Fir trees close in on both sides as the road climbs toward Bridger Bowl, and the pull-offs begin appearing well before the posted coordinates. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site sits within Gallatin National Forest, roughly 20 to 30 minutes northeast of Bozeman, where the pavement gives way to a dirt road with scattered potholes and ruts that worsen farther up the mountain. Most passenger vehicles handle the lower stretches without issue, but reviewers consistently recommend 4WD for anyone pushing deeper, and large rigs should stay home.
Pull-offs range from compact car-sized shoulders to wider flat areas suited for van camping or small campers. Most sites have a fire ring already in place, though no other amenities exist on the ground. Cell service is listed as available, which makes this a reasonable option for campers who need to stay reachable. One reviewer noted waking to 28 degrees and a light dusting of snow, so overnight temperatures can drop sharply even outside of winter. The Lower South Brackett trailhead sits nearby for those who want to move on foot into the surrounding forest.
Noise from vehicles traveling through the valley at night is audible from some sites, though it fades with distance from the main corridor. Wildlife is present: at least one camper reported a black bear sighting, making proper food and trash storage essential, not optional. Tristan S. noted an unexpected benefit of the clear skies, writing that the site provided an "awesome view of the Northern Lights." Nearby, Battle Ridge Campground and Battle Ridge Dispersed give campers additional options along the same corridor if the pull-offs here are occupied. Bring layers, secure your food, and pick your spot before dark.
Description
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.
Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings. Contact your local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? To find out where you are allowed to disperse camp, please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details. To see our Motor Vehicle Use Maps, click here.
Can I have a campfire? Please use existing sites and fire rings. Firewood permits are not needed if wood is used on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use, you will need to purchase a firewood permit at the closest district office. This permit should be obtained prior to you gathering or transporting any wood.
Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.
The National Forest has wildfires each year. Many of these are human caused from escaped campfires in dispersed sites. Campfires are allowed unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office.
Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six to eight (6-8) inches deep at least 200 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Do not simply cover it with a rock. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouth Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site is located in Montana near Bozeman
Coordinates
45.84651808078133 N
110.89195071931584 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/23/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/23/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/23/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/23/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
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
- 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 South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 20 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 44 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 18 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 37 min from Great Falls, MT
