The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Bozeman, MT

119 Reviews

The mountainous terrain surrounding Bozeman, Montana provides extensive dispersed camping opportunities within Custer-Gallatin National Forest and nearby public lands. Hyalite Canyon, located approximately 15 miles south of downtown, offers numerous free dispersed sites along Forest Service Road 1046, with both tent and RV-compatible options. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, situated about 20-30 minutes from Bozeman's outskirts, features established fire rings and mountain views. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping provides higher elevation options with both forested and open sites. Most dispersed areas lack amenities but compensate with scenic vistas, privacy, and proximity to recreational activities.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region's camping areas, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet weather. As one camper noted about South Fork Brackett Creek: "I found a spot off the road about 5 miles up the mountain where 4WD is highly recommended, no big rigs." Weather patterns change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations where snow can occur even in late spring. Many forest service roads become impassable after rainfall, turning dirt into mud. Bear activity is common throughout the area, necessitating proper food storage. Cell service is inconsistent, with coverage generally better at higher elevation sites with clear lines of sight to town. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day stay limits.

Mountain views consistently rank as the top feature in camper reviews, with sites offering panoramic vistas receiving the highest ratings. One visitor to Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping reported: "There is a meadow about 4 miles from the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy." Wildlife sightings, including black bears, elk, and various bird species, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Campers report varying levels of solitude depending on proximity to popular trailheads and season. Summer weekends see significantly higher usage, particularly at easily accessible sites. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations but requires proper equipment and experience with cold-weather conditions.

Map showing campgrounds near Bozeman, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bozeman, Montana (22)

    1. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

    12 Reviews
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "About 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman. There’s more spots available up this FS road and the FS roads off-shooting from it, like FS 3164, so explore your options."

    "Definitely busier than I expected, especially with the condition of the road; we had multiple cars coming down the road we were on and then they would turn around and come back but it wasn’t obnoxious."

    2. Olson Creek Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    13 miles
    Website

    "There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently"

    "It mentions private property but I think that’s the areas off the road. A few trucks with Mtn. bikes drove past at dusk but after that it was peaceful and a nice solitary overnight spot."

    3. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs)."

    "Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites."

    4. Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    9 miles

    5. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    16 miles

    "There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."

    "This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles."

    6. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Emigrant, MT
    17 miles

    "We had to park in a tiny road and walk about 5 min to our campsite. Super comfy and quiet tho for a getaway night ! The spot only had 3-4 sites tho"

    7. Battle Ridge Dispersed

    1 Review
    Wilsall, MT
    17 miles

    8. South Bozeman Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Bozeman, MT
    10 miles

    9. Blackmore Campground

    1 Review
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    20 miles

    10. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    45 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT
    47 miles

    "No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at."

    "Perfect dispersed camping. Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV. Our 20 footer made it fine."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Bozeman Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bozeman, MT

72 Photos of 22 Bozeman Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bozeman, MT

119 Reviews of 22 Bozeman Campgrounds

  • E
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Beautiful view

    Absolutely stunning spot. The mountain views from camp were unreal — especially at sunrise. Super peaceful, with minimal noise. No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at.

  • m
    Jun. 8, 2021

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Perfect dispersed camping

    Perfect dispersed camping. Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV. Our 20 footer made it fine. Also wouldn't want to drive it if rain forecasted as I bet the dirt turns to impassible mud real fast.

    The spots themselves are wonderful, some very open, some tucked away along the rocks, all very spread out from each other. Super quiet. I can't believe how quiet it was.

    If you want to feel like you are camping on a mountain in the middle of no where, this is it.

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    Really a 4.5 star spot

    Beautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.

  • Taylor B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2019

    Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed

    Quick Stop for Sleep

    We parked here overnight for a quick nights rest in the jeep before continuing up to Glacier from Bozeman. Did the job, no amenities, this is definitely just a place to park and sleep in the car, i’m sure you could set up a tent inside the trail but when we went April 2019 there was a moose carcass up the trail and wanted to avoid grizzlies and scavengers lol

  • Kimberly L.
    Aug. 2, 2022

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Gorgeous mountain views

    I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs). The mountains were pink and purple at sunrise, awesome views! I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there. It's about 20-30 minutes outside of Bozeman, MT. Happy camping!

  • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2024

    Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Cottonwood reservoir wilsall montana

    Cottonwood Reseravoir DNRC land section.  accessible for overnight camping under DNRC rules.  The reservoir has Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers.  No wifi, no trash, no bathrooms. Completely wild. Stars at night amazing. All kinds of waterfowl passing seasonal. No amenities.

  • McKenna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Stunning Views, Challenging Drive

    Got into a spot around 6 or 7pm after spending the day at Yellowstone in late May and wow, you can’t beat the views for $0! We took the first spot we saw due to road conditions (we were towing a Uhaul trailer with our Subaru Forester) so we didn’t bother going up further.

