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Dispersed Camping

Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

11 Reviews

Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping, near Gardiner, Montana, offers a rugged escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills of traditional campgrounds. This area is all about the views, with numerous pull-offs along the road providing stunning sights of Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs.

The camping spots here are pretty basic, with fire rings at each site but no amenities like water or toilets. Visitors have mentioned that it’s a great place for car camping, and many have enjoyed the solitude and beautiful scenery. One camper noted, “The views are beyond beautiful,” highlighting the breathtaking landscapes that surround you.

If you're up for some adventure, there are trails nearby that lead to scenic hikes, and the road to the camping area is manageable, though a bit bumpy in places. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; some campers have spotted elk along the way. Just remember, this isn’t a place for everyone—it's perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive experience and don’t mind roughing it a bit.

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Location

Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.05160686 N
110.65806967 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol

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 Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

AThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2024

Eagle Creek Road/ NF-3243

Just passed the Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs. These are mostly little pull offs along the side of the road with great views into Yellowstone/Mammoth Hot Springs. There are more than a dozen good spots, but it also seems popular as I saw at least 10 occupied sites on a Monday evening. No cellphone service. No amenities, just the view and personal space. My Honda fit made it up the road no problem.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Aaron A., June 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Aaron A., June 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Aaron A., June 11, 2024
The W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2023

Idk where everyone else is but it’s not here

Photos from some other reviews do not match the coordinates. GPS took me 20 minutes out of the way to someone’s private drive. I ended up getting lucky when I turned around and saw a pull off before the sign that said no camping beyond this point. It’s less than half a mile from a sign that says “beware high grizzly activity in area.” I can’t imagine it would be comfortable to camp in a tent here (it’s literally just a pull off) and I wouldn’t want to with that sign either, but it worked for me to car camp for a night. Also, the review that says to turn just after Eagle River Campground makes absolutely no sense. The coordinates to this campsite are far from Eagle River and you absolutely do not make a left. wherever they went sure does look pretty but it’s not here. It works to stop for a night, but I would not come back here unless I was desperate. The road up isn’t bad - it has your typical washboard and a few potholes here and there. I did see an elk on the way up so that was neat. 

Siteno numbered sites
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by The W., August 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by The W., August 17, 2023
  • (4) View All
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2023

Car camping forest service rd 3243

6 spots with a view. Take jardine road out of Gardiner until you get to eagle creek campground. Go just past the campground and take a left at the forest service road. Take that about 4 or 5 miles up the mountain. 6 spots with fire rings on top. Had AWD but probably would have been fine with 2wd if you absolutely had to.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Joel , June 13, 2023
  • Play button icon
kThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Free, beautiful views and secluded.

-free -pet friendly -dispersed campsites -no water, toilets, amenities of any sort -just a fire ring at each site -some good trails -great phone service (Verizon)

SiteN/A (around mile 5)
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by katie , July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by katie , July 8, 2022
M
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2022

Views of Yellowstone

Loved this boondocking area. Lots of spots up Eagle creek road. The road up is a little bumpy but no problem for us. The views are beyond beautiful. I highly recommend!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Madison B., June 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Madison B., June 10, 2022
WThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2021

Great view. Nice trails

We stayed a few days to hike and relax. We were able to camp right next to a small creek. The trail head for a nice 6 mile round trip to a lake

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Will E., August 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Will E., August 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Will E., August 8, 2021
  • (4) View All
Scott S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2020

Jardin - Dispersed = Roadside Beauty Near Yellowstone

Free Camping alongside the road overlooking Yellowstone and Mammoth Spring. After a few miles on this road, the no camping signs stop and it is free game! We scored a nice overlook and enjoyed the view. Way better than a campground on a busy summer day.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Scott S., August 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Scott S., August 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Scott S., August 5, 2020
  • (5) View All
Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2020

Roadside Views and Dispersed Spots

Spent the night off of Jardin and the NF service road. Tons of little pull outs with fire rings. Most of them have a stunning view of Gardiner, Mammoth, and electric peak! A few little secret pots hidden just off of the roads. Keep your eyes peeled! The road is pretty decent, but gets worse the higher you go. Tons of stunning wildflowers as well.

  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Ruby W., July 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Ruby W., July 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Ruby W., July 26, 2020
  • (4) View All
Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2020

Views, views, views

This Forest Service road provides tons of neat pull offs and campsites! The view up the road is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS... you can see Mammoth Hot Springs in the distance! The road is pretty well maintained and windy. A lot of the pull offs have a fire ring pretty close to the road. No bathrooms or amenities. But this space is worth it. All free, gorgeous camping just outside of Gardiner and Yellowstone National Park!

  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Lucille W., July 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Lucille W., July 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by Lucille W., July 25, 2020
  • (7) View All
SwitchbackKids
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2017

An oasis from the hustle and bustle of Yellowstone, with all the wilderness

We arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks.

Instead of camping somewhere in the park, we decided to drive through Gallatin National Forest, to the north of the park, until we found a good place to camp. We found a perfect overlook where we pitched our tent and watched the most gorgeous sunset. The best part? No people around for miles and miles.

Dispersed camping in the U.S. Forest Service land is almost always a win: the sites are free and remote; there are usually plenty of available spots; and you get a very unique camping experience. Just remember to look up regulations for the specific area you’re looking at, and don’t forget the toilet paper!

In Yellowstone, we worked our way from north to south, hitting the highlights. Many of the hiking trails were closed due to bear activity, so we stuck mostly to the close sights: driving through Lamar Valley, viewing Old Faithful & many other geysers, seeing Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and spotting wildlife everywhere we went.

You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Yellowstone)

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by SwitchbackKids , July 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by SwitchbackKids , July 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping by SwitchbackKids , July 27, 2017
  • (9) View All
Showing results 1-11 of 11 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.

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