Best Dispersed Camping near Ennis, MT
Dispersed camping near Ennis, Montana includes several free sites on public lands managed by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Bureau of Land Management. Multiple primitive camping areas can be found along the Ruby River corridor, including Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area, Cow Creek, and designated sites along Forest Service Road 100 such as 6100J and 6100N dispersed camping areas. Additional options include Taylor Fork Road Dispersed camping to the southeast and Hyalite Canyon Dispersed camping to the northeast. Most sites feature basic rock fire rings and provide access to nearby waterways but lack other amenities.
Access to many sites requires travel on unpaved forest roads that may be challenging during wet conditions. Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground accommodates smaller vehicles, while areas like Taylor Fork Road can handle larger rigs but may require levelers due to uneven terrain. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with most sites permitting campfires in established rings when conditions allow. Nearly all dispersed sites lack drinking water, restrooms, and trash facilities. A 16-day stay limit applies to most Forest Service dispersed camping areas. Some locations like 6100J have vault toilets nearby, but visitors should generally come prepared with all necessary supplies.
The surrounding landscape offers scenic mountain views and access to rivers for fishing and recreation. "It's a very secluded campground but there isn't much privacy between the sites and while there are toilets and a garbage dumpster there is no drinking water and there is zero cell reception," noted one camper at Blackmore Campground. Taylor Fork Road Dispersed camping receives particularly positive feedback, with one visitor describing "stunning cliff views, secluded, and quiet" conditions. Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area provides an unusual opportunity for rockhounding, as "garnets are heavy and will settle to the bottom of the pan" when searching the shoreline. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with reviewers reporting overnight temperatures dropping to 34 degrees even in August. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites, adding to their remote character.
