Top Free Dispersed Camping near Livingston, MT

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Livingston? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Livingston, MT (22)

    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    • No image available

      2. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

      4 Reviews
      21 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed

      4. Olson Creek Dispersed

      6 Reviews
      20 Photos
      98 Saves

      People enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

      Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic sites, and fishing areas and within close proximity of campgrounds. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. For information on occupancy and use, camping stay limits, weed free forage, visit Region 1 - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Travel to campsites must not create resource damage. Travel to campsites must not create resource damage Contact local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? Please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

      5. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

      4 Reviews
      13 Photos
      117 Saves

      Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

      Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings. Contact your local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? To find out where you are allowed to disperse camp, please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details. To see our Motor Vehicle Use Maps, click here.

      Can I have a campfire? Please use existing sites and fire rings. Firewood permits are not needed if wood is used on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use, you will need to purchase a firewood permit at the closest district office. This permit should be obtained prior to you gathering or transporting any wood.

      Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.

      The National Forest has wildfires each year. Many of these are human caused from escaped campfires in dispersed sites. Campfires are allowed unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office.

      Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six to eight (6-8) inches deep at least 200 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Do not simply cover it with a rock. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek

      6. Falls Creek

      2 Reviews
      9 Photos
      59 Saves

      A campground in the main boulder area on the Yellowstone District.

      Camp sites: 8

      Accessible Facilities: Toilet Trash Pickup: No Firewood: No No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. Information: Livingston Office 5242 Hwy 89. Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-1892

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Drinking Water
      • Alcohol
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

        8. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

        3 Reviews
        2 Photos
        37 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

        9. Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

        11 Reviews
        38 Photos
        418 Saves
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Dispersed
        • Firewood Available
        Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
      Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Livingston

      72 Reviews of 22 Livingston Campgrounds


      • TexasRe D.
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Sep. 1, 2024

        South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

        2 peaceful nights

        We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper. We stayed at the first pull off a few minutes off the main road. This site was easily accessible, right off the main road, close to town and close to some hikes.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
        Sep. 1, 2024

        Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

        Very hard to find at night

        This place seemed promising at first. It was hard to find a decent spot at night due to only using headlights of my van. Most of the road is extremely rugged/uneven/full of large holes. The only place I was able to stay for the night was the road leading up to the locked gate. This is about the only nice spot. Other than that this place is • quiet w/occasional traffic along the high way (right next to reservoir) • very few people here, but far enough away from me • no fee required • provides OK view to the mountains • great when you bring along a pet • you will need to be fully prepared for primitive camping

      • V
        Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
        Aug. 18, 2024

        Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

        Not supposed to camp here

        Based on the dispersed camping guide provided by the Forest Service office in Gardiner, you’re not supposed to camp in the spot listed on this site. Take a left off Traveltine road, go past the rock quarry to find good sites

      • V
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
        Aug. 18, 2024

        Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

        Good place to stay outside of Yellowstone

        Quiet, secluded dispersed sites about 15 minutes outside of Gardiner. No trees so it gets pretty hot without shade. There are random animal bones scattered around the sites from what I assume previous hunting trips, which is a bit eerie. 

        I’d certainly stay here again for a couple nights!

      • Erik W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
        Aug. 8, 2024

        Olson Creek Dispersed

        No trespassing signs everywhere

        Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot

      • Voyager D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
        Jul. 30, 2024

        Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

        Stunning veiws

        There's about three good spots up on the hill, the two out on the edge have reliable service. But as soon as you go back up a bit, it vanishes.

        Stunning views of Yellowstone and the mountains. Be aware, there are NO trees, so it will get stiflingly hot with no clouds. But, close to town, and the road isn't the worst. For sure go slow, but even low clearance should be able to pick out a path.

      • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
        Jul. 29, 2024

        Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

        Amazing camp site with tree cover and fire ring

        This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles.

      • christian L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
        Jul. 27, 2024

        Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

        Bozeman visit

        We stayed here for a few days off one of the main trail head. There are not many sites off the main trail head and we’re all full when we arrived.

        We have a 25ft off road travel trailer and attempted to go down two side trail heads. The further one was so bad we had to back all the way out. The closest side trail head was slightly better. We made down the road. However there wasn’t many sites here as well. There was maybe 3-4 sites along this whole trail head. We needed up stay in a pull in a valley early on in this trail head

      • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Jul. 24, 2024

        South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

        Ok stay

        This was an ok stay outside of Bozeman. The coordinates took me to a spot which was occupied but looked like the only spot on that stretch of road. It began to get extremely rutted and I didn’t want to push any farther after that spot. I camped in what looked to be a dispersed campsite that they closed off

      • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
        Jul. 17, 2024

        Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

        Great dispersed site

        Drove through a few open gates but there were clearly dispersed sites in this area. Nice flat sites, road was rocky and bumpy but not bad. Quiet area until a group of teenagers started a loud party at the site next to us

      • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
        Jul. 17, 2024

        Olson Creek Dispersed

        Fine for a night but not many options

        A bit confusing with all the no trespassing and no parking on/off the road signs. Felt more comfortable once we saw another van parked, and drove past the coordinate location a few minutes to use a tiny widened part of the road. No services.

