The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Kalispell, MT

188 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas cluster along the Flathead River system near Glacier National Park, approximately 15-30 minutes from Kalispell. Middle Fork Flathead River and Blankenship Bridge areas provide riverside camping on rocky beaches with vault toilets but minimal other amenities. The road leading to these sites features rough patches that can challenge lower-clearance vehicles. A recent visitor noted, "If you can make it down the 200-300' of sketchy part, the beach area is much flatter and easy to navigate around once you're down there."

Hungry Horse Reservoir offers additional dispersed camping opportunities with multiple pull-offs along forest roads. The reservoir area extends nearly 37 miles from the town of Hungry Horse, with road conditions deteriorating further from pavement. Goosehead Camping Area provides waterfront spots with vault toilets but requires navigating potholed roads. A camper observed, "Plenty of space for lots of rigs and turning around," though others mentioned "the road getting here is not great...rough and a lot of potholes." Most dispersed sites in the region allow pets and campfires when seasonal restrictions aren't in place. Cell service is generally unreliable throughout these boondocking areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Kalispell, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kalispell, Montana (38)

    1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    49 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    21 miles
    Website

    "The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."

    "We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"

    2. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    21 miles

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."

    3. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."

    "This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."

    4. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    26 miles

    "I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too."

    "Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020."

    5. GooseHead Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir."

    "Pit toilet, well maintained, and walkable from all spots in the area."

    6. Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "The GPS coordinates for this place are slightly off. Look for Hungry Horse Rd and follow it 4 miles until you reach the Hungry Horse Reservoir Dam."

    "37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir"

    7. Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    10 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    21 miles
    Website

    "This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."

    "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river."

    8. Teakettle River Access

    2 Reviews
    Columbia Falls, MT
    13 miles

    "You can park in the tea kettle river access and walk south along the rivers bank to access large areas of public land for free camping. There are toilets and trash bins available at the river access."

    9. McGinnis Creek

    7 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    22 miles
    Website

    "In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This is dispersed camping with no amenities, but it makes up for that with the views. Pack in, pack out, LNT, and be bear aware!"

    10. Lost Johnny Point Dispersed

    1 Review
    Martin City, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "What a great place to dry camp. Reasonable daily fee of 22.00. Great camp host Anna. Has a boat ramp on Hungry Horse Lake. Several deer frequent regularly."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Kalispell Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kalispell, MT

177 Photos of 38 Kalispell Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kalispell, MT

188 Reviews of 38 Kalispell Campgrounds

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2022

    McGinnis Creek

    Great Site at the TOP- Watch Rig SIZE (see video review)

    In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 16 day stay limit.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llxG33OdoQ 

    Free Camping Near Glacier National Park- North Fork Road, Canyon Creek and McGinnis Creek Dispersed 

    GPS Point for North Fork Road Dispersed Camping

    48.499334,-114.131517 

    Natural Spring for drinking water etc. 48.447581,-114.165680 

    Conoco Station($5 Dump and Water) 48.371583,-114.203917 

    Bonus Content GPS Info Canyon Creek Dispersed 48.463612,-114.167320 

    McGinnis Creek Dispersed(start of road with North Fork Road Instersection) 48.52.3474,-114.128642 

    McGinnis Creek Large Boondocking Area from Video 48.531014,-114.157493

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • K
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome river side free camping

    The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    A+ campground

    I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too. Have a site that backed right up to the river.

  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Perfect place right outside of glacier

    This was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it! We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.

  • L
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome

    The other reviews here are accurate. Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people.

  • Tim
    Sep. 27, 2020

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    Awesome dispersed set of campsites.

    Fire pits. Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020. Right next to the to river and it’s babbling mini rapids. Standard bumpy gravel road access to Glacier national park. Also easy access to the Flathead national forest. Not too crowded while we were there. Couple RVs in the main lot area, ran generators for brief moments at reasonable times. One night only one other tent there. Another there were 5 or 6. A short walk from parking to sites but no big deal. Left our stuff each day while we went to explore glacier and came back to no problems. Limited wood in the area to burn but you can find it - especially if you have a saw/axe.

Guide to Kalispell

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kalispell, Montana, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for camping enthusiasts.

Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers

  • The Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed area provides ample space for camping along the river, making it ideal for those who enjoy fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • Campers can enjoy breathtaking views and the sound of rushing water, especially during the summer months when the area is bustling with activity.
  • This location allows campfires, so you can unwind under the stars while roasting marshmallows after a day of exploration.

Thrilling Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Kalispell

  • The Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping site is just a short drive from Glacier National Park, making it a prime spot for rafting and fishing enthusiasts looking to make the most of their outdoor experience.
  • With easy access to the river, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports or simply take in the stunning scenery while hiking nearby trails.
  • This area is known for its friendly atmosphere, where campers often share stories around the fire, enhancing the sense of community.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Glacier Rim River Access

  • The Glacier Rim River Access 10363 offers a unique experience with deep blue waters perfect for swimming and relaxing on hot summer days.
  • Located near a heavily traveled road, this spot provides convenient access to Glacier National Park, making it an excellent base for day trips to explore the park's natural wonders.
  • Campers will find a peaceful environment with plenty of shade from surrounding trees, making it a comfortable place to set up camp and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites near Kalispell?

Dispersed camping sites near Kalispell are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Some locations like Teakettle River Access offer basic facilities including vault toilets and trash bins. At Stillwater River, you'll find fire rings and a vault toilet with picnic table. Most dispersed sites have no potable water, electricity, or shower facilities, so come prepared with sufficient supplies. Many locations offer proximity to rivers or lakes for water recreation and fishing opportunities. Cell service is generally limited throughout the area. Prepare to be self-sufficient with water, waste disposal systems, and power needs. Established fire rings are common at popular sites, but you may need to bring your own portable toilet for locations without facilities.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping around Kalispell?

No permits are typically required for dispersed camping in the Flathead National Forest near Kalispell, but there are important regulations to follow. Most areas, including Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping and Glacier Rim River Access 10363, enforce a 16-day stay limit. Always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months, so check current conditions with the Forest Service before your trip. While permits aren't needed, some areas might have seasonal closures for wildlife protection or resource management. Remember to camp at least 100 feet from water sources and use existing fire rings when available.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in the Kalispell area?

The prime dispersed camping season around Kalispell runs from late spring (May) through early fall (September). Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed is most accessible from June through September when roads are dry and water levels are manageable. At Bull Lake, summer months offer ideal fishing and swimming conditions. Late July through August typically provides the most reliable weather, though this coincides with peak visitation. Spring camping (May-June) offers fewer crowds but potentially muddy roads and higher river levels. Fall (September-early October) brings beautiful colors and fewer people, but prepare for cooler nights. Winter camping is possible but requires specialized gear and experience with snow travel, as many access roads become impassable.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kalispell, Montana?

The Flathead National Forest surrounding Kalispell offers numerous free dispersed camping opportunities. McGinnis Creek provides excellent boondocking with a 16-day stay limit. Another popular option is North fork Flathead River dispersed camping, which features riverside sites accessible to various vehicle types including larger RVs. Both locations offer proximity to Glacier National Park. Additional free camping can be found along forest service roads throughout the area. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended. Look for established fire rings as indicators of designated camping areas.

Keep Exploring