine Road Dispersed near Yellowstone offers free tent camping in an open area with minimal amenities, while Ryan Road Dispersed Camping sites provide forest shade just minutes from Glacier National Park's west entrance. Blankenship Bridge dispersed camping combines accessibility with riverside tent sites that accommodate walk-in campers seeking more secluded spots.
Tent campers must prepare for self-sufficient experiences as most dispersed sites lack drinking water, trash collection, and permanent toilet facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely while others permit fires in established rings. Sites typically have uneven, natural surfaces with little to no site preparation. According to one visitor, "Located close to the west entrance, this dispersed camping location is quiet and easily accessible to most vehicles. It did fill up, so get there early." Bear-safe food storage is essential throughout Montana's camping areas, particularly near Glacier and Yellowstone.
Montana's tent-specific camping areas typically feature natural clearings with variable spacing between sites. The Custer-Gallatin National Forest offers numerous tent camping options with varying degrees of seclusion and forest cover. Many dispersed sites require campers to pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies. A review mentioned that sites along Skyland Road are "very spaced out for privacy" with spots that are "just big enough for a pickup truck and tent." East Boulder Campground provides free tent camping with toilets but no drinking water, allowing campers to experience more primitive conditions without complete isolation. Little Trail Creek Road dispersed sites feature natural fire rings and open terrain suitable for tent setup away from larger RV traffic.
Best Tent Campgrounds in Montana (331)
1. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
60 ReviewsGardiner, MT"Super peaceful, with minimal noise. No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at."
"Keep goin on up the road quite a bit. 6000-some elevation. Flat, did the job great. The overlook spot was taken but we found a nice flat spot right around the corner."
2. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
39 ReviewsCoram, MT"Nice camping area with access to the river. Was a bit noisy during the day (stayed over the weekend) as the area is used by non-campers coming to fish, kayak, sightseeing, etc."
"Only about 15 minutes away from Glacier National Park Westgate. I was able to stay here for multiple days. Each time was no trouble in finding a place to park."
3. Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National Park
32 ReviewsPolebridge, MTWebsite+1 (406) 888-7800$10 - $15 / night
"Be prepared for a dusty, bumpy, narrow, pot-holed drive in on the road."
"Nice NPS campground within walking distance to Bowman Lake and several trailheads. This is a good spot to camp if you plan on hikeing or boating near/on the lake."
4. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping
27 ReviewsWest Glacier, MTWebsite+1 (406) 387-3800"Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."
"Arrived August 1st...was hoping to find a spot close to Glacier NP with some privacy but I think I was asking for too much lol. However, I am happy to have a place close to the park free of charge!"
5. Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
15 ReviewsGardiner, MTWebsite+1 (406) 587-6701"free -pet friendly -dispersed campsites -no water, toilets, amenities of any sort -just a fire ring at each site -some good trails -great phone service (Verizon)"
"The view up the road is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS... you can see Mammoth Hot Springs in the distance! The road is pretty well maintained and windy."
6. Kintla Lake Campground — Glacier National Park
13 ReviewsPolebridge, MTWebsite+1 (406) 888-7800$10 - $15 / night
"The drive here wasn’t easy, but once you’re there it is worth it. You are camping right along Kintla Lake where many kayak, swim, etc."
"Very nice campground on the lake and next to the drainage creek. Off the beaten path and takes some commitment to get to, but well worth the drive."
7. Plateau Road Dispersed
11 ReviewsWest Yellowstone, MT"Right on the edge of town. Just pulled into a spot down the road and enjoyed a quiet evening. Be bear aware, and bring water and anything else you need."
"There were deep puddles that, a vehicle without 4x4, I don’t believe they could make it. The stars at night were unreal. The proximity to the west entrance of Yellowstone makes this a gem."
8. Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
11 ReviewsGardiner, MT+1 (406) 848-7375"Perfect pull outs off Travertine up Trail Creek/FS 1701 just 7-10 minutes out of Gardine. We ended up at the very end of the road where it loops back on itself in our truck camper."
"Pulled into a spot less than an 1/8 of a mile before the marker, positioned on a hill with a clear view of the mountain range. Looks like plenty of spots in this area and pretty easy drive in."
