Searching for the best camping near Big Timber, MT? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Big Timber, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Big Timber and user-submitted reviews.
"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"
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
GuideBeautiful 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.
GuideCottonwood 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.
TravelerI 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!
ScoutNot 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
GuideThere 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)
GuideA 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.
GuideI 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.
GuideRough road to get to the water, then beautiful views. 11 mph winds tonight but supposed to die down.
TravelerNot 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 .
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.
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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