Camper submitted image from National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula - 4
Camping
Camper submitted image from National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula - 5
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula, near Thompson Falls, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without breaking the bank. This area offers a beautiful, secluded experience with plenty of privacy between sites, making it ideal for campers who appreciate a little space.

The location is right by the Clark Fork River, providing stunning views and opportunities for some peaceful riverside relaxation. Visitors have noted that while there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the natural beauty and tranquility more than make up for it. As one camper put it, “We loved this spot! It was super quiet minus the sound of the river.”

If you’re up for a little adventure, there are trails nearby that lead to great spots along the water. Just keep in mind that the train tracks are close by, so you might hear the occasional train passing through, but many find it adds to the charm of the area.

With no reservations required and a laid-back vibe, this location is perfect for those who want to enjoy a rustic camping experience. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be prepared for a bit of a walk to the pit toilets. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, the National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula is a solid choice for a getaway in the great outdoors.

Suggest an Edit

Location

National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-90 take St. Regis Exit 33, travel approximately 11.5 miles northeast on Highway 135 and turn right and follow the road to the campsites. From Highway 200 turn southwest onto Highway 135 and travel 10.5 miles, passing Ferry Landing, and turn left into the Peninsula area following road signs. [Interactive Forest Visitor Map](https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html?minx=-12803046&miny=5990691&maxx=-12782427&maxy=6003341&exploremenu=no)

Coordinates

47.34269133 N
114.90838718 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

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&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

40%
40%
20%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2024

Wrong location

Do not follow maps directions to this spot. Click the one a little south east next to the river titled “Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area”. This is the right location. Good spot.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2022

Not bad

There are a couple of pit toilets spaced pretty far apart on this road so unless you get a spot right next to them, it's a bit of a walk. Pretty area, pretty secluded. Not directly next to the water but there are plenty of spots to walk down closer to it. Train tracks are right across the water so it can get pretty loud, but trains never bother me, personally.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Beck W., August 21, 2022
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Beck W., August 21, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2022

Beautiful Site with Exception

This was a beautiful, free dispersed site with plenty of privacy between sites. They call it peninsula because it is a narrow piece of land between a lively river with nesting eagles and a railway. The train passed through several times in the night, so choose a site further in from the main road. No facilities, no water.

SiteN/A
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2021

Good Spot

Close to water. Nice tree cover. Fire pits were taped off at the time of visit due to high fire danger.

Site?
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Saw a train drive by

Super dope spot. Just past the national forest sign on the left. Goes down a trail marked with a sign that says 83525 or something. Just keep going down you’ll be fine and there’s cool spots just above the river

Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Location differs from map

Great spot! Plenty of tree cover and great views. Minimal highway noise. Right off 135, don't trust map location on this app. 2 bars 4G Verizon. Right on the water.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2021

Very spacious!

Easy access road and clean spots with plenty of space between sites (until towards the end of the road). Had great cell service too. Saw a black bear one morning near our campsite.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Jessica , June 25, 2021
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Jessica , June 25, 2021
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Jessica , June 25, 2021
Reviewed May. 5, 2021

Great Spot

We loved this spot! There were maybe 6-7 dispersed camping areas next to the river (some had metal fire rings, some didn’t). The ground was pretty flat and it was super quiet minus the sound of the river. We didn’t see the pit toilets, but they may have been further down the road. Definitely would recommend this spot!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Kalina S., May 5, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2021

Thanks Dyrt! I can’t believe this exists.

From other guests it sounds as if there are several sites at this location. The first one was taken and we passed under the railroad trestle and drive 1/4 miles to a pull in place that sits in an embankment overlooking the Clark Fork.

Beautiful and secluded spot. No amenities other than a fire ring. We did not drive further down the road to confirm whether there was a toilet there.

  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Jerry B., April 3, 2021
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Jerry B., April 3, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2019

Beautiful River View

This is a great place to get away for a few days with the Clark Fork River right below. The road in is gravel and nicely maintained. This is a dispersed camping area with no tables, or metal fire pits, but there is an abundance of rock-lined fire pits of previous campers,  and there is only one vault bathroom.  We have visited this place a few times and finally camped one night in our tent.  The campsites are shaded by Ponderosa pines and a few Douglas firs. There were some rafters in the water when we visited in July, 2019.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Gordie  H., August 21, 2019
  • Review photo of National Forest Recreation Area - Peninsula by Gordie  H., August 21, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Peninsula Dispersed Campground located in Montana?

Peninsula Dispersed Campground is located in the Lolo National Forest along the Clark Fork River near St. Regis, Montana. It sits on a narrow strip of land between the river and a railway. The campground is accessible from Highway 135, not far from the National Forest sign. Some GPS directions may be inaccurate, so look for the dispersed site marked as "Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area" adjacent to the river. The access road is gravel but well-maintained.

Do I need a permit to camp at Peninsula Dispersed Campground in Montana?

No permit is required to camp at Peninsula Dispersed Campground. This is a free dispersed camping area within Lolo National Forest. However, standard dispersed camping regulations apply, including maximum stay limits and proper waste disposal. During periods of high fire danger, fire restrictions may be implemented. Always check with the Lolo National Forest office for current regulations before your trip.

What recreational activities can you do at Peninsula Dispersed Campground?

The Clark Fork River is the main attraction at Peninsula Dispersed Campground, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and enjoying riverside relaxation. Wildlife viewing is excellent - eagles nest in the area and bear sightings have been reported. The quiet setting is perfect for nature photography and stargazing. Hiking is available along the riverbank, and the scenic location makes it ideal for picnicking. The river's lively current may appeal to those interested in kayaking or tubing, while the surrounding forest provides opportunities for bird watching and exploring.

What amenities are available at Peninsula Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area?

Peninsula Dispersed Campground offers minimal amenities. There are a couple of pit toilets spaced along the road, though they may require a walk from some campsites. Most sites have existing rock-lined or metal fire rings (though these may be taped off during fire restrictions). The campground provides no tables, water, or trash service. There are approximately 6-7 dispersed camping areas along the river with relatively flat ground. Many sites offer good tree cover for shade and privacy between sites. Cell service is available with 2 bars of 4G reported for Verizon users.