Best Dispersed Camping near Fortine, MT

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Fortine, Montana, with several primitive sites available in the Flathead National Forest. Red Meadow Lake offers lakeside camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and bear boxes. Stillwater River provides riverside camping with three separate fire rings and a vault toilet, though high clearance vehicles are required for access. Bull Lake features multiple camping areas with established fire rings and boat launch access to a stocked fishing lake. Most sites operate seasonally from May through October, with standard 14-day stay limits enforced throughout the forest.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. According to reviews, many access roads feature rough gravel surfaces with the final approaches often requiring slow, careful navigation. Several campers noted that "the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue." Vehicle recommendations differ by location; while standard passenger vehicles can access some areas during dry conditions, high-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended for others, particularly after rain.

These primitive sites typically lack drinking water, electricity, and shower facilities. Some locations offer vault toilets or pit toilets, but campers should prepare to be self-sufficient. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods, though many sites feature established fire rings. Campers should practice proper food storage techniques as this region supports active bear populations. As one visitor reported, "berry bushes grow close by which bears frequent." All food, toiletries, and scented items must be secured in vehicles overnight. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve these natural areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fortine, Montana (29)

    1. Stillwater River

    2 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    9 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"

    2. Bull Lake

    2 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    11 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"

    3. Stillwater Lake

    5 Reviews
    Olney, MT
    16 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."

    4. Red Meadow Lake

    4 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    16 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."

    5. Kootenai National Forest Theriault Lakes Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Eureka, MT
    12 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."

    6. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    49 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    44 miles
    Website

    "The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."

    "We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"

    7. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    38 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. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    44 miles

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."

    10. Just Past Schnaus Cabin Dispersed

    1 Review
    Polebridge, MT
    26 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fortine, MT

161 Reviews of 29 Fortine 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

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

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    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

  • K
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome river side free camping

    The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Perfect place right outside of glacier

    This was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it! We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.

  • L
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome

    The other reviews here are accurate. Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people.

  • 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.


Guide to Fortine

Dispersed camping opportunities near Fortine, Montana include several free sites within Kootenai National Forest and neighboring Flathead National Forest. The region sits at elevations ranging from 3,000-5,500 feet, creating varied camping experiences across the seasons. Most access roads remain snow-covered until late May, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing even in summer months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Bull Lake features stocked fishing with convenient boat launch access. According to a visitor, "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."

Paddling and swimming: Stillwater Lake offers excellent water activities with easy access points. One camper notes, "This lake is never a disappointment! Easy access roads, nice boat launch, and solid camping sites. If your looking for a nice days paddle or a weekend away Stillwater Lake, Stillwater River and the surrounding smaller lakes, Hole in the Wall and Finger Lake; have you covered."

Hiking trails: Red Meadow Lake connects to multiple trail systems including the Pacific Northwest Trail. A visitor explains, "Perfect location for star gazing at night and the PNW Trail run close by." The campground offers both lakeside camping and hiking opportunities in one location.

What campers like

Seclusion and quiet: Bull Lake provides peaceful camping with minimal crowds. A reviewer mentioned, "Quiet and secluded... There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around."

Wildlife viewing: Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed camping areas offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. A camper shared, "We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle!" Many sites throughout the region provide natural habitat for diverse wildlife.

Stargazing: North Fork Flathead River offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. According to one camper, "At night, it clears out and that's when the magic happens. The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to most free camping near Fortine, Montana deteriorate significantly after rain. A visitor to Blankenship Bridge warned, "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road. Decided not to risk it in my van."

Site availability: Most dispersed sites fill quickly during peak summer months. A camper at Blankenship Bridge noted, "We stayed 2 night, 15 minutes from the west gate. Amazing 'live in a van by the river' vibe. Does get alil packed and tight. Great spot for car camping."

Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is essential throughout the region. At Theriault Lakes Horse Camp, a visitor noted, "Bear country so secure food storage is a must. Little Theriault Lake is within walking distance." Many campgrounds provide bear boxes at designated sites.

Tips for camping with families

Best sites for children: Red Meadow Lake provides safer shorelines for families. A visitor shared, "The water is absolutely gorgeous and clear. We didn't find any hiking trails though." The shallow water entry points make this location suitable for younger children.

Weather preparation: Prepare for rapid temperature changes even in summer months. A camper at North Fork Flathead River advised, "We loved the river and the night sky. It is quiet enough so we loved that." Nighttime temperatures can drop below 45°F even in July.

Emergency planning: Limited cell service requires advance preparation. A visitor to Middle Fork Flathead River reported, "We got service!" but this is uncommon as most sites have no cellular connectivity, requiring families to plan emergency procedures in advance.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: For larger RVs, arrive early to secure suitable sites. A Stillwater Lake visitor advised, "Maybe 20 minutes from whitefish, this area offers only a handful of rustic sites as well boat launch parking. First come first serve."

Road clearance concerns: Many access roads require high clearance vehicles. A visitor to Stillwater River warned, "It's a short drive in but more suitable for truck camping, van, tent camping or very small trailer like 13' max due to narrow track and limited maneuvering area. High clearance required!"

Leveling challenges: Most free sites have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. At Bull Lake, a camper noted, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fortine, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fortine, MT is Stillwater River with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fortine, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Fortine, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.