Dispersed camping sites near Fishtail, Montana span elevations from 3,900 to 10,000 feet across the surrounding Beartooth Mountains and nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest. Seasonal accessibility varies dramatically, with many higher elevation sites snow-covered until mid-June and weather patterns that can bring sudden temperature drops even in summer months. Most campsites sit within mixed conifer forests dominated by lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and spruce.
What to do
Fishing local rivers: The Yellowstone River offers productive fishing spots at Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp where anglers can target trout directly from shore. "There's also a great ramp for launching boats or kayaks or fishing from. Yellowstone on one side and beautiful mountains on the other and it's free!" notes camper Steve M.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal wildlife spotting opportunities at Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass. As one visitor observed, "We spotted a bear, moose and deer" during their stay, while another mentioned, "We truly loved this place. It was so isolated and peaceful."
Scenic drives: Take advantage of the nearby roads for day trips, especially the 68-mile Beartooth Highway. Access points to Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping put you in prime position for early morning exploration. "We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect... We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley," reports Jeremy H.
What campers like
Mountain backdrop views: Many campsites feature panoramic mountain vistas that change with the day's light. At Pig Farm Fishing Access, "the view is gorgeous, the river is lovely and the boat 'ramp' makes for great water access," according to Aliesha D., though she notes there are "no facilities whatsoever, make sure to pack everything out."
Riverside locations: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at Falls Creek, where sites are positioned along Boulder River. "Each site is in the middle of trees and moss and directly next to the Boulder River. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site," reports Stephany H., adding that the campground offers "stunning & spacious" sites despite the rough access road.
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed sites provide separation from other campers. At Lady of the Lake Trail, "The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not too bad to get to," according to Rosstin W., who extended their stay from one to three nights because they "couldn't get enough" of the peaceful setting.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access routes deteriorate significantly after leaving paved highways. At Lake Fork Roadside Camp, camper Nichole D. notes the "Road was a bit rough in the back" despite being a "lovely spot near a river." Similarly, at Falls Creek, "Part of the road getting here is rough but doable if you drive slowly. The drive here itself is worth it," according to Stephany H.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites near Fishtail lack basic amenities. At Pig Farm Fishing Access, Steven L. confirms, "I found it easy enough to find a level spot where I could leave my little camper connected to the TV. Plenty of space... the road is a bit rough, not well maintained but I'm sure you could drive a big rig in here just take it slow."
Weather considerations: Temperature swings can be dramatic, especially at higher elevations. Beartooth Scenic Byway camping areas experience particularly unpredictable conditions. Corda B. shares, "We had our itinerary set to stay at this site and then the weather turned terrible and it started snowing. We only had a tent with us and the wind was whipping so we had to pack up."
Bear safety: This region has active bear populations requiring proper food storage. Multiple campers reported bear sightings, making proper precautions essential for free camping near Fishtail. At Beartooth Scenic Byway, Chad K. mentions, "Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana border... some with bear boxes and some without."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water access: For families with children, Cliff Swallow offers easier river entry points. "Some algae near the shore of river but waded out deeper for refreshing dip," notes Linda C., suggesting that while shorelines may have some growth, clearer water is accessible a short distance out.
Accessible site options: Choose locations with minimal hiking required for setup. At Falls Creek, Stephany H. describes, "You park, and then depending on your site, you're either directly at your campsite or you walk about 100 yards to your site," making it manageable for families with gear.
Cultural opportunities: Some camping areas provide unexpected educational experiences. At Falls Creek, one visitor encountered "a group of tribal members camping in a tipi," which they described as "the icing on the cake for this gorgeous and simple campground."
Tips from RVers
Level parking availability: At Otter Creek Fishing Access, larger rigs can find suitable parking areas. Steve M. notes, "Several areas for campers and travel trailers and even big rigs and popular area for fishing," though stays are limited to 7 days rather than the typical 14-day limit on BLM land.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between free camping areas near Fishtail. Steve M. reports Otter Creek Fishing Access has "Great cell phone service" while at Pig Farm, "T-Mobile cell phone service" was available, making these locations better options for those needing to stay connected.
Turn-around space: Access points may have limited room to maneuver larger vehicles. Edward R. at Pig Farm Fishing Access shares, "I wasn't sure if I could turn around my 20' travel trailer down by the water," suggesting RVers should scout potential sites before committing to tight spaces.
