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

Best Dispersed Camping near Canyon Creek, MT

26 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas cluster along the Little Blackfoot River near Canyon Creek, Montana. Forest Road 314 near Elliston provides multiple free primitive sites with established fire rings but no amenities. The road becomes muddy after rain and may require four-wheel drive for access. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating large vehicles while others better suit tents only.

Canyon Ferry Lake offers additional dispersed camping options at Confederate and Goose Bay areas. These sites provide vault toilets and fire rings, with some offering picnic tables. Most locations enforce a 14-day camping limit. During peak summer weekends, these waterfront areas become crowded. One camper noted, "The site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away." Limited shade exists at lake sites, making them particularly hot during summer months. Scott Reservoir provides more secluded free camping opportunities with mountain views, though the access road may challenge vehicles with low clearance.

Map showing campgrounds near Canyon Creek, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Canyon Creek, Montana (12)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Canyon Creek Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Canyon Creek, MT

19 Photos of 12 Canyon Creek Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Canyon Creek, MT

26 Reviews of 12 Canyon Creek Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    Big Roomy Disperse campsite along the little Blackfood River

    Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike.  This is one of three disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot River in the Helena National Forest that have been marked by the Forest Service as a disperse camping area. This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs.  The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table.  A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling.  The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat.  Another short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place.  The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road.

  • M
    May. 10, 2025

    Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views 40 min from Helena

    The gate was closed and does not open until May 15. I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime. Since it’s on a mountain, the amount of flat areas are limited so it’s first come first serve. I took my bike and rode the Road a little bit and found an opening with an amazing spot to put up a hammock. There are absolutely no amenities here and you’re required a shovel and bucket if you were camping pack everything out and leave no trace. You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made. There are bullet holes everywhere in signs and remnants of shells everywhere to be honest the vibe was very off almost eerie and deadening silence. I did not really enjoy the vibe, but that was me personally I’m sure you’ll enjoy this very much.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Roomy disperse site with easy river access

    This is the 3rd and final disperse site that the Helena National Forest has marked along the little Blackfoot River.  It is nice to be sure that you are on public land when in an area checker boarded with private land.  This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RV's.  Site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away.  Plenty of wood can be found for making a fire.  Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end.  Water can be easily filtered from the river (more like a creek at this point)

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite

    Small disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot RIver

    This is the second disperse camping sit along the Little Blackfoot River that has been marked as a disperse campsite by the Helena National Forest.  It is nice having these sits marked by the Forest Service as their are several parcels of private land along the road.  This site is small with only one small level area for a tent of mid sized RV.  The site has a large rock fire ring in the center.  Their is no easy trail access to the river.  Plenty of down trees in the area for firewood if you have a way to cut them, their is also plenty of small stuff that can be easily collected for a fire.   Site is right next to the road, but road noise should be little to none as a few curves will slow vehicles down and their isn't much more road left until the campground and trailhead at the end of the road.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Racetrack Dispersed Campsite

    Rough road in

    Road in was 100% washboard, but the campsite was decent. Had to traverse a lot of private property to access it, and the locals do not appear to be friendly. A few fellow campers were a bit sketchy, so be wary. Enjoyed some great trout fishing in the adjacent creek though!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    RV disperse camping on Canyon Ferry Lake

    You almost don't realize that this area open to camping and would drive right by if it were not for a plywood sign just after crossing a cattle guard. The plywood has just a few signs on it, one listing the number of nights you can camp for. The others are the camping rules, travel restrictions and notice that spot must be occupied at night. This camping area is a mile north of Confederate Campground. When you look back up the road leading to the camping area you can notice a vault toilet in the distance. It is over a½ mile to this vault toilet down a two track road. One flat grassy camping spot can be found about half way to the toilet. This grassy spot is your best bet if you have a tent with out a crowd. The spot is on the shore of the lake with just a few young willows between you and the water. The remainder of the camping appears to happen just after the ADA vault toilet.  A few more grassy spots are possible near the vault toilet, then there is a narrow section of gravel beach on which RV's turn in to a parking area. The RV's line up one right behind the other on this beach as this is the only real level place to park. No other services besides the ADA vault toilet is available so come prepared. The area has no picnic tables and any fire rings are on the beach made by previous visitors. The site does not have a boat ramp, but the gravel shore would make it easy to launch one.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot

    Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Too crowded / lots of full timers

    There’s signs about limiting the stay to 14 days, but there clearly are people who have been here much longer than that. Way too crowded.

  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Confederate Dispersed Camping

    Canyon Ferry has great dispersed camping all around it. The specific site we stayed at was right next to the beach. Great views and right down from a pit toilet.

Guide to Canyon Creek

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Canyon Creek, Montana, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Canyon Creek, Montana

Enjoying outdoor activities while free camping near Canyon Creek

Dispersed campers should check out Scott Reservoir

  • The Scott Reservoir Dispersed area offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the water while taking advantage of the numerous fire rings available for evening campfires.
  • With no amenities like drinking water or toilets, it's essential to come prepared with all necessary supplies for a comfortable stay at Scott Reservoir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Canyon Creek, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Canyon Creek, MT is Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Canyon Creek, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Canyon Creek, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring