Best Dispersed Camping near Cameron, MT
Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Cameron, Montana, with several designated areas along Forest Service Road 100 in the Ruby River corridor. The region includes multiple free camping zones including the Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area, Beaver Creek Road, and Taylor Fork Road dispersed sites. Most locations are primitive with no developed facilities except for occasional vault toilets. These areas typically follow standard Forest Service dispersed camping regulations with 16-day stay limits on public lands.
Access roads to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality, with many requiring slow navigation on dirt or gravel surfaces. The Ruby River corridor sites are accessible via Forest Road 100, which has designated dispersed camping areas marked by fire rings. Beaver Creek Road extends approximately 4 miles with 8-10 established sites along the route. "The road is extremely, extremely bumpy so take it slow," notes one camper about West Yellowstone dispersed areas, recommending "a higher clearance vehicle" for access. Most sites lack amenities, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out trash, though a few locations like 6100J Dispersed Camping Area feature vault toilets.
"Cow Creek Dispersed camping area is a large fairly flat grassy area just off the road... with great views of the surrounding mountains and of the Ruby River below," according to one review. Many sites feature established rock fire rings and flat areas suitable for tents or small campers. The Ruby Reservoir area offers unique opportunities, with one camper noting, "If you want to find garnets just head to the lake shore and start digging." Beaver Creek sites are particularly valued for their riverside locations, with a reviewer describing the creek as "magical" and mentioning they "spent a whole day by the river, collecting rocks and sunbathing." Wildlife sightings are common in the region, and most areas remain relatively quiet despite their proximity to popular destinations like Yellowstone National Park.