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Best Dispersed Camping near Gallatin National Forest

57 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound throughout Gallatin National Forest in Montana, with several primitive sites offering solitude and natural surroundings. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping, and Copper City BLM provide free camping options approximately 20-30 minutes from Bozeman. These sites feature varying terrain and accessibility, with most allowing tent camping and some accommodating small RVs or trailers. According to reviews, South Fork Brackett Creek offers "gorgeous mountain views" with mountains that appear "pink and purple at sunrise," though visitors should be aware that black bears have been spotted in the area.

Most dispersed sites in this region lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary by location and season; many sites have established fire rings, but fire bans may be implemented during dry periods. Road conditions can be challenging, particularly at Cottonwood Reservoir and Olson Creek. Several campers noted that "high clearance and/or 4WD" vehicles are recommended, especially "if it has recently rained." Cell service is available at some locations but should not be relied upon.

Summer brings increased traffic to these areas, with popular sites filling quickly on weekends. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed sites experience significant visitation during peak season. Wildlife encounters are common; proper food storage is essential to prevent attracting bears and other animals. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountain environments, with significant temperature variations between Bozeman and higher-elevation camping areas. One visitor reported temperatures "15__ cooler than Bozeman" at Olson Creek. Winter access is limited, with some forest service roads closed seasonally due to snow. Visitors should check current conditions and regulations before departure.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gallatin National Forest (18)

    1. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    12 miles

    "There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."

    "This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles."

    2. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs)."

    "Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites."

    3. Copper City BLM

    4 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."

    "No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."

    4. Olson Creek Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    19 miles
    Website

    "There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently"

    "It mentions private property but I think that’s the areas off the road. A few trucks with Mtn. bikes drove past at dusk but after that it was peaceful and a nice solitary overnight spot."

    5. Battle Ridge Dispersed

    1 Review
    Wilsall, MT
    16 miles

    6. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

    12 Reviews
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "Definitely busier than I expected, especially with the condition of the road; we had multiple cars coming down the road we were on and then they would turn around and come back but it wasn’t obnoxious."

    "Dispersed camping all along a pass through the canyon. Very remote and private. I drove up the mountain a ways and found a perfect spot to set up ."

    7. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Wilsall, MT
    25 miles

    "No fire rings a little bit a rough road 4x4 and higher clearance recommended. Better no enter with big rigs or trailer. But a beautiful place to spend time."

    "Rough road to get to the water, then beautiful views. 11 mph winds tonight but supposed to die down."

    8. Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    26 miles

    9. Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    40 miles

    "Canyon Ferry has great dispersed camping all around it. The specific site we stayed at was right next to the beach. Great views and right down from a pit toilet."

    "Pit toilet available."

    10. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

    11 Reviews
    Livingston, MT
    44 miles

    "There are no facilities whatsoever, make sure to pack everything out and stock up on gas and supplies before heading out there!"

    "Very easy to get to with several camping and RV areas although little shade."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gallatin National Forest

43 Photos of 18 Gallatin National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gallatin National Forest

57 Reviews of 18 Gallatin National Forest Campgrounds

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    Really a 4.5 star spot

    Beautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.

  • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2024

    Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Cottonwood reservoir wilsall montana

    Cottonwood Reseravoir DNRC land section.  accessible for overnight camping under DNRC rules.  The reservoir has Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers.  No wifi, no trash, no bathrooms. Completely wild. Stars at night amazing. All kinds of waterfowl passing seasonal. No amenities.

  • Kimberly L.
    Aug. 2, 2022

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Gorgeous mountain views

    I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs). The mountains were pink and purple at sunrise, awesome views! I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there. It's about 20-30 minutes outside of Bozeman, MT. Happy camping!

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    On the road to Fairy Lake

    There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here. I went all the way to the dispersed campsite above Fairy Lake. I felt it was adequate but the 2 remaining sites were full sun and the trailhead right below the CG was packed (approx. 30 vehicles)

  • Erik W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    No trespassing signs everywhere

    Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot

  • Jenny&Tobias P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Overnight at a lake with mountain view

    A few sites, close toe Hyw 89 through a Texas gate. We camped for a night and it's a beautiful space with stunning views and a reservoir right at the spots. No fire rings a little bit a rough road 4x4 and higher clearance recommended. Better no enter with big rigs or trailer. But a beautiful place to spend time.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    RV disperse camping on Canyon Ferry Lake

