Dispersed camping near Huson, Montana offers remote sites throughout Lolo National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,000-4,500 feet. Most locations sit within mixed conifer forests dominated by ponderosa pine and western larch. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with frequent temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Fishing access points: Clark Fork River access is available at Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, where campers report "Beautiful site right next to the river" and note the area is "Good for fishing, swimming, etc." Many sites feature small paths leading to water access.
Hiking opportunities: Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed provides access to numerous trails. "Blue Mountain is a great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking," notes one camper. The recreation area includes well-marked routes suitable for day hikes.
Wildlife viewing: Wildlife sightings occur throughout the area. At Muchwater Dispersed Campground, a visitor observed "a young lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay." The area also supports deer populations, with sightings common at dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Scenic river proximity: Muchwater Recreation Area receives high praise for its riverside setting. "This is a wonderful camping area right off of quiet rt 56 along the Clark Fork river," one camper notes, while another adds it has "Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river."
Privacy between sites: Campers value the separation between camping areas. "Sites are very private and spacious overlooking river," reports one visitor to Lolo National Forest Recreation Area. At Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, a reviewer observed "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."
Natural surroundings: The forested setting appeals to many campers. "Super easy to get to! Just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two. Not totally isolated, the site is not too far from the road but not the interstate," shares one visitor. Another described their experience as having "Amazing quiet and private spots."
What you should know
Road access varies significantly: Many sites require careful navigation. At Big Pine Campground, "Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in." For Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365, "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards."
Environmental hazards: Visitors should prepare for local conditions. One camper at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 cautions, "I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks." At Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, campers warn of "POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)."
Noise considerations: Train and road noise affects certain locations. Regarding Muchwater Dispersed Campground, a visitor notes "Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you're already used to it." Another camper described: "Huge ol' freight rail runs RIGHT along the other side of the river. I can sleep through a midwestern thunderstorm, but the night trains shook me awake even with earplugs in."
Tips for camping with families
Safety near water: Many sites offer river access with cautions. "You have to 'walk down' a steep drop to access the river. When it's high don't try or say goodbye," warns one camper about Muchwater Recreation Area. At Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, sites have "paths down to the water, though some are steep and unstable."
Wildlife awareness: Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park and surrounding areas require wildlife precautions. "This is bear country so plan accordingly," advises one visitor about the region. Proper food storage is essential at all sites.
Site selection timing: Arriving early improves chances of securing ideal spots. For Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, one visitor advises: "Super easy to get to! Just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two." Another mentions "Minimal road noise but not too far off the road, unfrequented part of the road, able to turn around and back up a teardrop without problems."
Tips from RVers
Turn radius limitations: Free camping near Huson requires careful navigation for larger vehicles. At Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, one RVer noted: "We have a 27 foot RV towed with a truck that has a 8ft bed. Initially we missed the turn and had nowhere to turn around since this is on the side of a mountain." They eventually found the right spot but caution "We are parked in the front, I wouldn't recommend parking a 20ft plus rig in the back site."
Levelness varies by site: Finding level parking requires planning. At Muchwater Recreation Area, RVers report "Sites very unlevel" despite the area being able to accommodate larger rigs. Another notes: "Our site and seemingly most sites could have supported a 50 footer."
Site availability for larger rigs: Several areas accommodate larger vehicles despite being dispersed. For Muchwater Dispersed Campground, a visitor reports: "We saw small camper trailers, tents, single cots, and full RVs in this campground. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in a couple."
