Managed by the State of Montana under DNRC rules, Cottonwood Reservoir sits just north of campsites near Wilsall along Highway 89, accessed through a Texas gate off the main road. The road in is genuinely rough. Multiple visitors flag large holes, uneven surfaces, and sections that require high clearance, with one noting that big rigs and trailers should stay out. Four-wheel drive is the practical minimum for reaching spots closest to the water.
The reservoir is the main draw here. Sites sit directly adjacent to it, with open sightlines toward the surrounding Montana mountains. The DNRC section holds Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers, making it a workable stop for anglers. Waterfowl move through seasonally. No fee is required, no bathrooms are provided, and there are no fire rings, so campers need to arrive fully self-sufficient.
"Stars at night amazing," notes owen T., who also observed seasonal waterfowl passing through. Crowds are minimal. Cell service is listed as available, though the area is otherwise completely primitive. Nearby alternatives include Battle Ridge Dispersed to the southwest and Porcupine Cabin to the northeast for those wanting more structured accommodations in the region.
This spot works best for self-contained campers in high-clearance vehicles who want direct water access and low foot traffic without paying a fee.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping is located in Montana near Wilsall
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
46.03676558 N
110.6836931 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/10/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/10/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- 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 Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 42 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 29 min from Helena, MT
- 1 hr 58 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 15 min from Great Falls, MT
