Dispersed camping opportunities around Gallatin National Forest extend beyond the immediate Bozeman area, with many sites located at elevations between 5,500-9,000 feet. Temperature variations can be significant, with several high-elevation sites experiencing frost even during summer months. The forest encompasses over 1.8 million acres with terrain ranging from dense pine forests to alpine meadows, providing rustic camping options across various ecosystems.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping offers access to stunning alpine terrain. A camper noted, "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."
Mountain biking trails: Copper City BLM provides direct access to popular biking routes. One visitor mentioned, "Great spot right on parts of the trial! It's open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."
Fishing access: At Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp, the Yellowstone River provides excellent angling opportunities. A reviewer shared, "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!"
What campers like
Privacy in forest settings: South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site offers secluded spots away from crowds. A camper reported, "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. Very quite road."
Cell service reliability: Many dispersed sites around Gallatin offer surprisingly good connectivity. At Olson Creek Dispersed, a visitor mentioned, "Great spot and easy to get to. Exactly where the coordinates are pull off was big enough for my sprinter 170 extended was even able to get it perfectly level a few dirt bikes on the road that stopped at sunset."
Water access: Confederate Disperse Camping Area provides direct shoreline camping on Canyon Ferry Lake. A camper noted, "The site does not have a boat ramp, but the gravel shore would make it easy to launch one."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest service roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. At Olson Creek Dispersed, a camper warned, "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."
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is critical in bear country. While many sites mention bear activity, specific precautions vary by location and season.
Train noise at some sites: Several dispersed sites near Livingston experience train disruptions. At Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp, one camper reported, "Beautiful spot by the Yellowstone River. Train whistles woke us up four times."
Tips for camping with families
Sites with easier access: For families with young children, Copper City BLM offers relatively flat terrain. A reviewer mentioned, "Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views."
Lakes for swimming: Fairy Lake provides child-friendly water activities during summer. One visitor reported, "I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily, although this is by far the roughest road I've encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart!"
Space for multiple vehicles: Some sites accommodate larger family gatherings. At Hyalite Canyon Dispersed, a camper noted, "We followed the road all the way up to the end where it reaches private property. There is one spot just before. However it is a tight road, we had to unhook our trailer to turn around so it is not a place for big rigs."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many dispersed sites have restricted turning radius. At Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping, a reviewer advised, "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."
Leveling challenges: Finding level spots can be difficult on forest service roads. One camper at Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping said, "I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."
Water availability: No potable water exists at these rustic camping spots near Gallatin National Forest. All water must be brought in or filtered from natural sources when available.
