Dispersed camping near Big Timber, Montana offers easy access to pristine water features with camping spots situated along the Yellowstone River and nearby reservoirs. The area sits at approximately 4,200 feet elevation and experiences significant seasonal weather variation, with summer temperatures reaching 85°F and winter lows well below freezing. Rustic camping options range from riverside fishing access sites to higher-elevation forest spots that provide natural seclusion.
What to do
Fishing the Yellowstone River: Visit Otter Creek Fishing Access where you can camp within 25 feet of the river. One camper notes "There aren't many trees but there are many open places to camp alongside the river... you can fall asleep to the sounds of the river rushing by."
Boating and water access: Cliff Swallow provides river access about 7 miles west of Absarokee. A visitor mentions, "Some algae near the shore of river but waded out deeper for refreshing dip," making it a good spot for cooling off on hot summer days.
Stargazing and night sky viewing: The open areas at Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping provide excellent night sky viewing. A camper reports, "Stars at night amazing. All kinds of waterfowl passing seasonal," highlighting the dual appeal of wildlife watching and astronomy.
Hiking nearby trails: South Fork Brackett Creek offers access to mountain trails. One reviewer mentioned, "Awesome view of the Northern Lights too!" showing the area's potential for both daytime hiking and nighttime sky watching when conditions permit.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: At Olson Creek Dispersed, campers appreciate the relative isolation. One visitor shared: "Spent 3 nights here and aside from a few cars, main traffic coming through was a few dirt bikes and dune buggies and a few folks on bikes."
River sounds for sleeping: Many campers at Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp enjoy falling asleep to water sounds. As one camper described: "Lovely view and can hear the river from the spot."
Mountain views: Rustic camping sites near Big Timber typically offer mountain vistas. A camper at Cottonwood Reservoir mentioned it "provides OK view to the mountains," while another called it "a beautiful space with stunning views."
Wildlife observation: The undeveloped nature of these sites supports wildlife viewing. At Olson Creek, one camper advised: "Wildlife did start getting a bit too close by day 4, so make some noise every so often," indicating the authentic wilderness experience available.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several riverside camping areas experience regular train disturbances. At Pig Farm Fishing Access, one camper reported: "Beautiful spot by the Yellowstone River. Train whistles woke us up four times."
Road quality varies significantly: Falls Creek Campground requires careful driving. A visitor noted: "Part of the road getting here is rough but doable if you drive slowly. The drive here itself is worth it. It's quite extraordinary."
Limited facilities: Most areas have no amenities. At Bratten fishing access, one camper reported: "You can pay cash by filling out the envelope and dropping it in the Dropbox. Since we did not have a conservation fishing or hunting license, we paid $18."
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Always check current fire rules before camping. In Buffalo Jump Camp, a camper mentioned existing fire pits with "currently no fire ban here," but this status changes throughout summer and fall.
Camping duration limits: Most fishing access sites limit stays to 7 days. At Otter Creek, a camper noted: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping offers accessible family-friendly spaces. A camper shared: "This is an amazing camp spot that is almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There's an established firing, and there's room for multiple vehicles."
Safety considerations: Keep children away from fast-moving water at fishing access sites. One Pig Farm Fishing Access camper noted: "There's a spot down by the water... We took a spot just above before you drive down to the water. I wasn't sure if I could turn around my 20' travel trailer down by the water."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly near Big Timber. A South Fork Brackett Creek camper reported: "It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke," highlighting the need for warm gear even in shoulder seasons.
Food storage: Bear activity requires proper precautions. At Falls Creek, a visitor mentioned seeing "a group of tribal members camping in a tipi," demonstrating the traditional awareness of living safely in bear country.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most dispersed areas near Big Timber have limitations for larger vehicles. At Buffalo Jump Camp, a reviewer stated: "There are only 2 spots for camping here. It's a nice spot with river access, but close to road and no room for big rig."
Leveling challenges: Finding flat spots can be difficult. At Pig Farm Fishing Access, a camper mentioned: "I found it easy enough to find a level spot where I could leave my little camper connected to the TV."
Road condition warnings: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many access roads. For Cottonwood Reservoir, one RVer warned: "A few sites, close to Hwy 89 through a Texas gate... a little bit a rough road 4x4 and higher clearance recommended. Better not enter with big rigs or trailer."
Turning radius limitations: Many fishing access sites have limited maneuvering space. A camper at Pig Farm noted: "The road is a bit rough, not well maintained but I'm sure you could drive a big rig in here just take it slow."
