Best Dispersed Camping near Lewistown, MT

Dispersed camping options near Lewistown, Montana include several primitive sites on public lands. Timber Creek Dispersed Campground and Haymaker Dispersed Camping Area provide basic accommodations with no amenities. Dispersed site 9210, located at a former campground site, features two camping spots with picnic tables and metal fire rings along a creek. According to reviews, "Both sites are quite nice and sit among very large trees alongside the creek." Slaughter River Boat Camp, accessible only by water at mile 76.8 of the Upper Missouri River Break National Monument, offers a more developed option.

Most dispersed sites in this region require visitors to pack in all necessities including water. Fire regulations vary by location and season; Timber Creek and Haymaker currently prohibit fires while other sites permit them. Visitors should check current fire restrictions before departure. Drive-in access is available at most locations except Slaughter River, which requires boat access. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly after rain or snow, particularly on forest service roads leading to remote sites.

The Slaughter River area holds historical significance as a campsite used by the Corps of Discovery during their western and eastern journeys on the Missouri. Campers report that "the site can be found a short distance upriver from the camping area, with a trail leading to the site marked by a brass marker plate." Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, with catfish reported at Slaughter River during evening hours. All dispersed campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all waste, and bring toilet paper when using vault toilets, as facilities may not be regularly maintained.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lewistown, Montana (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lewistown, MT

2 Photos of 4 Lewistown Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lewistown, MT

3 Reviews of 4 Lewistown Campgrounds


  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2018

    Slaughter River Boat Camp

    Nice but very busy campground

    A very popular developed boat camp at mile 76.8 of the Upper Missouri River Break National Monument. Site is an fenced area with two vault toilets, one shelter and five metal fire rings. Site is very busy, but is large and can handle a lot of campers.

    Corps of Discovery camped here on both their western and easter journeys on the Missouri. Site can be found a short distance upriver from the camping area, a trail leads to the site and is marked with a brass marker plate.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2021

    Dispersed site 9210

    Disperse campsites at part of former Indian Hill Campground

    Disperse camping area 9210 is a two site camping area, with each site having a picnic table and metal fire ring.  This is at the site of the former Indian Hills Campground which was decommissioned a few years ago.  All of the campground was removed on the opposite side of the creek.  The forest service left the first two sites for disperse camping.  You can find the site by turning at the sign for forest road 9210, which goes for only a couple hundred feet to the two camp sites.  Both sites are quite nice and sit among very large trees and along side the creek.  An information sign is at the site.

  • Sterling C.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Slaughter River Boat Camp

    Full toilets!!!

    A pretty basic campsite. There is some shade and “buildings” to provide shade. No really good or visible hiking areas since it’s mostly flat ground. Fishing is good though, and at night you can catch catfish! The worst part of this campsite is the two outhouses. Though they are nicer stone ones, one has about an inch of dried mud covering the floor with excrement in a pile almost above the toilet seat. The other outhouse has less dirt, and excremental goes to the bottom of the toilet bowl (the chamber is full; about floor level). Also the toilets have no toilet paper so BRING YOUR OWN!!! Thank you


Guide to Lewistown

Dispersed camping near Lewistown, Montana offers remote options in the Lewis and Clark National Forest where elevations range between 4,000-9,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic seasonal changes with hot, dry summers and cold winters that can bring early season snowfall. Forest service roads leading to many primitive sites become impassable during spring thaw and after heavy precipitation.

What to do

Fishing access points: Several dispersed sites provide creek access for fishing. At Dispersed site 9210, campers can fish directly from their campsite. According to one visitor, "Disperse camping area 9210 is a two site camping area, with each site having a picnic table and metal fire ring."

Historical exploration: The Upper Missouri River Break National Monument contains significant Lewis and Clark expedition sites. At Slaughter River Boat Camp, a reviewer notes, "Corps of Discovery camped here on both their western and easter journeys on the Missouri."

Night fishing: Evening anglers can find productive spots after sunset. One camper at Slaughter River reports, "Fishing is good though, and at night you can catch catfish!"

