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Best Dispersed Camping near Belgrade, MT

54 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas near Belgrade, Montana offer primitive, free options on public lands within 20-30 minutes of town. South Fork Brackett Creek provides mountain views with established fire rings at most sites. Olson Creek features small pullouts directly off forest roads with limited privacy but excellent solitude. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed sites are accessible via Forest Service Road 1046, approximately 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman. Several campers noted that South Fork Brackett Creek has "gorgeous mountain views that turn pink and purple at sunrise."

These dispersed sites are truly primitive with no amenities. No drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups are available at any location. Visitors must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; most sites have existing fire rings, but fire bans may be implemented during dry periods. According to reviews, wildlife encounters are possible, with black bears reported in the South Fork Brackett Creek area. Proper food storage is essential.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. High clearance vehicles are recommended for most areas, with 4WD necessary after rain or snow. Olson Creek Road becomes increasingly rough beyond the initial pullouts, with one visitor reporting "a single-lane cobblestone road where I was bouncing up and down the whole way." Hyalite Canyon offers more accessible options with some sites suitable for small trailers on the main road, though side roads may require backing out if conditions deteriorate. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Summer weekends see increased traffic, particularly at sites closest to town.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Belgrade, Montana (17)

    1. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

    12 Reviews
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "Definitely busier than I expected, especially with the condition of the road; we had multiple cars coming down the road we were on and then they would turn around and come back but it wasn’t obnoxious."

    "Dispersed camping all along a pass through the canyon. Very remote and private. I drove up the mountain a ways and found a perfect spot to set up ."

    2. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs)."

    "Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites."

    3. Olson Creek Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    15 miles
    Website

    "There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently"

    "It mentions private property but I think that’s the areas off the road. A few trucks with Mtn. bikes drove past at dusk but after that it was peaceful and a nice solitary overnight spot."

    4. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    14 miles

    "There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."

    "This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles."

    5. Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    17 miles

    6. Battle Ridge Dispersed

    1 Review
    Wilsall, MT
    16 miles

    7. Copper City BLM

    4 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."

    "No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."

    8. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Emigrant, MT
    25 miles

    "We had to park in a tiny road and walk about 5 min to our campsite. Super comfy and quiet tho for a getaway night ! The spot only had 3-4 sites tho"

    9. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Wilsall, MT
    29 miles

    "No fire rings a little bit a rough road 4x4 and higher clearance recommended. Better no enter with big rigs or trailer. But a beautiful place to spend time."

    "Rough road to get to the water, then beautiful views. 11 mph winds tonight but supposed to die down."

    10. Blackmore Campground

    1 Review
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    26 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Belgrade, MT

39 Photos of 17 Belgrade Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Belgrade, MT

54 Reviews of 17 Belgrade Campgrounds

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    Really a 4.5 star spot

    Beautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.

  • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2024

    Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Cottonwood reservoir wilsall montana

    Cottonwood Reseravoir DNRC land section.  accessible for overnight camping under DNRC rules.  The reservoir has Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers.  No wifi, no trash, no bathrooms. Completely wild. Stars at night amazing. All kinds of waterfowl passing seasonal. No amenities.

  • Kimberly L.
    Aug. 2, 2022

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Gorgeous mountain views

    I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs). The mountains were pink and purple at sunrise, awesome views! I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there. It's about 20-30 minutes outside of Bozeman, MT. Happy camping!

  • Erik W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    No trespassing signs everywhere

    Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    On the road to Fairy Lake

    There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here. I went all the way to the dispersed campsite above Fairy Lake. I felt it was adequate but the 2 remaining sites were full sun and the trailhead right below the CG was packed (approx. 30 vehicles)

  • Jenny&Tobias P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Overnight at a lake with mountain view

    A few sites, close toe Hyw 89 through a Texas gate. We camped for a night and it's a beautiful space with stunning views and a reservoir right at the spots. No fire rings a little bit a rough road 4x4 and higher clearance recommended. Better no enter with big rigs or trailer. But a beautiful place to spend time.

  • Erik B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    Nice Jeep trail with a few pull outs and good views

    I drove a few miles up the road and found a pull out area on one of the switchbacks. It mentions private property but I think that’s the areas off the road. A few trucks with Mtn. bikes drove past at dusk but after that it was peaceful and a nice solitary overnight spot.

  • Renee G.
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Classic blm camping

    Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands. Also, note that this place seems common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those. Also also, this place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)

Guide to Belgrade

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Belgrade, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Belgrade, Montana

Dispersed campers should check out Copper City BLM

  • This area offers vast open spaces and beautiful views, making it a favorite among those who enjoy solitude while camping. Check out Copper City BLM for a classic BLM camping experience.
  • The site is popular with mountain bikers, so expect to see some trail activity while enjoying your stay at Copper City BLM.
  • With no amenities available, it's essential to come prepared with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including firewood and water.

Hiking and outdoor activities while free camping near Belgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Belgrade, Montana?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Belgrade. Copper City BLM offers plenty of open space with beautiful views and is accessible by driving past the Copper City Trail Head entrance onto BLM lands. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping provides multiple sites, including a meadow about 4 miles from the highway with at least three dispersed spots that offer shade and privacy. Other options include South Fork Brackett Creek, Battle Ridge Dispersed, and Cottonwood Reservoir. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early during peak season is recommended. Look for established pull-offs and cleared areas to minimize environmental impact.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Belgrade?

When dispersed camping near Belgrade, you must follow standard regulations: camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and properly store food to prevent wildlife encounters. At South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, proper food storage is especially important as bears have been spotted in the area. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping operates under DNRC land rules, which typically limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Most areas prohibit creating new campsites or driving off established roads. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so check with local forest service offices before your trip. Pack out all trash as no disposal services are available.

Are there any amenities at dispersed camping sites near Belgrade?

Dispersed camping sites near Belgrade are generally primitive with minimal to no amenities. Olson Creek Dispersed offers natural beauty with views and birdsongs but lacks facilities. It's close to I-94 but provides solitude and nature experiences. Snowbank Trailhead is one of the few dispersed sites with a pit toilet and provides flat parking with access to Wicked Creek trails. Most other areas, including Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp and Battle Ridge Dispersed, have no facilities whatsoever. Bring your own water, waste disposal systems, and all supplies needed for your stay. Cell service is limited in most areas, so plan accordingly for communication needs.

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