Dispersed tent camping around Essex, Montana provides access to remote sites throughout the Flathead National Forest and along Glacier National Park's perimeter. Located at 3,880 feet elevation, this mountain corridor experiences temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night, even in summer months. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after rainfall, with many access routes requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Fishing access points: Numerous dispersed sites offer creek and river proximity, particularly along Hungry Horse Reservoir. "Perfect spot for me and my Kia Soul on a forest service road outside west glacier. Saw some trailers and vans on my way up. Sizable turnout spot at the end of the FSR," notes one Ryan Road Dispersed Camping visitor.
Hiking from remote sites: Many tent campers use dispersed sites as jumping-off points for backcountry trails. At Cut Bank Campground, "You look out a long flat meadow toward the triple divide area of the park and it is a 4 mile hike to the trail heads to go north, triple divide and red eagle lake or south to morning star lake and pitamahkin pass."
Swimming spots: The clear waters around Essex provide refreshing swimming opportunities during summer months. "Right on a clear river, came in on Tuesday at 6pm. Still river spots available. Dog friendly and safe," reports one Blankenship Bridge camper who enjoyed riverside access.
What campers like
Mountain views: Campers consistently mention the scenic panoramas available from dispersed tent sites. "Driving along the skyland road's ridge was amazing, gorgeous mountain views. Spots are few but very spaced out for privacy," notes a Skyland Rd Dispersed Camping reviewer.
Creek-side camping: Many tent campers specifically seek sites near running water. "We had beautiful views and a very peaceful night. No bears or signs of bears! Enjoyed hammocking with the sound of the stream throughout the night," writes another Skyland Road visitor.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution around Essex creates excellent stargazing conditions. "A beautiful location, lakeside access, incredible night skies, easy access via 30min driving to the west side of Glacier NP, quiet (no people), flat ground, perfect for a quick camp fix!" reports a camper at Dorris Creek Road.
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access to many dispersed tent sites requires navigating rough forest roads. "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road," warns one Blankenship Bridge visitor who ultimately decided not to risk it.
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack adequate turning areas for vehicles. As one Ryan Road Dispersed Camping visitor notes, "The road is only a couple miles long and not too rough but there is a private gated drive at the end (there is a spot to turn around at the last campsite)."
Seasonal closures: Several forest roads close unexpectedly throughout the season. One camper reported, "I showed up to the Ryan road turn off from highway 2 and there was a bunch of signage that said temporarily closed to public access due to logging work going on."
Cell service limitations: Nearly all dispersed tent camping areas lack reliable cellular coverage. "No service close by, no motor homes either!" notes one Cut Bank Campground visitor, while another camper mentions "No reliable service for Verizon" at Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Children enjoy investigating the shallow creek beds around Essex. "Creek full of small trout. Traffic is minimal. Mostly trucks pulling horse trailers," reports a Skyland Road camper about the water features that entertain kids.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers excellent chances to spot wildlife safely. "The Cut Bank Creek drainage is also a fantastic place to embark on some great hiking and it provides some of the best of Montana's Rocky Mountain Front scenery and wildlife viewing," notes one Cut Bank Campground visitor.
Meadow play areas: Some dispersed sites feature open meadows ideal for family activities. "Huge open space with a fire circle and everything!" reports one Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed camper who found a family-friendly site.
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs only. "This is a good spot for smaller RV's or tents but any spot I seen for rv larger than 30' was taken or really not available," warns one Hungry Horse Reservoir camper.
Advance scouting recommended: RVers should assess sites before attempting access. "Pulled out Alliance Valor 32A10 down the horrible access road. Had to do a walk around after to verify no damage. Bed rails touched under my front cap a few times but luckily no damage," reports one Blankenship Bridge visitor.
Early arrival essential: Limited large sites fill quickly during peak season. "We have a 42' trailer and thought we would give this spot a shot. There's a slightly rough dirt road to get to the camp spots. There were about 3-4 sites that could fit our RV," notes one Ryan Road camper who secured a suitable spot.
