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Best Dispersed Camping near Cooke City, MT

103 Reviews

The northeastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City, Montana serves as a strategic base for camping enthusiasts seeking both backcountry solitude and convenient park access. National Forest lands surrounding the town feature numerous free dispersed camping options, particularly along the Beartooth Scenic Byway just minutes from town. Campers find pull-offs with river access and mountain views, with sites accommodating everything from tents to small trailers. The Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass offers more remote dispersed camping for those willing to venture farther from town. For backpackers, Yellowstone's permit-required backcountry sites like Slough Creek (2S1 and 2S3) provide designated camping areas with bear boxes and established fire rings within hiking distance of the northeast entrance.

Road conditions and weather patterns significantly impact camping accessibility in this high-elevation region. Many dirt access roads become impassable during spring snowmelt or after heavy rains. As one camper noted, "We had our itinerary set to stay at this site and then the weather turned terrible and it started snowing. We only had a tent with us and the wind was whipping so we had to pack up." Winter conditions can persist well into June at higher elevations, while summer thunderstorms develop quickly. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with limited coverage even in Cooke City itself. Bear activity requires proper food storage at all sites, with most dispersed areas lacking bear boxes that are standard in designated backcountry locations.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among campers' most valued experiences near Cooke City. One reviewer reported, "We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able to see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley." The proximity to Yellowstone's wildlife-rich northeastern corner makes these camping areas particularly appealing for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Sites along creeks and rivers receive consistently positive reviews, though campers should prepare for primitive conditions. Most dispersed sites lack facilities entirely, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. Vault toilets exist only at a few developed Forest Service campgrounds in the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cooke City, Montana (42)

    1. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cooke City, MT
    7 miles
    Website

    "We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect."

    "The road is easy to miss, just a little dirt road off the left side of the road coming out of the NE entrance of Yellowstone 10 minutes passed Cooke city."

    2. Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass

    4 Reviews
    Cooke City, MT
    0 miles

    "This site was quiet the night we stayed here and had good views of the surrounding mountains but there was a few excavating machines near the site."

    "The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not to bad to get to."

    3. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Cooke City, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 527-6241

    "That area has 2 pretty shaded spots, and both were taken. We headed over to Pilot and we were pleasantly surprised. Yes, there is a big open area with little privacy if it is crowded."

    4. 2S3 Slough Creek - Yellowstone NP back country campsite — Yellowstone National Park

    2 Reviews
    Silver Gate, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 344-2160

    $3 - $15 / night

    "Yellowstone Back Country site 2S3 - Slough Creek is an amazing camping location if you enjoy a valley view with high peaks all around and herds of bison, not to mention the sunrise and sunsets.  "

    5. 2S1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park

    1 Review
    Silver Gate, MT
    16 miles
    Website

    $3 - $15 / night

    "Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning."

    6. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    45 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT
    39 miles

    "No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at."

    "Perfect dispersed camping. Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV. Our 20 footer made it fine."

    7. Little Sunlight Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Wapiti, WY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 754-7207

    "The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming."

    "Completely off the beaten path. The road in is actually quite easy and the area has many 4x4 trails to explore, although the campground should be easily accessible in 2wd."

    8. Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "We arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks."

    "Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs."

    9. Lake Fork Roadside Camp

    1 Review
    Red Lodge, MT
    26 miles

    "Lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back."

    10. Rosebud to Emerald Lake Runoff

    Be the first to review!
    Roscoe, MT
    19 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cooke City, MT

84 Photos of 42 Cooke City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cooke City, MT

103 Reviews of 42 Cooke City Campgrounds

  • E
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Beautiful view

    Absolutely stunning spot. The mountain views from camp were unreal — especially at sunrise. Super peaceful, with minimal noise. No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at.

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2019

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Perfect spot outside Yellowstone

    We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect. A nice pull off with several options to park a van, tent, or small trailer or RV. We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley. Wish we could have seen the surrounding area in the daylight but we got in late and were out early. From what we saw we highly recommend it!! It is dispersed Forest Service camping so you will need to have all of your own supplies and be sure to leave no trace (including your poop)

  • m
    Jun. 8, 2021

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Perfect dispersed camping

    Perfect dispersed camping. Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV. Our 20 footer made it fine. Also wouldn't want to drive it if rain forecasted as I bet the dirt turns to impassible mud real fast.

