Many Pines Campground

Tucked away in the scenic Little Belt Mountains, Many Pines Campground is a true testament to Montana's natural beauty. As the name suggests, the campground is surrounded by an impressive forest of towering spruce, lodgepole, and fir trees that provide ample shade and a sense of peaceful seclusion. This has been a favorite destination for generations of Montanans seeking a classic, no-frills camping experience. Located alongside the crystal-clear waters of Belt Creek, the campground offers a serene atmosphere where the sounds of the creek and the wind through the pines are your primary companions. It is a place where you can truly disconnect from the demands of everyday life and immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Many Pines Campground is part of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, providing a genuine and rustic experience. The sites are well-spaced, offering enough privacy for a relaxing stay, and the natural beauty of the area is simply unparalleled. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate the simplicity of a national forest campground and want to be a short distance from a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family with kids, the campground's setting is welcoming and conducive to making lasting memories. The reviews from those who have visited speak to its enduring appeal, often describing it as a "favorite" for its beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere.

Location and Accessibility

Many Pines Campground is conveniently located directly off of US Highway 89, approximately three miles south of the town of Neihart, Montana. This makes it easily accessible for travelers coming from either the north or the south, serving as an excellent base camp for exploring the central Montana region. The campground sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet, which offers a respite from the heat of lower elevations during the summer months. The main access is paved, but the campground roads are typically gravel, so it is important to drive carefully. The location is suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, though some sites may be a bit tight for very large rigs, so it is best to check site details upon arrival.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which means no reservations are required. This flexibility is a great advantage for those who prefer to travel spontaneously. There is on-site parking available at each of the 22 campsites, making it easy to unload your gear and set up your space. Its proximity to Highway 89 is a benefit for accessibility but also means there can be some road noise, though the dense forest and the sound of Belt Creek help to muffle it. The campground's location puts you squarely in the heart of the Little Belt Mountains, providing a gateway to a vast network of trails and recreational opportunities.

Services Offered

• On-site parking: Each campsite has a designated parking area, allowing for easy access to your vehicle and gear.
• Public restrooms: The campground is equipped with vault toilets, which are regularly maintained for cleanliness.
• Running water: A source of potable water is available, which is a great convenience for cooking, drinking, and cleaning.
• Tent sites: The campground is well-suited for tent camping, with many sites offering a natural, forested feel.
• Picnic tables & fire pits: Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate, providing the basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
• Dogs allowed: The campground is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your leashed pets along to enjoy the great outdoors with you.

Features / Highlights

• Belt Creek Access: Many of the campsites are situated directly on or very near the banks of Belt Creek, a beautiful mountain stream known for its brook trout. The creek provides an excellent opportunity for fishing, and a place for kids to play in the shallow waters.
• Kid-friendly hikes: The area offers several nearby hiking trails, including the popular Memorial Falls Trailhead which is just a short drive from the campground. The trails are suitable for families and provide a great way to explore the local scenery, including waterfalls and unique rock formations.
• Privacy & Seclusion: The tall, dense pine forest provides a natural buffer between campsites, giving campers a greater sense of privacy than they might find in more open campgrounds.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting makes it a prime location for spotting local wildlife, from deer and elk to a variety of bird species. The presence of deer wandering through the campground is a common and cherished sight.
• Scenic Picnics: With its beautiful creek-side setting and picnic tables at each site, Many Pines is an ideal spot for a day-use picnic, even if you are not camping overnight.

Contact Information

Many Pines Campground is managed by the USDA Forest Service, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Address: US-89, Neihart, MT 59465, USA

Phone: (406) 444-2535

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Many Pines Campground is about opting for a classic Montana mountain escape. It's a place that feels familiar and timeless, offering a retreat from the modern world that is both authentic and accessible. The primary reason to choose this campground is its incredible natural environment. The name "Many Pines" is not an exaggeration; the towering trees create a canopy that is both visually stunning and provides a cool, shaded environment perfect for a summer camping trip. The location along Belt Creek is a significant highlight, offering a continuous and soothing soundscape of flowing water, as well as a great place for anglers to cast a line. For families, the combination of kid-friendly amenities and easy access to hiking trails makes it a fantastic choice. The simplicity of the camping experience—with a picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilets—is a draw for those who want to focus on being in nature rather than being dependent on modern comforts.

Furthermore, the campground's first-come, first-served policy provides a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips without the stress of needing a reservation months in advance. The privacy offered by the well-spaced, forested sites is a rare find and adds to the overall feeling of a peaceful retreat. It’s a great base camp for exploring the larger Little Belt Mountains area, with attractions like the Memorial Falls Trail and the scenic Kings Hill Pass just a short drive away. In short, Many Pines Campground is worth choosing for its classic beauty, its peaceful atmosphere, and its ability to provide a true, unfiltered Montana camping experience that both locals and visitors will cherish.

Many Pines Campground

US-89, Neihart, MT 59465, USA