Best Dispersed Camping near Bozeman, MT
Dirt roads leading into the mountains near Bozeman give you access to numerous dispersed camping spots on public land. The Gallatin National Forest surrounding Bozeman has many free camping areas, though you'll need to bring everything you need since there are no facilities. Most spots sit at least 100 feet from streams and 200 feet from main forest roads, as required by regulations. The 14-day stay limit applies throughout the forest, so you'll need to move after two weeks. Many roads become rough after rain or snow, making a vehicle with decent clearance helpful for reaching the better spots. Pack out all your trash and bring your own water, as even seemingly clean mountain streams can contain harmful bacteria. Fire bans frequently go into effect during summer months, so bring a camp stove as backup. The Hyalite Canyon area south of town has some good options but fills quickly on weekends. Spring and fall camping tends to be less crowded and more comfortable temperature-wise than summer. Winter brings heavy snow that blocks most forest roads, limiting dispersed options to areas you can reach by snowmobile or on snowshoes.
