Best Dispersed Camping near Eureka, MT

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout Kootenai National Forest and surrounding public lands near Eureka, Montana. Several primitive sites can be found along the North Fork Flathead River, Stillwater River, and around lakes such as Red Meadow Lake, Upper Stillwater Lake, and Bull Lake. These areas typically feature simple pullouts and clearings with minimal or no amenities, allowing campers to experience Montana's wilderness with few restrictions. Most sites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, with stays permitted for up to 14 days.

Road conditions vary considerably across these dispersed camping areas. Many access routes require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviewers noting rough, dusty forest roads. The road to Red Meadow Lake is particularly challenging but manageable for determined campers. Most sites lack drinking water, restrooms, and other facilities, though some areas like Red Meadow Lake and Stillwater Lake include vault toilets and bear boxes. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with some locations offering established fire rings. According to a visitor, "The road is DUSTY, but it is what it is," while another noted that "High clearance required!" for certain river access points.

These backcountry camping areas provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and water recreation. Many sites sit directly adjacent to rivers or lakes, offering immediate water access for anglers, kayakers, and swimmers. Red Meadow Lake receives consistently positive feedback for its secluded setting and fishing opportunities, with one camper noting it has "only few camping spots, very remote and peaceful." Wildlife sightings are common, with one review mentioning "eagles, moose, mountain lion, beaver, chipmunk" at Upper Stillwater Lake. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate bear-safe food storage, as much of the area is in bear country. Cell service is limited but available at some locations, making these sites suitable for those seeking a genuine Montana backcountry experience.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Eureka, Montana (22)

    1. Kootenai National Forest Theriault Lakes Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Eureka, MT
    9 miles

    "Max fourteen day free camping at this equestrian camp. Tie outs, feeding area and mounting ramp. Several sites along with fire rings and picnic tables."

    2. Stillwater River

    2 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    19 miles

    "Just about a mile from the highway, this site is right on the river with some nice deep pools. There are three separate fire rings with a vault toilet and picnic table."

    "Arrived in the dark so it was a little tricky to pick out the campsites, but we found a great site with plenty of space to setup 5 tents. Camped"

    4. Bull Lake

    2 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    20 miles

    "Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around."

    "at the end of the trail last spot at the end of the lake, fire pit had a cut log to sit on, great view, would not try to bling a trailer down there"

    5. Red Meadow Lake

    4 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "There are a few primitive campsites near the lake. Sites include two bear boxes and a vault toilet. Bring your own water and/or water filter."

    "Red Meadow Lake is a small lake with only few camping spots, very remote and peaceful. Fishing on the lake is good, summer swimming and kayaking."

    6. Stillwater Lake

    5 Reviews
    Olney, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "This lake is never a disappointment! Easy access roads, nice boat launch, and solid camping sites."

    "The sites easy to access and the toilet is vey close and clean. There is a train track in the background but the trains are very short. They don’t bother me because I love trains."

    7. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    47 miles

    "I’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."

    "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."

    8. Just Past Schnaus Cabin Dispersed

    1 Review
    Polebridge, MT
    32 miles

    "There are no facilities, but if that is what you are looking for, its a perfect spot.  We only had one other camper (in a car) and it was very clean."

    9. Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    10 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    50 miles
    Website

    "This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."

    "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Eureka, MT

51 Reviews of 22 Eureka Campgrounds


  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2022

    McGinnis Creek

    Great Site at the TOP- Watch Rig SIZE (see video review)

    In 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

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    Video Review Now Available

    In 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

  • J
    Apr. 27, 2025

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    A+ campground

    I’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.

  • Tim
    Sep. 27, 2020

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    Awesome dispersed set of campsites.

    Fire 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.

  • Emmett S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Bull Lake

    Quiet and secluded

    Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around. A large parking area, could accommodate a travel trailer or two in addition to a couple tent sites with fire rings. One picnic table with a fire pit and rock fire rings at the tent sites. There are two access roads, the first is more appropriate for van, truck or hike in to tent site. Not a lot of turn around room, wouldn't bring a trailer in. Second turn off goes to a much larger area, multiple sites and boat launch access to the lake.

