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Looking for the best Montana dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Montana

The Best Dispersed Camping in Montana

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Bitterroot National Forest? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Bitterroot National Forest

The Best Dispersed Camping Near Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Sula Country Store and Resort

Anglers Roost Campground

5 developed campsites and numerous undeveloped sites on the Wild and Scenic Salmon River, upstream from its confluence with the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork. The area is easy to explore-- it's webbed with dirt roads, jeep trails, and single track trails. Fishing in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead and whitefish. Put-in for a 10 mile run with Class III rapids at the popular day use area. Take-out at Cove Creek.

Spring Creek Campground

## Overview

McCart Lookout is a historic tower located on McCart Peak, east of Sula. It has been restored to reflect a lookout of the 1940s, including the stove, furniture, dishes and other small touches. It offers a unique chance for visitors to camp on a mountain peak, on the border of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, in a rustic, old-time setting. The tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding western Montana wilderness. 

## Recreation

The trail to reach the tower continues south and joins the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which extends 3,100 miles across the United States, from the borders of Mexico to Canada. While it might take about six months to complete, a variety of day hikes and points of exploration are available within the area of the lookout tower. Trails can be enjoyed on foot or on horseback. Backpackers also enjoy the terrain. Aside from hiking and horseback riding, the area is replete with wildlife and offers scenic views. A lookout journal is kept inside, providing instructions of what to do in case of emergency or a storm. Danger from lightning is largely abated due to a lightning rod implanted at the structure.

## Facilities

McCart Lookout is a historic "L4" lookout located on Mccart Peak east of the Bitterroot Valley. The lookout is a one room cabin with a bed platform suitable for two people. Bedding is not provided. The lookout can accommodate up to four. Others are welcome to tent camp in the area. The lookout measures 14ft.X14ft. with a 30 inch catwalk around the outside. There is a wood stove for heat. You may have to saw your own wood from dead and down material found nearby. A bow saw and ax are provided. A two burner propane camp stove and lanterns are provided. Propane is not provided, you will need to **bring your own propane canisters**. Utensils for cooking and eating are provided. There is no water available near the lookout so please **bring your own water**. An outdoor toilet serves the lookout. You will need to **provide your own toilet paper**. There is a small corral for two or three head of stock.

  
The lookout is built on a 10 foot tall tower, with narrow steps and catwalk. This may pose a hazard for children and pets. Guests are responsible for their own safety.  


Remember, guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as propane fuel canisters for cooking and lighting. **Guests are also responsible for their own bedding, towels, soap, toilet paper and garbage bags**. The facility does not provide trash receptacles; all garbage must be carried out, and the tower must be cleaned by guests prior to leaving. Do not leave anything you bring, even if you think it will benefit other renters   
  
The tower is accessed by a moderate, 1.5-mile hike from the parking area. Snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles are not allowed on the trail, however, horses and other livestock are welcome. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Natural Features

The tower is situated east of the Bitterroot Valley, at an elevation of 7,115 feet. It was named for William McCart, who settled the area but failed to complete his homestead entry to patent. It is poised on the edge of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and offers beautiful views of the Pintler Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Mountains to the west.   
  
The Bitterroot forest is home to many species of wildlife, from mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, mountain lions, and moose, to many varieties of smaller animals and birds. 

## Nearby Attractions

A variety of natural hot springs exist in the area, including the the Lost Trail Hot Springs, which is located about 13 miles northwest of the tower. It provides swimming and additional amenities, including a general store and lodging.

Mccart Lookout

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd737682.pdf

There are many opportunities for dispersed camping on the Bitterroot National Forest. The general
guidance is as follows:
• Our Forest stay limit is 16 days. After 16 days you must move 5 miles away from your camp site,
as the crow flies
• Camp in an already used site, do not create a new site
o For fire rings (rocks usually), use existing rings before making a new one. Scatter once
done and leaving.
o Do not burn trash or other items in fire rings to avoid pollution and to not attract animals.
o Collect dead and down wood for firewood.
o Ensure your campfire is OUT before you leave
• Camp 100 feet away from water
• Do not rinse and wash dishes/etc. out of the creek or river. Do it on land.
• There is a not a set distance for how far you need to be off a trail, but keep in mind other people
are hiking and want to enjoy the area as well, so the further away from the trail the better.
• Practice Leave No Trace Principles
o Plan ahead and prepare
o Travel and camp on durable surfaces
o Dispose of waste properly
o Leave what you find
o Minimize campfire impacts
o Respect wildlife
o Be considerate of other visitors
o For more information on LNT, visit: https://lnt.org/
• Do not damage live trees (nails, carving, etc.)
• Motorized access to dispersed camping is allowed within 300 feet of most roads.
• Know where you are and ensure you are on public lands. Make sure you have an updated map
or app on your phone.
• Be bear aware and store your food properly.

