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Best Dispersed Camping near Big Timber, MT

31 Reviews

Several fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River provide free dispersed camping near Big Timber, Montana. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp offers primitive camping with river access for both tents and RVs, though campers should expect regular train noise throughout the night. Otter Creek Fishing Access limits stays to 7 days and features spots directly alongside the river. Both locations lack amenities but provide boat ramps for water access.

Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate rough roads with large holes. The area offers mountain views but has no facilities or established sites. Falls Creek Campground provides tent-only camping with picnic tables and fire rings adjacent to Boulder River, approximately 25 miles south of Big Timber. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, most dispersed sites in the region are "completely wild" with "no amenities" but offer "stunning views" and excellent stargazing opportunities. Boondocking areas typically enforce seasonal fire restrictions, especially during summer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Big Timber, Montana (14)

    1. Otter Creek Fishing Access

    3 Reviews
    Big Timber, MT
    2 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"

    2. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

    11 Reviews
    Livingston, MT
    21 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."

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

    1 Review
    Greycliff, MT
    17 miles

    4. Falls Creek

    3 Reviews
    Mcleod, MT
    27 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. "

    "Tent camping only  OPEN: All year NO RESERVATIONS 

    FCFS 

    FEES: NONE 

    Trash NO Firewood NO Toilet NO Sites: 8 Pack it in Pack it out Picnic table, fire ring/grill, bear box Water Memorial Day- Labor"

    5. Cliff Swallow

    1 Review
    Fishtail, MT
    27 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."

    6. Buffalo Jump Camp

    2 Reviews
    Nye, MT
    28 miles

    "It’s a nice spot with river access, but close to road and no room for big rig."

    7. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Wilsall, MT
    38 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."

    8. Olson Creek Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    44 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."

    9. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    45 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."

    10. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    49 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."

    "There is sun, shade, a fire ring and 3 other neighboring sites. 2 of those sites aren’t very accessible by car but this site is big enough for multiple vehicles."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Big Timber, MT

37 Photos of 14 Big Timber Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Big Timber, MT

31 Reviews of 14 Big Timber 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.

  • 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 Big Timber

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Big Timber, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets the thrill of adventure. With a variety of spots to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the stunning landscapes and serene environments that this region has to offer.

Scenic Spots for Fishing Enthusiasts

  • The Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp is a beautiful location by the Yellowstone River, perfect for those looking to cast a line while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out [Otter Creek Fishing Access], which offers a peaceful atmosphere ideal for fishing and relaxation.
  • If you're seeking a picturesque setting, the Falls Creek provides a serene creekside environment, making it a great spot for fishing and tent camping.

Activities for Nature Lovers

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails near Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping, where stunning mountain views and wildlife sightings are common.
  • The Cliff Swallow area is perfect for those who enjoy wading in refreshing waters, with easy access to the river for a quick dip after a hike.
  • For a more rugged experience, the Olson Creek Dispersed site offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for wildlife watching and exploring the surrounding nature.

Ideal Locations for Peaceful Retreats

  • The Buffalo Jump Camp is a well-reviewed spot that provides a quiet atmosphere, making it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • For a truly remote experience, consider the [Rosebud to Emerald Lake Runoff], which offers a tranquil setting away from the crowds, ideal for solitude seekers.
  • The Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping site features tree cover and established fire rings, providing a cozy environment for a peaceful night under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Big Timber, Montana?

The Big Timber area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Falls Creek provides tent camping with sites along the Boulder River, each featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. Some sites require a short 100-yard walk from the parking area. For those seeking solitude with mountain views, Olson Creek Dispersed offers beautiful spaces with abundant birdsongs, though sites are small and positioned right off the Forest Road. Additional options include Cottonwood Reservoir for stargazing and wildlife viewing, and various fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River. Most dispersed sites in this region are primitive with no amenities, so come prepared to pack out all trash and bring your own water.

What are the rules for dispersed camping in the Big Timber area?

Dispersed camping in the Big Timber area follows typical public land regulations. At Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping, camping is permitted under DNRC rules with a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. There are no facilities, so campers must manage their own waste properly. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site and surrounding areas require proper food storage due to bear activity - use provided bear boxes when available or secure food in vehicles. Most dispersed sites prohibit staying longer than 14 days in a 30-day period. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, especially during fire danger periods. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip and completely extinguish any campfires. Leave no trace principles apply throughout all dispersed camping areas.

Is there dispersed camping available year-round in Big Timber?

Yes, dispersed camping is available year-round near Big Timber, though accessibility and conditions vary significantly by season. Otter Creek Fishing Access offers year-round camping with spots next to the river and in open fields. It's particularly popular during fishing season when wardens regularly check licenses. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping has multiple sites in a meadow about 4 miles from the highway, but winter access requires snowmobiles or skis as roads aren't plowed. Winter camping demands serious preparation for sub-zero temperatures and potential snow. Spring brings muddy conditions that may make forest roads impassable. Summer and fall offer the most accessible camping with moderate temperatures, though summer weekends can be crowded at popular sites.

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