Dispersed camping near Harrison, Montana primarily occurs on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service. Most rustic camping spots sit at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, creating notable temperature fluctuations between day and night even in summer months. The region's proximity to the Madison River watershed influences both the landscape and camping conditions, with many sites offering access to fishing streams.
What to do
Garnet hunting at lakeshores: Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area offers unique opportunities for amateur rockhounds. "This campsite has loads to offer ~ there is access to the reservoir, of course, and along with this comes the garnets lining the shores. It is a perfect adventure for beginners, as all you need is a shovel and some screens to begin your search," notes one visitor to Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area.
Mountain biking near mining areas: The trail systems near abandoned mining operations provide distinctive riding experiences. At Copper City BLM, a camper reports, "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."
Wildlife observation: The diverse ecosystems support considerable wildlife viewing opportunities. "One morning a bunch of cows came through my site, which was amazing," reports a camper, though larger wildlife including bears also inhabit the region, requiring appropriate precautions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many rustic camping areas near Harrison offer good separation between campsites. At Maiden Rock Dispersed, a visitor notes, "Sites are spaced nicely, brand new looking picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings. Put toilet right outside of camp."
Convenient highway access: Several camping areas provide quick access from major roads without sacrificing natural settings. "Only 5 min from highway on a smooth road, spacious with vistas and private. Best yet," reports one camper about convenient camping options.
Free camping with amenities: Some free dispersed sites offer unexpected amenities. "It's like actual campgrounds. Picnic tables, fire pits. Bathroom down the road," writes a camper at Maiden Rock Dispersed, adding, "The standard of sites are top notch and much better than most paid for campsites."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many primitive sites requires navigating unpaved roads of varying quality. At Olson Creek Dispersed, a visitor warns, "Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way!"
Bear activity requires precautions: Black bears frequent many camping areas near Harrison. "The only downside is as of September 1st 2025 a Bear might still be active in the area. It tried to get into our camper," reports a camper, adding, "Carry bear spray and you're probably fine!"
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies greatly between locations. At Homestake Lake Camp, one visitor notes, "I got 3-4 bars LTE of Verizon here!" while others report no service, particularly in canyon areas and lower elevations.
Seasonal gate closures: Winter and spring access may be restricted. "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," reports a camper attempting to access a site during shoulder season.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with established facilities: For family camping, sites with basic amenities reduce stress. "The vault toilets are in a good location for many of the spots, and some are in other driveways if you are self-contained," notes a visitor at Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area.
Prepare for temperature swings: The elevation creates notable day-night temperature differences. Pack additional layers even for summer camping trips, as nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F even in July and August.
Bring all water supplies: With no reliable water sources at most sites, families should transport adequate drinking water. At Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046, a visitor advises, "This place is amazingly beautiful! We stopped by twice over three weeks- both times only one other site occupied," but reminds campers that no water services exist.
Tips from RVers
Rig size limitations: Many Harrison area dispersed sites have constraints for larger vehicles. At Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground, a visitor notes, "Few sites, best suited for smaller campers. Beautiful area. OHV and horseback riding."
Limited level parking: Finding level sites challenges many RV campers. "Hardly any water campsites. Rattlesnakes by the bathrooms. Almost impossible to level a camper," reports one RVer at Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area.
Generator usage varies by location: Different camping areas have different rules or norms regarding generator use. "Several other campers running gens all day," notes a visitor about one location, indicating that generator use is permitted but may affect the camping experience for others seeking quiet.
