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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