    Definitely a bumpy and steep ride for our towing situation but dang the views were insane over Gardiner and the mountains. Only one other camper van in view a ways down. Our spot had pretty bumpy ground so we ended up skipping the tent and just sleeping in the car. Woke up to a serious snowfall in the morning so we got out of there quickly, but we’d definitely stay here again if we weren’t towing.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    An oasis from the hustle and bustle of Yellowstone, with all the wilderness

    We arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks.

    Instead of camping somewhere in the park, we decided to drive through Gallatin National Forest, to the north of the park, until we found a good place to camp. We found a perfect overlook where we pitched our tent and watched the most gorgeous sunset. The best part? No people around for miles and miles.

    Dispersed camping in the U.S. Forest Service land is almost always a win: the sites are free and remote; there are usually plenty of available spots; and you get a very unique camping experience. Just remember to look up regulations for the specific area you’re looking at, and don’t forget the toilet paper!

    In Yellowstone, we worked our way from north to south, hitting the highlights. Many of the hiking trails were closed due to bear activity, so we stuck mostly to the close sights: driving through Lamar Valley, viewing Old Faithful & many other geysers, seeing Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and spotting wildlife everywhere we went.

    You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Yellowstone)

  • M
    Sep. 14, 2020

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Sketchy... Not for Tent Camping

    I'm sorry, I have to be the voice of reason here y'all. Or at least the realistic one.

    If you are sleeping in your car, camper, van, etc, then this could totally work for you. 

    If you are camping alone, using a tent, looking for enough space to camp (cook, sleep, etc), this is most likely not for you.

    The road itself is fine.

    As a young woman traveling alone in a Subaru Outback, sleeping in a tent, this was such a huge hell no for me.

    Some of the pullouts have graffiti with extremely offensive language and a crapload of shotgun shells. I could tell local people use the space as a party ground quite often. I know this all sounds like I have a stick up my butt, but I'm not some conservative person. I am all for foul language and partying in the mountains. This wasn't that. This was sketchy. Maybe that's just because I am traveling alone.

    A few years back I traveled in a converted Toyota Sequoia with a sleeping dock in the back with my partner and this spot would be good for a situation like that, but not my current situation. 

    I do not think there's really any reasonable place up there to set up a tent between the exposure, wind, noise, space, and threat of danger.

    The overlook spot is awesome... its also only about 10 feet of sand on the side of the dirt road with steep drops on all sides. Might be cool for a small van or if you are sleeping in your car. You will still be dealing with noise all night. I saw people going up the road all through the late evening and coming back down.

Guide to Bozeman

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bozeman, Montana, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of stunning locations, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing the tranquility of the wilderness.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Bozeman

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the trails around Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046, where you can immerse yourself in nature and discover the local wildlife.
  • The Copper City BLM area is popular among mountain bikers, offering open spaces and scenic views that are perfect for biking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping, where you can catch Yellowstone cutthroat trout and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

Unique Features for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required for free camping near Bozeman, Montana?

No permit is typically required for dispersed camping in national forest land around Bozeman, but there are important regulations to follow. Olson Creek Dispersed and other Forest Service sites operate under the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping is on DNRC land and follows their specific overnight camping rules. While permits aren't needed, always check for seasonal fire restrictions which may be in effect during summer and fall months. Some areas may require a Montana Recreation Use License if you plan to fish or hunt. Remember that camping is only allowed in established dispersed sites in many areas, and you must always pack out all trash.

What BLM land is available for dispersed camping around Bozeman?

Copper City BLM offers dispersed camping opportunities near Three Forks, just a short drive from Bozeman. This area provides wide-open spaces with minimal development and great stargazing. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone is another option featuring stunning mountain views and peaceful surroundings, though access requires navigating dirt roads unsuitable for larger RVs. BLM land around Bozeman is typically undeveloped with no amenities, requiring visitors to be entirely self-sufficient. Most BLM sites follow the standard 14-day camping limit. Always check current road conditions before heading out, as many access roads can become difficult or impassable during and after rain or snow.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bozeman, MT?

Several excellent free dispersed camping options exist near Bozeman. Falls Creek offers beautiful sites alongside the Boulder River with established fire rings and picnic tables. The sites are either directly accessible from parking or a short 100-yard walk. Custer-Gallatin National Forest provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout its expansive area. Other notable options include South Fork Brackett Creek, Hyalite Canyon, Chestnut Mountain Trailhead, and Olson Creek. Most sites are primitive with no amenities, so come prepared with everything you need and practice Leave No Trace principles. Many areas have vehicle restrictions, so check road conditions before attempting access with larger rigs or during wet weather.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping around Bozeman?

Late spring through early fall (late May to early October) offers the most pleasant dispersed camping experience around Bozeman. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site provides spectacular mountain views with pink and purple sunrises, but is best accessed when roads are dry and clear. Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed and other higher elevation sites may not be accessible until late spring due to snow. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, perfect for camping, though popular areas fill quickly on weekends. Fall offers beautiful colors and fewer crowds, but prepare for cold nights. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions, as mountain weather can change rapidly and dirt roads can become impassable after rain or snow.

Keep Exploring