Bitterroot National Forest's Lost Horse Dispersed Campground sits along Lost Horse Creek roughly 4.6 miles from Highway 93, with the final 2.3 miles running on a washboard gravel road that's manageable for most vehicles, including trucks pulling RVs, though speeds top out around 8 to 10 MPH on the rougher sections. Sites are free, drive-in accessible, and spread out enough that multiple rigs can set up with room to spare. Campers looking at free camping near Bitterroot National Forest will find this among the more accessible options in the corridor.
Water is the defining feature here. Sites sit directly alongside the creek, and a river cuts through the broader area, giving campers close access to moving water. Fire rings are present at established sites, and a toilet is provided on-site. The surrounding terrain is forested, with views of trees and mountains rising above the drainage. Nearby, Upper Como and Lake Como Campground offer alternatives with more formal facilities a short distance south.
Traffic is a real consideration. One reviewer counted over 50 vehicles passing on a Friday evening, much of it heading toward Twin Lakes roughly 20 miles further down the road. The site can also collect litter between visitors, and past reviewers have found trash and scattered debris, including nails from burned pallets, so checking your site before setting up is worth the few minutes. Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted, and the camping is free. Those who don't mind a busy forest road will find solid creek-side sites here.
Description
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd737682.pdf
There are many opportunities for dispersed camping on the Bitterroot National Forest. The general guidance is as follows: • Our Forest stay limit is 16 days. After 16 days you must move 5 miles away from your camp site, as the crow flies • Camp in an already used site, do not create a new site o For fire rings (rocks usually), use existing rings before making a new one. Scatter once done and leaving. o Do not burn trash or other items in fire rings to avoid pollution and to not attract animals. o Collect dead and down wood for firewood. o Ensure your campfire is OUT before you leave • Camp 100 feet away from water • Do not rinse and wash dishes/etc. out of the creek or river. Do it on land. • There is a not a set distance for how far you need to be off a trail, but keep in mind other people are hiking and want to enjoy the area as well, so the further away from the trail the better. • Practice Leave No Trace Principles o Plan ahead and prepare o Travel and camp on durable surfaces o Dispose of waste properly o Leave what you find o Minimize campfire impacts o Respect wildlife o Be considerate of other visitors o For more information on LNT, visit: https://lnt.org/ • Do not damage live trees (nails, carving, etc.) • Motorized access to dispersed camping is allowed within 300 feet of most roads. • Know where you are and ensure you are on public lands. Make sure you have an updated map or app on your phone. • Be bear aware and store your food properly.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLost Horse Dispersed Campground is located in Montana near Darby
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
46.10034997113644 N
114.25852169293371 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/8/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/8/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- 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 Lost Horse Dispersed Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 18 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 33 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 54 min from Lewiston, ID
