Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Custer Gallatin National Forest? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
The Gardiner district covers the southeast part of Custer Gallatin National Forest, bordering Yellowstone National Park. Both Gardiner, MT and Cooke City, MT are within the Gardiner district.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It also means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables, fire pits or toilets) are provided.
Guide
Free dispersed camping location about 45 minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Open camping area to set up.
Legend
Cow Creek Disperse camping area is a large fairly flat grassy area just off the road. Area is in the wide open on a high spot above the Ruby River meaning less bugs as you are unprotected from any breeze that may be blowing. The site has great views of the surrounding mountains and of the Ruby River below. Site has on large rock fire ring. Plenty of room to fit a large group at this location, with no problem finding flat spots for your tents. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site(so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6428 feet.
Legend
A Outhouse!!!. Dispersed Camping Area 6100J is a large camping area a short distance off forest road 100 with four to six established sites depending on how you look at it. But the best thing of all is just across FS road 100 is a vault toilet. The camping area sits between FS 100 and the Ruby River, unfortunately none of the sites are along the river. I said 4-6 sites as a few of the rock fire rings are very close to another fire ring, could fit to groups of campers at these sites, but why would you want to be so close to someone else while disperse camping. Good size fire rings at nice flat locations with plenty of room to set up camp. The vault toilet did not have any paper in it when I visited, but it was after the usual camping season and the middle of hunting season. The site also has 3 tie up rails for horses at the entrance to the camping area. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site(except for the vault toilet) so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6472 feet
Traveler
This site does not exist. You can find the correct coordinates if you look at the other dispersed camping spot right beside this pin (see photo)
Legend
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.
Instead of camping somewhere in the park, we decided to drive through Gallatin National Forest, to the north of the park, until we found a good place to camp. We found a perfect overlook where we pitched our tent and watched the most gorgeous sunset. The best part? No people around for miles and miles.
Dispersed camping in the U.S. Forest Service land is almost always a win: the sites are free and remote; there are usually plenty of available spots; and you get a very unique camping experience. Just remember to look up regulations for the specific area you’re looking at, and don’t forget the toilet paper!
In Yellowstone, we worked our way from north to south, hitting the highlights. Many of the hiking trails were closed due to bear activity, so we stuck mostly to the close sights: driving through Lamar Valley, viewing Old Faithful & many other geysers, seeing Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and spotting wildlife everywhere we went.
You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Yellowstone)
Scout
Great dispersed camp area . Rugged 2 track with established ( flat clearing with rock fire ring) camp spots on both sides. We camped at the very end of the track, about 2 miles in, on the edge of a beautiful rushing stream. Site was level and had a bear box , very peaceful. Other sites were occupied on the way in, area was clean ( no trash) and there was a large group area and trail head just before the end. Area is about 9 miles from the West Yellowstone Park gate. No facilities/ dispersed, so be prepared to pack in/ pack out.
GuideFree Camping alongside the road overlooking Yellowstone and Mammoth Spring. After a few miles on this road, the no camping signs stop and it is free game! We scored a nice overlook and enjoyed the view. Way better than a campground on a busy summer day.
GuideRoad is a bit rough, but a few sites available for dispersed camping
Traveler
I got there early afternoon and every spot along the lake that I could see was available for both campers and tents. Gorgeous lake and Mountain Views, lots of birds! Also has a ramp to put in your boat, kayak, etc. I would recommend and visit again. The entire road in has National forest campsites as well if you want to go in the trees. Saw a few moose, elk, and antelope while camping.
Guide
I camped here for one night, but would have happily stayed for a week.
I was on a huge hill overlooking all of "The American Serengeti" and it was stunning. Easy drive up and down to Gardiner for groceries. Besides a LOT of gunshots in the area, the campsite was perfect. Located directly off of the National Forest road. There are dozens more sites as you go further up the road but I preferred the view of the first site.
ScoutBased on the dispersed camping guide provided by the Forest Service office in Gardiner, you’re not supposed to camp in the spot listed on this site. Take a left off Traveltine road, go past the rock quarry to find good sites
ScoutThis is a nice place to boondock. There are a few level spots up here, but the road is pretty rough and pretty steep. The view into Yellowstone is gorgeous.