Lost Horse Dispersed Campground 

This campground is located off highway 43 located on a relatively flat ground supporting a dense stand of pole-sized lodgepole pine.

May Creek

Ladder Dispersed Site

River's Fork Lodge & RV Park

## Overview

Powell Campground provides direct access to the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, one of Idaho's most scenic waterways. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness lies on the opposite side of the river. The campground is within walking distance of a small general store, fuel, lodging and a restaurant. The Powell Ranger Station is nearby as well, but all visitor services have moved to Lolo Pass Visitor Center.

## Recreation

The Lochsa River provides visitors with opportunities for fishing and other water-related recreation. Cutthroat and rainbow trout, Chinook salmon and steelhead swim in the clear waters. The Lochsa is world-famous for its exciting whitewater rafting opportunities. A permit is not necessary to float the river, but technical expertise is a must.   
  
A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are available in the wilderness area. The 1.5-mile Powell Complex Trail begins near the campground and leads west through cool, shady cedar and larch trees, making for a relaxing day trip. Hunting is also a popular activity in the rugged and primitive landscape.   
  
Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, winds along the narrow river canyon through evergreen trees and past large rock outcroppings. Visitors enjoy the scenic drive and historic sites along the way.

## Facilities

The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Some sites offer electrical hookups (50 amps) and parking surfaces are paved throughout the campground. Additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided throughout the campground. An accessible flush toilet is adjacent to the day use area. Firewood is not provided and it is often not available.

## Natural Features

Lochsa is a Nez Perce word meaning "rough water." The 70-mile river and its tributaries have no dams and the flow is unregulated from its headwaters near the Powell Ranger Station in the Bitterroots, to Lowell, where it joins the Selway River to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. The Lochsa is one of the world's best for continuous whitewater.   
  
The campground is situated in a dense forest in north-central Idaho at an elevation of 3,400 feet. It is across the river from the border of the 1.5-million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Famed explorers Lewis and Clark passed through on their way to the Pacific Ocean in September of 1805.   
  
Elk, deer, moose, bear, cougar and mountain goats make the steep canyon country their home. 

## Nearby Attractions

A variety of services are available in the rustic resort area near the campground including a general store, lodging, food and fuel. Fishing licenses are also available for purchase.   
  
The nearest free dump station is 40 miles west on Highway 12, at the Wilderness Gateway Campground.

Powell Campground

25 Mile Bar Campground

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The Best Campgrounds in Billings, MT | MT Camping

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The Best Camping in Missoula, MT | MT Camping

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Great Falls

The Best Camping Near Great Falls, Montana

In beautiful Montana, Bozeman is less than 100 miles from Yellowstone but stands alone as a destination for all to visit. With plenty of national forests surrounding it, Bozeman is one of the best outdoor cities to visit.

The best camping near Bozeman is located just 30 minutes away near Livingston, MT in the Absaroka Beartooth wilderness area. This USFS land has ample free campsites and is in the backyard of Yellowstone National Park. Of course, Yellowstone itself is one of the best places for hiking and camping. However, if you plan to visit the park, you’ll likely want to stay in one of the park’s campgrounds, not Bozeman. Bozeman, on its own, has much to offer with an abundance of places to park an RV or set up a tent. Bozeman is a can't-miss stop if you’re going to or from Yellowstone.

Bozeman

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bozeman, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bozeman, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping in Bozeman, MT | Montana Campgrounds

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Butte-Silver Bow

The Best Camping Near Butte-Silver Bow, Montana

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Helena

The Best Camping in Helena, MT | Montana Campgrounds

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Kalispell

The Best Camping Near Kalispell, Montana

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Anaconda

The Best Camping Near Anaconda, Montana

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Havre

The Best Camping Near Havre, Montana

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The Best Camping Near Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

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Glacier National Park

The Best Camping Near Glacier National Park, Montana

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Flathead National Forest

The Best Camping Near Flathead National Forest, Montana

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The Best Camping Near Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

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Gallatin National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gallatin National Forest, Montana

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Helena National Forest

The Best Camping Near Helena National Forest, Montana

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Kootenai National Forest

The Best Camping Near Kootenai National Forest, Montana

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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

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Lolo National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lolo National Forest, Montana

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THE BEST Dispersed CAMPING NEARBitterroot National Forest, Montana

About Bitterroot National Forest Dispersed Camping

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