    You almost don't realize that this area open to camping and would drive right by if it were not for a plywood sign just after crossing a cattle guard. The plywood has just a few signs on it, one listing the number of nights you can camp for. The others are the camping rules, travel restrictions and notice that spot must be occupied at night. This camping area is a mile north of Confederate Campground. When you look back up the road leading to the camping area you can notice a vault toilet in the distance. It is over a½ mile to this vault toilet down a two track road. One flat grassy camping spot can be found about half way to the toilet. This grassy spot is your best bet if you have a tent with out a crowd. The spot is on the shore of the lake with just a few young willows between you and the water. The remainder of the camping appears to happen just after the ADA vault toilet.  A few more grassy spots are possible near the vault toilet, then there is a narrow section of gravel beach on which RV's turn in to a parking area. The RV's line up one right behind the other on this beach as this is the only real level place to park. No other services besides the ADA vault toilet is available so come prepared. The area has no picnic tables and any fire rings are on the beach made by previous visitors. The site does not have a boat ramp, but the gravel shore would make it easy to launch one.

  • Erik B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Olson Creek Dispersed

    Nice Jeep trail with a few pull outs and good views

    I drove a few miles up the road and found a pull out area on one of the switchbacks. It mentions private property but I think that’s the areas off the road. A few trucks with Mtn. bikes drove past at dusk but after that it was peaceful and a nice solitary overnight spot.

Guide to Gallatin National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gallatin National Forest in Montana, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure without the crowds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Gallatin National Forest

  • Enjoy peaceful nights under the stars at Olson Creek Dispersed, where you can soak in beautiful views and listen to the sounds of nature.
  • Experience the thrill of mountain biking at Copper City BLM, a popular spot for trail enthusiasts with plenty of open space and stunning scenery.
  • Take advantage of the hiking opportunities at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046, where you can explore various trails and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out South Fork Brackett Creek

  • This location offers easy access just outside of Bozeman, making it a convenient choice for those looking to escape the city while still being close to amenities at South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site.
  • Campers can find fire rings at most sites, allowing for cozy evenings around the fire while enjoying the stunning mountain views.
  • The area is known for its quiet roads and beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and wildlife watching.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there year-round dispersed camping available in Gallatin National Forest?

Year-round dispersed camping in Gallatin National Forest is limited by seasonal conditions and access. Goose Bay BLM offers dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit and may be accessible in milder winter periods, with spots for larger rigs up to 50 feet located near the reservoir. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping is another option but has no amenities and winter access may be challenging. Most high-elevation areas become inaccessible during winter months due to snow. Lower elevation sites near main roads typically offer the best chance for winter camping, but prepare for primitive conditions with no snow removal, water sources, or winter maintenance. Always check current forest conditions and road closures before winter camping trips.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Gallatin National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Gallatin National Forest typically follows standard National Forest regulations. Most areas have a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period, as noted at Confederate Disperse Camping Area, which displays camping rules on entry signs. Camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, trails, and roads. Pack out all trash and waste—there are no garbage services at dispersed sites. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; always use existing fire rings when available. Some areas like Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed may have specific local regulations. Food storage requirements are critical in bear country—proper containers or vehicle storage is mandatory. Some dispersed areas cross onto DNRC land which has its own specific rules. Always check current regulations before your trip.

Where are the best dispersed camping sites in Custer Gallatin National Forest?

Custer Gallatin National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping options for various preferences. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping provides beautiful sites with nice shade and privacy, including a meadow about 4 miles from the highway with at least 3 dispersed sites. For water views, Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area offers plenty of boondocking sites with proximity to amenities like drinking water and a boat ramp. Other notable options include Battle Ridge, which has spots at higher elevations with mountain views, and Confederate Dispersed area, which is more secluded but requires knowing where to look for the entrance marked by simple plywood signs after crossing a cattle guard.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to access dispersed camping in Gallatin National Forest?

Vehicle requirements vary significantly across dispersed camping areas in Gallatin National Forest. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site specifically recommends 4WD, especially for accessing spots further up the mountain beyond the coordinates. Reviewers found the road challenging, noting it's not suitable for big rigs. Similarly, at Olson Creek Dispersed, campers report a single-lane cobblestone road that causes significant bouncing even in trucks, with limited space for setting up camp. While some dispersed areas near main forest roads may be accessible with 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, many of the more remote and desirable spots require higher clearance and 4WD capability, particularly after rain or in early spring when roads may be muddy or partially washed out.

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