Free dispersed camping along Forest Road 1701 branches off Travertine Road just outside Gardiner, putting campers within roughly 30 minutes of Yellowstone National Park's north entrance. The road runs through Gallatin National Forest and has a washboard, rocky surface that most high-clearance vehicles handle without four-wheel drive, though RV owners and those towing trailers should think twice before attempting it. Several pull-outs appear in the first mile, each with a fire pit. Keep driving to find more space and wider sightlines toward the surrounding mountain range.
Sites sit in open terrain with little overhead cover. No trees so it gets pretty hot without shade, as multiple reviewers note, making this a better fit for spring, fall, or overnight stops rather than summer midday camping. The area is quiet on most nights, though that can change if neighboring sites fill with louder groups on weekends. Wildflowers appear along the road in early summer, and elk have been spotted in the area. Animal bones scattered around some sites reflect past hunting use in the corridor.
Verizon coverage runs mid to full bars along the road; AT&T is less reliable. Bears are present in this part of Gallatin NF Dispersed near Gardiner, so proper food storage is necessary. Campers who want to compare nearby dispersed options can also check Gallatin NF Dispersed near Gardiner — Forest Road 1701 a short distance east. Arrive by late afternoon on summer weekends, as sites can fill by evening.
Description
The Gardiner district covers the southeast part of Custer Gallatin National Forest, bordering Yellowstone National Park. Both Gardiner, MT and Cooke City, MT are within the Gardiner district.
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 in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It also means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables, fire pits or toilets) are provided.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle Trail Creek Road is located in Montana near Gardiner
Coordinates
45.05260452 N
110.72447055 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- 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 Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 28 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 32 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 24 min from Idaho Falls, ID


