  • Anna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2018

    McGinnis Creek

    Dispersed Camping near West Glacier

    This is dispersed camping with no amenities, but it makes up for that with the views. Pack in, pack out, LNT, and be bear aware! We pulled up in the middle of the night and had no idea the views we would wake up to. We were able to get there in a low clearance, two wheel drive in the summer, so regular cars should be fine. Be aware that there are only 1-2 spots here, however, there are plenty of pullouts along N Fork Rd. We parked at the secondary spot since the primary spot was taken at 10pm :) The site is near the western entrance of Glacier going into Apgar village.

  • jess W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2024

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    Close to West Glacier, quiet enough, pretty views

    I used this spot for the four days I was visiting Glacier NP. It's pretty easy to find and close to West Glacier. The dirt road is DUSTY, but it is what it is (turn your lights on so you're more visible). The dirt road and driveway is a little rough and pothole-y, but my Town and Country handled it just fine. 

    Lots of sites to choose from; I was joined by a couple others each night and there was a bit of road traffic and people coming to put their rafts in the river, but it wasn't bothersome at all for me. 

    Right on the Flathead River, surrounded by mountains, and it has a pit-toilet! As a solo female traveler, I would absolutely stay here again.

  • Donald S.
    Jul. 29, 2020

    McGinnis Creek

    Great

    Thick, secluded, amazing. Camped 5+ miles off north fork road and it was incredible. Bring bug spray and be aware of animals especially where we camped. The river was 15’away and guided me and the wife to sleep. Can’t wait to come back and explore these mountains even more. It also helps that most of the tourists do not know about this area


Guide to Eureka

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Eureka, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and serene lakes, this area offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Eureka, Montana

  • Always bring your own water, as many spots like Red Meadow Lake do not provide drinking water. A water filter can be a handy addition to your gear.
  • Prepare for mosquitoes, especially in the summer months. Locations such as Stillwater Lake can have a high mosquito presence, so pack insect repellent.
  • Familiarize yourself with the area’s access types; some sites, like Bull Lake, are better suited for smaller vehicles due to narrow tracks.

Fishing and water activities for dispersed campers

  • Enjoy fishing at Bull Lake, which is stocked with fish and offers a peaceful setting for anglers.
  • Kayaking and swimming are popular at Red Meadow Lake, where the clear waters provide a refreshing experience during the warmer months.
  • For those who love cliff jumping, Stillwater Lake is a fantastic spot with nearby cliffs that offer thrilling jumps.

Scenic views and hiking opportunities while free camping near Eureka

  • The area around Red Meadow Lake is perfect for stargazing at night, thanks to its remote location and minimal light pollution.
  • While hiking trails may be limited, the scenic drive to Stillwater River offers beautiful views and access to the river for a relaxing day outdoors.
  • Explore the nearby trails at Cedar Creek Trailhead - Overnight Dispersed, which provide a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Eureka, Montana?

The Kootenai National Forest surrounding Eureka offers excellent dispersed camping options. McGinnis Creek provides dispersed camping with stunning mountain views and riverside spots, accessible even with two-wheel drive vehicles in summer months. Another option is Bull Lake, located less than five miles from the highway, offering a nice-sized stocked lake with multiple camping spots. Throughout the area, look for established fire rings which indicate dispersed sites. The Flathead National Forest also has numerous opportunities with a standard 16-day stay limit at most locations.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Eureka, MT?

Dispersed camping in the Eureka area typically follows standard National Forest regulations. Most sites in North fork Flathead River dispersed camping and Red Meadow Lake areas have a 16-day stay limit. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply, and Leave No Trace ethics are expected. Campfires should only be built in existing fire rings when conditions permit. Bear awareness is essential in this region, so proper food storage is required. Some areas may have seasonal closures or specific restrictions, so check with the Kootenai National Forest office in Eureka for current regulations before your trip.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites around Eureka?

Dispersed camping sites around Eureka are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Stillwater River offers basic facilities including three separate fire rings, a vault toilet, and a picnic table, situated right on the river with nice deep pools. At Glacier Rim River Access 10363, you'll find established camping areas near the Middle Fork Flathead River. Most dispersed sites feature natural settings with existing fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own water, food, and sanitation supplies. Some locations have primitive vault toilets, but it's best to come prepared with all necessary camping supplies and plan to pack out all waste.