What campers like

Riverside shade: Many dispersed sites offer tree cover for protection from summer heat. A reviewer described Dispersed site 9210: "Both sites are quite nice and sit among very large trees and along side the creek."

Accessible history: Historical markers help campers locate significant sites. At Slaughter River, "Site can be found a short distance upriver from the camping area, a trail leads to the site and is marked with a brass marker plate."

Clear signage: Forest Service roads often have directional markers to dispersed sites. One camper noted about Dispersed site 9210, "You can find the site by turning at the sign for forest road 9210, which goes for only a couple hundred feet to the two camp sites."

What you should know

Toilet conditions vary: Vault toilets at boat-in sites receive limited maintenance. A camper at Slaughter River Boat Camp warned, "The worst part of this campsite is the two outhouses... one has about an inch of dried mud covering the floor with excrement in a pile almost above the toilet seat."

Supply requirements: Most dispersed sites have no services. Bring toilet paper, as one camper advised about Slaughter River's facilities: "Also the toilets have no toilet paper so BRING YOUR OWN!!!"

Site availability: Peak summer weekends can fill popular sites. A reviewer noted Slaughter River is "a very popular developed boat camp at mile 76.8 of the Upper Missouri River Break National Monument. Site is very busy, but is large and can handle a lot of campers."

Tips for camping with families

Decommissioned campgrounds: Some former developed sites now serve as dispersed camping. A camper explains that Dispersed site 9210 "is at the site of the former Indian Hills Campground which was decommissioned a few years ago. All of the campground was removed on the opposite side of the creek. The forest service left the first two sites for disperse camping."

Site selection: Look for sites with natural shade and water access. At Timber Creek Dispersed Campground, creekside sites provide both cooling water access and natural sound barriers between camping parties.

Limited hiking options: Some river sites have restricted trail access. A Slaughter River camper mentioned, "No really good or visible hiking areas since it's mostly flat ground."

Tips from RVers

Access road conditions: Forest roads to dispersed sites often narrow significantly. At Haymaker Dispersed Camping Area, larger vehicles may struggle with the final approach, especially after precipitation when mud becomes problematic.

Site dimensions: Many primitive sites have limited space for larger vehicles. At Dispersed site 9210, the two designated spots have defined footprints that accommodate standard vehicles but may present challenges for longer RVs.

Shelter options: Some boat-in sites provide basic structures. A Slaughter River visitor noted the "Site is an fenced area with two vault toilets, one shelter and five metal fire rings."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Lewistown?

Dispersed camping regulations around Lewistown typically include designated fire ring use and proper waste disposal. At Dispersed site 9210, campers will find a two-site area with provided picnic tables and metal fire rings at the former Indian Hills Campground location. Many dispersed sites in the region have specific infrastructure to minimize environmental impact. At Haymaker Dispersed Camping Area, drive-in access is available, but campers should follow leave-no-trace principles, pack out all trash, and observe any posted stay limits (typically 14 days maximum). Always check current regulations with local land management agencies before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Lewistown?

Near Lewistown, you can find dispersed camping opportunities at Slaughter River Boat Camp, a popular spot at mile 76.8 of the Upper Missouri River Break National Monument. This site offers vault toilets, a shelter, and five metal fire rings. It's spacious and can accommodate many campers. Another option is Timber Creek Dispersed Campground, which provides drive-in access for those exploring the Lewistown area. These areas offer more primitive camping experiences with varying levels of amenities while still providing access to the natural beauty surrounding Lewistown.

Is dispersed camping in Lewistown available year-round?

Dispersed camping availability around Lewistown varies seasonally due to Montana's weather conditions. While some areas may be technically open year-round, winter access can be significantly limited by snow and freezing temperatures. Spring access often depends on road conditions, with many dirt roads becoming impassable during mud season. Summer and fall generally offer the most reliable access periods. Weather and seasonal closures may affect specific sites differently, so it's advisable to check with the local Bureau of Land Management office or Forest Service before planning a trip, especially during shoulder seasons or winter months.