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Best Dispersed Camping near Helena National Forest

24 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Helena National Forest (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Helena National Forest

23 Photos of 12 Helena National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Helena National Forest

24 Reviews of 12 Helena National Forest Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    Big Roomy Disperse campsite along the little Blackfood River

    Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike.  This is one of three disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot River in the Helena National Forest that have been marked by the Forest Service as a disperse camping area. 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.  The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat.  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.  The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Roomy disperse site with easy river access

    This is the 3rd and final disperse site that the Helena National Forest has marked along the little Blackfoot River.  It is nice to be sure that you are on public land when in an area checker boarded with private land.  This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RV's.  Site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away.  Plenty of wood can be found for making a fire.  Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end.  Water can be easily filtered from the river (more like a creek at this point)

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite

    Small disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot RIver

    This is the second disperse camping sit along the Little Blackfoot River that has been marked as a disperse campsite by the Helena National Forest.  It is nice having these sits marked by the Forest Service as their are several parcels of private land along the road.  This site is small with only one small level area for a tent of mid sized RV.  The site has a large rock fire ring in the center.  Their is no easy trail access to the river.  Plenty of down trees in the area for firewood if you have a way to cut them, their is also plenty of small stuff that can be easily collected for a fire.   Site is right next to the road, but road noise should be little to none as a few curves will slow vehicles down and their isn't much more road left until the campground and trailhead at the end of the road.

  • M
    May. 10, 2025

    Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views 40 min from Helena

    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. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime. Since it’s on a mountain, the amount of flat areas are limited so it’s first come first serve. I took my bike and rode the Road a little bit and found an opening with an amazing spot to put up a hammock. There are absolutely no amenities here and you’re required a shovel and bucket if you were camping pack everything out and leave no trace. You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made. There are bullet holes everywhere in signs and remnants of shells everywhere to be honest the vibe was very off almost eerie and deadening silence. I did not really enjoy the vibe, but that was me personally I’m sure you’ll enjoy this very much.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    RV disperse camping on Canyon Ferry Lake

    You almost don't realize that this area open to camping and would drive right by if it were not for a plywood sign just after crossing a cattle guard. The plywood has just a few signs on it, one listing the number of nights you can camp for. The others are the camping rules, travel restrictions and notice that spot must be occupied at night. This camping area is a mile north of Confederate Campground. When you look back up the road leading to the camping area you can notice a vault toilet in the distance. It is over a½ mile to this vault toilet down a two track road. One flat grassy camping spot can be found about half way to the toilet. This grassy spot is your best bet if you have a tent with out a crowd. The spot is on the shore of the lake with just a few young willows between you and the water. The remainder of the camping appears to happen just after the ADA vault toilet.  A few more grassy spots are possible near the vault toilet, then there is a narrow section of gravel beach on which RV's turn in to a parking area. The RV's line up one right behind the other on this beach as this is the only real level place to park. No other services besides the ADA vault toilet is available so come prepared. The area has no picnic tables and any fire rings are on the beach made by previous visitors. The site does not have a boat ramp, but the gravel shore would make it easy to launch one.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot

    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Too crowded / lots of full timers

    There’s signs about limiting the stay to 14 days, but there clearly are people who have been here much longer than that. Way too crowded.

  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Confederate Dispersed Camping

    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.

  • Ashley C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2022

    Scott Reservoir Dispersed

    A nice view of the reservoir

    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.

    There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered.

    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. About four or five fire rings in the immediate area. I wouldn't be surprised in there were more spots in the area or the other side of the reservoir.

    Pretty easy to get to from Helena. Just take Rimini road all the way up, past the town, past private property. At some point I took a right onto Goulds.

    Not the best roads but I got up there fine with my 2015 Outback just fine.

Guide to Helena National Forest

Experience the beauty of nature with dispersed camping near Helena National Forest in Montana. This area offers a variety of spots where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Helena National Forest, Montana

  • Look for secluded spots like the Confederate Disperse Camping Area, where you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars without the noise of other campers.
  • Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer months; some campers have noted that the Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site can get buggy, so bring repellent.
  • Always check for fire restrictions before starting a campfire, as some areas may have high grass or other conditions that could pose a fire risk.

Dispersed campers should check out Scott Reservoir Dispersed

  • This spot offers stunning views of the reservoir and is perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat; many have enjoyed their solitude while camping at Scott Reservoir Dispersed.
  • The area is known for its rock fire rings, making it easy to enjoy a campfire while taking in the natural beauty surrounding you.
  • Access is relatively straightforward, and even vehicles like a 2015 Outback can navigate the roads leading to Scott Reservoir Dispersed.

Enjoy fishing and hiking while free camping near Helena National Forest

  • The Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite is a great location for fishing enthusiasts, with easy access to the river for a relaxing day of angling.
  • Hikers will appreciate the proximity of the campsite to various trails, allowing for exploration of the beautiful Helena National Forest landscape.
  • Campers have noted that the area around the Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite is perfect for a day of outdoor activities, including swimming and picnicking by the water.

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.

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