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."
