Best Dispersed Camping near Bonner, MT
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bonner, MT (17)
1. Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
Lolo, Montana4 Reviews•9 Photos•122 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
2. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Alberton, Montana7 Reviews•26 Photos•168 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
Drummond, Montana7 Reviews•28 Photos•61 SavesOne thousand people called Garnet home in the 1890s as they scoured the mountains for gold. Largely abandoned 20 years later when the gold ran out, today the town is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the struggles of those early miners and homesteaders. The visitor center has information about 19th century life here. Two rental cabins are available December through April; arrangements need to be made in advance by calling the Missoula Field Office BLM. Depending on weather, the visitor center is open daily from late May through September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
Clinton, Montana3 Reviews•8 Photos•71 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.
- Pets
- Dispersed
5. Boulder Lake Backcountry Site
Arlee, Montana1 Review•13 SavesThis trail winds through a variety of environments including an area burned from a wildfire 2003, forested areas, a creek, open ground, and alpine forest. The trail leads up to Boulder Point at 7100 feet which overlooks Boulder Lake.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Peterson Lake Dispersed
Florence, Montana1 Review•22 SavesIf you are looking for a great backpacking adventure you've come to the right place. The Bitterroot National Forest offers something for everyone, whether that be an out and back overnight trip or a multiple day excursion.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Lake Elsina - Dispersed
Seeley Lake, Montana1 Review•7 Photos•91 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Bass Lake Dispersed Camping
Florence, Montana1 Review•21 SavesIf you are looking for a great backpacking adventure you've come to the right place. The Bitterroot National Forest offers something for everyone, whether that be an out and back overnight trip or a multiple day excursion.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Bonner
34 Reviews of 17 Bonner Campgrounds
- J
Jordan G.
Traveler
Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Was a great spot
It was a good spot despite that I was in the middle of a windstorm. The only part that genuinely made me concern and what docked points was the fact that I had multiple people throughout the night, pulling up to the spot and like walking around my truck
- RRobert T.
ScoutPetty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Great spot (1 night stay)
Loved this spot. Toyota Tundra pulling a 14' trailer. We were able to back into site (flat !) and do a 180° turn ok to exit. We stayed one night 9/23/24 and had the place to ourselves. Nice rock fire pits.
Ben H.
Guide
Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
Dusty dirt road
This area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down. On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs. Four wheel drive does not seem to be a requirement. I ended up camping at a turnoff and walked a bit off the road to set up my hammock. The road was not very busy I did hear an occasional car pass by. Good views and decently private. I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty
Curt D.Scout
Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
There is no camping here
Just a ghost town no camping
- WWessel D.Scout
Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Perfect for one night stop
Great quiet spot next to the road. Not much traffic, we slept great in our car and felt very safe.
- SSarah S.Traveler
Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Amazing quiet and private spot!
What a great spot! 3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there. Someone else pulled in around 9 but the sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there. Felt very private, and the stars were fantastic! Creek bed runs right next to the back site, but it was completely dried up in late July.
Lauren M.
RangerPetty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Small but good stop
Right off the road and easy to get to. I only saw 2 spots and the other was occupied. Both had fire rings but we were in a fire restriction. I got the site closest to the road and it was not so bad, I was camping in my car anyway. The spot seemed pretty level. The trees were gorgeous. Not bad for a free spot.
Liz P.Scout
Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
Not a camping spot.
This spot is not a camping spot. Day use only.
Joshua C.Guide
Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park
Big Spot adjacent to the road, Good if in a pinch
Sign says camping permitted to 14 days in a 30 day period. Adjacent to dirt road with a few trees in between. Not the most private but a good option if you need a place for the night if the nearby campsite is full. No amenities. T-mobile cell service is good here.
River access just at the entry of the turn in. Could easily pull a big rig in but may have a hard time turning it around as there is not a pull through. There is a concrete slab that is level and about 12'x25' in size which could be good for a trailer or van without having to do much for leveling. Many vehicles/tents could fit here in the dirt area but would likely be comfortable for a single group rather than multiple camp groups.
- Joshua C.Guide
Big Pine Campground
Great camp spot, limited space
Maybe 6-7 spots for cars/trucks/vans. We fit our 170 sprinter no problem and would work for half the sites. Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in.
Sites looked clean and was very quiet while we were here for a Sunday night.
T-mobile 5G UC signal from campgrounds. Day use area has wide open sky to recharge if needed. Camp spots are shaded by trees. River access is along camp spots and also near day use area. No trails from campsite so pretty limited in exploration options, just more a beautiful place to stop for a night or 2.
- ssophia M.Traveler
Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
beautiful spot by the creek
super easy to get to! just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two. not totally isolated, the site is not too far from the road but not the interstate, so there is a bit of noise but not frequently. service is spotty, verizon and at&t had only 1 bar. found some random bones, saw some deer, and lots of bugs. small area with a few places to park, thankfully nobody was there when we were but could be fun for a group!
Terri F.ScoutPlacid Creek Pull Off
Primative but usable
Open. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces. More if you were cozy. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles
Andy C.ScoutLower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Closed - but new options available
The dispersed campground near the start of Johnsrud Rd (Mile Marker 28 on Hwy 200) has been removed. However, 2 new campgrounds have been added, and the entire road is now paved making RV accessibility much easier.
