Dispersed camping near Garrison, Montana provides access to the Clark Fork River basin at elevations between 4,500-5,800 feet. The surrounding Deerlodge National Forest lands feature lodgepole pine and Douglas fir forests with seasonal temperature fluctuations. Summer nights remain cool even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, while early and late season camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The areas surrounding Garrison offer exceptional trout fishing. River Junction Fishing Access Site provides direct access to the confluence of the Blackfoot and North Fork Blackfoot Rivers. As James K. notes, "Peaceful wooded site with the confluence of the Blackfoot and North Fork Blackfoot. Several sites right along the river."
Photography at reservoirs: Scott Reservoir Dispersed camping area provides excellent photography opportunities with mountain backdrops. "Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir. Ran into one local taking pictures but left soon after," reports Don S., who had the "entire place to myself on a Thursday night."
Mountain exploring: Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites offer access to mining history and mountain terrain. "There are multiple spots to pull off from Garnet Range Rd, and there are spots with a stone firepit along them," according to Robert C., who noted cell service with "Verizon has around 2 bars."
What campers like
River access: Corricks River Bend offers camping alongside flowing water. Julie L. reports, "The campgrounds are pretty spread out and most along the river. Our site (9) was big enough for two trucks and a camper with plenty of room to spare."
Solitude during weekdays: Mid-week tent camping near Garrison often means having areas to yourself. Don S. experienced this at Scott Reservoir, noting, "I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night. Some bugs but not too bad."
Spacious sites: Many dispersed areas offer generous spacing between sites. At Corricks River Bend, Jen F. appreciated the "Spacious sites, first come first serve. Lovely spots right along the river."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. Celine K. warns about Corricks River Bend: "The road to get to this campsite is rough! Kind of neat to drive past the Paws Up resort and the campground is much more affordable!"
Campground closures: Some formerly developed sites have been converted to dispersed camping. Dexter I. reports on Ladysmith Campground: "Ladysmith Campground is no longer a campground. After years of little use and then the pine beetle attack on the trees, the forest service cleared out the dead trees and everything else in the campground."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. The Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite is unusual in that it offers some infrastructure. Dexter I. notes it has "a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table."
Tips for camping with families
Reservoir access: Scott Reservoir provides safe water access for families. Ashley C. describes the experience: "Came up here in a whim one night and got lucky! No one else camped up there so it was peacful. You're right by the water with. Great mountain view, couldn't ask for more."
Swimming spots: Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite offers water play opportunities during summer months. Dexter I. notes, "A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling. The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat."
Firewood gathering: Some sites allow for firewood collection when fire restrictions aren't in place. At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, "Another short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Most dispersed sites near Garrison accommodate small trailers or truck campers but have limitations. At Scott Reservoir, Ashley C. advises, "There's a nice hand full of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots your could fit a small trailer in."
Level parking challenges: Finding level areas for larger vehicles can be difficult. James K. notes about River Junction Fishing Access Site: "The road back to the campground would be tough for trailers, I think."
Space variations: Site size varies significantly even within the same camping area. At Corricks River Bend, Julie L. found generous space: "Our site (9) was big enough for two trucks and a camper with plenty of room to spare. there aren't many sites, and the price is $18 per night."
