Best Dispersed Camping near Butte, MT
Dispersed camping areas near Butte, Montana provide free primitive camping options on public lands. Homestake Pass Dispersed, located just minutes from the interstate, features a large open area suitable for multiple RVs and more secluded sites along forest roads. Maiden Rock Dispersed, situated along the Big Hole River, offers well-maintained sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed sites consist of three Forest Service-marked areas with established fire rings and river access. Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp, approximately three miles from the highway on a maintained gravel road, includes clean pit toilets and creek access.
Most dispersed sites around Butte require visitors to bring their own water, as drinking water is not available. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally; check current regulations before planning to build campfires. According to reviews, fallen trees near Little Blackfoot River sites can be collected for firewood when restrictions aren't in place. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with Homestake Pass offering excellent coverage while Humbug Spires has none. Several campers noted that Homestake Lake Camp is "right off the exit, but not very noisy" and provides "access to a couple lakes" approximately eight miles from Butte.
Road conditions to these sites range from well-maintained to challenging. Homestake Pass is accessible via a smooth dirt road suitable for most vehicles. Forest Service roads to Little Blackfoot River sites have minimal traffic but may require careful navigation with larger trailers. Racetrack Dispersed Campsite features bumpy but maintained access roads with ample room for turning around larger RVs. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, particularly at higher elevations. Prepare for temperature fluctuations and potential precipitation even during summer months.
