Essex is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Essex, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."
"We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"
"Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."
"This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."
"This is side of road parking on National forest dirt road. Lots of pull offs every 1/4 mile or so. I took one right by creek. Creek full of small trout. Traffic is minimal."
"Absolutely beautiful view if you go to the coordinates. There’s around 7 spots up to where the coordinates lead to."
"It’s free. close to the lake. The bathroom was pretty clean. Good for being a car access spot."
"While somewhat hard to get to (roughly 20 miles on a winding gravel/dirt road following Hungry Horse Reservoir) this was one of my favorite spots to camp during the entirety of my cross country road trip"
"In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."
"This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."
"If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir."
"Pit toilet, well maintained, and walkable from all spots in the area."
"There is a hidden fire ring on the beach. Amazing views in all directions!"
"Road in is in decent condition with some potholes to watch out for. You can definitely hear the highway and the trains, but it's quiet enough."
"We found a nice spot close to the challenge cabin up in Summit that was close to the creek. I the area was big enough for multiple people to camp in."
"The GPS coordinates for this place are slightly off. Look for Hungry Horse Rd and follow it 4 miles until you reach the Hungry Horse Reservoir Dam."
"37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir"
GuideIn this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 16 day stay limit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llxG33OdoQ
Free Camping Near Glacier National Park- North Fork Road, Canyon Creek and McGinnis Creek Dispersed
GPS Point for North Fork Road Dispersed Camping
48.499334,-114.131517
Natural Spring for drinking water etc. 48.447581,-114.165680
Conoco Station($5 Dump and Water) 48.371583,-114.203917
Bonus Content GPS Info Canyon Creek Dispersed 48.463612,-114.167320
McGinnis Creek Dispersed(start of road with North Fork Road Instersection) 48.52.3474,-114.128642
McGinnis Creek Large Boondocking Area from Video 48.531014,-114.157493
GuideIn this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27
GuideIn this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27
GuideThe road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.
TravelerI’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too. Have a site that backed right up to the river.
TravelerAbsolutly beautiful view of st. Mary lake and glacier park east. Another lake in the background im not sure of right now. Just a dirt road off the highway that nobody comes to and is good to park an rv for the night and let the dogs run around. Anti people camping!!
GuideThis was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it! We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.
TravelerThe other reviews here are accurate. Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people.
GuideFire pits. Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020. Right next to the to river and it’s babbling mini rapids. Standard bumpy gravel road access to Glacier national park. Also easy access to the Flathead national forest. Not too crowded while we were there. Couple RVs in the main lot area, ran generators for brief moments at reasonable times. One night only one other tent there. Another there were 5 or 6. A short walk from parking to sites but no big deal. Left our stuff each day while we went to explore glacier and came back to no problems. Limited wood in the area to burn but you can find it - especially if you have a saw/axe.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Essex, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Essex, MT is Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Essex, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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