Best Dispersed Camping near Coram, MT

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Coram, Montana, primarily in the Flathead National Forest. Several free primitive sites exist along the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River, offering riverside camping with mountain views. Popular locations include Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed, Blankenship Bridge, Ryan Road Dispersed, and Glacier Rim River Access. These sites provide basic accommodations for tent and RV camping with varying stay limits. According to reviews, the North Fork Flathead River sites can accommodate larger vehicles, including 30+ foot motorhomes, while maintaining a natural setting.

Road conditions to these dispersed sites vary significantly. Many access roads consist of gravel or dirt with sections of rough terrain. Several campers noted that the road to Blankenship Bridge has "huge potholes" requiring high clearance vehicles. The Middle Fork Flathead River site has "a very bumpy dirt road" for the last 500 feet to the shore, potentially challenging for trailers. During wet weather, 4WD is recommended for most sites. Visitors should drive slowly and cautiously, especially when approaching riverfront areas.

Most dispersed sites permit fires in established fire rings, with abundant driftwood available at riverside locations. Basic amenities are limited; some sites have vault toilets or portable facilities, but no drinking water, electric hookups, or trash service. Stay limits range from 3 days at Middle Fork to the standard 16-day limit at other Flathead National Forest locations. Bear activity is common in the area, requiring proper food storage and awareness. Campers report varying levels of cellular service, with AT&T coverage available at some locations. The proximity to Glacier National Park makes these sites popular, particularly during summer months when established campgrounds fill quickly.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Coram, Montana (38)

    1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    43 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    3 miles
    Website

    "The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."

    "We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"

    2. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    3 miles

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."

    3. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."

    "This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."

    4. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    10 miles

    "I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too."

    "Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020."

    5. Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    10 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    6 miles
    Website

    "This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."

    "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river."

    6. GooseHead Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir."

    "Pit toilet, well maintained, and walkable from all spots in the area."

    7. McGinnis Creek

    7 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    8 miles
    Website

    "In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This is dispersed camping with no amenities, but it makes up for that with the views. Pack in, pack out, LNT, and be bear aware!"

    8. Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "The GPS coordinates for this place are slightly off. Look for Hungry Horse Rd and follow it 4 miles until you reach the Hungry Horse Reservoir Dam."

    "37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir"

    9. Ryan Road Dispered #2

    5 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    6 miles

    "Pros:

    Many sites Some flat/level sites Some very big sites (2-3 could probably fit a larger 30'+ rig) Very quiet 15 min to west glacier entrance gate Clean Full 5 bar Tmobile

    Cons:

    Not much for turn"

    "Road is easily doable without 4WD. But has some potholes. You will sleep surrounded by forest in nature and close to the west entrance of the glacier National Park."

    10. Blankenship #1

    2 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    2 miles

    "We tried to go down by the river (1.5 miles further), but our ground clearance was too low. So we came back to this nice, secluded spot, just of the road."

    "This site has an easy pull off of Blankenship Rd. near Lake Five. Trees and a fire ring. The road was busy until sundown. No toilet. 2 bars and 5G on ATT."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Coram, MT

181 Reviews of 38 Coram Campgrounds


  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2022

    McGinnis Creek

    Great Site at the TOP- Watch Rig SIZE (see video review)

    In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 16 day stay limit.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llxG33OdoQ 

    Free Camping Near Glacier National Park- North Fork Road, Canyon Creek and McGinnis Creek Dispersed 

    GPS Point for North Fork Road Dispersed Camping

    48.499334,-114.131517 

    Natural Spring for drinking water etc. 48.447581,-114.165680 

    Conoco Station($5 Dump and Water) 48.371583,-114.203917 

    Bonus Content GPS Info Canyon Creek Dispersed 48.463612,-114.167320 

    McGinnis Creek Dispersed(start of road with North Fork Road Instersection) 48.52.3474,-114.128642 

    McGinnis Creek Large Boondocking Area from Video 48.531014,-114.157493

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • K
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome river side free camping

    The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.

  • J
    Apr. 27, 2025

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    A+ campground

    I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too. Have a site that backed right up to the river.

  • zack B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed

    Overlooking st. Mary lake and east glacier.

    Absolutly beautiful view of st. Mary lake and glacier park east. Another lake in the background im not sure of right now. Just a dirt road off the highway that nobody comes to and is good to park an rv for the night and let the dogs run around. Anti people camping!!

  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Perfect place right outside of glacier

    This was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it! We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.

  • L
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome

    The other reviews here are accurate. Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people.

  • Tim
    Sep. 27, 2020

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    Awesome dispersed set of campsites.

    Fire pits. Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020. Right next to the to river and it’s babbling mini rapids. Standard bumpy gravel road access to Glacier national park. Also easy access to the Flathead national forest. Not too crowded while we were there. Couple RVs in the main lot area, ran generators for brief moments at reasonable times. One night only one other tent there. Another there were 5 or 6. A short walk from parking to sites but no big deal. Left our stuff each day while we went to explore glacier and came back to no problems. Limited wood in the area to burn but you can find it - especially if you have a saw/axe.


Guide to Coram

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Coram, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from riverside retreats to secluded forest hideaways.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Coram, Montana

Fishing and water activities while free camping near Coram

Scenic views for dispersed campers near Coram

  • Experience breathtaking views while camping at McGinnis Creek, where the surrounding landscape is filled with wildflowers and wildlife.
  • The stunning sunsets at GooseHead Camping Area create a picturesque backdrop for evening campfires.
  • Capture the beauty of the northern lights while staying at Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, which offers a peaceful setting away from city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Coram, MT?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Coram in Flathead National Forest. McGinnis Creek offers free boondocking with a 16-day stay limit, perfect for those seeking proximity to Glacier National Park. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping provides riverside sites along the Middle Fork Flathead River. Other nearby options include Glacier Rim River Access, Teakettle River Access, and various spots along the North Fork Flathead River. All these locations are on public land managed by Flathead National Forest, making them legal for dispersed camping with proper permits.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Coram, Montana?

Dispersed camping near Coram follows standard Flathead National Forest regulations. Sites like Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed and North fork Flathead River dispersed camping have a 16-day stay limit. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and use existing fire rings only. Some areas provide vault toilets, but most require packing out all waste. Vehicles must stay on established roads and camping areas—no creating new tracks. Check current fire restrictions before visiting, as they change seasonally. No permits are required for dispersed camping, but always verify current regulations with the Flathead National Forest office.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in Coram, MT?

Late spring through early fall (mid-May to September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Coram. Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed provides stunning views during summer months when mountain passes are clear. Stillwater River camping areas are ideal in summer when water levels are appropriate for recreation. Access roads to many sites can become difficult or impassable during wet spring conditions or early winter snow, particularly at higher elevations. July and August provide the most reliable weather, though these months also see the highest visitor numbers. September offers fewer crowds while maintaining generally favorable conditions before snow begins.