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Best Dispersed Camping near Nye, MT

38 Reviews

Dispersed camping around Nye, Montana includes several primitive options in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest and along nearby waterways. Camping sites range from Buffalo Jump Camp and Cliff Swallow to pull-offs along forest service roads, with most locations situated near creeks and rivers for fishing access. The Beartooth Scenic Byway area, located within driving distance, provides additional dispersed camping opportunities with mountain views. Several sites follow the typical pattern of undeveloped public lands with minimal amenities and no reservation requirements.

Access roads to many dispersed sites vary from well-maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks requiring careful navigation. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote areas, especially after rain. Most locations have standard 14-day camping limits, with fishing access sites sometimes restricted to 7-day stays. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, and campers must pack out all trash as no services are provided. Bear activity is common in the region, so proper food storage is essential, with some sites offering bear boxes for safety.

The terrain provides spectacular mountain views and riverside camping experiences. Sites near water offer the soothing sounds of flowing creeks and good fishing opportunities, particularly along the Yellowstone River and Boulder River areas. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting elk, fox, and various bird species. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations where snow is possible even during summer months. "Several areas for campers and travel trailers and even big rigs, although little shade. Great cell service out here but this is completely self-contained BLM land and since it's a fishing access spot stays are limited to 7 days," notes one camper about the Pig Farm Fishing Access area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Nye, Montana (25)

    1. Buffalo Jump Camp

    1 Review
    Nye, MT
    1 mile

    2. Cliff Swallow

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    10 miles

    "Sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem. Did not use vault toilet so cannot speak to its condition."

    3. Falls Creek

    3 Reviews
    Mcleod, MT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 932-5155

    "Warning: google maps will take you down a small road with houses. Skip that one. Continue straight on the main road and it will have a turn off for the camp. "

    "You park, and then depending on your site, you’re either directly at your campsite or you walk about 100 yards to your site."

    4. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

    11 Reviews
    Livingston, MT
    32 miles

    "There are no facilities whatsoever, make sure to pack everything out and stock up on gas and supplies before heading out there!"

    "Very easy to get to with several camping and RV areas although little shade."

    5. Rosebud to Emerald Lake Runoff

    Be the first to review!
    Roscoe, MT
    14 miles

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

    1 Review
    Greycliff, MT
    21 miles

    7. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cooke City, WY
    33 miles
    Website

    "We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect."

    "National forest so it was open and free to whoever. Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder."

    8. Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass

    4 Reviews
    Cooke City, MT
    28 miles

    "This site was quiet the night we stayed here and had good views of the surrounding mountains but there was a few excavating machines near the site."

    "The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not to bad to get to."

    9. Otter Creek Fishing Access

    3 Reviews
    Big Timber, MT
    29 miles

    "Only four or five spots right next to the river but plenty of open spots in the field next to where people Park their boats."

    "Several areas for campers and travel trailers and even big rigs and popular area for fishing so rather than normal BLM 14 days it's a 7-Day Max but it's beautiful just next to the river so you can hear"

    10. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Cooke City, WY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 527-6241

    "That area has 2 pretty shaded spots, and both were taken. We headed over to Pilot and we were pleasantly surprised. Yes, there is a big open area with little privacy if it is crowded."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Nye, MT

42 Photos of 25 Nye Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Nye, MT

38 Reviews of 25 Nye Campgrounds

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2019

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Perfect spot outside Yellowstone

    We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect. A nice pull off with several options to park a van, tent, or small trailer or RV. We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley. Wish we could have seen the surrounding area in the daylight but we got in late and were out early. From what we saw we highly recommend it!! It is dispersed Forest Service camping so you will need to have all of your own supplies and be sure to leave no trace (including your poop)

