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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 No camping is permitted within a half-mile of the historic town itself, despite some outdated listings suggesting otherwise.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.
"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."
"This was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves. "
"Many states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management."
"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."
"Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike. "
"Easy access to the creek for fishing. great little fire pit."
"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."
"Verizon has around 2 bars, there's no toilets or running water."
"Wide open site near the edge of the forest and a walking trail that goes around the lake. Lots of fire wood from fallen trees and easy access from dirt road."
"This is a great dispersed site in the woods by a small lake, Tuppers. Plenty of firewood in the woods, and there is a large fire ring. No other amenities."
"There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered."
"Road going around to the other side of the reservoir is gated and closed now."
"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."
ScoutGated road at this location, maybe still good from other starting point but no viable sites coming from Rimini that I saw. Road gets a bit rough, did find a rough roadside spot for the night but for the 8-9 mile drive in on dirt roads definitely not worthwhile.
GuideWide open site near the edge of the forest and a walking trail that goes around the lake. Lots of fire wood from fallen trees and easy access from dirt road.
GuideVery quiet and only a couple spots to camp, has plenty of wood for a fire. You can slip a kayak into the lake. Great views.
TravelerThe gate to this particular site is closed. However, 50 yards up the road is a single spot. On the way up there were a few spots, I assume if you keep going on this road there would be a few more spots. The road is in great condition…smooth as can be
RangerPassed these on the way to the state campground. Looks fine and close to the state park.
GuideThis is a great dispersed site in the woods by a small lake, Tuppers. Plenty of firewood in the woods, and there is a large fire ring. No other amenities. Road is accessible by pretty much any vehicle.
GuideGate is closed, I’m assuming for the winter? Anyways, camped next to the gate there’s a little pull out. But not ideal.
Pretty close to Helena and decent service can see why it’s not a bad place to stay. Road was fine.
TravelerThis was an easy to get to camping spot with nice, dispersed sites and we had the place all to ourselves. The access when you turn off at Elliston is not clearly marked but there is only one road that turns off there so its not too difficult to get on the right road. We had the area to ourselves and did not hear or see any other vehicles on the road the whole time we were there. There were lots of free range cattle though.
One thing worth mentioning is that these sites are not far from the main road and the train tracks. The trains come by on a semi-frequent basis and you will definitely hear the train whistle and track noise. It wasn't a deal breaker for us, but something to keep in mind.
GuideIt's a clearing with a clean outhouse . It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy.
Dispersed camping near Lincoln, Montana provides cost-free overnight options primarily on Helena National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. Most sites sit at elevations between 4,500-5,600 feet, creating cool evening temperatures even in summer months. The camping season typically runs May through October, with access limited by snow during winter months.
Fishing access: Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3 offers excellent fishing opportunities with easy water access. "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," notes one camper, adding that water can be filtered directly from the river.
Ghost town exploration: Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping serves as a base for exploring Montana's mining history. "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," explains one visitor. The town features interpretive signs and rangers during summer months.
Hiking options: Pyramid Lake Backcountry Primitive provides access to alpine terrain through challenging trail systems. "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 Bob Marshall," reports one hiker, noting wildlife sightings including bears.
Mountain views: Scott Reservoir Dispersed offers elevated camping with panoramic perspectives. "Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir... I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night," writes one camper. Another adds that the site features "right by the water with a great mountain view."
Solitude opportunities: Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping provides quieter alternatives to developed campgrounds. "You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made," explains one visitor who found suitable sites within a quarter mile walk from the entrance gate.
Creek proximity: Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite provides water access for both recreation and practical needs. "Easy to find, road isn't too rough, no service with t mobile, nice little fire ring," reports one camper who recommends arriving "a little earlier to get the good spots."
Site identification: Free camping locations near Lincoln are often minimally marked. At Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite, visitors appreciate Forest Service markings since "their are several parcels of private land along the road." The campsites have "a large rock fire ring in the center" to help identify established areas.
No-camping zones: Despite some outdated listings, camping near Garnet Ghost Town has specific restrictions. "This location is not a campsite as it is within the 1/2 mile zone. It is marked with no camping sign," clarifies one visitor. The actual designated camping areas are found along access roads outside this buffer.
Road conditions: Access to Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314 can be challenging in wet conditions. "Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy," notes one camper, adding that "there are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others."
Site selection: For families with small children, choose sites with level terrain and natural boundaries. "This was a pretty spot on the river with quite a few sites and a day use area," notes one visitor to Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, though they caution that "access to the river was a bit tight."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly near Lincoln, requiring layered clothing and rain protection. At Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites, campers find "multiple spots to pull off from Garnet Range Rd, and there are spots with a stone firepit along them," but limited shelter options during storms.
Communication planning: Cell service varies significantly between sites. One camper reports "spotty cell reception on shore of lake" at Pyramid Lake, while another notes "Verizon has around 2 bars" at Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites, allowing families to plan communication needs accordingly.
Parking logistics: RV accessibility varies significantly at dispersed sites. At Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3, one RVer cautions: "If you have a long trailer it is a difficult spot to get into as you have to back your trailer down it and then when you're done, you have to back your trailer back up into a brush area in order to get back on the road."
Level parking: Finding flat spots for larger vehicles requires advance planning. "I took the first site, just off road. Rocky, no tent stakes," reports one visitor to Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314, noting it was "quiet, good for a night" but had limitations for larger setups.
Access routes: Low-clearance RVs should avoid certain areas entirely. Regarding Placid Creek Pull Off, one visitor warns: "Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces. More if you were cozy. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles."
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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