Dispersed camping opportunities surround Cooke City, Montana at elevations of 7,500-10,000 feet, creating an alpine environment where freezing temperatures occur even during summer months. National Forest access roads remain closed until late May or early June, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles due to seasonal washboarding and rutting. Vault toilets exist only at designated trailheads and developed areas, requiring self-contained waste management at most free camping sites.
What to do
Wildlife photography at dawn: Early morning access to Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping puts you in prime position for Lamar Valley wildlife viewing. "We got in late and were out early. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley," reports Jeremy H.
Hiking Lady of the Lake Trail: The Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass provides access to multiple isolated campsites and prime moose habitat. One camper shared, "We truly loved this place. It was so isolated and peaceful. 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."
Explore Crazy Creek Falls: Located across from Crazy Creek Campground along the Beartooth Highway, this short hike rewards with waterfall views. "Crazy creek is a waterfall area across from crazy Creek Campground. Very worth the short hike," notes one visitor who stayed at the nearby dispersed camping areas.
What campers like
Mountain views with river access: Multiple sites along Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping offer both wooded seclusion and open valley views. A recent visitor explained, "Yes, there is a big open area with little privacy if it is crowded. But it's great for groups and perfect for solar and cattle watching. But there are at least half a dozen wooded spots, setback. Three have bear boxes and are right by a hiking trail."
Solitude during shoulder seasons: Free camping near Cooke City remains accessible through September, with wildlife viewing opportunities increasing after summer crowds diminish. "We were only planning to stay 1 night and ended up staying 3 nights. We couldn't get enough. Also spotted lots of moose, they are everywhere up there," shares a camper at Lady of the Lake.
Quick access to the park: Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone sites put you minutes from Yellowstone's northern entrance. One camper noted, "Great spot for travelers or people who didn't book a site in or close to Yosemite. This site is about twenty minutes away from the Yosemite entrance from the Montana side."
What you should know
Weather unpredictability requires backup plans: Even summer camping requires cold-weather gear and flexibility. "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 and head to Red Lodge," explains a Beartooth Highway camper.
Road conditions vary drastically: Many dispersed camping access roads require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping described, "The road is pretty well maintained and windy. A lot of the pull offs have a fire ring pretty close to the road. No bathrooms or amenities. But this space is worth it."
Bear activity requires proper preparation: Bear boxes exist at some dispersed sites but not all. "There are multiple dispersed sites that back up to the Pilot Creek Trail. Plenty of spots in the grass for big rigs and trailers. Some sites have bear boxes," notes a Pilot Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with vault toilets: Limited facilities exist at dispersed sites, so know where toilets are available. "Decent clean pit toilets. Popular among horseback riders. Picnic tables, fire rings with grates, nice little river. Easy road in. Can bring big rigs," reports a visitor to Little Sunlight Camping Area.
Pack for extreme temperature swings: Elevation means freezing nights even in summer. "It was absolutely freezing though, the inside of the truck bed had frost in the morning (22°!)," warns a Travertine Road camper about conditions in early fall.
Select sites with natural boundaries: Creek-side camping helps contain younger children. "We were able to camp right next to a small creek. The trail head for a nice 6 mile round trip to a lake," mentions a Custer-Gallatin National Forest camper, describing a family-friendly arrangement.
Tips from RVers
Limited turnaround space on forest roads: Many access roads lack suitable turning areas for larger rigs. "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," advises a Little Sunlight Camping Area visitor.
Scout sites before committing: Many free camping areas near Cooke City have unmarked pullouts that can accommodate various rig sizes. "We did stay in one of the developed spots and there was only one other camper in a spot where we couldn't see them. It is ten miles down a gravel road and if you're going to Yellowstone the road does not go through, you'll have to go back out the way you came," explains a Little Sunlight camper.
Watch for low clearance hazards: Roadside ditches and rocky pullouts can damage lower RVs. A visitor to Travertine Road warned, "The dirt road you have to drive on to access it is super bumpy due to many potholes and large rocks. This is likely no problem for a truck or suv but my sedan had a difficult time getting up the road."