    The spots themselves are wonderful, some very open, some tucked away along the rocks, all very spread out from each other. Super quiet. I can't believe how quiet it was.

    If you want to feel like you are camping on a mountain in the middle of no where, this is it.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2019

    2S1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park

    Ranger review Morsel Spork XL at Yellowstone Backcountry site 2S1

    Camp among wide meadows, lush forests, towering peaks and wildlife

    Yellowstone National Park's back-country site 2S1 is definitely the most amazing back-country site our Venturing Crew has backpacked to this summer, and we have been to quiet a few. Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning. It is a 4.3 mile hike along the Slough Creek Trail to the spur trail for site 2S1, then a.6 mile hike to the campsite. Being.6 miles from the trail would usually mean solitude, but this site appears to be a popular fishing location as well as their was always someone fishing in the area. But don't worry, the campsite is fairly hidden from the creek and those fishing were very considerate. The campsite has numerous flat locations to pitch a tent. Their is a pole suspended between two trees for handing your food, but you don't need to use it as a bear proof locker has been placed at the site. A rock fire ring is available for fires and has large logs on two sides to sit on. Plenty of firewood is available in the form of large trees that are scattered on the ground through out the area, just find one of the older ones that are rotting and pull them apart and in a few minutes you have a nice pile of wood that will start easy. You don't need much wood at any one time on the fire to have a nice hot fire as this dry rotted wood really burns hot. If you are planning on having a fire be sure to bring a container to bring water from the creek to put it out with, as you are at least 50 yards from the creek. The view is amazing from camp, a wondering creek going though a wide valley with steep mountains on each side. In the evening we were treated to the alpine glow on the mountain tops for a good 15 minutes. Do you want to see wildlife, well we say plenty on this backpack trip. Hundreds of bison on the drive to the trail head, watched a black bear munching on various vegetation 100 feet from the trail, a young fox walked right by us on the trail, squirrels, chipmunks, a badger, sandhill cranes and other song birds as well. To get to back-country site 2S1 start at Slough Creek Trail head(2K5) and hike the 4.3 miles to the spur trail to the campsite. You will have one hard climb right of the bat, the first.7 miles is a steep climb, after that it is a easy hike. A warning, don't be shocked when you see lots of tourist heading out on the trail completely unprepared. We are talking about hiking in flip flops, no water, no bear spray, and this on a steep trail to start where we spotted the bear along the trail edge.8 miles in.

    Ranger review of the Morsel Spork XL

    We have been using the Morsel XL spork with out Scouts on several backpacking trips this summer and the unanimous opinion is a big thumbs up. We have used our Morsels with MRE's, and they truly out perform compared to the plastic spoon those meals provide. With backpacking dehydrated meals we are able to get out every little bit out of the corners of the bag without getting our hands messy. Bowls, cups, and plates, no problem getting to all the food, which makes clean-up after a meal easier. The variety of colors is helpful as well, as we can give each scout a different color so no one confuses their Morsel with anyone else, and we can quickly figure out who dropped theirs or left it laying around. The Morsel Spork XL is now our go to utensil for our backpacking adventures.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Sunlight Camping Area

    Incredible Mountain Valley

    This site about 12 miles up sunset road along a very rough washboard dirt/gravel rod. The road was extremely dusty in the summer and almost forced us to turn back. The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming. The sunset in the valley seemed to go on forever and provided light up until 10 pm. You will need 4 wheel drive or high clearance to access the best sites next to the river. If you are willing to endure the drive and don’t mind rough dispersed camping, the beauty of the site more than makes up for it. No facilities here just a stone fire ring. The site is known for grizzly bears. So you need to be an experienced camper to enjoy this area or take precautions.

  • Makena W.
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    My favorite spot!

    Turn left not right. The road is easy to miss, just a little dirt road off the left side of the road coming out of the NE entrance of Yellowstone 10 minutes passed Cooke city. No service but the bistro in Cooke city will give you WiFi if you eat there and that helped us get our navigation. This is my favorite place by far. The photos will show you why.

  • Chad K.
    Mar. 9, 2021

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Best free camping anywhere!!

