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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
