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Dispersed Camping

Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping in Montana offers a landscape with open spaces and water views. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Lewis and Clark National Forest and enjoy recreational activities at the reservoir.

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Location

Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.03676558 N
110.6836931 W

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Detours Nearby

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Drive Time

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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.


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2025

Windy and beautiful

Rough road to get to the water, then beautiful views. 11 mph winds tonight but supposed to die down.

Sitewaters edge
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Doreen G., June 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Doreen G., June 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Doreen G., June 21, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2024

Very hard to find at night

This place seemed promising at first. It was hard to find a decent spot at night due to only using headlights of my van. Most of the road is extremely rugged/uneven/full of large holes. The only place I was able to stay for the night was the road leading up to the locked gate. This is about the only nice spot. Other than that this place is • quiet w/occasional traffic along the high way (right next to reservoir) • very few people here, but far enough away from me • no fee required • provides OK view to the mountains • great when you bring along a pet • you will need to be fully prepared for primitive camping

Sitedirectly in front of gate
Month of VisitSeptember
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Reviewed Mar. 29, 2024

Cottonwood reservoir wilsall montana

Cottonwood Reseravoir DNRC land section.  accessible for overnight camping under DNRC rules.  The reservoir has Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers.  No wifi, no trash, no bathrooms. Completely wild. Stars at night amazing. All kinds of waterfowl passing seasonal. No amenities.

Siteno sites open
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2023

Overnight at a lake with mountain view

A few sites, close toe Hyw 89 through a Texas gate. We camped for a night and it's a beautiful space with stunning views and a reservoir right at the spots. No fire rings a little bit a rough road 4x4 and higher clearance recommended. Better no enter with big rigs or trailer. But a beautiful place to spend time.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Jenny&Tobias P., September 9, 2023
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  • Review photo of Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Jenny&Tobias P., September 9, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cottonwood Reservoir located in Montana?

Cottonwood Reservoir is located near Highway 89 in Montana, close to Wilsall. This DNRC land section offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The reservoir is accessible through a Texas gate off the highway, though navigation requires some attention as the access point can be easy to miss. The area is known for its beautiful mountain vistas and peaceful setting in a less-developed part of Montana.

Are there camping facilities near Cottonwood Reservoir in Wilsall?

Cottonwood Reservoir offers primitive dispersed camping with no developed facilities. There are a few sites near the reservoir, but no amenities like fire rings, trash service, bathrooms, or water. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended as the access road is extremely rugged with large holes. The area is not suitable for big rigs or trailers. Camping falls under DNRC rules for overnight stays. For those seeking more developed camping options, looking at other facilities in the Wilsall area would be advisable.

What fishing opportunities are available at Cottonwood Reservoir?

Cottonwood Reservoir offers fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers. The reservoir provides a natural fishing experience in a completely undeveloped setting. Seasonal waterfowl also frequent the area, creating an excellent backdrop for anglers. There are no fishing facilities or amenities, so visitors should come prepared with all necessary equipment and supplies. The peaceful setting makes for a serene fishing experience away from crowds.