Driving to Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed takes commitment. From the town of Hungry Horse, follow Hungry Horse Road roughly four miles to the dam, and dispersed camping opens up along the road from there, stretching for miles through forested terrain above the reservoir. Fire roads branch off the main route and reportedly lead to more developed pull-offs with fire rings, though the main road itself has plenty of spots for campers willing to explore.
Road conditions are worth planning around. One reviewer noted that portions of the route run along steep cliffs with narrow lanes and rough unpaved sections, and larger rigs have had trouble finding usable pull-offs. Smaller setups, tents, and RVs under 30 feet tend to fare better. Cell service is unreliable; Verizon users in particular have reported no signal. The ranger station in Hungry Horse is a practical first stop for current conditions and dispersed camping guidance.
Sites vary considerably. Some have established fire rings and open space near the water, while others are simple pull-offs with no infrastructure. One camper described finding "a huge open space with a fire circle," though the quality of any given site depends largely on how far in you're willing to drive. Access to the reservoir for kayaks and small boats is possible at certain points along the route. Camping is free, and the area allows pets, alcohol, and campfires.
Campers who prefer hookups or more developed facilities can look at options like Murray Bay Campgroun nearby, or browse camping near Martin City for the full range of sites in the area. If you go dispersed, pack everything in and plan to pack it all out.
Description
“Dispersed camping” is the term used for camping anywhere outside of a developed campground, including in some campgrounds with minimal development. Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest. Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition. Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed near developed recreation areas including campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas. Water, restrooms, and trash cans are not provided. Pack out all your trash. There is a 16-day stay limit at any site. After that you must move 5-miles away, and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Use existing fire rings. Avoid creating new fire rings. Your fire must be attended at all times and be dead out before leaving. Contact a local office about possible campfire restrictions before you go. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Additional rules or regulations may apply to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Flathead Wild and Scenic River corridor. Human Waste Disposal Dispersed camping generally means no bathrooms. Keep your site clean for the next campers and prevent disease spread and pollution of water by following these rules:
Urinate on rocks and avoiding vegetation if possible, and well away from water and camp. Do not leave toilet paper or wipes on the ground after you pee. Carry a zipper-lock plastic bag and pack out your toilet paper. Dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 8-inches wide at least 200-feet away from water, camp and trails to bury feces. Cover all waste with the soil you removed, and sprinkle the disturbed ground with leaves, pine needles, or other organic debris. If you carry a portable camping toilet, treat and pack out all treated waste and dispose of according to instructions on the digestant. The Flathead Wild and Scenic River Corridor rules require all solid human waste be carried out in leak-proof manner and disposed of properly off-forest.
Camping with a vehicle Motorized use is limited to roads and trails designated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. Know and follow all seasonal closures and never go beyond gates or other barriers on roads. Do not park or camp in front of closed gates. This prevents authorized users, including emergency responders, from accessing the road. Find and select your campsite on foot and scout the most direct route to your campsite for your vehicle. Driving your vehicle more than 300 feet from a motorized route for purposes of dispersed camping is prohibited. You may not cut or damage trees or vegetation to access your campsite. Never drive across wet areas or areas with soft ground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed is located in Montana near Martin City
Coordinates
48.380488692664066 N
114.04188480182317 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/13/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/13/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 10 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 58 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 16 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 41 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
