Dispersed camping near Divide, Montana offers primitive sites at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet across public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The Big Hole River basin provides overnight options with seasonal closures from October through May at higher elevations due to snow conditions. Most sites require self-sufficiency with variable road conditions that can deteriorate rapidly after rainfall.
What to do
Fly fishing access: The Maiden Rock Dispersed site provides excellent fishing opportunities along the Big Hole River. "The spot is incredible to fish! Getting to the spot - you will get off the main road and drive through some dirt roads and past some private property. At the end of one of the roads you'll see a small bridge you'll drive over and the camping spots are maybe 30 seconds past the bridge," notes camper Maddie F.
Mountain biking trails: Forest roads near Homestake Pass Dispersed connect to multiple mountain bike routes with varying difficulty levels. A camper reports, "Lots of mountain bike trails nearby. We were there for a couple of nights. Lots of rigs came in just for one night stays."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife including deer, moose, and various bird species. Marc M. shares about Homestake Pass, "We drove farther up the road and found a more secluded place. It is an OHV area and can be a bit noisy. However, it has excellent cellular coverage and is not far from town."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Free camping near Divide provides ample room between sites at most locations. At Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp, "Along the road, there are a handful of pull offs that are big enough for an RV to pull into. The coordinates bring you to an open gravel lot with nice clean pit toilets," according to Tee C.
Bear boxes: Several sites provide secure food storage. Laura B. mentions about Maiden Rock, "Sites are spaced nicely, brand new looking picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings. Put toilet right outside of camp. We walked down the road to the angler parking and took a dip in the evening."
Night sky views: Due to minimal light pollution, stargazing is exceptional in this region. Heather L. reports from Racetrack Dispersed Campsite, "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
Bear activity: Bears frequently visit camping areas, particularly during evening hours. At Maiden Rock, a camper warns, "As of September 1st 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. Carry bear spray and you're probably fine!"
Water quality concerns: Local water sources may contain contaminants. About Homestake Lake Camp, one camper advises, "I do not recommend getting water from Butte other than from 'Ultimate Big Spring Water' which cost $15 for 5gal with a jug. Apparently Butte has occasional toxic leakage into the mains from the Toxic Pits."
Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate significantly after rain. Boyd H. notes about Racetrack Dispersed, "Road in was 100% washboard, but the campsite was decent. Had to traverse a lot of private property to access it, and the locals do not appear to be friendly."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: The Big Hole River provides cooling options during summer months. A camper shares, "We walked down the road to the angler parking and took a dip in the evening," regarding access from Maiden Rock Dispersed.
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity intensifies during summer months, particularly near water. At Barretts Station Park Campground, campers warn, "Prepare for the skeeters our thermacell was no match for these guys."
Local wildlife encounters: Cattle frequently wander through some camping areas. At Homestake Pass, one visitor notes, "Cows did come to our campsite nightly and dig through our fire pit." Another camper mentions, "As a single female tent camping I felt very safe here. One morning a bunch of cows came through my site, which was amazing."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most dispersed areas accommodate medium-sized RVs but have limited turning radius. About Racetrack Dispersed, Heather L. shares, "Came in with our 28' travel trailer and had ample room for turning around etc."
Generator etiquette: Some campers run generators continuously at popular sites. A visitor to Homestake Pass notes, "Several people do come here to stay for the full limit so it looks like people be living here, but they're constantly ushered out by rangers. Several big classA's in and out. Several other campers running gens all day."
Overnight parking: For quick overnight stops without setup, several areas provide easy highway access. At Barretts Station Park, Richard N. reports, "I needed a place to camp overnight and this place fit the bill. There are 9 tables dispersed in a grassy area and a couple RV parking spaces. There are pit toilets and a water pump."
