Top Free Dispersed Camping near Harrison, MT

Want to go dispersed camping near Harrison? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Harrison just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Harrison, MT (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM

    1. Copper City BLM

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    32 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
    • No image available

      3. Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground

      1 Review
      18 Saves

      There are many opportunities for dispersed camping on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

      Forest-wide stay limit: Camping in an area, campsite, or developed campground is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30 day period.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area

      5. Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area

      5 Reviews
      15 Photos
      33 Saves

      Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Lake Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Lake Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Lake Camp

        7. Homestake Lake Camp

        1 Review
        3 Photos
        43 Saves
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Group
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed

          9. Olson Creek Dispersed

          6 Reviews
          20 Photos
          98 Saves

          People enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

          Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic sites, and fishing areas and within close proximity of campgrounds. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. For information on occupancy and use, camping stay limits, weed free forage, visit Region 1 - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Travel to campsites must not create resource damage. Travel to campsites must not create resource damage Contact local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? Please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details.

          • Pets
          • Phone Service
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Standard (Tent/RV)
          • Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          10. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          4 Reviews
          13 Photos
          117 Saves

          Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

          Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings. Contact your local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? To find out where you are allowed to disperse camp, please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details. To see our Motor Vehicle Use Maps, click here.

          Can I have a campfire? Please use existing sites and fire rings. Firewood permits are not needed if wood is used on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use, you will need to purchase a firewood permit at the closest district office. This permit should be obtained prior to you gathering or transporting any wood.

          Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.

          The National Forest has wildfires each year. Many of these are human caused from escaped campfires in dispersed sites. Campfires are allowed unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office.

          Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six to eight (6-8) inches deep at least 200 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Do not simply cover it with a rock. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Dispersed
        Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Harrison

        43 Reviews of 18 Harrison Campgrounds


        • Tara The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Maiden Rock Dispersed
          Oct. 18, 2024

          Maiden Rock Dispersed

          Best Dispersed Camping

          For a dispersed BLM camping area, this is lovely. Plenty of sites that each have a picnic table and long gravel spot to park an RV. There’s a cute little river and some interesting rock features. Close to the freeway so an excellent stop for a night spot.

        • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Maiden Rock Dispersed
          Oct. 7, 2024

          Maiden Rock Dispersed

          Great find!

          This place looks like a paid campground, only free! All the spots have a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. The mountain views all all around you are gorgeous. Some other folks camping here went trout fishing - so that's an option. Only downside is that my dogs had some trouble walking on the gravel.

          GPS: 45.702416, -112.736869

        • H
          Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
          Sep. 22, 2024

          Copper City BLM

          Bridge closed, no access!

          The road to this location is closed, the bridge is out. There is no access.

        • TexasRe D.
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Sep. 1, 2024

          South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          2 peaceful nights

          We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper. We stayed at the first pull off a few minutes off the main road. This site was easily accessible, right off the main road, close to town and close to some hikes.

        • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Maiden Rock Dispersed
          Aug. 16, 2024

          Maiden Rock Dispersed

          MAIDEN ROCK MINE

          Blm camping on the big hole river, montana, free up to 16 days. About 15 spots. Boat ramp, fishing hiking fire pits, no wood available.

        • Erik W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          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

        • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 29, 2024

          Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

          Amazing camp site with tree cover and fire ring

          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.

        • christian L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
          Jul. 27, 2024

          Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

          Bozeman visit

          We stayed here for a few days off one of the main trail head. There are not many sites off the main trail head and we’re all full when we arrived.

          We have a 25ft off road travel trailer and attempted to go down two side trail heads. The further one was so bad we had to back all the way out. The closest side trail head was slightly better. We made down the road. However there wasn’t many sites here as well. There was maybe 3-4 sites along this whole trail head. We needed up stay in a pull in a valley early on in this trail head

        • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Jul. 24, 2024

          South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          Ok stay

          This was an ok stay outside of Bozeman. The coordinates took me to a spot which was occupied but looked like the only spot on that stretch of road. It began to get extremely rutted and I didn’t want to push any farther after that spot. I camped in what looked to be a dispersed campsite that they closed off

        • Renee G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
          Jul. 24, 2024

          Copper City BLM

          Classic blm camping

          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. Also, note that this place seems common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those. Also also, this place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)

        • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Jul. 17, 2024

          Olson Creek Dispersed

          Fine for a night but not many options

          A bit confusing with all the no trespassing and no parking on/off the road signs. Felt more comfortable once we saw another van parked, and drove past the coordinate location a few minutes to use a tiny widened part of the road. No services.

        • KThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Jul. 15, 2024

          Olson Creek Dispersed

          Peaceful and Easy Access

          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. It’s very quiet and beautiful views and 15° cooler than Bozeman.

        • Jenna B.
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Jul. 14, 2024

          South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          Beautiful secluded Mountain views

          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. Level ground for car camping. Would 100% come back just for this gem.

        • Alex C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
          Jul. 14, 2024

          Copper City BLM

          Open range

          Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views

        • Ashley M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Copper City BLM
          Jul. 8, 2024

          Copper City BLM

          Summer Biking

          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.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          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.

        • N
          Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
          Jun. 12, 2024

          Homestake Pass Dispersed

          Pretty but creepy

          It is easy to get to and very nice views. We did have a creepy experience. Three trucks drove by our spot and parked just staring at us and would leave. They did this 3 times before we decided to pack up and go elsewhere. Also saw a bunch of bear poop. I wouldn’t feel comfortable going back.