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2019

    2S1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park

    Ranger review Morsel Spork XL at Yellowstone Backcountry site 2S1

    Camp among wide meadows, lush forests, towering peaks and wildlife

    Yellowstone National Park's back-country site 2S1 is definitely the most amazing back-country site our Venturing Crew has backpacked to this summer, and we have been to quiet a few. Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning. It is a 4.3 mile hike along the Slough Creek Trail to the spur trail for site 2S1, then a.6 mile hike to the campsite. Being.6 miles from the trail would usually mean solitude, but this site appears to be a popular fishing location as well as their was always someone fishing in the area. But don't worry, the campsite is fairly hidden from the creek and those fishing were very considerate. The campsite has numerous flat locations to pitch a tent. Their is a pole suspended between two trees for handing your food, but you don't need to use it as a bear proof locker has been placed at the site. A rock fire ring is available for fires and has large logs on two sides to sit on. Plenty of firewood is available in the form of large trees that are scattered on the ground through out the area, just find one of the older ones that are rotting and pull them apart and in a few minutes you have a nice pile of wood that will start easy. You don't need much wood at any one time on the fire to have a nice hot fire as this dry rotted wood really burns hot. If you are planning on having a fire be sure to bring a container to bring water from the creek to put it out with, as you are at least 50 yards from the creek. The view is amazing from camp, a wondering creek going though a wide valley with steep mountains on each side. In the evening we were treated to the alpine glow on the mountain tops for a good 15 minutes. Do you want to see wildlife, well we say plenty on this backpack trip. Hundreds of bison on the drive to the trail head, watched a black bear munching on various vegetation 100 feet from the trail, a young fox walked right by us on the trail, squirrels, chipmunks, a badger, sandhill cranes and other song birds as well. To get to back-country site 2S1 start at Slough Creek Trail head(2K5) and hike the 4.3 miles to the spur trail to the campsite. You will have one hard climb right of the bat, the first.7 miles is a steep climb, after that it is a easy hike. A warning, don't be shocked when you see lots of tourist heading out on the trail completely unprepared. We are talking about hiking in flip flops, no water, no bear spray, and this on a steep trail to start where we spotted the bear along the trail edge.8 miles in.

    Ranger review of the Morsel Spork XL

    We have been using the Morsel XL spork with out Scouts on several backpacking trips this summer and the unanimous opinion is a big thumbs up. We have used our Morsels with MRE's, and they truly out perform compared to the plastic spoon those meals provide. With backpacking dehydrated meals we are able to get out every little bit out of the corners of the bag without getting our hands messy. Bowls, cups, and plates, no problem getting to all the food, which makes clean-up after a meal easier. The variety of colors is helpful as well, as we can give each scout a different color so no one confuses their Morsel with anyone else, and we can quickly figure out who dropped theirs or left it laying around. The Morsel Spork XL is now our go to utensil for our backpacking adventures.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    An oasis from the hustle and bustle of Yellowstone, with all the wilderness

    We arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks.

    Instead of camping somewhere in the park, we decided to drive through Gallatin National Forest, to the north of the park, until we found a good place to camp. We found a perfect overlook where we pitched our tent and watched the most gorgeous sunset. The best part? No people around for miles and miles.

    Dispersed camping in the U.S. Forest Service land is almost always a win: the sites are free and remote; there are usually plenty of available spots; and you get a very unique camping experience. Just remember to look up regulations for the specific area you’re looking at, and don’t forget the toilet paper!

    In Yellowstone, we worked our way from north to south, hitting the highlights. Many of the hiking trails were closed due to bear activity, so we stuck mostly to the close sights: driving through Lamar Valley, viewing Old Faithful & many other geysers, seeing Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and spotting wildlife everywhere we went.

    You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Yellowstone)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Eagle Creek Road/ NF-3243

    Just passed the Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs. These are mostly little pull offs along the side of the road with great views into Yellowstone/Mammoth Hot Springs. There are more than a dozen good spots, but it also seems popular as I saw at least 10 occupied sites on a Monday evening. No cellphone service. No amenities, just the view and personal space. My Honda fit made it up the road no problem.

  • Chad K.
    Mar. 9, 2021

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Best free camping anywhere!!

    This was hands-down one of the best campsite areas I ever found. National forest so it was open and free to whoever. Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder. Most turnoffs have places for three or four different groups to camp. Some with bear boxes and some without. Most are only a rocks throw from water. Crazy creek is a waterfall area across from crazy Creek Campground. Very worth the short hike. Yellowstone is only 10 or 15 miles to the west and the town of Cook City is there if you need any basic supplies.

  • Corda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Check the weather

    We had our itinerary set to stay at this site and then the weather turned terrible and it started snowing. We only had a tent with us and the wind was whipping so we had to pack up and head to Red Lodge. I was SOO disappointed because I had been so excited to spend the night here. Unfortunately I couldn’t convince nature to cooperate. We already have plans to buy a camper van and return to this site next year because the view is worth the trip!

