Dispersed camping options near Custer Gallatin National Forest offer distinct advantages for outdoor enthusiasts seeking alternatives to developed campgrounds. The forest spans over 3 million acres across south-central Montana, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet creating varied camping climates throughout the seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during the day while dropping to 40-50°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing access at Dailey Lake: The shallow waters make this an excellent spot for catching rainbow trout and brown trout, especially in early summer. Campers can use the boat ramp for watercraft access. "Nice place with lots of room. Windy! It keeps the bugs away," notes a visitor at Dailey Lake.
Rock climbing at Red Cliff: Located along the Gallatin River, Red Cliff features bolted sport routes ranging from beginner 5.6 difficulty to advanced 5.11 and 5.12 routes. The cliff formations are accessible via a trailhead directly from the campground. "There is a great onsite trailhead for hiking and horseback riding. The Cliffs themselves are developed for rock climbing with bolted sport routes from 5.6 up to 5.11 and 5.12," explains a camper at Red Cliff Campground.
Wildlife viewing near northern entrance: The Jardine Road area offers excellent vantage points for spotting elk, deer, and occasionally bears. "Keep your eyes peeled! The view up the road is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS... you can see Mammoth Hot Springs in the distance! The road is pretty well maintained and windy," reports a visitor to the forest's dispersed camping areas.
What campers like
Privacy among boulders: Canyon Campground sites tucked between large rock formations create natural separation between campers. "Beautiful tucked away campsites in large boulders. Adorable bunnies living in the sites. Great shade in some spots," shares a Canyon Campground visitor about the unique landscape features that define this camping experience.
River views and fishing access: Multiple sites directly on the Yellowstone River allow for convenient fishing and relaxing water sounds. "Only good things to say about this location. Our level gravel site backed up to the Yellowstone River where we watched the antelope feed on the cliffs and listened to the peaceful sounds of the river," notes a camper at Yellowstone RV Park.
Free camping with mountain views: Travertine Road offers no-cost sites with panoramic mountain vistas. "Very nice sites. We picked one of the first we saw. A little bit windy but absolutely stunning mountain views," says a visitor at Travertine Road Dispersed. Another camper adds, "No crowds at all! There was a car or two that drive past. Absolutely beautiful views!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to remote sites often feature washboard surfaces and may require high-clearance vehicles. "Great but difficult to access. 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," warns a Travertine Road visitor.
Wind conditions at open sites: Lakeside campgrounds without tree cover experience strong, persistent winds. "We had a hard time finding this place via Google maps and had to switch it into topographic view to find our way there. Nice sites but it was very windy when we arrived and had to use the car to block the wind to even get the tent set up," reports a camper at Dailey Lake.
Limited reservation options: Many prime sites operate on first-come, first-served basis, requiring early arrival during peak season. "Mammoth Campground is very clean and well kept. The sites are tight but we spent of our time off exploring and never found this to be an issue," explains a visitor to Mammoth Campground. Another adds, "Have to queue in the morning to get a campsite and sites are pretty close together."
Tips for camping with families
Boulder climbing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature natural rock formations that provide built-in recreation for children. "Canyon campground located in a canyon just across the highway from the Yellowstone River is a pleasant campground with plenty of boulders for kids and adults to climb," notes a camper about the family-friendly terrain.
Creek access for safer water play: Taylor Fork Road sites offer shallow creek access better suited for younger children than swift-moving rivers. "This is very remote feeling with no cell reception or views of any paved roads or buildings. The area is wooded with green grass and wildflowers everywhere. Dogs loved the location, and we enjoyed the quiet location," reports a camper at Taylor Fork Road.
Wildlife viewing safety: Maintain proper distance from elk, especially during calving season (May-June) when females become aggressive. "We were there during elk calving season, with elk and their babies wandering through the area... although stay away from those mean mammas! I had one stalk me around the bathrooms during the night; she was none to pleased I was moving around in her area," warns a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability: Some campgrounds offer limited electrical hookups, though they fill quickly in peak months. "This time, we camped in the section right along the river with electric hookups—such a great spot. Water is available at nearby spigots, and our site had plenty of space plus a small trail that led down to the river," notes a camper at Rainbow Point Campground.
Length restrictions enforcement: Check site length limitations carefully as some campgrounds have physical barriers preventing overhang. "We squeezed our 39'8" fifth wheel into a 35' site (Loop D), but site lengths are strictly enforced—there are concrete barriers at the back of each pad, so no overhang is possible," cautions a Rainbow Point visitor.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and provider. "Tent camping sites are snug and offer no privacy. Scenic spot high above the river. Good overnight if you plan to explore Mammoth and Lamar Valley," reports a Yellowstone RV Park visitor, while another adds, "Good Verizon signal and AT&T."
