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Best Dispersed Camping near Lincoln, MT

25 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Lincoln, Montana, with several primitive sites on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Helena National Forest. The Little Blackfoot River area features three designated dispersed sites marked by the Forest Service, providing flat camping areas with established fire rings. According to reviews, these sites offer "plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs" and easy access to the river for fishing and water filtration. Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites and Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 provide additional free camping options in the region.

Most dispersed sites require visitors to be fully self-sufficient. No drinking water, electricity, or sanitation facilities exist at these locations. Campers must pack out all trash and waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; always check current regulations before your trip. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing many sites, particularly after rain. Several campers noted that Forest Road 314 can be "a bit muddy" and "four-wheel-drive came in handy" when accessing the Elliston sites.

The Garnet Ghost Town area has specific camping regulations. No camping is permitted within a half-mile of the historic town itself, despite some outdated listings suggesting otherwise. The ghost town makes an excellent day trip, with interpretive signs and preserved buildings showcasing Montana's mining history. During winter months, two cabins (including the old saloon) are available to rent through the Forest Service when the town is only accessible by ski, snowshoe, or on foot. Scott Reservoir Dispersed camping offers 4-5 established fire rings with mountain views and relative seclusion, though roads accessing the area may challenge vehicles with low clearance.

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Detours Nearby

Craig FAS

Craig FAS

49 min away

Log Gulch Recreation Site

Log Gulch Recreation Site

1 hr 11 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lincoln, Montana (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lincoln, MT

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lincoln, MT

25 Reviews of 13 Lincoln Campgrounds

  • H
    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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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. 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
    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.

  • Amanda L.
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Racetrack Dispersed Campsite

    Rough road in

    Road in was 100% washboard, but the campsite was decent. Had to traverse a lot of private property to access it, and the locals do not appear to be friendly. A few fellow campers were a bit sketchy, so be wary. Enjoyed some great trout fishing in the adjacent creek though!

  • Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot

    Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others.

Guide to Lincoln

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lincoln, Montana, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

  • This area is rich in history, allowing visitors to explore the remnants of a mining ghost town while enjoying the freedom of dispersed camping. Check it out at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping.
  • Although camping is restricted within a half-mile of the town, the surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
  • Visitors have noted the interesting artifacts and buildings, making it a great spot for a day trip or a unique camping experience.

Top activities while free camping near Lincoln

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at the Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, where the river offers a refreshing escape during the summer months.
  • Hikers will appreciate the nearby trails that lead to stunning views and wildlife sightings, making it a perfect base for outdoor adventures.
  • The site features a picnic table and a fire ring, enhancing your camping experience with opportunities for cooking and gathering around the fire.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • The Scott Reservoir Dispersed offers breathtaking views of the water and mountains, providing a peaceful backdrop for your camping trip.
  • With several fire rings available, this location is ideal for those looking to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
  • The secluded nature of this site means you can often enjoy the area without the disturbance of other campers, making it a great choice for solitude seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lincoln, MT?

The Lincoln area offers several free dispersed camping options on public lands. Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping provides unique sites near a historic mining town with no facilities but plenty of atmosphere. Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 offers various sites accessible via forest service road, though four-wheel drive is recommended, especially in muddy conditions. Remember that dispersed camping on BLM and National Forest land typically allows 14-day stays. Always check for current regulations, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Many sites have no amenities, so bring water and supplies.

What campgrounds are available in Lincoln, Montana National Forest?

The Helena National Forest near Lincoln offers several dispersed camping options. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite is one of three designated dispersed sites along the river, offering a large flat area next to the creek with space for multiple vehicles. Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping provides mountain camping with limited flat areas (note the gate opens May 15). Other options include Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site with constructed cooking and tent areas, and Scott Reservoir Dispersed for waterside camping with mountain views. These sites have no facilities, so come prepared with water and supplies.

How far are Lincoln County campgrounds from major attractions?

Racetrack Dispersed Campsite offers access to excellent trout fishing in the adjacent creek, though the access road is rough and requires traversing private property. Placid Creek Pull Off provides creek-side camping with an outhouse but is best for smaller vehicles with decent clearance. Many Lincoln area dispersed sites serve as gateways to hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Most recreational opportunities are within 30-60 minutes driving distance. The historic Garnet Ghost Town is a popular attraction that offers its own dispersed camping options nearby, allowing visitors to explore the preserved mining buildings and artifacts.

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