9. Montana Gulch
10 ReviewsZortman, MTWebsite+1 (406) 654-5100"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."
10. Skyland Rd Dispersed Camping
9 ReviewsEssex, MTWebsite+1 (406) 758-5208"Very pretty view and a fire ring. Lots of room to park and set up at that particular site."
"Driving along the skyland road’s ridge was amazing, gorgeous mountain views. Spots are few but very spaced out for privacy."
Recent Tent Camping Photos in Montana
107 Photos of 331 Montana Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Fort Peck Duck Creek
Quartz Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park
Indian Creek CampgroundD
Salmon Fly
Whitefish Bike Retreat
Serenity Sheep Farm Stay
Mere’s Magic Trout PondM
1Y9 Backcountry Campsite — Yellowstone National Park
Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed
Kintla Lake Campground — Glacier National Park
Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu PassH
South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
Tent Camping Reviews in Montana
5466 Reviews of 331 Montana Campgrounds
Bonnie S.ScoutBozeman Trail Campground
Highly suggest passing on this place unless you’ve got ear plugs. Trains will run ALL NIGHT. Pretty Overpriced for $90 for a van spot for a single night and the bathrooms were locked. Major bummer. You’d expect better stuff in such a beautiful area
- UUrsula
RangerHardin KOA
You can tell they are putting a lot of effort into this KOA. Spacing is tight and off season has only water available at middle rows. Road and airport noise. Was a great stop on our way. Friendly owner.
Connie H.RangerWhitefish Lake State Park Campground
Nice little campground on the lake near the town of Whitefish. Reservations were unavailable because of the season, so it was first come, first served. Upper loop was closed for the season, and the lower loop only had a few sites that would fit us with our 29 foot camper. We ended up in site 13. Sites had picnic tables and fire rings. Bathhouses and restrooms were closed for the season as well. We purchased the Nonresident annual state park pass online ($50), and paid for our 4 nights with cash ($14 a night). I’ve included a picture of the park fees schedule. The campground was fairly busy on the weekend as the lake and boat launch is right there. Railroad tracks are literally running up right along the campground. The trains run all day and all night long, multiple times in an hour, so be prepared for the noise and occasional rattle/shaking! It didn’t really bother us much, but I’m sure it would not be pleasant for some folks!
- MMichael
TravelerAspen Grove Campground
What a fantastic campground, right by the creek. Late October, no fee
- MMichaelTraveler
Plateau Road Dispersed
Just right outside of town. Super convenient, right by the park.
- MMichaelTraveler
Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Washboards are gnarly coming up that hill.
- MMathew S.
GuideTravertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
Nice Views, Convenient Location
Easy enough to get to from Gardiner, there aren’t many sites but it seems to be enough for a location like this. Pretty views, and close to Yellowstone National Park, good chance to spot wildlife too, I didn’t see anything but could hear elk all night. There are some residential houses at the top of the mountain so there is some traffic going up and down the road during the day.
Sean E.ScoutExplorer Cabins at Yellowstone
Grey wolf in and explorer cabins clean well staffed and convenient
Guide to Montana
Tent camping in Montana offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With numerous campgrounds featuring essential amenities, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Tips for tent camping near Glacier National Park
- Bowman Lake Campground provides a serene atmosphere with spacious sites nestled in a forested area, just a short walk from the lake.
- Ryan Road Dispersed Camping is conveniently located near the west entrance of Glacier, offering free camping with plenty of room for tents and a peaceful environment.
- Avalanche Campground features beautiful scenery and access to hiking trails, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Local Activities for Adventurous Campers
- At Bowman Lake Campground, enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the tranquil waters, perfect for a day of exploration.
- Revenue Flats offers stunning views and opportunities for rock climbing, making it a great spot for thrill-seekers.
- Travertine Road Dispersed Camping is close to Yellowstone, allowing for easy access to hiking and wildlife viewing in one of the country's most iconic national parks.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Blankenship Bridge features fire rings and nearby outdoor restrooms, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
- M-K Campground provides pit toilets and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for those looking for basic amenities.
- Whitetail Campground offers clean facilities and access to a river, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.
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