Dispersed camping areas near Fishtail, Montana sit between 4,500 and 6,000 feet elevation across the Custer Gallatin National Forest and surrounding public lands. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with summer evenings often dropping into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most dispersed sites require traveling several miles on unpaved forest roads that worsen after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple camping areas provide direct river or creek access. At West Boulder Trailhead and Campground, the backdrop of mountains creates stunning settings for anglers. One camper noted the practical features: "The pit toilet is right at the entrance and the toilet was very clean. The campground has been bush hogged and the sites are mowed."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities around camp. At Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass, campers regularly encounter large mammals. One visitor reported, "We truly loved this place. It was so isolated and peaceful... Also spotted lots of moose, they are everywhere up there."
Hiking nearby: Several campsites serve as trailheads or connect to hiking networks. The Green Mountain Trail near East Boulder Campground provides a 6-mile hike to Natural Bridge. A visitor to Initial Creek noted, "You can hear the West Fork of the Stillwater River from each site and trails lead down to the river. The trailhead to other hikes is 1 mile up the road."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas provide good separation from other campers. At Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "There are multiple dispersed sites that back up to the Pilot Creek Trail. Plenty of spots in the grass for big rigs and trailers." Another visitor described the options: "Yes, there is a big open area with little privacy if it is crowded. But... there are at least half a dozen wooded spots, setback."
Mountain backdrop views: The Absaroka-Beartooth mountains provide dramatic scenery from most camping areas. At Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site, one camper described the layout: "This is a great campsite. You are along a fast moving creek and the campsites are well spaced out with trees, vegetation or roads between each site."
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report frequent wildlife sightings from their sites. At Lady of the Lake Trail, one visitor mentioned, "We were only planning to stay 1 night and ended up staying 3 nights. We couldn't get enough." Another camper reported: "Nice spot for a night and we saw a bear, moose and deer."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites require full self-sufficiency. At East Boulder Campground, a visitor clarified: "There are only two campsites in this no cost Forest Service campground. There's no water, except from the stream, but there are good picnic tables and a well-maintained vault toilet."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on rough forest roads. A visitor to Initial Creek mentioned, "Rough road which cuts down on traffic!" At Lady of the Lake Trail, a camper warned: "I came up the road which starts out very nice gravel but then gets pretty rough and rocky."
Competition for sites: The limited number of established sites fills quickly, especially on weekends. At East Boulder, a camper reported: "Both spots were filled on a Sunday night, so try to get there early or on a non weekend." Another visitor noted at Swinging Bridge: "Only a few tent sites, none very big. Would not recommend for trailers or campers, even a small teardrop would be tough to maneuver."
Tips for camping with families
Altitude considerations: Tent camping near Fishtail occurs at higher elevations with temperature swings. At Lady of the Lake Trail, a visitor warned: "It was very cold at night even in August and we didn't know this when we set up camp but there was a few Grizzly spotted on the trail around where we camped."
Bear safety measures: Some sites provide bear boxes while others require proper food storage. At Slough Creek backcountry site, a camper noted practical safety measures: "The cooking area has a bear pole for hanging your food but you will not need it as the site has a bear proof food locker."
Stream access: Many campsites provide creek access ideal for supervised play. At Swinging Bridge, a camper observed: "We enjoyed a chilly overnight and woke to the geese nearby flying overhead. Excellent fishing opportunities as well- just bring waiters!"
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most forest roads and campsites cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Swinging Bridge, a visitor advised: "Roads are narrow and curved- would not be good for a trailer unless you really knew what you were doing."
Limited maneuverability: Tight access roads require careful navigation for even smaller rigs. A camper at Swinging Bridge noted: "Really feels like you're camping in the backyard of the ranch you drive thru to reach the site."
Solar considerations: Tree cover varies significantly between sites. At Pilot Creek, one camper mentioned the practical layout: "Plenty of spots in the grass for big rigs and trailers. We ended up near the horse coral/bathroom (vaulted toilet), not ideal but worked in a pinch."
