Dispersed camping near Dillon, Montana consists primarily of sites along forest service roads and public land surrounding local waterways. Located in southwest Montana at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, this area experiences wide temperature fluctuations with summer highs reaching 80°F and overnight lows often dropping below 40°F even in July and August. Free primitive camping sites typically require visitors to bring their own drinking water, pack out trash, and observe seasonal fire restrictions that can change rapidly during dry periods.
What to do
Fishing access points: Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area offers both shore and boat fishing, with an additional unique opportunity for rockhounding. "This campsite has loads to offer ~ there is access to the reservoir, of course, and along with this comes the garnets lining the shores. It is a perfect adventure for beginners, as all you need is a shovel and some screens to begin your search," notes camper Hannah S.
River activities: The Maiden Rock Dispersed area provides direct access to the Big Hole River, popular for both fishing and swimming. "We stopped by twice over three weeks... We walked down the road to the angler parking and took a dip in the evening," reports Laura B., highlighting the refreshing swimming opportunities during summer months.
Ghost town exploration: Several backcountry camping spots serve as convenient basecamps for exploring historic mining towns. "The way in leads you right through Virginia City which is a fun little ghost town. There's also another little spot off the road about a mile and a half down the road from Virginia City where there's a possibility of finding corundum," mentions Hannah about the route to Ruby Reservoir.
What campers like
Mountain views: The Clark Canyon Reservoir area features multiple free camping options with scenic backdrops. "Stayed at Beaverhead River Campground on the north end of lake. One of several campgrounds around the lake. Compost toilets, fire rings and large rv parking level and clean spots. Best of all, All free," writes Tim O.
Well-maintained sites: Many primitive sites near Dillon feature surprisingly good amenities for free camping. "This place looks like a paid campground, only free! All the spots have a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. The mountain views all around you are gorgeous," explains Kelda C. about Maiden Rock Dispersed camping.
Geological features: The Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp offers camping near dramatic rock formations. "Only 3 miles from the highway, this campsite is at the end of a well maintained, slightly rutted gravel road... Big beautiful rocks, some shade, pretty epic views on the way in. Beautiful!" shares camper Tee C.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many Dillon backcountry sites requires travel on unpaved roads with variable conditions. "The road was mildly bumpy getting here, but the campsite is very nice. There are toilets and clearly marked campsites with a fire ring and a picnic table," explains Laura C. about the 6100N Dispersed Camping Area.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes and extreme temperature swings. "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," notes Dexter I., highlighting the exposure at some sites.
Site availability: Most primitive camping around Dillon operates on a first-come basis with peak seasons filling quickly. "Plenty of spots available when we arrived at around 17:45. The standard of sites are top notch and much better than most paid for campsites," reports Anthony C. about a mid-August arrival at Maiden Rock.
Tips for camping with families
Rockhounding activities: Ruby Reservoir provides family-friendly rockhounding opportunities. "The garnets are beautiful, and keep the kids (college age or elementary!) entertained for hours. And if you need to cool off, you can hop right in!" shares Hannah S.
Insect protection: Some sites experience heavy mosquito activity during summer months. "Stayed here on our way up to Glacier NP, literally right off the interstate... prepare for the skeeters our thermacell was no match for these guys," warns Richard C. about Barretts Station Park Campground.
Established campsites: For families seeking more structure, look for dispersed areas with defined sites. "This place is amazingly beautiful! We stopped by twice over three weeks- both times only one other site occupied. Sites are spaced nicely, brand new looking picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings," notes Laura B. about Maiden Rock.
Tips from RVers
Level parking challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at many dispersed sites. "Hardly any water campsites. Almost impossible to level a camper. There are absolutely no trees so come with a bucket of sunscreen or a canopy," cautions Kelsie M. about Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area.
Site size considerations: While most areas accommodate smaller RVs, large rigs may struggle at certain locations. "The 6100M Dispersed Camping Area is a large camping area a short distance off forest road 100 with five established sites. Three of the sites are in the open and two are tucked in the trees along the edge of the Ruby River," describes Dexter I., indicating varying site accessibility.
Pit toilet availability: Select dispersed camping areas offer basic facilities. "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," notes Dexter I.
