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Best Dispersed Camping near Bitterroot National Forest

8 Reviews

Multiple free dispersed camping areas exist along creek corridors near Bitterroot National Forest in western Montana. Lost Horse Creek offers several primitive sites approximately 4.6 miles from Highway 93, with the final 2.3 miles on rough forest service road. The area features creek-side camping but experiences heavy traffic, particularly on weekends. Chaffin Creek Road provides alternative dispersed sites on smoother dirt access beyond private property boundaries, with pull-outs located steps from the creek. Both areas contain established fire rings but no services.

Road conditions vary significantly across dispersed sites. Most forest roads feature washboard surfaces with scattered potholes that limit travel speeds to 8-10 mph for larger vehicles. Visitors consistently note mixed experiences with site cleanliness. A review mentioned, "We encountered more trash here than we've ever seen camping before," while others describe finding "full trash bags left behind that were of course then scavenged by wildlife." Pack-in/pack-out principles are essential for maintaining these areas. AT&T coverage exists at higher elevation sites, while Verizon service remains limited to one bar in creek bottoms.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bitterroot National Forest (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bitterroot National Forest

5 Photos of 13 Bitterroot National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bitterroot National Forest

8 Reviews of 13 Bitterroot National Forest Campgrounds

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    4 or 5 dispersed sites along Chaffin Creek road

    Pleasant and next to creek

    Being only a very short distance from the main road, the dirt access road is smooth though it has scattered potholes and is through a country residential area. Once you pass the private properties, you enter into the forest and drive fairly close to a creek. There are numerous pull outs along the road with a few of them only a few steps away from the creek. Verizon is one bar. It is primitive camping at its best, no services but a fabulous place to spend a night or two. The road had more traffic on it than I expected, but there were no problems. The sites were all clean, and a few had fire pits. Just passed the second (actual) cattle guard which is where the private property seems to end, you'll find a cluster of sites that are well isolated - I went beyond that to a very nice pull out as I wanted to be a little further from the private property.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Wilderness camp with a hot springs soak

    If a backpacking trip in to a wilderness area with a hot springs next to your campsite sounds like the perfect trip, then Stanley Hot Springs is for you.  Stanley Hot Springs located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is just under a 5 mile hike from the trail head located in the Wilderness Gateway Campground.  The trip in to the hot springs gains about 1500 feet, but the climb is worth it as you get to soak your tired legs after the hike. 

    Plenty of campsites can be found around and near the Hot Springs.  Water can be filtered from the near by creek.  You are backpacking so be prepared to bring out everything you bring in.  You are also in Bear Territory so be prepared to hang your food in a tree and bring bear spray.

    Getting to the hot springs can be a little tricky as their is no bridge over the creek, so you will have to ford the creek, unless you can find a series of log jams to cross on.  Best bet for finding you way is to ask someone hiking out for suggestions on crossing the creek.

    The creek crossing will not be possible in the spring or during high water flows.   We managed an easy crossing over log jams in July, but others a week earlier forded the creek in waist deep water.

    The area was clean during our visit, so please keep it that way.

  • Opus 15 !.
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    Very busy road

    From the highway 93 turn it is 4.6 miles to where we camped. The last 2.3 miles of the drive was on a fairly rough, but very manageable, forest road. (Mostly washboard and a few holes) It was 11.8 miles from our camp to Darby, and about 13 miles to the Yellowstone Ranch.

    We grabbed a nice big spot right next to Lost Horse Creek late Friday afternoon. Another RV came into the area later in the evening and crowded us a little bit but we still had plenty of room to spread out. The road in is BUSY. We have camped at a number of dispersed locations over the years and this was BY FAR the busiest forest road we have seen. On Friday night we counted 50 cars passing by before we stopped counting. We drove west down the road a ways Saturday and saw a handful of other sites, but not enough to justify the traffic. We found out that “Twin Lakes” is about 20 miles down the rough forest road from our campsite. We didn’t venture that far as we could only go about 8-10 MPH max in our truck on the washboard road. Maybe we should have tried because it seemed to be quite the attraction given the traffic. This place will do in a pinch but if you are looking for a quiet dispersed camping area kept driving. This is not for you!

