Best Dispersed Camping near Bonner, MT
Dispersed camping areas surround Bonner, Montana with several free options on National Forest and BLM lands. The Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 area permits primitive camping about 5 miles up the forest road, while the Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites and Petty Creek Road offer additional free camping zones. Primitive sites can also be found near Boulder Lake, Peterson Lake, and Rock Creek, though these require hiking or high-clearance vehicle access. Most areas feature no amenities and adhere to standard 14-day stay limits common on public lands. Camping is not permitted within a half-mile of the Garnet Ghost Town.
Access roads to many camping areas have rough, unpaved surfaces that may become challenging during wet weather. The Blue Mountain Forest Road experiences washboard conditions and has potential for flat tires due to sharp rocks. Several dispersed sites require crossing narrow bridges or navigating steep terrain that may be unsuitable for larger vehicles or trailers. A review noted that "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend an RV or trailer unless you don't mind washboards." Most areas lack drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
These primitive camping zones attract visitors seeking seclusion and natural settings. The Boulder Lake area involves a steep hike but rewards with old-growth forest and potential wildlife viewing. "Awesome lake to hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted," stated one visitor. Multiple camping spots along Petty Creek Road receive positive reviews for their quietness. Blue Mountain sites provide decent cell service in some locations, with a camper noting "I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite." Rock Creek areas are praised for fishing access despite difficult entry points, though recent reports indicate some sites marked "day use only" may not permit overnight stays. Garnet Road sites offer mountain views and relative solitude with some established stone fire rings.
