Galena Gulch, near Boulder, Montana, is a free campground that offers a straightforward camping experience right off Interstate 15. With sites positioned along the Boulder River, it’s a solid choice for those looking to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it easy to settle in for a cozy evening by the fire. Visitors have noted that while there are no showers or drinking water available, the clean pit toilets are a plus. As one camper mentioned, “Bring your own toilet paper... but that should be a given.”

For outdoor activities, the area is great for those who enjoy off-roading or hiking, with dirt roads leading into the surrounding recreation area. Some campers have even spotted spots further up the road for a more secluded experience. Just keep in mind that the proximity to the highway can bring some noise, especially on busy weekends.

If you’re planning to stay, be sure to pack in your own supplies, as there are no services nearby. The charming town of Boulder is just a short drive away, where you can find restaurants and a grocery store if you need to stock up. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, Galena Gulch offers a no-frills camping experience that many find refreshing.

This recreation site is located on the impressive Boulder River and offers easy access to recreation opportunities on the river as well as the nearby town of Basin, famous for its radon health mines. Ten camping units, tables and fire rings, restroom, parking area, information kiosk. Open all year weather permitting. Camping stay limit is 14 days.

Galena Gulch

Boulder is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Boulder, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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The Best Camping in Boulder, CO | Colorado Campgrounds

I I initially found this on free campsites. Com. Though the official website is listed as BLM, BLM actually doesn't have Galena Gulch on their site. However, this is a clean and mowed campsite that is largely grassy field next to the boulder River. The mountainous and forested Recreation area surrounded it though.

There is plenty of space for RVs, though there are no hookups of any kind. There is no water and no electricity and no cell phone service. I have Verizon. I took a star away because there wasn't any water but added it back because it was free!

There were probably a dozen official sites that had fire rings and a parking spur. While there were a couple sizable rigs there, if your RV is so big that you must have a pull through, you will probably find this Campground challenging.

There was a large grassy area and another smaller grassy area that were simply open with no fire ring or parking spur. However, it was very easy to park on the grass and several people could pitch tents there if they wanted. I did this.

There are two side-by-side pit toilets and an information board in the center. They were clean and stocked. Once again, I want to emphasize that there is no water here. The boulder river is directly adjacent but locals in Montana don't consider any water safe.

There were multiple people there with their dogs and a great number of sites filled with RVs. At the time I was there there were only two of us tenting.

Your GPS will get you here, nearly. Take the exit it tells you and follow the directions. However, my GPS told me that I had arrived and I was looking at the boulder River on the right and houses on the left and no Campground. What you have to do is go up the road another hundred feet and follow the sign to turn right to Galena Recreation Area. This takes you on an underpass under the freeway and immediately becomes a gravel road that goes over a one-lane bridge. You can't make any wrong turn here. As soon as you cross the bridge you will see the campground immediately on your right. From the time you make the right hand turn to the campground it is probably a couple hundred feet.From getting off the freeway to the campsite is probably less than a mile

I was there for 3 night and it was full every night. However, the turnover seems high as it appears most people use it as an overnight on their travels, especially since there are not any services there. But it's a pretty area. Some people bring their ATV and use the dirt road that runs through the recreation Area to drive around. You can use that road to hike to , also the radon health mine is right up the road.

Bring water and food as you would have to drive 20 minutes back to Boulder to get services. Boulder's a cute small town with a few restaurants, a grocery store, gas stations and a very wonderful Hot Springs Resort.

BLM Free camping Outside of Boulder, MT

Galena Gulch Campground is a free nicely maintained BLM campground just off of interstate 15 south of Boulder Montana. This campground has 10 sites all with metal fire rings and picnic tables. Two ADA accessible vault toilets serve the campground. This is a trash-in trash-out campground. Be sure to bring your own water as there is no water at this campground. Most sites sit along the Boulder River. Camping is limited to 14 days. This is a busy campground despite it not being listed on the BLM's website and their being no indication from the interstate that the campground is present. The main drawbacks of this campground is the noise from I-15 and how busy the campground is. The sites are nicely spread out giving you plenty of room. The entire campground has nice grass covering and is well maintained making finding a good spot for your tent an easy choir.

Nice free BLM campground right off I-15

Take exit 160
 This spot is north of exit and you will go under the highway.  Bridge is a bit scary, just go slow.

Right next to highway 15

I planned to stay here but upon arriving, I only had 1 bar of 4G via ATT so had to relocate so I could work. The sites were clean, along the river and had a table &amp; fire ring. I arrived around 2pm on a Sunday and 4 spots were taken. I imagine this place gets very busy on the weekends. The major drawback is how close it is to the interstate but it’s free! Vault toilet onsite. No other services. 

Didn’t stay but looked nice!

My 1st time here.  Read the reviews and its pretty much what everyone says.  FYI there are no showers or drinking water.  The Boulder river is right on the edge so you can get water there or from a stream at the western end of the park.  I was able to get 5g service here... Depends on where in the camp grounds you're located.  Bring your own toilet paper... But that should be a given.  10 parking spots with fire rings and picnic benches.  If you are into rough camping then keep driving up the first road past the camp grounds and there are plenty of spots to camp out.

Nice convenient camp grounds

The campground views are really pretty, and it's next to the Boulder River, which is lovely. If you have a Razor, it's a cool place. There are pit toilets, no potable water, and it's pack it in/pack it out. Cell service (we have Verizon) is sketchy. A lot of campers were running generators, and it's right next to hwy 15. If you're looking for peace &amp; quiet, this campground might not be for you. There are 9 sites.

Beautiful, but noisy

Big rigs have a great space at the bottom of the hill... but if you're in a truck, van, etc., head on up the hill. The road is in great shape. There are some pullouts, but look for a road on the right (veer left at the private drive; you'll see a sign) and you'll find a great site with a fire ring and somewhat level ground. Chances are it'll be COVERED in cow poop, but hey. It's quiet, aside from the mooing of cows, and totally private. There's probably more up the road, too, I just didn't go further. Solitude.

if you're small, skip the campground

Nice spot along a stream.  Seems to be a weekend spot for locals from Helena.  I was told by locals that it has been free until 2025 and is now $10.
It's primitive with a picnic table, and sit was fairly level.

Photos of Galena Gulch

Real photos from real campers