  • The W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Idk where everyone else is but it’s not here

    Photos from some other reviews do not match the coordinates. GPS took me 20 minutes out of the way to someone’s private drive. I ended up getting lucky when I turned around and saw a pull off before the sign that said no camping beyond this point. It’s less than half a mile from a sign that says “beware high grizzly activity in area.” I can’t imagine it would be comfortable to camp in a tent here (it’s literally just a pull off) and I wouldn’t want to with that sign either, but it worked for me to car camp for a night. Also, the review that says to turn just after Eagle River Campground makes absolutely no sense. The coordinates to this campsite are far from Eagle River and you absolutely do not make a left. wherever they went sure does look pretty but it’s not here. It works to stop for a night, but I would not come back here unless I was desperate. The road up isn’t bad - it has your typical washboard and a few potholes here and there. I did see an elk on the way up so that was neat. 

  • Makena W.
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    My favorite spot!

    Turn left not right. The road is easy to miss, just a little dirt road off the left side of the road coming out of the NE entrance of Yellowstone 10 minutes passed Cooke city. No service but the bistro in Cooke city will give you WiFi if you eat there and that helped us get our navigation. This is my favorite place by far. The photos will show you why.

  • Aliesha D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

    Simple but the views are amazing

    Not really any established sites from what we found, but it was a great place to stop for the night and very private.

    We stopped on a Thursday and had the area all to ourselves. There are no facilities whatsoever, make sure to pack everything out and stock up on gas and supplies before heading out there!

    The view is gorgeous, the river is lovely and the boat "ramp" makes for great water access.

    There are train tracks nearby, which wasn't necessarily negative for us since we live next to train tracks at home .

Guide to Nye

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Nye, Montana, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and serene environments, this area offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dispersed campers should check out Falls Creek

  • The Falls Creek area is ideal for tent camping, featuring a peaceful forest setting alongside a gentle creek.
  • This spot allows for campfires and pets, making it a great choice for families and furry friends alike.
  • With no fees or reservations required, you can enjoy a spontaneous getaway in this serene location.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Nye, Montana

  • When visiting Buffalo Jump Camp, be prepared for a primitive experience, as there are no amenities like drinking water or picnic tables.
  • Make sure to bring your own supplies, as this area is known for its peaceful surroundings and lack of commercial facilities.
  • The access is drive-in, making it convenient for those looking to set up camp without a long hike.

Natural attractions for dispersed campers

  • The Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass offers a unique camping experience with scattered sites along scenic trails, perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot moose in this isolated area, enhancing the outdoor experience.
  • The lack of amenities encourages a true back-to-nature experience, ideal for those wanting to disconnect and enjoy the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pilot Creek dispersed camping located near Nye?

Pilot Creek dispersed camping is located in the greater Nye area, providing access to beautiful Montana wilderness. For similar dispersed camping experiences, Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping offers sites approximately 3 miles in on National Forest Road past Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. These sites feature pull-offs along the road with views into Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs. If you're heading toward Yellowstone from Billings, Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping provides several options for vans, tents, and small RVs with river sounds to lull you to sleep.

What amenities are available at Pilot Creek dispersed camping sites?

Pilot Creek and most dispersed camping sites near Nye are primitive with minimal amenities. At Falls Creek, you'll find basic facilities including picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with some sites located next to Boulder River. These tent-only sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. Some dispersed sites like Otter Creek Fishing Access offer spots right next to the river and open areas in adjacent fields. Remember that most dispersed sites follow pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles, so bring your own water, pack out trash, and be prepared for no restroom facilities.

When is the best season for dispersed camping near Nye and Pilot Creek?

The prime season for dispersed camping around Nye and Pilot Creek is late spring through early fall (May through September). Snowbank Trailhead offers flat terrain with access to hiking trails and is a good indicator of seasonal accessibility in the region. Some areas like Buffalo Jump Camp may be accessible year-round, weather permitting, but services and water availability are typically limited to the Memorial Day through Labor Day timeframe. Always check road conditions before heading out, as mountain weather can be unpredictable and some forest roads may become impassable after rain or early snow events.

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