Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Acton Recreation Area
Acton Recreation Area, near Billings, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This location offers a mix of beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for a quiet getaway.
The area features spacious sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening campfires and stargazing. Visitors have noted that the sites are well-kept, and many appreciate the vault toilet available at the entrance. As one camper put it, “Each site has a picnic table and barbecue ring,” which adds to the convenience of your stay.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are some cool trails nearby for walking or biking, making it easy to explore the natural beauty of the area. The access road can be a bit bumpy, but it’s worth it for the stunning views and the chance to unwind in a less crowded environment.
While you won't find amenities like drinking water or electric hookups here, the freedom to camp without reservations and the allowance for pets make it a popular choice among campers. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be prepared for some mosquitoes if you visit in the warmer months. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Acton Recreation Area is a solid pick for a laid-back camping experience.
Description
Bureau of Land Management
Map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/Acton_GeoRef_2019.pdf Located approximately 18 miles north of Billings, the Acton Recreation Area consists of an extremely diverse landscape. With Cretaceous Age upland bluffs of Eagle sandstone, minor badlands, steep drainages, weathered shale, and scattered ponderosa pine, this 3,800 acre parcel of land allows for many wildlife viewing opportunities. Open to camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting (during season), Acton provides multiple possibilities for use year-round. About 6.6 miles of mapped roads are open for motorized use. The Acton Recreation Area is located within the Hoskins Basin Archaeological District, an area containing the remains of both conical and cribbed aboriginal wooden dwellings. Both types are increasing rarities on the northwest plains. Reports of early explorers indicated that dwellings of this type were once common. Due to loss through natural causes (weathering, floods, and fire), many of the structures have been lost. Their use for firewood and fence posts account for other losses. Distribution of the both the cribbed and conical dwellings is quite limited. The cribbed type is reported to have been spotted only from south-central Montana to northern Wyoming. The conical types have a wider range but are not as common in southcentral Montana as the cribbed. Only a limited number of these dwellings are known to exist. Sites with both types represented are fewer still. No off-road motorized vehicle use is permitted to protect the archaeological sites and wildlife habitat.
Location
Acton Recreation Area is located in Montana
Directions
Take Highway 3 north past the town of Acton. Take a right onto Oswald Road, which is located between mile marker 18 and 19. Continue 6.5 miles until Haeg Road and take a right. About 2.5 miles farther is the parking lot and entrance to the Acton Recreation Area.
Coordinates
46.04232432 N
108.66066182 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Acton Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 29 min from Billings
- 2 hrs 28 min from Bozeman
- 3 hrs 14 min from Great Falls
- 3 hrs 15 min from Helena