Free dispersed camping sits within walking distance of Montana's well-preserved Garnet Ghost Town, where mining-era buildings remain largely intact with original furnishings visible through windows. The Bureau of Land Management maintains this site from early May through late December, with rough access roads leading to open terrain suitable for tent and RV camping.
Campers set up on BLM land less than 100 yards from the ghost town's main street, where interpretive signs detail the area's mining history. Rangers staff the site during summer months to answer questions about the preserved buildings, including shops with stocked shelves and hotels with beds still in place. "This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings," notes one visitor who returned multiple times.
The site provides drinking water and toilet facilities, with alcohol permitted on the grounds. No pets are allowed at this location. During winter months, two historic cabins become available for rental through the Forest Service, though the ghost town itself remains accessible only by ski, snowshoe, or on foot when snow covers the access roads.
Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds around Drummond, or consider the nearby Garnet Back County Byway for a similar dispersed experience.
Description
One thousand people called Garnet home in the 1890s as they scoured the mountains for gold. Largely abandoned 20 years later when the gold ran out, today the town is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the struggles of those early miners and homesteaders. The visitor center has information about 19th century life here. Two rental cabins are available December through April; arrangements need to be made in advance by calling the Missoula Field Office BLM. Depending on weather, the visitor center is open daily from late May through September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Fee Info
$3 per person, free for those less than 16 years old.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingGarnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping is located in Montana
Directions
From State Highway 200, about 30 miles east of Missoula, turn south between mile markers 22 and 23. Follow signs for 10 miles to Garnet. From Interstate 90, take either the Drummond or Bearmouth exit and follow old U.S. 10 to the Bear Gulch Road. Follow signs up Bear Gulch for 11 miles to Garnet. This route is steep, narrow and rough. It is not recommended for trailers or RVs. Winter access from either direction is only by snowmobile, snow shoes, or cross-country skis.
Address
Missoula Field Office
3255 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
Coordinates
46.82559 N
113.33945 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/29/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
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 Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 10 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 42 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 11 min from Bozeman, MT
