Best Dispersed Camping near Arlee, MT

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Arlee? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Montana excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Arlee, MT (22)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Arlee

69 Reviews of 22 Arlee Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Was a great spot

    It was a good spot despite that I was in the middle of a windstorm. The only part that genuinely made me concern and what docked points was the fact that I had multiple people throughout the night, pulling up to the spot and like walking around my truck

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Great spot (1 night stay)

    Loved this spot. Toyota Tundra pulling a 14' trailer. We were able to back into site (flat !) and do a 180° turn ok to exit. We stayed one night 9/23/24 and had the place to ourselves. Nice rock fire pits.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Easy, peaceful and beautiful

    So 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).

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    Dusty dirt road

    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. On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs. Four wheel drive does not seem to be a requirement. I ended up camping at a turnoff and walked a bit off the road to set up my hammock. The road was not very busy I did hear an occasional car pass by. Good views and decently private. I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty

  • Josh S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Quiet open site on the river

    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. 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Amazing quiet and private spot!

    What a great spot! 3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there. Someone else pulled in around 9 but the sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there. Felt very private, and the stars were fantastic! Creek bed runs right next to the back site, but it was completely dried up in late July.

  • Tricia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clark Fork River
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Clark Fork River

    Fantastic!

    The further you drive on the road the closer you can get to the river! There are some pit toilets too! Absolutely beautiful!

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Small but good stop

    Right off the road and easy to get to. I only saw 2 spots and the other was occupied. Both had fire rings but we were in a fire restriction. I got the site closest to the road and it was not so bad, I was camping in my car anyway. The spot seemed pretty level. The trees were gorgeous. Not bad for a free spot.

  • Renee G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Flats
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Blair Flats

    Easy access!

    Solid place for camping. They have a few spots at the end of the road, and few places to pull off on the road. There's also a bear box at the end of the road.

  • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Muchwater Recreation Area
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    Awesome stay

    This was a great stay right on the river with night sites and a vault toilet. Only issues I had was the train across the river runs throughout the night and it sounds like it’s coming right through your tent

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park

    Big Spot adjacent to the road, Good if in a pinch

    Sign 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.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pine Campground
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Big Pine Campground

    Great camp spot, limited space

    Maybe 6-7 spots for cars/trucks/vans. We fit our 170 sprinter no problem and would work for half the sites. 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.

    Sites looked clean and was very quiet while we were here for a Sunday night.

    T-mobile 5G UC signal from campgrounds. Day use area has wide open sky to recharge if needed. Camp spots are shaded by trees. River access is along camp spots and also near day use area. No trails from campsite so pretty limited in exploration options, just more a beautiful place to stop for a night or 2.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Flats
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Blair Flats

    Pretty Good, A Couple Negatives

    Pros: Was a decent site, nice fire pit at #2. Great view of the river. Lots of trees but still get the sun peeking through and good sun bathing on the river bank.

    Cons: tree roots everywhere. Hard to find flat ground for a tent because of the roots. Gotta watch your step everywhere. Neighbors are VERY close, too close for my liking. If you don't whisper your neighbors will hear every word. Mosquitos were pretty bad. Might be a little lighter during another time of year. We were there mid-June. No wood left near the sites. If you're going to procure your own wood better be prepared to do a few hours of labor.

  • John F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Muchwater Recreation Area
    Jun. 28, 2024

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    Muchwater Montana

    Muchwater has earned a top spot for my camping areas. There’s a river nearby that’s great for fishing or swimming. The campgrounds has fire pits ready to go and well maintained. There’s plenty of space between you and your neighbor. And it’s dog friendly. Oh and the hiking is pretty good too.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Muchwater Recreation Area
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    a beautiful place to stay on the river

    stayed in site 1 first campsite on your right-hand side, big rig friendly plenty of room for our set up 70+ ft RV and trailer short walk to the river. quiet, clean and plenty of space between camps. it was cool to see and hear the trains go by.  will definitely be back.

  • Laura D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Muchwater Recreation Area
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    Amazing camping

    This place is incredible! Wish we came sooner. 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. Highly recommend this site. There are a few bathrooms which are very clean

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    beautiful spot by the creek

    super easy to get to! just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two. not totally isolated, the site is not too far from the road but not the interstate, so there is a bit of noise but not frequently. service is spotty, verizon and at&t had only 1 bar. found some random bones, saw some deer, and lots of bugs. small area with a few places to park, thankfully nobody was there when we were but could be fun for a group!

  • David H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Flats
    May. 30, 2024

    Blair Flats

    Perfect spot

    This area is gorgeous. Right next to the swan river. 3 very nice camp spots, vault toilet and food storage. Could definitely see this being very heavy bear territory. No sign of them when we were there. 0 cell service on Verizon or AT&T



Guide to Arlee

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.

Dispersed campers should check out Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

  • This spot is known for its peaceful environment, allowing campers to enjoy a quiet night under the stars, with only a few trees separating sites for added privacy. Check it out at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping.
  • Campers have reported a good experience with the flat terrain, making it easy to set up tents or park vehicles. The site is accessible for both drive-in and walk-in campers.
  • With features like fire rings and the allowance of pets, this location is ideal for families and those looking to enjoy a cozy campfire.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Arlee, Montana

  • Always be prepared for the unexpected, as some areas like Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed may have limited established campsites, requiring some exploration to find the perfect spot.
  • Bring your own water and firewood, as many dispersed camping areas, including Boulder Lake Backcountry Site, do not provide these amenities.
  • Be mindful of wildlife and practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine for future visitors.

Enjoy hiking and fishing while free camping near Arlee

  • For those who love hiking, Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry offers steep trails leading to stunning alpine views and excellent fishing opportunities.
  • If you're looking for a picturesque spot to relax by the water, Lake Marshall is a rugged yet beautiful crescent lake that provides a perfect backdrop for a day of fishing or simply soaking in nature.
  • Don't forget to explore the nearby trails and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds Lake Elsina - Dispersed, where you can experience the tranquility of the wilderness while engaging in outdoor activities.

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 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Arlee, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.