Kelly Gulch Road and Confederate dispersed areas provide free camping options near Helena National Forest. Kelly Gulch Road, located 40 minutes from Helena, has limited flat areas suitable for tents and small RVs. The gate remains closed until May 15, with primitive conditions requiring visitors to pack out all waste and bring shovels and buckets. Confederate Dispersed Camping Area offers lakeside camping along Canyon Ferry Lake with vault toilets but no other amenities.
Several additional primitive campsites can be found throughout the region. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite features a large, flat area with a fire ring and picnic table adjacent to the river. Scott Reservoir Dispersed offers secluded camping with 4-5 established fire rings overlooking the water. Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 provides quiet sites accessible by moderate forest roads, though some reviewers note the proximity to train tracks. A recent review noted, "We had the area to ourselves and did not hear or see any other vehicles on the road the whole time we were there." Most dispersed camping areas in this region enforce a 14-day stay limit and become crowded during summer weekends.
"I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime."
"Tons of spots for camping and big rigs up to 50 ft long with spots a couple of hundred feet from the reservoir itself and lots of shade in places with decent privacy and picnic tables and fire rings at"
"Access is very easy and many open spots with fire pits all over. Grounds on some spots are pretty beaten up and some others are very grassy and clean."
"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."
"Plenty of boondocking sites as you approach the campground. The campground, offers full hooks and dry camp."
"Easy dispersed camping, quiet, neighbors few and far between. Went swimming."
"Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others."
"This was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves. "
"There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered."
"Road going around to the other side of the reservoir is gated and closed now."
"the place is very nice and quiet. sites right near a stream. very spaced out and mostly empty, easy access on a good dirt road."
"Many beautiful, dispersed spots available. Allowed 16 stay days. Creek running through. Very spaced apart. Quiet. Cell service not great."
"Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike. "
"Easy access to the creek for fishing. great little fire pit."
"We didn’t stay at this exact site as it was taken but there one more dispersed site about a mile or so down the road."
ScoutGated road at this location, maybe still good from other starting point but no viable sites coming from Rimini that I saw. Road gets a bit rough, did find a rough roadside spot for the night but for the 8-9 mile drive in on dirt roads definitely not worthwhile.
LegendFairly long road to get to the campground and last mile and a half is a bit rutted but can still be managed by your average vehicle. Not much shade and only three or four spots but right on the beach and a beautiful calm Lagoon right at the campsite
LegendClean Vault toilets and lots of room even for very large rigs. Not a ton of privacy as most sites are open but lots of access to the lake and water available at the marina 2 mi away
GuideThere are a bunch of sites here! The long driving paths are all different camping spots. It is first come first serve, and there are a decent amount of them to choose from. If you dive further down just before the lake shore there is one on a hill. It is very secluded and has amazing views of the mountains and the water. There is a fire pit but you have to bring your own chairs. It is very quiet and peaceful. Highly recommended this spot.
ScoutCampsites have a nice distance between them so we didn’t feel overcrowded. Fire rings and picnic tables are very convenient. Bathroom is a short walk away. Most of the sites have a trail leading to the water which the kids loved and bonus our spot actually had another fire pit by the water! Beautiful sunrise and stunning sunset. Arrived at 5pm on a Saturday 8/1 and no problem finding a site. Would definitely stay again!
GuideAbsolutely breathtaking views, especially sunset over the lake. Very dog and kid friendly. Lots of dead fish though.
TravelerThe gate to this particular site is closed. However, 50 yards up the road is a single spot. On the way up there were a few spots, I assume if you keep going on this road there would be a few more spots. The road is in great condition…smooth as can be
TravelerPacked full of people (memorial day weekend) but a good spot. Felt very safe. And it was gorgeous next to the water.
RangerThis is my first time camping on the east shore of Canyon Ferry. Access is very easy and many open spots with fire pits all over. Grounds on some spots are pretty beaten up and some others are very grassy and clean. Several bathrooms around, but no running water or tp stocked. Doesn’t look like this spot is loved on by BLM too much but that’s fair it’s free. Currently the water level is very low and I’m excited to return when it’s full. I like being able to park right near the edge of the reservoir and see all the water out my camper windows.
Dispersed camping options near Helena National Forest range from lakeside spots to secluded mountain retreats. The forest spans elevations from 4,000 to over 9,000 feet with mixed conifer and deciduous zones. Most sites require self-sufficiency with no running water and limited amenities, though some areas offer vault toilets.
Fish mountain streams: Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides direct access to productive fishing spots. "This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs. The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table. A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling," reports one camper.
Explore back country trails: Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site requires a 3.5-mile hike from the trailhead within Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area. "Two flat areas have been constructed at this site, a cooking area with a rock fire ring and another for a tent pad," notes a visitor, though they caution about fallen trees near the cooking area.