The three campgrounds are as follows:
Thibodeau Campground- 5 mi in
Corrick River Bend - 11 mi in
Ninemile Prarie- 13 mi. in
Danielle B.ScoutBlue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
No actual camp spots
The recreation area is nice but there’s not actually anywhere to camp unless you want to camp on the road.
- AAhron B.Guide
Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
dispersed camping
first dispersed camping spot for Lolo from the entry road for this Forest Service land entry. Just cross the bridge, and be careful of high water (signs stating it's impassable 100 yards past the photo of the bridge when high water.) The grey area is public land the white square at the end of the road is private property by the map legend.
maps attached are screenshots from the National Forest Service online map as of Sept. 8th, 2023.
The dots show where dispersed camping is allowed for this spot.
Tee C.
LegendBig Pine Campground
Near river, not far from 90
Conveniently only 4 miles down a well maintained road and positioned next to the river, this campground has vault toilets and bear boxes. It’s very nice!
Heads up for trailers, the coordinates will take you to the official campground which seemed potentially a little snug, but if you take the right toward “Rivulet” at the T at the bottom of the road, there are more campsites!
I had no service here.
- KKellyGuide
Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
Standard
It’s a spot to pull up and sleep for the night
- CCeline K.Ranger
Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
Local fav
Blue Mountain is a great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping is allowed west of road 365. The area can get busy during the day but is quiet at night.
Lizzy K.GuidePetty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Cute spot off the creek road!
Beautiful spot a little ways south down petty creek road, stayed here one night after rock climbing at Alberton. Fire rings and accessible by cat
Leonidas R.ScoutBlue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
An escape from the city
Not the best in terms of views, but worth the drive to get out of the city. You will have the occasional driver coming up and dust you a bit, but if you can get past that, it's a nice area to set up camp. You've got to go in at least 5 miles to camp.
K B.RangerBass Lake Dispersed Camping
Easier mountain lake hike
Around 7 miles one way to the lake, only gain 3000ft over the course of the hike with around 1000ft of elevation gain in last mile. Scenic mountain meadows lots of vegetations, creek nearby for a good portion of the hike.
- K B.Ranger
Peterson Lake Dispersed
Nice mountain lakes
About 5 miles one way to Peterson lake, anither 1 and 2 miles to Duffy and Holloway lakes above Peterson. Nice secluded valley heading into Bitteroot-Selway wilderness. You gain around 1700ft in elevation before dropping down around 800ft into the first lake.
- K B.Ranger
Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry
Amazing Alpine Lake
Nonresident reservation conservation permit required, available at fwp.mt.gov
Accessed by mission falls trailhead, trail is steep and unmaintained after you reach the waterfall. Steep, rugged country with little evidence of people. Amazing fishing, great views. Short hikes to other high mountain lakes. Be wary of Grizzlies in late July/August during moth hatch!!*
- K B.Ranger
Pyramid Lake Backcountry Primitive
Peaceful Alpine Lake
Long climb up the trail over Pyramid Pass to access the lake but its worth it. One of the shortest hikes to get in to a lake in the BobMarshall.
Spotty cell reception on shore of lake. Wonderful views, lots of wildlife (including bears...). - K B.Ranger
Boulder Lake Backcountry Site
Great Backcountry Lake
Awesome lakento hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted. Trail that descends the steep grade down to the lake is not horse friendly, difficult for those who struggle with steep terrain.
Numerous primitive campsites around west shore of lake, old growth grove at base of cliff is fun to explore. Burned remains of Boulder Lookout sits at the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. Awesome views to take in. There was a pair of loons mesting at the lake when we visited a few years ago.
- KKerrieGuide
Lower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Pretty
The river was running pretty fast when we were there. Couldn’t play in the water but it was still beautiful. Saw an eagle. Quiet.
- SSusan S.Scout
Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
This location is not a campsite as it is within the 1/2 mile zone. It is marked with no camping sign
Great ghost town!
Guide to Bonner
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bonner, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed offers breathtaking views and a sense of privacy, making it a great spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- At Peterson Lake Dispersed, you can enjoy a secluded valley that leads into the Bitterroot-Selway wilderness, perfect for those who appreciate serene mountain lakes.
- For a rugged experience, the Boulder Lake Backcountry Site features primitive campsites along the west shore, surrounded by old-growth forests and stunning cliff views.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Bonner
- Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails around Bass Lake Dispersed Camping, which lead to scenic mountain meadows and a nearby creek, making for a picturesque trek.
- Mountain biking is popular at Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo, where you can explore various trails while enjoying the natural beauty of the Lolo National Forest.
- Fishing opportunities abound at Lake Marshall, a favorite among locals for its rugged beauty and the chance to catch some fish in a tranquil setting.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bonner, Montana
- Always check for local regulations, as some areas like Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping have restrictions on camping within certain distances from historical sites.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; places like Placid Creek Pull Off offer basic facilities but no drinking water or trash disposal, so plan accordingly.
- For a more private experience, consider Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, where you can find secluded spots away from the main road, perfect for a peaceful night under the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bonner, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bonner, MT is Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bonner, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Bonner, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.