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Dispersed Camping

Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site, near Gardiner, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of solitude in nature. This area offers a variety of flat sites tucked away along a bumpy road, perfect for pitching a tent and enjoying the great outdoors.

Campers have noted the peacefulness of the location, with some even spotting elk and enjoying stunning sunsets. While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the fire rings at each site allow for cozy evenings under the stars. As one visitor shared, “We made dinner on our solo stove,” highlighting the simplicity and charm of cooking outdoors.

If you're up for a little adventure, there are nearby hiking trails to explore, and the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park is just a short drive away. Some campers have mentioned the good Verizon service, making it easier to stay connected if needed, though AT&T service can be hit or miss.

While the road can be a bit rough, it’s manageable for most vehicles, and you’ll find plenty of spots to set up camp. Just remember to clean up after yourself, as this is bear country. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Little Trail Creek Road offers a laid-back camping experience surrounded by Montana's natural beauty.

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Location

Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.05260452 N
110.72447055 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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.

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General Info


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Reviews

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8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2025

Quiet spot

Amazing views and quiet. 3 or 4 people camping but no one around me. Make sure you drive to the end of the road. Some nice spots there!

Sitevery end of the road
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Ken B., September 19, 2025
Reviewed May. 13, 2025

DONT try to camp here with a camper!

This location was almost impossible to get to, my father took his RV up the hill before we took ours up & his almost bottomed out. There’s no way to know how bad that road is until you actually start driving up it (it’s a tiny road on the side of the mountain) super bumpy, rocks everywhere. Don’t recommend for a camper of any kind.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2025

Gorgeous view of the mountains

Pulled into a spot less than an 1/8 of a mile before the marker, positioned on a hill with a clear view of the mountain range. Looks like plenty of spots in this area and pretty easy drive in. Unfortunately staying for a few hours for some rest since there is a winter storm coming in. Trees aren’t tall enough for shade. Pretty good spot for April camping if it wasn’t for the incoming storm

Site45.0508483, -110.7215690
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Chinh N., April 16, 2025
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Chinh N., April 16, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2024

Good place to stay outside of Yellowstone

Quiet, secluded dispersed sites about 15 minutes outside of Gardiner. No trees so it gets pretty hot without shade. There are random animal bones scattered around the sites from what I assume previous hunting trips, which is a bit eerie. 

I’d certainly stay here again for a couple nights!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Viet N., August 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Viet N., August 18, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2024

Great dispersed site

Drove through a few open gates but there were clearly dispersed sites in this area. Nice flat sites, road was rocky and bumpy but not bad. Quiet area until a group of teenagers started a loud party at the site next to us

Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Rachel S., July 17, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Perfect for a night or two

Perfect pull outs off Travertine up Trail Creek/FS 1701 just 7-10 minutes out of Gardine. We ended up at the very end of the road where it loops back on itself in our truck camper. Road was a bit washboard and bumpy, but didn’t need 4wd. Saw elk, a beautiful sunset, and a full moon rise. No river views, but wildflowers all over. Some hikes nearby. We went to the end out of curiosity and passed about 5 other campers, but were alone at the end. Made dinner on our solo stove. Clean up though, because it is still bear country. ATT and Verizon service, mid to full bars. 30 minutes to the YNP north entrance.

Sitethe last spot
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Allison S., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Allison S., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site by Allison S., June 23, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2024

Roadside sites with fire rings

Several roadside sites along this road that branches off Travertine Rd. A few sites are large enough for multiple tents/vans. Good Verizon service, poor AT&T service . We snagged the last site available the night we stayed, first site on left as you drive in. It is small but worked for our Sprinter.

SiteFirst site on left
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2023

Secluded camping spots along the road.

There is no single designated campsite area but there are multiple spots along this road.

If you are looking at online maps it looks like there are lots of little roads you can go off and find a spot. You cannot. All side roads are locked as there is a quarry there. If you continue down this Red Quarry Rd you will see multiple little campsites right off the road you can park or camp at. They each had a fire pit and that was it. Beautiful area. If you don't see any just keep going I promise you will find at least 3 in the first mile or so. 

Does have Verizon service. Road is bumpy but manageable. Wouldn't bring an RV though.

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping available near Gardiner, MT?

Dispersed camping is available along Little Trail Creek Road, which branches off from Travertine Road, about 7-10 minutes outside of Gardiner, Montana. There are multiple pull-out spots along this Forest Service road (FS 1701) where camping is permitted. The area offers scenic views of mountain ranges, with opportunities to see wildlife like elk. While not a designated campground with defined sites, various roadside spots accommodate different camping setups. Some sites are positioned on hills with clear mountain views, while others are more secluded.

What facilities are available at Trail Creek dispersed camping area?

Trail Creek dispersed camping area offers no developed facilities or amenities. This is primitive camping in its truest form - no water sources, toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, or trash service. Campers need to be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. The area does offer decent cell service with good Verizon coverage reported, though AT&T service is poor. Prepare to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste.

Is Trail Creek Road accessible for RVs and larger vehicles?

Trail Creek Road presents mixed accessibility for RVs and larger vehicles. The road is described as bumpy and washboard in sections with scattered rocks, though 4WD isn't necessarily required. Some campers have successfully navigated the road with truck campers and RVs, while others report challenges with larger vehicles almost bottoming out. Several roadside sites can accommodate multiple vehicles or larger setups, but accessibility varies significantly depending on recent road conditions and your specific vehicle clearance. The very end of the road features a loop where some larger vehicles can turn around. Consider scouting the road first if you're bringing a large RV.