    This was hands-down one of the best campsite areas I ever found. National forest so it was open and free to whoever. Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder. Most turnoffs have places for three or four different groups to camp. Some with bear boxes and some without. Most are only a rocks throw from water. Crazy creek is a waterfall area across from crazy Creek Campground. Very worth the short hike. Yellowstone is only 10 or 15 miles to the west and the town of Cook City is there if you need any basic supplies.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Sheep Mountain BLM

    Great location! Free boondocking!

    We were able to haul our 45-ft fifth wheel and find level ground. There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there. We boondocked here all week. Not far from Yellowstone and the town of Cody with amenities. The sheep mountain hiking trailhead is right here and lots of off-roading trails for single and double track. Great views. It was rainy and windy half the time we were here (late May). The roads were dirt but still solid and well maintained. Some of the hiking and OHV trails got muddy up on the mountain.

  • McKenna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Stunning Views, Challenging Drive

    Got into a spot around 6 or 7pm after spending the day at Yellowstone in late May and wow, you can’t beat the views for $0! We took the first spot we saw due to road conditions (we were towing a Uhaul trailer with our Subaru Forester) so we didn’t bother going up further.

    Definitely a bumpy and steep ride for our towing situation but dang the views were insane over Gardiner and the mountains. Only one other camper van in view a ways down. Our spot had pretty bumpy ground so we ended up skipping the tent and just sleeping in the car. Woke up to a serious snowfall in the morning so we got out of there quickly, but we’d definitely stay here again if we weren’t towing.

Guide to Cooke City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cooke City, Montana, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Breathtaking Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Cooke City

Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers

  • The Buffalo Jump Camp offers a unique historical perspective, allowing campers to connect with the area's rich cultural heritage while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, the Rock Creek Camp provides access to less-traveled paths and the chance to explore the wilderness.
  • The Rosebud to Emerald Lake Runoff area is perfect for adventurous campers looking to discover beautiful lakes and scenic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Cooke City, Montana?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Cooke City. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping offers multiple pull-offs about 10 minutes past Cooke City on the left side when leaving Yellowstone's NE entrance. These sites provide easy access to Yellowstone Park (about 20 minutes away). Another popular option is Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone, which features stunning mountain views, particularly at sunrise. Note that Travertine Road is dirt/gravel and may be challenging for larger vehicles. The Custer-Gallatin National Forest surrounding Cooke City also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads, typically following the 14-day stay limit common to National Forest lands.

Is dispersed camping allowed year-round in Cooke City?

Dispersed camping availability around Cooke City is highly seasonal due to heavy winter snowfall in this high-elevation area. Most dispersed sites are accessible only from late spring through early fall (typically May/June through September/October, depending on snowmelt and first snowfall). Little Sunlight Camping Area and other higher elevation dispersed sites may open even later in the season. Winter access is extremely limited as many forest roads aren't plowed. Sheep Mountain BLM areas at lower elevations might offer extended seasonal access. Always check current road conditions and closures with the local Forest Service office before planning winter or shoulder season dispersed camping trips.

What are the rules for dispersed camping around Cooke City?

Dispersed camping near Cooke City follows standard National Forest regulations: camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, stay a maximum of 14 days in a 30-day period, and practice Leave No Trace principles. At Falls Creek, dispersed campers must park in designated areas and pack out all trash. Some areas like Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass may have seasonal fire restrictions, especially during dry summer months. Bear-safe food storage is mandatory in this grizzly country—some sites like those along Beartooth Highway have bear boxes available. No permits are required for most dispersed camping, but backcountry sites within Yellowstone National Park require permits obtained in advance.

Are there any amenities for dispersed campers in Cooke City?

Dispersed camping sites around Cooke City typically offer no amenities—you'll need to be fully self-sufficient. At Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping, you might find vault toilets, but this is the exception rather than the rule. The town of Cooke City provides essential services: water fill-ups, trash disposal, public restrooms, and a few restaurants with WiFi. Most dispersed sites have no cell service. Some areas like 2S3 Slough Creek offer natural features like streams for water (which must be filtered). Many sites feature fire rings built by previous campers, but always check current fire restrictions before having a campfire, and bring your own firewood.

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