Dispersed camping near Cameron, Montana provides access to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at elevations ranging from 5,500-7,000 feet. The region experiences cold nights even in summer, with temperatures frequently dropping below 40°F after sunset. Most primitive camping areas have established fire rings but limited or no other facilities, requiring self-sufficiency for water, waste management, and other essentials.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple sites offer direct river access for anglers, particularly along Taylor Fork Road where campers report "quiet, breathtaking view of the creek, mountains and forest" with the added convenience of being "about 40 minutes to west Yellowstone entrance."
Rock collecting: Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area offers unique geological activities where visitors can find garnets. According to one visitor, "It is a perfect adventure for beginners, as all you need is a shovel and some screens to begin your search. The garnets are beautiful, and keep the kids (college age or elementary!) entertained for hours."
Wildlife viewing: Beaver Creek Road dispersed camping provides excellent wildlife observation opportunities. Campers report, "We seen a lot of deer and pretty sure a couple of wolves one night. Squirrels! Lots of those guys and they are the most noise we heard."
What campers like
Mountain views: Sites at Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone offer expansive vistas. One camper notes, "One of the most beautiful places I've stayed! The sites are straight up from Gardiner on your usual rocky, washboard road. There were quite a few spots and it wasn't busy at all (arrived at 5:30pm on a holiday weekend)."
Creek proximity: Many dispersed sites feature water access. A camper at Taylor Fork Road Dispersed mentions, "This is very remote feeling with no cell reception or views of any paved roads or buildings. You cannot hear traffic from the highway which is about 1/3 miles away."
Spacious sites: Most primitive camping areas near Cameron offer good separation between campsites. One reviewer at Beaver Creek Road noted, "Five sites along a 4.5 mile dirt Forest Service road. These sites are large with trails that run to the river. If you're looking for a primitive and peaceful camp site, this place is beautiful!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating rough terrain. At Targhee Creek, a camper warns: "The road is quite rough but I did fine in my small two-wheel drive SUV. Very quiet and secluded."
Insects: Prepare for seasonal bug activity, particularly near water sources. At Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed, a visitor noted, "The lake was swarming with non-bitting midges. They were quite literally everywhere and you could hear them flying, but they left us alone and we're not an issue."
Temperature fluctuations: The area experiences significant day-to-night temperature swings. At Taylor Fork Road Dispersed, a camper reported, "It did rain the night we were there and we woke up to 34 degrees. That was shockingly cold for us Arizonans in August."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly rockhounding: Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area provides accessible gem hunting opportunities. One visitor suggests, "If you use a gold pan shake the gravel around for several minutes then flip the pan is the easiest way to find them as the garnets are heavy and will settle to the bottom of the pan."
Safety precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage. At Beaver Creek Road, a camper advises: "Please be bear aware! There are bears in the area, so make sure to lock your food and other consumables in your truck's cab or in your car."
Creek exploration: Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground offers opportunities for safe water play. Though reviews mention it's "best suited for smaller campers," the area features "OHV and horseback riding" opportunities that can entertain active families.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites have uneven terrain. At Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area, a camper notes, "There isn't a level place in sight. Be prepared for steep inclines in some situations."
Arrival timing: Secure desired spots by arriving early. At Targhee Creek, a visitor warns, "Show up too late and you'll have to stay at the trailhead parking lot."
Bathroom facilities: Most primitive camping areas lack amenities, though some exceptions exist. At Ruby Reservoir, a reviewer mentions, "The only facilities at this campground is a double vault toilet. There is no signage on the highway to indicated the campground."
