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Best Dispersed Camping near Acton, MT

35 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Acton, Montana centers around several primitive recreation areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Acton Recreation Area serves as the primary dispersed camping zone, located approximately 20 miles north of Billings. Additional options include Captain Clark Fishing Access Site along the Yellowstone River near Custer and Bratten Fishing Access Site near Gray Cliff. These areas feature minimal development with primitive campsites scattered across public lands, providing free or low-cost alternatives to developed campgrounds.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary significantly in quality. The route to Acton Recreation Area includes several miles of washboard gravel road that requires slow driving, typically under 15 mph. Captain Clark Fishing Access Site involves navigating dirt roads past train tracks and residential areas. Most sites accommodate standard vehicles, though some areas within Acton Recreation Area require high-clearance vehicles as the main road transitions to rougher dirt paths. Vault toilets are available at the entrance to Acton and at Captain Clark, but no drinking water is provided at any location. Captain Clark now requires a Montana Conservation License for overnight stays, which costs approximately $10 for out-of-state visitors and is valid for one year.

These dispersed camping areas provide varying experiences based on location. Acton Recreation Area features multiple camping zones with fire rings and picnic tables, plus trails suitable for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Sites at Captain Clark offer riverside camping with views of the Yellowstone River. Seasonal considerations include mosquitoes, particularly during June after flooding periods. "The road right before getting to the park was washboard like," noted one Acton visitor, while another Captain Clark camper observed that "sites are nice, everyone dispersed pretty well. Vault toilet super clean. Right on the river, so silent." Wind conditions can intensify at night, particularly at Acton, where the open landscape provides minimal shelter.

Map showing campgrounds near Acton, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Acton, Montana (3)

    1. Acton Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Acton, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 896-5013

    "A bit out of the way from the highway but worth it. About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others."

    "Great place to pull off to get some rest at drive up campsites. The road right before getting to the park was washboard like (late Sept. 2024)."

    2. Captain Clark

    11 Reviews
    Pompeys Pillar, MT
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument."

    "A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Here's the link. Your permit is good all year."

    3. Bratten fishing access site on Yellowstone River near Gray Cliff Mt

    1 Review
    Greycliff, MT
    48 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Acton, MT

22 Photos of 3 Acton Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Acton, MT

35 Reviews of 3 Acton Campgrounds

  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 9, 2022

    Acton Recreation Area

    Quiet, Secluded, Pretty views!

    Loved this campsite. A bit out of the way from the highway but worth it. About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others. Some trash at the site which was sad to see, remember to leave no trace! Great quiet night except for the cows!

  • D
    Nov. 6, 2024

    Captain Clark

    Convenient overnight near the interstate

    We needed an easy stop crossing from WA to the Midwest. When we arrived, a number of sites were being used, but they were just there for the day. We loved our spacious spot with an amazing view of the river. Few bugs in September. We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument.

  • Dominic J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Acton Recreation Area

    Mosquitoes

    Got swarmed by mosquitoes. Made putting up and taking down the tent terrible. Bring bug spray or stay in a vehicle/ rv if camping here in June. Could be from all the flooding, but it was dry when we got there.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2024

    Captain Clark

    Montana Conservation License Required!

    A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Here's the link. Your permit is good all year.

    https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/landing_input

    This is a great spot. I was here on a week night very quiet. Only one other couple. Lots of birds. You can see where the beavers have been at work felling trees on they way in. Wild turkeys were pretty vocal last evening.

    Easy to imagine Capt. William Clark floating past in 1806 in his lashed together canoes on his way to the Missouri to rejoin Capt. Merriweather Lewis.

    It is actually a fishing access point with boat ramp. A little slow going in on the dirt road. Could be slick if rainy. There are 4 campsites with fire rings and a pit toilet at the far end.

    Length limit on vehicles is 20 feet. They clarify 20 ft tow vehicle and 20 ft trailer. Don't know how strict they are on this. It would be tough to get anything big in here anyway. You can stay here up to 7 days.

  • K
    May. 16, 2024

    Captain Clark

    Hidden gem convenient location

    Fortunately, there is good signage guiding you in here from the frontage road. If there wasn’t, one would almost feel as though they were driving onto someone’s property as opposed to public land.