Water recreation: Canyon Ferry Lake offers multiple access points. "Plenty of space along the banks to find a spot and still feel private. ATT and Verizon service. Accessible to low clearance vehicles," mentions a camper about one lakeside area.
Seclusion and quiet: Scott Reservoir Dispersed provides peaceful camping with water views. "Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir. Ran into one local taking pictures but left soon after. About 4-5 rock fire rings fairly close together. I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night," shares one visitor.
Lakeside camping: Goose Bay BLM offers direct water access. "Tons of spots for camping and big rigs up to 50 ft long with spots a couple of hundred feet from the reservoir itself and lots of shade in places with decent privacy and picnic tables and fire rings at each site, and vault toilets provided," notes one camper.
Mountain streams: Many rustic camping sites near Helena feature creekside locations. "Easy access to the creek for fishing. Great little fire pit," notes a camper at Little Blackfoot River. Another visitor mentions, "Was nice being close to the creek and there was lots of fallen trees we used for firewood."
Seasonal closures: Many forest service roads close during winter months. "The gate was closed and does not open until May 15. I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter," reports a camper about Kelly Gulch Road.
Campsite availability: Popular sites fill quickly in summer. "We arrived at about 5 on a Friday night and a lot of the spots where taken. Traffic kept rolling until about 9 of people looking for spots. So if you want to stay on a Friday get there early," advises a visitor to Belt Creek on Hughesville Road.
Site limitations: Canyon Ferry Dispersed Camping presents some challenges. "No shade and lots of wind! Skip the first entrance on the right and go to the second or third to get to the NF land before you go to the marina," suggests one camper. "Shore is Rocky but beautiful with fantastic sunsets to the west over the hills across the reservoir but again, very little shade."
Choose sites with amenities: Some dispersed areas include basic facilities. "The campground, offers full hooks and dry camp. There's a small 'C' store, a dump station, propane exchange, showers, drinking water and a boat ramp," notes a visitor to Canyon Ferry.
Consider noise factors: Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 offers good sites but with a caveat: "One thing worth mentioning is that these sites are not far from the main road and the train tracks. The trains come by on a semi-frequent basis and you will definitely hear the train whistle and track noise."
Bring water supplies: Most primitive camping requires self-sufficiency. "Free drinking and washing water at the marina including ice sales and quarter pay showers and a boat ramp," mentions a camper about facilities near Canyon Ferry Lake, but most sites have no potable water.
Road conditions: Access varies by location. "This was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves. The access when you turn off at Elliston is not clearly marked but there is only one road that turns off there so its not too difficult to get on the right track," reports an RVer.
Site navigation: Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3 requires some maneuvering skills. "I will say if you have a long trailer it is a difficult spot to get into as you have to back your trailer down it and then when you're done, you have to back your trailer back up into a brush area in order to get back on the road. Not recommended if your trailer skills are minimal."
Stay length restrictions: Most primitive camping areas enforce time limits. "There's signs about limiting the stay to 14 days, but there clearly are people who have been here much longer than that," notes a visitor about Confederate Dispersed Camping Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is free camping allowed in Helena National Forest and what are the regulations?
Free dispersed camping is allowed throughout Helena National Forest with specific regulations. At Confederate Disperse Camping Area, signage indicates a 14-day stay limit, though enforcement may vary. Most dispersed sites in the forest follow this same limit. The Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area offers free boondocking options alongside paid campgrounds with hookups. When camping, follow standard dispersed regulations: pack out all trash, properly extinguish fires, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and respect any seasonal road closures or fire restrictions. Look for Forest Service markers indicating designated dispersed sites, especially in areas with mixed public/private land ownership.
Where are the best locations for dispersed camping in Helena National Forest?
Helena National Forest offers several prime dispersed camping locations. The Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides a large, flat area next to the creek, perfect for tents and RVs. For those seeking mountain camping, Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 offers varied sites accessible via forest service road (4WD recommended during wet conditions). Other notable options include Kelly Gulch Road (opens May 15), Refrigerator Canyon for backcountry camping, and sites around Canyon Ferry Lake. The forest service has helpfully marked several dispersed sites to ensure campers remain on public land in areas checkered with private property.
What amenities and facilities are available at dispersed camping sites in Helena National Forest?
Dispersed camping in Helena National Forest typically provides minimal amenities. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3 offers a large flat area suitable for multiple tents and RVs, but like most dispersed sites, has no developed facilities. At Goose Bay BLM, campers find more amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets with sites near the reservoir. Some areas around Canyon Ferry have nearby pit toilets. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings but lack potable water, electrical hookups, or garbage service. Campers should bring their own drinking water, pack out all trash, and be prepared for self-sufficient camping. Cell service varies throughout the forest, so plan accordingly for emergency communication.
Keep Exploring
