Dispersed camping near Deer Lodge, Montana offers free primitive camping on public lands at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. The area's high desert climate brings warm summer days with temperatures in the 70-80°F range and cool nights often dropping below 50°F. The surrounding Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest features ponderosa pine forests interspersed with meadows and riparian zones along the various waterways.
What to do
Fishing access points: The Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides easy water access for anglers. "This was a pretty spot on the river with quite a few sites and a day use area. Access to the river was a bit tight through the day use area," reports camper Meredith.
Ghost town exploration: Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping offers a unique opportunity to camp near Montana history. "This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings. It is an interesting look at the mining industry in Montana," writes Amanda L.
Mountain biking trails: The area around Homestake Pass Dispersed offers extensive mountain biking options. "There are MTB OHV and walking trails nearby," notes Andrew H. The trails range from beginner-friendly paths to more technical routes through forested terrain.
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Many campers appreciate sites positioned along water. At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3, Azaali J. reports, "Was nice being close to the creek and there was lots of fallen trees we used for firewood. Quiet spot with a small amount of traffic on the road."
Wildlife viewing: The rustic camping options near Deer Lodge provide opportunities to spot local fauna. "One morning a bunch of cows came through my site, which was amazing," shared Mel B. about her stay at Homestake Pass. Some campers also report seeing deer and various bird species.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Racetrack Dispersed Campsite noted, "Open sky for Starlink and solar. Established $ camping further down the road. Further in the rougher the road. More beautiful as you get deeper in but a tough go."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access routes to many sites require careful driving. Laura M. notes about Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314, "Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others."
Seasonal accessibility: Winter closures affect some areas. "Gate is closed, I'm assuming for the winter? Anyways, camped next to the gate there's a little pull out. But not ideal," reports Emma G. about Elliston Dispersed Camping.
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience periodic train noise. Tim T. mentions about Elliston Dispersed Camping, "One thing worth mentioning is that these sites are not far from the main road and the train tracks. The trains come by on a semi-frequent basis and you will definitely hear the train whistle and track noise."
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is essential in this area. A camper at Maiden Rock Dispersed warned, "A Bear might still be active in the area. It tried to get into our camper. Apparently his name is Boo-boo, and he was orphaned as a cub and fed by miners making him not so human afraid."
Tips for camping with families
Easy sites for kids: Look for flat, accessible locations. "This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RVs," mentions a visitor to Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3.
Bug protection: Some areas experience seasonal insect activity. One camper at Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3 noted, "The horseflies were a bit out of control this time of the year."
Water recreation: Several sites offer water access for cooling off. At Maiden Rock Dispersed, a camper shared, "We walked down the road to the angler parking and took a dip in the evening."
Safety considerations: Always research current wildlife conditions. "Carry bear spray and you're probably fine!" advises a camper at Maiden Rock after a bear encounter, providing practical safety advice for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site size awareness: Scott Reservoir Dispersed has limited larger vehicle space according to Ashley C., who noted, "There's a nice hand full of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots your could fit a small trailer in."
Turning radius: Assess site maneuverability before committing. Laura M. cautions about Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3, "If you have a long trailer it is a difficult spot to get into as you have to back your trailer down it and then when you're done, you have to back your trailer back up into a brush area in order to get back on the road. Not recommended if your trailer skills are minimal."
Levelness varies: Some sites require additional leveling equipment. At Racetrack Dispersed Campsite, one RVer reported, "Came in with our 28' travel trailer and had ample room for turning around etc."
Generator use varies: Some dispersed camping areas near Deer Lodge have different generator policies. At Homestake Pass, a camper observed, "Several other campers running gens all day," indicating this may be more tolerated there than at other, quieter locations.
