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Best Dispersed Camping near Hot Springs, MT

62 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas can be found along the Clark Fork River near Hot Springs, Montana. Muchwater Recreation Area provides riverside sites with vault toilets and fire rings. The gravel access road accommodates both tents and larger RVs, with wide, flat sites spaced well apart. No drinking water or hookups are available, and campers should be prepared for basic off-grid camping with a 14-day stay limit.

The natural setting along the river provides opportunities for fishing and swimming, though access requires navigating steep paths down to the water in some spots. Campers should be aware of the railroad tracks across the river. According to one visitor, "There's a train that runs throughout the night and it sounds like it's coming right through your tent." Lolo National Forest Recreation Area offers additional dispersed sites in the region with similar primitive conditions. Cell service varies by location, with some areas receiving adequate coverage while others have none.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hot Springs, Montana (19)

    1. rainbow lake State Park campground

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, MT
    7 miles

    "The path to get to these spots is kinda tight. Our car was hitting branches. There are some along the road, but if you drive further down there are more spots and a bathroom."

    2. rainbow lake Montana State campground

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, MT
    7 miles

    "The access road was very small and difficult to find near a corner of the highway. Once we found it it was small and had limited with due to Big trees. It's fairly steep down to the river."

    3. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout. We stayed mid week during August."

    "Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky."

    4. Muchwater Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    22 miles

    "A nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock"

    "Dispersed. Pet friendly. Quiet. Plenty of space between you and other campers. A river right by you. What more could you want?"

    5. Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    22 miles
    Website

    "Lovely dispersed camping area. Very pretty. We stayed for a night and were in good company."

    "A couple of times they rolled thru at 2am but all the positives outweigh getting woken up a few times.  Very easy access, two pit toilets in the camping area."

    6. Clark Fork River

    3 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "The further you drive on the road the closer you can get to the river! There are some pit toilets too! Absolutely beautiful!"

    7. Thompson River Dispersed Camping and Shooting

    2 Reviews
    Thompson Falls, MT
    23 miles

    "It provided nothing, but was close to the river. We pooped in a bag, and provided our everything. We made a made a campfire. We didn’t shoot anything, but there were a lot of shells around."

    8. 2 Mile Turn Off Dispersed Camp

    5 Reviews
    De Borgia, MT
    32 miles

    "Just as described by other reviews, it’s right off the highway and right by the creek. About 50 yards away is an outhouse next to a few RV’s."

    "Cross the bridge at the exit and there is a wide turn around. I'd pull my teardrop down here, but unsure about longer trailers."

    9. Blair Flats

    15 Reviews
    Flathead National Forest, MT
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Also was a place for a tent by the river and two other dispersed sites, again suited for overnight, as there are no facilities."

    "Lovely little campsite next to the water. A little buggy but not too bad. Campsites we’re clean, had a fire pit and nice flat tent area, pit toilet on site too which was a nice surprise."

    10. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    "The GPS coordinates listed on the map are spot on, and the turn-off comes up quickly. There look to be 4 spots. I used the one right by the road turn off."

    "3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hot Springs, MT

41 Photos of 19 Hot Springs Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hot Springs, MT

62 Reviews of 19 Hot Springs Campgrounds

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    No bugs, good shade, right off highway

    A nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park

    Big Spot adjacent to the road, Good if in a pinch

    Sign says camping permitted to 14 days in a 30 day period. Adjacent to dirt road with a few trees in between. Not the most private but a good option if you need a place for the night if the nearby campsite is full. No amenities. T-mobile cell service is good here.

    River access just at the entry of the turn in. Could easily pull a big rig in but may have a hard time turning it around as there is not a pull through. There is a concrete slab that is level and about 12'x25' in size  which could be good for a trailer or van without having to do much for leveling. Many vehicles/tents could fit here in the dirt area but would likely be comfortable for a single group rather than multiple camp groups.

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Quiet open site on the river

    Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.

    We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water.

    Pros:
    Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites. 3 bars Tmobile. Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down. 12 miles to gas station. Beautiful views.

    Cons: No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground) No potable water. Road/train noise. POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)

    Overall we loved this spot. Being ok the water in a mostly private setting with such amazing views is our goal. Little bit of road noise but hardly noticeable over the wind in the trees.

    Sites were clean but well used, so thank you to all the campers that took care of this place!

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    This is an okay place, don’t believe the hype

    Easy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.

    You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common

    Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    It’s okay, don’t believe the hype

    Easy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.

    You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common

    Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Very nice

    Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out. We car camp in a Wagoneer

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Easy, peaceful and beautiful

    So gorgeous! Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site. Super easy for quick stop road tripping (0.5 miles off main road)! Stayed in early September on a road trip to Glacier, was able to find our site decently well in the dark! Verizon cell service 3-4 bars! Loved it!

    The west is the only safe way to enter onto the road to the campsites. On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from the west).

  • SpentBrassOffroad B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Simple In & Out

    Great little spot to hold over for the night. The GPS coordinates listed on the map are spot on, and the turn-off comes up quickly. There look to be 4 spots. I used the one right by the road turn off. There was another person who had a travel trailer in another. It's close to the highway and just over the river in Lolo forest lands. Only stayed one night, but the guy in the camper says he's been there for weeks, and nobody has bothered him.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Amazing quiet and private spot!

    What a great spot! 3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there. Someone else pulled in around 9 but the sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there. Felt very private, and the stars were fantastic! Creek bed runs right next to the back site, but it was completely dried up in late July.

Guide to Hot Springs

Dispersed camping near Hot Springs, Montana, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and beauty.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Hot Springs, Montana

  • When visiting the Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, be prepared for a lack of amenities such as drinking water and toilets, so bring your own supplies.
  • It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as sites can fill up quickly, particularly at the Muchwater Recreation Area.
  • Always check for local wildlife warnings, as some areas, like the Clark Fork River, are known for bear activity, and taking precautions is essential.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Hot Springs

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area features spacious sites with stunning river views, making it an ideal location for relaxation and enjoying nature.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, the Clark Fork River provides secluded spots that are perfect for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
  • The Big Pine Campground is conveniently located near the river, offering a tranquil environment for campers who want to enjoy the sounds of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near hot springs?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near hot springs in Montana. The Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area offers beautiful riverside sites with stone fire rings and plenty of privacy between campsites. Another option is Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, which provides convenient spots about 5 minutes from the main road with multiple sites in a beautiful area. Many of these locations feature natural water access, though you'll want to verify the presence of actual hot springs before your trip, as some may be seasonal or require short hikes from your campsite.

Are permits required for dispersed camping at hot springs?

Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping near hot springs, but stay limits apply. At Muchwater Recreation Area, you can camp for free with no permit needed. The Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park allows camping up to 14 days within a 30-day period without a permit. However, regulations can vary by location and managing agency (Forest Service, BLM, or State Parks), so it's always wise to check official websites or visitor centers before your trip to confirm current rules for your specific destination.

What is the best time of year to visit hot springs for dispersed camping?

Late summer through early fall (August-September) offers ideal conditions for hot springs dispersed camping. During this period, 2 Mile Turn Off Dispersed Camp provides easy creek access and peaceful surroundings. At Rainbow Lake State Park campground, summer and early fall camping offers pleasant temperatures with fewer bugs than spring. Spring can bring high water levels making river access dangerous at some sites, while winter requires cold weather preparedness. Mid-summer provides warm days for contrast with hot springs soaking, but popular areas may be more crowded, so weekday visits are recommended during peak season.

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