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Dispersed Camping

Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046, near Bozeman, Montana, is a rugged spot for those who crave a true backcountry experience. This area offers a chance to camp without the frills, making it perfect for adventurers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The location is known for its stunning natural beauty, with plenty of fire pits and trails nearby for hiking. Visitors have mentioned that the road can be a bit tricky, but it’s manageable for most vehicles, and once you’re there, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful views. One camper noted, “Easy drive... Plenty of spots to camp. Fire pits and trails to hike.”

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water, toilets, or trash services—you can enjoy the freedom of camping with your pets and the option to have campfires. Some reviewers appreciated the proximity to Bozeman, just a short drive away, allowing for easy access to town if you need supplies or a meal.

If you’re up for some exploration, there are additional FS roads branching off, offering more camping options and scenic views. Just keep in mind that this area can get busy, especially during peak times, so it’s wise to arrive early to snag a good spot. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Hyalite Canyon is a solid choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

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Location

Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.52379756 N
111.015745 W

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  • Walk-In
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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV 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 Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 needs a permit.

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Reviews

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12 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2025

Busy but beautiful

Very busy road with lots of mountain bikers and campers. Gorgeous canyon to camp in though!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Reagan M., August 30, 2025
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Reviewed Aug. 8, 2025

Very dispersed camp sites

Winding mountain trail. Campsites well used. Not secluded, likely will have people drive/ ride bikes past your site. Relatively clean. Dense forest surrounding the sites. Watch out for others poop around the site, our dog found it before we did….

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2025

Amazing first spot

Dispersed camping all along a pass through the canyon. Very remote and private. I drove up the mountain a ways and found a perfect spot to set up . It’s close to the road but obscured in view , and not many drivers passing by at all. I will absolutely be stopping here again if I pass through! There are fire pits at many of the sites as well.

Sitethe 6th site up the road or so I pulled off and in and set up :)
Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Bobkat R., July 10, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2025

Tucked away and not difficult access!

Love this site! It was a bit rutted for the 50yds back into the site, but road getting to it was easy and smooth! Great fishing access! Stayed 8 nights, and only large issues we had were solar not having enough exposure (specific to our site) and same sort of issue for our Starlink.

Sitefirst after bridge
Month of VisitJune
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  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Reames C., July 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Reames C., July 1, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2024

Bozeman visit

We stayed here for a few days off one of the main trail head. There are not many sites off the main trail head and we’re all full when we arrived.

We have a 25ft off road travel trailer and attempted to go down two side trail heads. The further one was so bad we had to back all the way out. The closest side trail head was slightly better. We made down the road. However there wasn’t many sites here as well. There was maybe 3-4 sites along this whole trail head. We needed up stay in a pull in a valley early on in this trail head

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by christian L., July 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by christian L., July 27, 2024
Reviewed May. 24, 2024

Spot was closed

The gate was closed when we went. We were also in an RV that doesn't do great with snow so we were going out to turn around anyway. Found a spot in the town of Bozeman. Would be great to know when these gates are open or closed though.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2024

Good Stuff

My partner and I stayed here in September. It wasn’t the easiest spot to find, but we stayed two nights and nothing happened to our tent set up while we took the car to go hiking for a whole day. Definitely busier than I expected, especially with the condition of the road; we had multiple cars coming down the road we were on and then they would turn around and come back but it wasn’t obnoxious. The sight we stayed at actually had been moved across the road from its original site so the car was a little further away than it normally is but it was still a quality site to stay at.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Nicki S., February 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Nicki S., February 22, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2023

Right next to everything

Easy drive. I stayed in an early part of the trail but people were pulling trailers higher. Plenty of spots to camp. Fire pits and trails to hike. No service with Verizon which made it more incredible.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2023

Close to Bozeman

About 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman. There’s more spots available up this FS road and the FS roads off-shooting from it, like FS 3164, so explore your options. Quite and very pretty views, road is easily navigable.

Site10
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 28, 2023

Campsite blocked off due to impassable terrain

Attempted to visit this site but it was closed off. It looks like the road is unpassable due to deep mud. Hopefully it opens later in the season.

We ended up staying on the side of the road at a pullout just up the road. We also also other campers parked along the road.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2022

Perfect spot

Followed this road up a few miles and found the perfect camp spot.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Decker D., August 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Decker D., August 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 by Decker D., August 26, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Nice Free Site 25 Minutes from Downtown Bozeman!

Needed a free site relatively close to town and this spot worked perfectly. 

It was super easy to find, had a nice fire ring, and plenty of tent space. 

Could've stayed here multiple nights and gone up to explore the reservoir if I had known about it sooner!

Site2
Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Hyalite Canyon?

The best dispersed camping spots in Hyalite Canyon can be found along Forest Service Road 1046 and its offshoots like FS 3164. For more privacy, drive a few miles up the main road to find secluded sites with established fire rings and ample tent space. Some prime spots are located at pullouts along the road, while others are tucked back in the forest with mountain views. The early sections of the trail fill up quickly, so exploring further up the canyon often yields better options. Many sites are well-established with fire rings, and some can accommodate larger setups including trailers.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to access dispersed camping areas in Hyalite Canyon?

While 4WD isn't absolutely necessary for the main road in Hyalite Canyon, it can be helpful for accessing some of the side roads and more remote sites. The main Forest Service road is generally navigable with standard vehicles in good weather conditions. However, be prepared for potentially rutted sections, especially in the first 50 yards of some campsites. Some side trails may become impassable due to mud or rough terrain, particularly in spring or after rain. Visitors with travel trailers should exercise caution on offshooting roads, as backing out can be challenging if conditions deteriorate.

What activities are available near Hyalite Canyon dispersed camping sites?

Hyalite Canyon offers numerous recreational opportunities right from your campsite. Hiking trails abound throughout the area, providing access to scenic mountain views. The nearby reservoir is excellent for fishing, and the canyon streams offer additional angling options. Mountain biking is very popular on the network of trails. Wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful in the dense surrounding forest. In winter, the area transforms for snow activities. The location provides a perfect base camp for day trips, with the possibility to explore different sections of the canyon during your stay.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Hyalite Reservoir?

Dispersed camping at Hyalite Reservoir requires following standard Forest Service regulations. Camping is free but typically limited to 14 days. Use existing fire rings when having campfires and fully extinguish all fires before leaving. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Seasonal gate closures may restrict access during certain times of year, particularly in winter or during spring thaw when roads are muddy. Keep in mind that the area can be busy, especially on weekends, so respectful camping etiquette is important. For up-to-date regulations, check with Custer Gallatin National Forest before your trip.

Is there free camping near Bozeman at Hyalite Canyon?

Yes, Hyalite Canyon offers free dispersed camping approximately 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore the area without paying campground fees. The accessibility and proximity to town, combined with the beautiful mountain setting, make these dispersed sites highly desirable. Numerous free camping spots are available along Forest Service Road 1046 and its connecting roads. Despite being close to town, many sites offer a remote feel with forest surroundings and mountain views. No permits are required, though seasonal closures may apply.