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Best Dispersed Camping near Arlee, MT

88 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas around Arlee, Montana include several primitive sites throughout the Lolo National Forest and nearby public lands. The region features multiple free camping options including Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry, Boulder Lake Backcountry Site, and Lake Elsina. Most sites are undeveloped with no amenities, following true dispersed camping principles on public land. Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 also provides additional dispersed camping opportunities, allowing campers to experience Montana's natural landscape without developed facilities.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary in quality and difficulty. The Petty Creek Road area features relatively accessible sites about 1-2 miles from Interstate 90, making it suitable for most vehicles. In contrast, reaching backcountry locations like Lucifer Lake and Boulder Lake requires hiking steep, unmaintained trails after snow has melted in summer months. Many forest roads in the region may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. Camping is typically permitted for up to 14 days, though wilderness areas like Lucifer Lake require non-resident conservation permits available through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Fire restrictions are common during summer months.

These primitive camping areas provide solitude and natural experiences characteristic of Montana's wilderness. Sites around Lakes Elsina and Marshall offer scenic mountain views and hiking opportunities, though visitors should prepare for limited cell service and potentially challenging conditions. According to reviews, Petty Creek Road sites offer "great quiet and private spots" with "multiple spots to choose from" and are "way better than sleeping in a parking lot." Blue Mountain Forest Road requires navigating "washboards" and "sharp rocks" but rewards with "very secluded camping spots with absolute beautiful views." Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, including eagles, loons, and the need for bear awareness, especially in alpine areas during late summer.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Arlee, Montana (26)

    1. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    "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."

    2. Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry

    1 Review
    St. Ignatius, MT
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Boulder Lake Backcountry Site

    1 Review
    Arlee, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3814

    "Awesome lakento hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted."

    4. Lake Elsina - Dispersed

    1 Review
    Seeley Lake, MT
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3814

    "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."

    6. Lake Marshall

    1 Review
    Seeley Lake, MT
    21 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Richmond Marshall hookup trail dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    Seeley Lake, MT
    24 miles

    8. Muchwater Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    38 miles

    "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."

    9. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "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."

    "Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky."

    10. Placid Creek Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 579-8559
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Arlee, MT

50 Photos of 26 Arlee Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arlee, MT

88 Reviews of 26 Arlee Campgrounds

  • H
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Mining ghost town for day or overnight

    Many 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    dispersed camping

    first 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.

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    No bugs, good shade, right off highway

    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

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Josh S.
    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!

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    It’s okay, don’t believe the hype

    Easy 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

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    This is an okay place, don’t believe the hype

    Easy 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

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Very nice

    Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out. We car camp in a Wagoneer

  • Reames C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    Very sunny and exposed spots, unsure if legal, but great river access

    Not 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.

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 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Arlee, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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