Embarking on a camping adventure in Montana’s sprawling and majestic natural landscapes often leads to discovering the wealth of opportunities provided by the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These agencies offer access to a vast array of public lands for free dispersed camping, allowing you and your family to immerse yourselves in the wilderness away from developed campgrounds. Utilizing their resources, you can find secluded spots that bring you closer to nature and offer a more authentic outdoor experience. This article draws extensively from two well-researched and eloquently written sources: Campnado and TMBTENT. Their thorough coverage of dispersed camping in Montana provides invaluable insights, making our exploration into these hidden gems both comprehensive and reliable. Join us as we delve into the world of dispersed camping, guided by the expertise of these notable resources.
Here’s a guide to 18 great sites where you can experience the beauty of Montana without needing a paid camping spot. Each site includes recommendations for nearby natural attractions as well.
Dispersed Camping Spots:
Review the map above for geographic reference to the following list of sites.
Beaver Creek Road
Located near West Yellowstone, this spot offers quiet nights with privacy, despite its popularity. It's ideal for visiting Yellowstone National Park, just a half-hour away.
Nearby natural spot: Yellowstone’s West Entrance
Carbella Recreation Site
Close to Yellowstone’s North Entrance, Carbella is less than 30 minutes from Gardiner. It’s a great base for exploring the northern part of Yellowstone, including Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley
Dunn Creek Flats Recreation Area
Situated in Northwest Montana, near the Libby Dam, this area offers beautiful riverside camping.
Nearby natural spot: Kootenai National Forest
Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area
Located 45 minutes from Great Falls, this area is known for its birdwatching and has views of the Rocky Mountains.
Nearby natural spot: Rocky Mountains
Wisdom American Legion Memorial Park
Near the Big Hole River just outside Wisdom, this site offers stunning views of the Beaverhead Mountains.
Nearby natural spot: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest west of Wisdom
Far West Fishing Access
About 30 minutes west of Miles City, this site is ideal for a stopover in Eastern Montana.
Nearby natural spot: Yellowstone River
Acton Recreation Area
Located 30 miles from Billings, this area spans nearly 4,000 acres and offers rugged terrain for camping.
Nearby natural spot: Captain Clark Fishing Access Site, 45 minutes east of Billings
Graves Creek Road
This scenic drive near Alberton and Lolo Hot Springs offers dispersed camping along the road with views of the surrounding forest. Nearby natural spot: Lolo National Forest
Blankenship Bridge
Near Glacier National Park, this site is popular in summer, located on the banks of the Middle Fork Flathead River.
Nearby natural spot: Flathead National Forest near Hungry Horse Reservoir
Fresno Reservoir
Near Havre, this site offers well-maintained campsites suitable for boondocking.
Nearby natural spot: Bailey Reservoir Fishing Access Site
Shields River Dispersed Site
In Custer-Gallatin National Forest, an hour north of Livingston, offering river camping and access to Sunlight Lake trail
Rock Creek Dispersed Camping
Located near Beartooth Pass and Red Lodge, offering access to Glacier Lake trail in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area
Elk Lake Dispersed Camping
In the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, near Elk Lake and the Red Rock Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Homestake Pass Dispersed Camping
Near Butte, MT, offering dispersed camping along I-90 with access to beautiful National Forest
Haymaker Dispersed Camping Area
In Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, it's a quiet spot along a creek, great for ATV enthusiasts
Muchwater Dispersed Camping
Along the Clark Fork River, over an hour from Missoula, MT, this area is known for its river access and 15 individual campsites
Billy Garret Memorial Bridge
Near Glacier National Park, along the South Fork of the Flathead River, it's set in Flathead National Forest with trails for hiking nearby
Flat Lake Recreation Area
Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, this site is in Eastern Montana on Fort Peck Lake, offering various recreational opportunities
Each of these sites offers its unique charm and provides access to Montana’s stunning natural landscapes, perfect for families seeking an outdoor adventure. Remember to check local regulations and weather conditions before planning your trip.
