Free dispersed camping along Forest Road 365 in Lolo National Forest requires some patience with the approach. The road runs roughly ten miles into the forest, and campers should expect washboard conditions, narrow stretches, and sharp rocks that have caused at least one flat tire. There are no established sites. Instead, campers pull off at wide spots along the road or push deeper to find open ground, and the dispersed zone begins past a small sign with a trailhead map, though reviewers note the map is oriented in a confusing direction.
Driving further in rewards the effort. Around the ten-mile mark, some pull-offs open up to 360-degree views that take in the Missoula skyline to the east and open sky to the west, making the area a decent sunset-watching spot. Two hand-built fire pits sit near a wooden fence at one of the more established-feeling turnoffs. Campfires are allowed, and wood can be gathered on-site. Verizon signal is available at some campsites, though coverage is inconsistent on the drive up.
Traffic is light after dark. Day use brings hikers and mountain bikers to the Blue Mountain Recreation Area, but overnight activity stays low. One note worth flagging: the campground listing says no pets, which runs counter to some reviewer impressions of the broader recreation area, so confirm current rules before bringing animals. "Wouldn't recommend an RV or trailer unless you don't mind washboards," cautions David B., and the 30-foot length limit reflects that reality. A high-clearance vehicle and a spare tire are worth having before heading up.
Description
There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlue Mountain Forest Rd 365 is located in Montana near Lolo
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
46.8268336 N
114.173878 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/14/26- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/14/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Fires
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 Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 51 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 32 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 16 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 4 hrs 38 min from Lewiston, ID
