Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lincoln, MT

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Lincoln? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lincoln, MT (12)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Lincoln

19 Reviews of 12 Lincoln Campgrounds


  • Azaali J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Great little spot

    We didn’t stay at this exact site as it was taken but there one more dispersed site about a mile or so down the road.

    Was nice being close to the creek and there was lots of fallen trees we used for firewood.

    Quiet spot with a small amount of traffic on the road.

    Didn’t see any wildlife but the horseflies were a bit out of control this time of the year.

  • Terri F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Placid Creek Pull Off
    May. 22, 2024

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    Primative but usable

    Open. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces. More if you were cozy. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles

  • Andy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM
    Feb. 25, 2024

    Lower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM

    Closed - but new options available

    The dispersed campground near the start of Johnsrud Rd (Mile Marker 28 on Hwy 200) has been removed. However, 2 new campgrounds have been added, and the entire road is now paved making RV accessibility much easier. 

    The three campgrounds are as follows: 

    Thibodeau Campground- 5 mi in

    Corrick River Bend - 11 mi in

    Ninemile Prarie- 13 mi. in

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scott Reservoir Dispersed
    Jul. 22, 2023

    Scott Reservoir Dispersed

    Great Secluded Reservoir

    Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir. Ran into one local taking pictures but left soon after. About 4-5 rock fire rings fairly close together. I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night. Some bugs but not too bad. Road going around to the other side of the reservoir is gated and closed now.

  • Ashley C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scott Reservoir Dispersed
    Oct. 8, 2022

    Scott Reservoir Dispersed

    A nice view of the reservoir

    Came up here in a whim one night and got lucky! No one else camped up there so it was peacful. You're right by the water with. Great mountain view, couldn't ask for more.

    There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered.

    There's a nice hand full of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots your could fit a small trailer in. About four or five fire rings in the immediate area. I wouldn't be surprised in there were more spots in the area or the other side of the reservoir.

    Pretty easy to get to from Helena. Just take Rimini road all the way up, past the town, past private property. At some point I took a right onto Goulds.

    Not the best roads but I got up there fine with my 2015 Outback just fine.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite
    Nov. 29, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful spot

    This was a pretty spot on the river with quite a few sites and a day use area. Access to the river was a bit tight through the day use area. A small amount of road noise could be heard and the vault toilet was clean. Overall a great place.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Roomy disperse site with easy river access

    This is the 3rd and final disperse site that the Helena National Forest has marked along the little Blackfoot River.  It is nice to be sure that you are on public land when in an area checker boarded with private land.  This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RV's.  Site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away.  Plenty of wood can be found for making a fire.  Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end.  Water can be easily filtered from the river (more like a creek at this point)

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite

    Small disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot RIver

    This is the second disperse camping sit along the Little Blackfoot River that has been marked as a disperse campsite by the Helena National Forest.  It is nice having these sits marked by the Forest Service as their are several parcels of private land along the road.  This site is small with only one small level area for a tent of mid sized RV.  The site has a large rock fire ring in the center.  Their is no easy trail access to the river.  Plenty of down trees in the area for firewood if you have a way to cut them, their is also plenty of small stuff that can be easily collected for a fire.   Site is right next to the road, but road noise should be little to none as a few curves will slow vehicles down and their isn't much more road left until the campground and trailhead at the end of the road.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    Big Roomy Disperse campsite along the little Blackfood River

    Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike.  This is one of three disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot River in the Helena National Forest that have been marked by the Forest Service as a disperse camping area. This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs.  The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table.  A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling.  The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat.  Another short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place.  The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road.

  • K B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid Lake Backcountry Primitive
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Pyramid Lake Backcountry Primitive

    Peaceful Alpine Lake

    Long climb up the trail over Pyramid Pass to access the lake but its worth it. One of the shortest hikes to get in to a lake in the BobMarshall.
    Spotty cell reception on shore of lake. Wonderful views, lots of wildlife (including bears...).

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    No camping within 1/2 mile of the town.

    Interesting and informative, though half of the buildings are locked upright. You can really interesting artifacts through the windows. Great potential. A little picnic area.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Mining ghost town for day or overnight

    Many states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management. You need to pick up a map of exactly where you’re allowed to camp (there are no facilities, obviously). You can also rent “cabins” which are buildings from before the building became ghosted (but have been updated). Even if you don’t want to camp you can tour the town and have a surreal afternoon imagining what it’d be like to be a miner back in the day.

  • Carla S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 29, 2016

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Campfire Story

    Camp beside one of Montana's best preserved ghost towns!! Garnet!! Learn rich history of pioneer days of Montana and visit cabins among the town. Not many amenities available here. Yes I believe in ghosts!!

  • Amanda L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 17, 2016

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Wonderful Summer Camping and Winter Cabining

    Camping is dispersed and a little eerie. This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings. It is an interesting look at the mining industry in Montana. There are numerous interpretive signs and information about the building throughout the town and rangers on site during the summer months to answer questions. During the winter two of the cabins (the larger of which is the old saloon) are available to rent through the forest service. Most of my recent trips have been during the winter months, where the town is only accessible by ski, snow shoe or feet. Then it is silent and strange but heart breakingly beautiful.

  • Lindsay B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 10, 2015

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Camp by a Ghost Town!

    This camp ground is less than a hundred yards from the Garnet Ghost Town! The ghost town was recently in the news because people from across the country applied to volunteer at it once a story about it went viral. No need to apply to volunteer -- just stay at the campground to get your fill of history and maybe a haunting!



Guide to Lincoln

Camping near Lincoln, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: The Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground is a great spot for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "Most sites are large that will accommodate a camper and boat trailer," making it easy to enjoy the water.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Moose Creek Campground. A reviewer noted, "There was a nice picnic table and fire ring," perfect for a post-hike meal.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer at Hooper Park. One camper shared, "Deer roamed around our sites and nearly knocked on our doors," adding a unique touch to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Lost Moose Meadows Campground. A visitor said, "You can't beat the views," highlighting the beauty of the area.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One review for Bernie & Sharons Riverfront RV Park stated, "The campground had coin showers with hot water and a family-friendly rec room."
  • Affordable Rates: Campers love the budget-friendly options. A reviewer mentioned, "Best $10 campsites imaginable" at Town of Drummond Campground, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cromwell Dixon Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "No hookups for RVs; Vault toilets, which were very clean," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Busy on Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded. One visitor at Salmon Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Great week day but packed on weekend," so consider visiting during the week for a quieter stay.
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can lead to noise. A review for Hooper Park mentioned, "You'll have a little bit of light pollution if you want to see the stars," so keep that in mind when choosing your site.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Hooper Park has a playground, which is great for keeping the little ones entertained.
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A visitor at Lost Moose Meadows Campground said, "The sites are spacious with new hookups," making it comfortable for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. One camper at Harpers Lake mentioned, "The majority of tent sites are literally huge," providing plenty of space for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric hookups. A reviewer at Bernie & Sharons Riverfront RV Park noted, "We have a 40’ w/tow and opted for a pull thru for 1 night," which is helpful for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Dirt Roads: Some campgrounds, like Harpers Lake, have dirt roads that may require a sturdy vehicle. A camper mentioned, "The road getting in is dirt and gravel with some potholes," so plan accordingly.
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Salmon Lake State Park Campground advised, "Our Saturday departure was delayed by FWP boat inspection at the entrance," indicating that arriving early can help avoid delays.

Camping around Lincoln, Montana, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to family-friendly parks. Whether you're tent camping or bringing your RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lincoln, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lincoln, MT is Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping with a 3.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lincoln, MT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Lincoln, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.