Florence is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Florence is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Florence, reviewed by campers like you.
"About 5 miles one way to Peterson lake, anither 1 and 2 miles to Duffy and Holloway lakes above Peterson. Nice secluded valley heading into Bitteroot-Selway wilderness."
"Around 7 miles one way to the lake, only gain 3000ft over the course of the hike with around 1000ft of elevation gain in last mile."
"This area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down."
"Not the best in terms of views, but worth the drive to get out of the city."
"first dispersed camping spot for Lolo from the entry road for this Forest Service land entry."
"3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."
"Both had fire rings but we were in a fire restriction. I got the site closest to the road and it was not so bad, I was camping in my car anyway. The spot seemed pretty level. The trees were gorgeous."
"Many states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management."
"Camping is dispersed and a little eerie. This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings."
"This is my favorite area for dispersed camping in the area. Lost Horse creek is beautiful. Can get a little tight with campers in peak season."
"Wonderful location near the river. Not too many people"
"Awesome lakento hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted."
"Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in."
"Conveniently only 4 miles down a well maintained road and positioned next to the river, this campground has vault toilets and bear boxes. It’s very nice!"
RangerMany states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management. You need to pick up a map of exactly where you’re allowed to camp (there are no facilities, obviously). You can also rent “cabins” which are buildings from before the building became ghosted (but have been updated). Even if you don’t want to camp you can tour the town and have a surreal afternoon imagining what it’d be like to be a miner back in the day.
Guidefirst dispersed camping spot for Lolo from the entry road for this Forest Service land entry. Just cross the bridge, and be careful of high water (signs stating it's impassable 100 yards past the photo of the bridge when high water.) The grey area is public land the white square at the end of the road is private property by the map legend.
maps attached are screenshots from the National Forest Service online map as of Sept. 8th, 2023.
The dots show where dispersed camping is allowed for this spot.
GuideSign says camping permitted to 14 days in a 30 day period. Adjacent to dirt road with a few trees in between. Not the most private but a good option if you need a place for the night if the nearby campsite is full. No amenities. T-mobile cell service is good here.
River access just at the entry of the turn in. Could easily pull a big rig in but may have a hard time turning it around as there is not a pull through. There is a concrete slab that is level and about 12'x25' in size which could be good for a trailer or van without having to do much for leveling. Many vehicles/tents could fit here in the dirt area but would likely be comfortable for a single group rather than multiple camp groups.
GuideCamping is dispersed and a little eerie. This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings. It is an interesting look at the mining industry in Montana. There are numerous interpretive signs and information about the building throughout the town and rangers on site during the summer months to answer questions. During the winter two of the cabins (the larger of which is the old saloon) are available to rent through the forest service. Most of my recent trips have been during the winter months, where the town is only accessible by ski, snow shoe or feet. Then it is silent and strange but heart breakingly beautiful.
TravelerWhat a great spot! 3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there. Someone else pulled in around 9 but the sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there. Felt very private, and the stars were fantastic! Creek bed runs right next to the back site, but it was completely dried up in late July.
ScoutOpen. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces. More if you were cozy. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles
RangerRight off the road and easy to get to. I only saw 2 spots and the other was occupied. Both had fire rings but we were in a fire restriction. I got the site closest to the road and it was not so bad, I was camping in my car anyway. The spot seemed pretty level. The trees were gorgeous. Not bad for a free spot.
GuideThis area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down. On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs. Four wheel drive does not seem to be a requirement. I ended up camping at a turnoff and walked a bit off the road to set up my hammock. The road was not very busy I did hear an occasional car pass by. Good views and decently private. I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty
GuideMaybe 6-7 spots for cars/trucks/vans. We fit our 170 sprinter no problem and would work for half the sites. Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in.
Sites looked clean and was very quiet while we were here for a Sunday night.
T-mobile 5G UC signal from campgrounds. Day use area has wide open sky to recharge if needed. Camp spots are shaded by trees. River access is along camp spots and also near day use area. No trails from campsite so pretty limited in exploration options, just more a beautiful place to stop for a night or 2.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Florence, Montana, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, it's the perfect escape for those looking to connect with the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Florence, MT is Peterson Lake Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Florence, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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