    I loved this place because it was close enough to I94 to feel convenient but far enough away that the noise from the freeway wasn’t bothersome although it’s so peaceful here, you can still hear the road. But you’re hearing it from a distance. It’s far from overpowering.

    We were lucky enough to get the site under this truly massive tree that was likely here when captain clark was on his expedition. The pics don’t do justice to its size but use my camper for comparison. Haha

    Sites are well spread apart. Fire rings and picnic tables at each. FYI, there is no place nearby to purchase firewood. Stop in Miles City or Billings on your way in depending on the direction you’re coming from if you need it.

    You do have to have a MT Conservation License to stay here. They out of state variety that I had to purchase was $10 and is good for an entire year at this and any other location in the state that requires it. The good news is that the sign board at the campground has a QR code on it and I had three bars of Verizon to do it from the campsite.

    No one ever came through to check if I had it, but one would have to understand that they do maintain these places to some degree and that maintenance has a cost.

    We saw several geese. Heard several wild turkeys but never saw them. And we were greeted with an amazing sunrise right before we set out on our way.

    Definitely recommend this place if you’re traveling I94. Would most definitely stay again.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Acton Recreation Area

    No complaints

    Great place to pull off to get some rest at drive up campsites. The road right before getting to the park was washboard like (late Sept. 2024). Can drive quite a ways down but make sure your vehicle has Clearance cause the dirt road gets rough.

  • S
    Aug. 15, 2021

    Captain Clark

    Loved it

    Dirt road to get to, keep going all the way back past train tracks and houses. Sites are nice, everyone dispersed pretty well. Vault toilet super clean. Right on the river, so silent.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Acton Recreation Area

    Off the path

    Was better and bigger then expected, camp up top the first 1-2 sections if not have a truck/high suspension for the dirt road further down. Excellent place too take 21 speed mountain bike too. The bathroom near entrance so camp first section if need that daily for easy walk to it. Took my 3 kids and had a great time for 2 days.

  • PJ F.
    Aug. 22, 2022

    Acton Recreation Area

    Middle of nowhere oasis

    We needed a quick place for the night on our cross country travels. We came across this spot on the Dyrt . Best part ? Free!! Let’s talk about the way there. We went thru Billings & it’s about 20 miles outside of the city. It’s mostly smooth sailing until you get to the gravel roads . Yikes ! We were towing a travel trailer & we were a shake, rattlin & rollin! Boy oh boy! I was a little worried. But once we got there, my nerves were put to rest . As you travel thru miles & miles off flat , farmland- it does not look like this place would be anywhere out here but boom! It suddenly appears & the landscape shifts . It’s a ways off the beaten path for sure ! And that’s fabulous! There are some spots right as you roll in but we went a touch further & found a primo spot nestled in the trees. There were some other campers but not anywhere close enough to feel like you have company. Some sites have trees & some are a touch more open . The sites are huge , well kept & most have a fire pit/ring & a picnic table. There are pretty decent bathrooms as you’re entering the grounds too. Be aware that At one point the gravel road thru the grounds ends and turns to a dirt road. A very very narrow one. If you’re tempted to go further down this road, don’t bother . There aren’t really any sites, just a few that might be & the road is anxiety inducing if you’re towing anything! If your mountain biking though, it’s pretty primo territory! The winds got pretty gnarly at night but it made for a cozy night in the camper. It’s quiet as can be out here & the stars are plenty. The views are spectacular too ! Pull up a rock , have a seat & sip a hot morning beverage under a beautiful blue sky . Just do it - it’s worth the voyage !

Guide to Acton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Acton, Montana, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wild.

Dispersed campers should check out Acton Recreation Area

  • This area offers a peaceful retreat with well-maintained sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits, making it ideal for a cozy evening under the stars at Acton Recreation Area.

Enjoy hiking and biking while free camping near Acton

  • Explore the scenic trails that wind through the landscape, perfect for walking your dog or biking, especially around the picturesque spots at Acton Recreation Area.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Acton, Montana

  • Be prepared for a rugged drive; some roads may require a vehicle with good clearance, particularly when accessing the more remote sites at Acton Recreation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Acton, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Acton, MT is Acton Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Acton, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Acton, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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