        • Rebecca V.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
          May. 24, 2024

          Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

          Spot was closed

          The gate was closed when we went. We were also in an RV that doesn't do great with snow so we were going out to turn around anyway. Found a spot in the town of Bozeman. Would be great to know when these gates are open or closed though.

        • Andrew H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Pass Dispersed
          May. 14, 2024

          Homestake Pass Dispersed

          Great to do an overnight - off the highway stop

          The spot was close to the highway - lots of potential spots - some “locals” who seem to live out there and run generators 24/7 - we had no problem and got a good night sleep to carry on our journey.

          There are MTB OHV and walking trails nearby.

        • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
          Feb. 22, 2024

          Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

          Good Stuff

          My partner and I stayed here in September. It wasn’t the easiest spot to find, but we stayed two nights and nothing happened to our tent set up while we took the car to go hiking for a whole day. 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. The sight we stayed at actually had been moved across the road from its original site so the car was a little further away than it normally is but it was still a quality site to stay at.

        • Katherine C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
          Aug. 11, 2023

          Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

          Close to Bozeman

          About 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman. There’s more spots available up this FS road and the FS roads off-shooting from it, like FS 3164, so explore your options. Quite and very pretty views, road is easily navigable.

        • Antha A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Aug. 10, 2023

          Olson Creek Dispersed

          Beautiful views with little to no traffic

          Spent 3 nights here and aside from a few cars, main traffic coming through was a few dirt bikes and dune buggies and a few folks on bikes. Pullout is on a corner turn and very obvious. Decent tent spot over the hill and on top if needed. Spot is exactly where coordinates are and cell service is decent. Wildlife did start getting a bit too close by day 4, so make some noise every so often.

        • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Lake Camp
          Jul. 29, 2023

          Homestake Lake Camp

          Convenient camping in nature

          This campsite is right off the exit, but not very noisy. There were several other campers and RVs and trucks there. Even just parts of cars. Kinda a weird vibe, but down the various 2 tracks, there are hidden sites that afford some shade and privacy. I got 3-4 bars LTE of Verizon here! Plenty of fire pits and access to a couple lakes. And it’s only about 8 miles from Butte!

        • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp
          Jul. 29, 2023

          Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp

          Total hidden gem!

          Only 3 miles from the highway, this campsite is at the end of a well maintained, slightly rutted gravel road. It’s wide enough for trailers.

          Along the road, there are a handful of pull offs that are big enough for an RV to pull into.

          The coordinates bring you to an open gravel lot with nice clean pit toilets. There’s a creek nearby. Big beautiful rocks, some shade, pretty epic views on the way in. Beautiful!

          No cell service, unfortunately. Another con is that there’s another road that goes in further, but it’s narrow and eroded. I attempted it in my campervan, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the hassle and parked in the open lot instead.

        • Erik B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          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 Harrison

        Camping near Harrison, Montana, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

        What to do:

        • Explore the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park: This park is famous for its impressive limestone caverns. One visitor mentioned, "Be sure to unhook and get to the caverns early in the morning to get a reservation to tour." The Paradise tour is particularly accessible, making it a great option for families.
        • Enjoy water activities at Delmoe Lake: Perfect for fishing and swimming, this lake is a popular spot. One camper noted, "Great campground on the lake with some sites more private than others." Just be aware that the lake can dry up in late summer.
        • Visit the Bozeman Hot Springs: After a day of hiking, relax in the hot springs. A reviewer said, "Between the free coffee, breakfast, & hot spring access, our stay was worth it." It's a great way to unwind after a long day outdoors.

        What campers like:

        • Friendly hosts: Campers often rave about the welcoming atmosphere. At the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, one visitor shared, "Hosts were super friendly and nice." This adds a personal touch to your camping experience.
        • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at the Bozeman Hot Springs Campground remarked, "Clean bathrooms, too," which is always a plus when you're out in nature.
        • Scenic views: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. One reviewer at Spire Rock Campground said, "My site was very secluded, peaceful, and beautiful!" This makes for a perfect backdrop for your camping trip.

        What you should know:

        • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: If you're camping at the Missouri Headwaters State Park, be prepared for bugs. One camper warned, "The mosquitos were so bad we immediately left and found another place to stay for the night."
        • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at the Three Forks KOA Journey advised, "They do have drop-in non-reservation sites, but recommend getting reservations."
        • Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds like Greek Creek Campground may not have electric hookups or showers. A camper noted, "There is no hookups or even a dump station at the campground."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places like Norris Hot Springs, where you can enjoy live music and good food. One visitor said, "Imagine soaking in a beautiful wooden pool, enjoying a cold beverage and a pizza, while you listen to live music."
        • Plan for early mornings: If you want to tour the caverns, get there early. A reviewer mentioned, "Walk in for the cave tours without reservations best between 9 and 11 am."
        • Bring bug spray: To combat the mosquitoes, especially at places like Missouri Headwaters State Park, make sure to pack plenty of repellent. One camper shared their struggle with the bugs, saying, "I tried 3 different bug repellants... they never cleared out."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check road conditions: Some campgrounds, like Spire Rock Campground, have rough access roads. One RV traveler noted, "The area is stunning, but we could not get to the campground."
        • Look for big rig-friendly sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs, such as Ennis RV Village, which is noted for its spacious sites. A visitor mentioned, "Plenty of room for big rigs."
        • Be mindful of tight spaces: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at the Three Forks KOA Journey said, "The sites are very small and very crowded."

        Camping near Harrison, Montana, offers a variety of experiences, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and plan ahead for reservations!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Harrison, MT?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Harrison, MT is Copper City BLM with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Harrison, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.