Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bozeman, MT

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Bozeman? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Montana camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bozeman, MT (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed

    2.

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    20 Photos
    97 Saves
    Bozeman, Montana

    People enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

    Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic sites, and fishing areas and within close proximity of campgrounds. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. For information on occupancy and use, camping stay limits, weed free forage, visit Region 1 - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Travel to campsites must not create resource damage. Travel to campsites must not create resource damage Contact local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? Please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    3.

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    111 Saves
    Bozeman, Montana

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

    Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings. Contact your local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? To find out where you are allowed to disperse camp, please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details. To see our Motor Vehicle Use Maps, click here.

    Can I have a campfire? Please use existing sites and fire rings. Firewood permits are not needed if wood is used on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use, you will need to purchase a firewood permit at the closest district office. This permit should be obtained prior to you gathering or transporting any wood.

    Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.

    The National Forest has wildfires each year. Many of these are human caused from escaped campfires in dispersed sites. Campfires are allowed unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office.

    Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six to eight (6-8) inches deep at least 200 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Do not simply cover it with a rock. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM

    7.

    Copper City BLM

    3 Reviews
    1 Photo
    31 Saves
    Three Forks, Montana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bozeman

80 Reviews of 18 Bozeman Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    September 12, 2024

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Close to town and Yellowstone

    This is a nice place to boondock. There are a few level spots up here, but the road is pretty rough and pretty steep. The view into Yellowstone is gorgeous.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    September 1, 2024

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    2 peaceful nights

    We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper. We stayed at the first pull off a few minutes off the main road. This site was easily accessible, right off the main road, close to town and close to some hikes.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    September 1, 2024

    Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Very hard to find at night

    This place seemed promising at first. It was hard to find a decent spot at night due to only using headlights of my van. Most of the road is extremely rugged/uneven/full of large holes. The only place I was able to stay for the night was the road leading up to the locked gate. This is about the only nice spot. Other than that this place is • quiet w/occasional traffic along the high way (right next to reservoir) • very few people here, but far enough away from me • no fee required • provides OK view to the mountains • great when you bring along a pet • you will need to be fully prepared for primitive camping

  • Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    August 18, 2024

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Not supposed to camp here

    Based on the dispersed camping guide provided by the Forest Service office in Gardiner, you’re not supposed to camp in the spot listed on this site. Take a left off Traveltine road, go past the rock quarry to find good sites

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    August 18, 2024

    Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    Good place to stay outside of Yellowstone

    Quiet, secluded dispersed sites about 15 minutes outside of Gardiner. No trees so it gets pretty hot without shade. There are random animal bones scattered around the sites from what I assume previous hunting trips, which is a bit eerie. 

    I’d certainly stay here again for a couple nights!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    August 8, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    No trespassing signs everywhere

    Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot

  • Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Fork Road Dispersed
    August 7, 2024

    Taylor Fork Road Dispersed

    Beautiful Site

    We stayed one night on our way back from Yellowstone. My RTT was perfect for this. There was a small corral for horses and plenty of room for a horse trailer and truck.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    July 30, 2024

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Stunning veiws

    There's about three good spots up on the hill, the two out on the edge have reliable service. But as soon as you go back up a bit, it vanishes.

    Stunning views of Yellowstone and the mountains. Be aware, there are NO trees, so it will get stiflingly hot with no clouds. But, close to town, and the road isn't the worst. For sure go slow, but even low clearance should be able to pick out a path.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
    July 29, 2024

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    Amazing camp site with tree cover and fire ring

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
    July 27, 2024

    Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

    Bozeman visit

    We stayed here for a few days off one of the main trail head. There are not many sites off the main trail head and we’re all full when we arrived.

    We have a 25ft off road travel trailer and attempted to go down two side trail heads. The further one was so bad we had to back all the way out. The closest side trail head was slightly better. We made down the road. However there wasn’t many sites here as well. There was maybe 3-4 sites along this whole trail head. We needed up stay in a pull in a valley early on in this trail head

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    July 24, 2024

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Ok stay

    This was an ok stay outside of Bozeman. The coordinates took me to a spot which was occupied but looked like the only spot on that stretch of road. It began to get extremely rutted and I didn’t want to push any farther after that spot. I camped in what looked to be a dispersed campsite that they closed off

  • Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
    July 24, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Classic blm camping

    Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands. Also, note that this place seems common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those. Also also, this place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    July 17, 2024

    Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    Great dispersed site

    Drove through a few open gates but there were clearly dispersed sites in this area. Nice flat sites, road was rocky and bumpy but not bad. Quiet area until a group of teenagers started a loud party at the site next to us

  • Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    July 17, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    Fine for a night but not many options

    A bit confusing with all the no trespassing and no parking on/off the road signs. Felt more comfortable once we saw another van parked, and drove past the coordinate location a few minutes to use a tiny widened part of the road. No services.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    July 15, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    Peaceful and Easy Access

    Great spot and easy to get to. Exactly where the coordinates are pull off was big enough for my sprinter 170 extended was even able to get it perfectly level a few dirt bikes on the road that stopped at sunset. It’s very quiet and beautiful views and 15° cooler than Bozeman.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
    July 14, 2024

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Beautiful secluded Mountain views

    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. Very quite road. Level ground for car camping. Would 100% come back just for this gem.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
    July 14, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Open range

    Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views

  • Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
    July 8, 2024

    Copper City BLM

    Summer Biking

    Great spot right on parts of the trial! It’s open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    June 30, 2024

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    BEST CAMPING!

    This is the most beautiful place I have ever, and probably will ever, camp in. Safe and easy to find. Rough road coming up, but lots of spaces tucked away. Saw several elk on the drive in and heard some coyotes howling at dusk, but nothing bothered us. I wish I could live here!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    June 23, 2024

    Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    Perfect for a night or two

    Perfect pull outs off Travertine up Trail Creek/FS 1701 just 7-10 minutes out of Gardine. We ended up at the very end of the road where it loops back on itself in our truck camper. Road was a bit washboard and bumpy, but didn’t need 4wd. Saw elk, a beautiful sunset, and a full moon rise. No river views, but wildflowers all over. Some hikes nearby. We went to the end out of curiosity and passed about 5 other campers, but were alone at the end. Made dinner on our solo stove. Clean up though, because it is still bear country. ATT and Verizon service, mid to full bars. 30 minutes to the YNP north entrance.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    June 21, 2024

    Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    Roadside sites with fire rings

    Several roadside sites along this road that branches off Travertine Rd. A few sites are large enough for multiple tents/vans. Good Verizon service, poor AT&T service . We snagged the last site available the night we stayed, first site on left as you drive in. It is small but worked for our Sprinter.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
    June 15, 2024

    Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

    Good spot above

    There’s a spot down by the water that someone took with a tent who we let by us. We took a spot just above before you drive down to the water. I wasn’t sure if I could turn around my 20’ travel trailer down by the water. Very buggy.



Guide to Bozeman

Camping near Bozeman, Montana, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hot Springs Access: Enjoy the relaxing hot springs at Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV. One camper mentioned, "Between the free coffee, breakfast, & hot spring access our stay was worth it."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: The Mallard's Rest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED is a great spot for fishing on the Yellowstone River. A review noted, "Beautiful CG spot for fishing access. Drift boat ramp and 6 to 8 designated camp sites."
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore trails around Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The state park, campgrounds, and trails are so beautiful."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Yellowstone Edge RV Park. A reviewer said, "The restrooms, laundry, and all of the grounds are spotless."
  • Friendly Staff: Many have praised the helpful staff at Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday. One guest remarked, "The staff is extremely friendly and helpful!"
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Red Cliff Campground offer beautiful surroundings. A camper noted, "Great place close to entrance to west Yellowstone. Close to some hiking."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitos were so bad we immediately left and found another place to stay for the night."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Canyon Campground, are near busy roads. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of noise from the freeway but negligible if it’s a hard side camper or RV."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Hood Creek Campground lack some amenities. A review stated, "No hookups so be ready for that, but you’re right in the river."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Three Forks KOA Journey that have amenities for kids. One parent said, "The kids had fun."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV enjoyed the hot springs, saying, "Great RV park with hot springs."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, especially at Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground, it's wise to bring bug spray. One camper noted, "I ended up hunkering down inside our van with the bug screens on."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Spire Rock Campground, have rough access roads. A reviewer mentioned, "The area is stunning, but we could not get to the campground."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campers at Yellowstone Edge RV Park appreciated the full hookups. One camper said, "Nice level spots with lots of space and awesome river views."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots like Red Cliff Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor noted, "I booked 2 nights on Recreation.gov less than 3 weeks in advance."

Camping in Bozeman, MT, offers a variety of experiences, from hot springs to scenic views. Just be prepared for the bugs and noise, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bozeman, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bozeman, MT is Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bozeman, MT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Bozeman, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.