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Best Dispersed Camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest

11 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Lewis and Clark National Forest, with Belt Creek on Hughesville Road offering multiple streamside sites. The road is generally well-maintained, though early arrival is recommended for weekend camping. Visitors note that many sites include fire rings and allow both tent and RV camping, with spots directly adjacent to the creek. This area has become increasingly popular but remains less crowded during weekdays.

Confederate Disperse Camping Area provides free lakeside camping near Canyon Ferry Lake, featuring vault toilets and space for various camping setups. The area has a 14-day stay limit, though enforcement appears inconsistent according to campers. The terrain is primarily sandy, making tent stakes difficult, and offers little protection from wind. Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping is another option, located about 40 minutes from Helena, though the gate remains closed until May 15. A camper noted, "You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made."

Map showing campgrounds near Lewis and Clark National Forest, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lewis and Clark National Forest (7)

    1. Belt Creek on Hughesville Road

    5 Reviews
    Monarch, MT
    27 miles

    "Sights are nice and have a fire pit we were east of the dam so our creek wasn’t dry. There are alot of spots with roads though them with multiple spread out sites."

    "The road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek.  There are several campsites along the road. "

    2. Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site

    1 Review
    Helena National Forest, MT
    24 miles
    Website

    3. Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Helena National Forest, MT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5201

    "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."

    4. Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    43 miles

    "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."

    "Pit toilet available."

    5. Goose Bay BLM

    2 Reviews
    Townsend, MT
    40 miles

    "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"

    "Pretty much can find a nice spot and most all are lake accessible."

    6. Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Canyon Ferry Lake, MT
    40 miles

    "Plenty of boondocking sites as you approach the campground. The campground, offers full hooks and dry camp."

    7. Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management

    2 Reviews
    Choteau, MT
    48 miles

    "There is a pit toilet about .2 mi from the pin. There are picnic tables here and at other sites. There are at least two entrances to the area from the highway."

    "Large flat gravel parking area. Picnic table and toilet. I read that this is a major bird watching area."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lewis and Clark National Forest

17 Photos of 7 Lewis and Clark National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lewis and Clark National Forest

11 Reviews of 7 Lewis and Clark National Forest Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Great spot for the night

    Stayed here twice in early August about a week apart. Any car should be able to get down the road to the campsites. A bit buggy but free. Pit toilet available.

  • Drifting M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Lots of room

    Enough space along the banks to find a spot and still feel private . ATT and Verizon service. Accessible to low clearance vehicles

  • S
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Cows!!

    There were some of the cutest cows on the way in. It took me over half an hour to locate the owner and get a calf's head unstuck. The water was pretty and my dogs loved all the beach wood. My neighbors were friendly and didn't mind the dogs running around.

  • Austin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2023

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Mostly quiet / Overall a good stay

    Pulled in early on a Friday and it was already filling up. Stayed 1 week and was by myself for most of it besides the weekend. I did come back at one point during a storm to find a bunch of teenagers parked right next to my camper and when it stopped raining they started doing donuts and messing around. Also, the fire pit was full of garbage when I got there. Overall it was a great stay, especially since it was free. The reception was good, the road just leading to the camping spots was a little bumpy

  • David H.
    May. 30, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    It was ok

    You can not stake anything down here. It's all sand. No cover from wind. Does have a vault toilet. Could see how to could very crowded in summer.

Guide to Lewis and Clark National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while taking in the stunning landscapes.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Lewis and Clark National Forest

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic trails leading to the Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site, which is about 3.5 miles from the trailhead and nestled between two small creeks.
  • Fishing and swimming opportunities abound at the nearby Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip or cast a line in the tranquil waters.
  • Wildlife watching is a must in this region; keep an eye out for deer and various bird species while staying at the Confederate Disperse Camping Area, known for its secluded atmosphere.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping locations in Lewis and Clark National Forest?

Lewis and Clark National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping locations. Belt Creek on Hughesville Road provides scenic creek-side camping with established fire pits, though it fills quickly on weekends. Early arrival is recommended, especially on Fridays. Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area offers numerous boondocking sites with lake access. The west side of the bay provides limited shade options. For mountain camping, Kelly Gulch Road opens after May 15th and features limited flat areas suitable for tents. When exploring the forest for dispersed sites, look for established pull-offs with existing fire rings, and remember that camping is generally permitted anywhere not specifically prohibited.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is subject to a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. At Confederate Disperse Camping Area, signage indicates camping rules and travel restrictions, though enforcement varies. For camping in wildlife management areas like Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management, a Conservation Permit ($10) is required, which can be obtained online. Generally, campers must pack out all trash, maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources, and use existing fire rings when available. Check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip, as they change throughout the year. Some areas may be closed seasonally - verify current status before traveling.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lewis and Clark National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lewis and Clark National Forest is Belt Creek on Hughesville Road with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Lewis and Clark National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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