TravelerLoved this boondocking area. Lots of spots up Eagle creek road. The road up is a little bumpy but no problem for us. The views are beyond beautiful. I highly recommend!
Traveler
I highly recommend staying here if you’re around Yellowstone National Park. I’ve been on a 2 month road trip around the West and this has been one of my favorite dispersed camping sites. I planned on just crashing here for a night but ended up staying for a couple days because of how beautiful this spot is. If you go, drive all the way down the gravel road and there is a nice place for people to camp out right at the level of the lake. It’s clean and a good place for families to camp out!
ScoutPerfect 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.
GuideI enjoyed boondocking here in my tent. I had good cell service with Google FI wireless. Also I was able to get by the road and make it in my Honda Accord. Nice place even had a bear box for food storage.
TravelerJust passed the Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs. These are mostly little pull offs along the side of the road with great views into Yellowstone/Mammoth Hot Springs. There are more than a dozen good spots, but it also seems popular as I saw at least 10 occupied sites on a Monday evening. No cellphone service. No amenities, just the view and personal space. My Honda fit made it up the road no problem.
Guide
A lot of boondocking opportunities in that area. Must of the spots in the open meadow area were full. Therefore, we went with this spot up a dead end road. With the size of r rig 36 foot Solltude I had to back up the road about 200 feet. Road in was a little rough but we managed.
TravelerWe originally wanted to stay farther south in Idaho after leaving Jackson but we weren’t happy with the location. So we got on route 20 and started driving towards west Yellowstone when we came across the small Targhee National Forest sign. Fearful we weren’t going to be able to find a spot, we drove in anyways. We ended up going left up the second hill and found a nice big sight over looking the road and a cow pasture. The traffic on the road died down around 1030 which left us with a quiet star filled night in the valley. Later the moon rose up and lit up the mountain faces just enough.
Guide
Granted we got in late, but there really weren't any visible turnoffs or clear places to camp. We got to the far corner of the lake and found a clearing by a fence close to the lake. Lovely view and very secluded, but even on the drive out around the other half of the lake we saw no clear camping spots.
GuideIt’s a bit of a drive off the beaten path, and you may find yourself thinking “is it really out here?” but it is. I promise. There are lots of dispersed sites on the way off of the paved road, but my partner and I stayed right next to Henry’s Lake with a gorgeous view. This was probably my favorite camping spot of the summer. We went in June while visiting Yellowstone. The weather was a little cold, so we made a fire and burned sage brush. The lake was swarming with non-bitting midges. They were quite literally everywhere and you could hear them flying, but they left us alone and we’re not an issue.
Guide-free -pet friendly -dispersed campsites -no water, toilets, amenities of any sort -just a fire ring at each site -some good trails -great phone service (Verizon)
RangerVery easy to get to, typed in Henry’s Lake in Google. Along the road there are plenty of camping spots, some amongst the trees and some in open fields. Tons of fallen trees around for firewood. Fire rings near sites. ATV trails and easy boat access along the lake for fishing and kayaking.
ScoutI was easily able to drive up the bumpy gravel road in my compact car. The road gets a little rougher going to some of the further spots, but nothing bad. This spot is semi protected in a small gulch but if there was a bad storm in the area this valley side camping spot could be rough with high winds.
Guide
Great camping spot just off the road. It’s perched near a hill so you get slivers of views through the trees of West Yellowstone. Has a fire pit but that’s it. 2 bars of Verizon service. Lots of trees. This is the only spot I see there are probably lots of places to camp here but this one is developed. Rough road getting up here but totally doable.
Scout
Followed this road up a few miles and found the perfect camp spot.
GuideThe road in is Gravel and 2 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 at Henry Lake BLM.
Convenient location to West Yellowstone(about 20-min) and great staging area for exploring the national park.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of wildlife, this area offers an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Custer Gallatin National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Custer Gallatin National Forest is Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Custer Gallatin National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 dispersed camping locations near Custer Gallatin National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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