Looking for the best campgrounds near Arlee, MT? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Arlee is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Arlee and user-submitted reviews.
"The GPS coordinates listed on the map are spot on, and the turn-off comes up quickly. There look to be 4 spots. I used the one right by the road turn off."
"3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."
"Nonresident reservation conservation permit required, available at fwp.mt.gov
Accessed by mission falls trailhead, trail is steep and unmaintained after you reach the waterfall."
"Awesome lakento hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted."
"Absolutely gorgeous undeveloped area! If you can stand the hordes of mosquitos and constant trail of hikers coming through the area hiking to Lake Dinah."
"This area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down."
"I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks. The pin is at just a pull off on the side of the road. Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side."
"Only 1 site on the lake shore, 2-3 other sites scattered along the road in not as ideal but not that far. Great hiking just a little drive away along an old forest service road."
"A nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock"
"Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river. The road conditions are wonderful—towed a 20 ft trailer. Some spots are more open to use Starlink."
"Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.
We stayed mid week during August."
"Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site."
"Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in."
"Conveniently only 4 miles down a well maintained road and positioned next to the river, this campground has vault toilets and bear boxes. It’s very nice!"
"Lovely dispersed camping area. Very pretty. We stayed for a night and were in good company."
"A couple of times they rolled thru at 2am but all the positives outweigh getting woken up a few times.
Very easy access, two pit toilets in the camping area."
RangerMany states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management. You need to pick up a map of exactly where you’re allowed to camp (there are no facilities, obviously). You can also rent “cabins” which are buildings from before the building became ghosted (but have been updated). Even if you don’t want to camp you can tour the town and have a surreal afternoon imagining what it’d be like to be a miner back in the day.
Guidefirst dispersed camping spot for Lolo from the entry road for this Forest Service land entry. Just cross the bridge, and be careful of high water (signs stating it's impassable 100 yards past the photo of the bridge when high water.) The grey area is public land the white square at the end of the road is private property by the map legend.
maps attached are screenshots from the National Forest Service online map as of Sept. 8th, 2023.
The dots show where dispersed camping is allowed for this spot.
GuideA nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock
GuideSign says camping permitted to 14 days in a 30 day period. Adjacent to dirt road with a few trees in between. Not the most private but a good option if you need a place for the night if the nearby campsite is full. No amenities. T-mobile cell service is good here.
River access just at the entry of the turn in. Could easily pull a big rig in but may have a hard time turning it around as there is not a pull through. There is a concrete slab that is level and about 12'x25' in size which could be good for a trailer or van without having to do much for leveling. Many vehicles/tents could fit here in the dirt area but would likely be comfortable for a single group rather than multiple camp groups.
TravelerDispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.
We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water.
Pros:
Plenty of space, both large and small sites.
Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites.
3 bars Tmobile.
Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down.
12 miles to gas station.
Beautiful views.
Cons: No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground) No potable water. Road/train noise. POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)
Overall we loved this spot. Being ok the water in a mostly private setting with such amazing views is our goal. Little bit of road noise but hardly noticeable over the wind in the trees.
Sites were clean but well used, so thank you to all the campers that took care of this place!
RangerEasy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.
You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common
Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere
RangerEasy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.
You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common
Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere
GuideNot for low clearance vehicles, it’s not far off the highway but we struggled with the two narrow bridges with tight turns in our travel trailer and then there’s a large flood way dip in the road that you can bottom out on. Unsure if this was legal camping as there are no defined spots and limited pull offs. Felt like I was looking over my shoulder for a ranger. Most everything is exposed to direct sunlight so it gets HOT in the summer. Our AC did not even budge the temps sometimes. Good fishing access and a cool area to visit. We overnighted here a couple nights before going to ekstrom which is before this place when getting off the highway and has power and water for a recharge day.
ScoutSo gorgeous! Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site. Super easy for quick stop road tripping (0.5 miles off main road)! Stayed in early September on a road trip to Glacier, was able to find our site decently well in the dark! Verizon cell service 3-4 bars! Loved it!
The west is the only safe way to enter onto the road to the campsites. On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from the west).
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Arlee, Montana, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arlee, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arlee, MT is Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
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