  • Katrina H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Squaw Creek Road

    Beautiful Spot And Very Remote

    We camped along a lovely creek, we were hyper aware of the fact that we were in bear country but we didn't seeing any traces of them. We didn't have any phone service and were very far away from any civilization, which made us uneasy, but if that's your thing, then this is the perfect place for you! No one traveled the gravel road while we were there.

  • Kelsey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    Pretty spot, but full of trash

    A ton of dispersed sites right near the creek, but poorly taken care of by campers. We encountered more trash here than we’ve ever seen camping before. I mean, full trash bags left behind that were of course then scavenged by wildlife and spread all over. We also found human poop and used toilet paper in multiple spots, even though there IS a toilet provided here! We found tampons too…it was seriously disgusting…and obviously a popular spot for burning pallets because we found handfuls of nails scattered around, so be mindful of your tires!! This area just seems to attract a different kind of camping crowd, one that doesn’t respect the land or keeping it clean and better than you found it. It was pretty unfortunate because it really is a pretty and overall peaceful area.

  • Steve O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2023

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    My go too dispersed area in the bitterroot .

    This is my favorite area for dispersed camping in the area. Lost Horse creek is beautiful. Can get a little tight with campers in peak season.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    Beautiful spot

    Camp is easy to get to. Gravel road for about 2 miles but it's pretty smooth. The view is gorgeous. Trees, mountains, and a nice sized river that cuts through.

    Good size sites and fire pits as well

Guide to Bitterroot National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bitterroot National Forest in Montana, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Dispersed campers should check out Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

  • Nestled near a picturesque creek, Lost Horse Dispersed Campground provides a peaceful setting, although visitors have noted the presence of litter left by previous campers.
  • The access road to this site can be busy, with many vehicles passing by, making it a lively spot for those who enjoy a bit of activity while camping.
  • Despite some cleanliness issues, the natural beauty of the area makes it a favorite among many campers looking for a scenic getaway.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

  • When heading to 4 or 5 dispersed sites along Chaffin Creek road, be prepared for a lack of amenities, as there are no toilets or trash services available.
  • It's essential to bring your own water and supplies, as locations like Roosters Rest Stop Dispersed do not offer drinking water or sanitary facilities.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas clean and enjoyable for future visitors, especially in spots that attract a lot of traffic.

Enjoy fishing and hiking while free camping near Bitterroot National Forest

  • The stunning landscapes around Hughes Creek offer excellent opportunities for fishing and hiking, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Campers at Bobcat Gulch can enjoy the tranquility of the river while also having access to nearby trails for hiking and exploring the wilderness.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite provides a unique opportunity to soak in natural hot springs after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas in Bitterroot National Forest?

Bitterroot National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Lost Horse Dispersed Campground is particularly popular, featuring beautiful sites along a creek with mountain views and good-sized fire pits. The gravel road access is relatively smooth, making it accessible for most vehicles. For those seeking a more remote experience, Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite offers a unique opportunity about 5 miles from the trailhead in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, with natural hot springs adjacent to camping areas. Other notable options include the dispersed sites along Chaffin Creek road and Hughes Creek, both providing peaceful forest settings.

What amenities and facilities are available for dispersed camping in Bitterroot National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Bitterroot National Forest typically offers minimal amenities, focusing on primitive camping experiences. At Bobcat Gulch, you'll find basic designated fire rings and one large accessible pit toilet, with most sites backing up to the river. This location is free and generally quiet. Squaw Creek Road provides camping along a lovely creek but has no facilities - expect true primitive camping with no cell service and significant distance from civilization. Most dispersed areas in the forest follow this pattern: designated fire rings, occasional pit toilets, and no potable water, electricity, or garbage service. Be prepared to pack out all trash and bring your own water or purification methods.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bitterroot National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bitterroot National Forest is FS Road 5634 dispersed with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bitterroot National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Bitterroot National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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