Primitive camping near Boulder, Montana offers accessible dispersed sites throughout National Forest and BLM land, where elevations range from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. Most sites become accessible between May and October, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during daytime and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Winter camping requires specialized equipment as temperatures regularly drop below freezing with significant snowfall accumulation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3, campers can enjoy easy stream access. As one visitor noted, "Easy access to the creek for fishing. great little fire pit," making it ideal for anglers seeking small stream fishing within steps of their campsite.
Wildlife watching: The dispersed camping areas around Boulder provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Confederate Disperse Camping Area, one camper encountered "some of the cutest cows on the way in. It took me over half an hour to locate the owner and get a calf's head unstuck." While livestock is common, campers should also watch for deer, elk and various bird species.
Hiking trails: Multiple primitive camping sites serve as gateways to hiking opportunities. Near Scott Reservoir Dispersed, a camper reported, "Came up here in a whim one night and got lucky! No one else camped up there so it was peaceful. You're right by the water with. Great mountain view, couldn't ask for more." The reservoir itself offers shoreline hiking with mountain backdrops.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary: Many backcountry sites near Boulder offer seclusion during weekdays. At Scott Reservoir Dispersed, one camper shared, "Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir. Ran into one local taking pictures but left soon after. About 4-5 rock fire rings fairly close together. I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night."
Natural fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature established rock fire rings. A camper at Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite noted, "Great little fire pit," while another at Scott Reservoir mentioned "About four or five fire rings in the immediate area." These existing fire rings help minimize impact and provide designated areas for campfires when permitted.
Waterfront options: Many primitive camping sites near Boulder offer water access. At Homestake Lake Camp, one visitor appreciated "Convenient camping in nature" with "access to a couple lakes." Another camper at Confederate Disperse Camping Area enjoyed being "right next to the beach. Great views and right down from a pit toilet."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many primitive sites require navigating forest roads of varying quality. At Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314, a camper advised, "Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others."
Cellular connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier. At Homestake Lake Camp, a camper reported, "I got 3-4 bars LTE of Verizon here!" while at Homestake Pass Dispersed, another noted, "No AT&T service." This variability makes offline navigation tools important for backcountry camping.
Site security concerns: Some areas experience varied levels of security. At Homestake Pass Dispersed, one camper shared, "It is easy to get to and very nice views. We did have a creepy experience. Three trucks drove by our spot and parked just staring at us and would leave. They did this 3 times before we decided to pack up and go elsewhere."
Tips for camping with families
Look for spots with water access: Sites near water features can provide natural entertainment for children. At Confederate Disperse Camping Area, a visitor noted, "Canyon Ferry has great dispersed camping all around it. The specific site we stayed at was right next to the beach. Great views and right down from a pit toilet."
Consider insect activity: Summer brings varying levels of insect activity. At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, a camper mentioned it was "a pretty spot on the river with quite a few sites and a day use area," while at another location, a visitor cautioned, "the horseflies were a bit out of control this time of the year."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations create significant day-to-night temperature variations. A camper at Scott Reservoir shared, "There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered," highlighting how mountain sites can get chilly and quiet after sunset, requiring proper clothing layers for families.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle access limitations: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger rigs. At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3, one camper cautioned, "I will say if you have a long trailer it is a difficult spot to get into as you have to back your trailer down it and then when you're done, you have to back your trailer back up into a brush area in order to get back on the road. Not recommended if your trailer skills are minimal."
Know your rig's limitations: At Homestake Pass Dispersed, a camper shared, "This place is just a few minutes from the freeway on a relatively good dirt road. There is a big open space that you come to first, which can accommodate a number of RV's. We drove farther up the road and found a more secluded place."
Generator etiquette: In popular dispersed areas, generator use can create tensions. At Confederate Disperse Camping Area, one visitor observed, "Loose dogs were running all over and generators were running all night," indicating that weekend crowds can impact the primitive camping experience for those seeking quiet.