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
        Jul. 15, 2024

        Olson Creek Dispersed

        Peaceful and Easy Access

        Great spot and easy to get to. Exactly where the coordinates are pull off was big enough for my sprinter 170 extended was even able to get it perfectly level a few dirt bikes on the road that stopped at sunset. It’s very quiet and beautiful views and 15° cooler than Bozeman.

      • Jenna B.
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Jul. 14, 2024

        South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

        Beautiful secluded Mountain views

        Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites. Very quite road. Level ground for car camping. Would 100% come back just for this gem.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
        Jul. 6, 2024

        Olson Creek Dispersed

        Really a 4.5 star spot

        Beautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.

      • Samantha G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

        BEST CAMPING!

        This is the most beautiful place I have ever, and probably will ever, camp in. Safe and easy to find. Rough road coming up, but lots of spaces tucked away. Saw several elk on the drive in and heard some coyotes howling at dusk, but nothing bothered us. I wish I could live here!

      • Allison S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
        Jun. 23, 2024

        Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

        Perfect for a night or two

        Perfect pull outs off Travertine up Trail Creek/FS 1701 just 7-10 minutes out of Gardine. We ended up at the very end of the road where it loops back on itself in our truck camper. Road was a bit washboard and bumpy, but didn’t need 4wd. Saw elk, a beautiful sunset, and a full moon rise. No river views, but wildflowers all over. Some hikes nearby. We went to the end out of curiosity and passed about 5 other campers, but were alone at the end. Made dinner on our solo stove. Clean up though, because it is still bear country. ATT and Verizon service, mid to full bars. 30 minutes to the YNP north entrance.

      • Don&Becca W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

        Roadside sites with fire rings

        Several roadside sites along this road that branches off Travertine Rd. A few sites are large enough for multiple tents/vans. Good Verizon service, poor AT&T service . We snagged the last site available the night we stayed, first site on left as you drive in. It is small but worked for our Sprinter.

      • E
        Camper-submitted photo from Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
        Jun. 15, 2024

        Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

        Good spot above

        There’s a spot down by the water that someone took with a tent who we let by us. We took a spot just above before you drive down to the water. I wasn’t sure if I could turn around my 20’ travel trailer down by the water. Very buggy.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
        Jun. 12, 2024

        Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

        Amazing place

        Views were amazing. The road was a little rough, but wide and easily passable. We had great Verizon cell service. Tons of elk around, as this is in an elk preserve. Overall excellent experience!

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
        Jun. 11, 2024

        Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

        Eagle Creek Road/ NF-3243

        Just passed the Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs. These are mostly little pull offs along the side of the road with great views into Yellowstone/Mammoth Hot Springs. There are more than a dozen good spots, but it also seems popular as I saw at least 10 occupied sites on a Monday evening. No cellphone service. No amenities, just the view and personal space. My Honda fit made it up the road no problem.

      • Rebecca V.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
        May. 24, 2024

        Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

        Spot was closed

        The gate was closed when we went. We were also in an RV that doesn't do great with snow so we were going out to turn around anyway. Found a spot in the town of Bozeman. Would be great to know when these gates are open or closed though.

      • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
        Mar. 30, 2024

        Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

        Fishing access site. No developed sites. State of Montana lands .

        Rough camp. No amenities. Not large enough for motor home. But ok for pull camper. First come first serve. Looking for that free spot. Between the hotels and hassle.

      • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
        Mar. 29, 2024

        Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

        Cottonwood reservoir wilsall montana

        Cottonwood Reseravoir DNRC land section.  accessible for overnight camping under DNRC rules.  The reservoir has Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers.  No wifi, no trash, no bathrooms. Completely wild. Stars at night amazing. All kinds of waterfowl passing seasonal. No amenities.

      • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
        Feb. 22, 2024

        Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

        Good Stuff

        My partner and I stayed here in September. It wasn’t the easiest spot to find, but we stayed two nights and nothing happened to our tent set up while we took the car to go hiking for a whole day. Definitely busier than I expected, especially with the condition of the road; we had multiple cars coming down the road we were on and then they would turn around and come back but it wasn’t obnoxious. The sight we stayed at actually had been moved across the road from its original site so the car was a little further away than it normally is but it was still a quality site to stay at.



      Guide to Livingston

      Camping near Livingston, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Explore Yellowstone National Park: Just a short drive away, this iconic park is perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying stunning landscapes. One camper mentioned, “Great location in a very pretty valley. Lots of noise from the freeway but negligible if it’s a hard side camper or RV” while staying at Canyon Campground.
      • Fishing: The rivers around Livingston are great for fishing. A review from Mallard's Rest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED highlights, “Beautiful CG spot for fishing access. Drift Boat ramp and 6 to 8 designated camp sites.”
      • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, with many leading to breathtaking views. One visitor at Pine Creek Campground noted, “Great trail nearby.”

      What campers like:

      • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Yellowstone Edge RV Park states, “Nice level spots with lots of space and awesome river views.”
      • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. A camper at Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch said, “The campground was quiet and had very clean bathrooms/showers.”
      • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. One review for Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday mentions, “The staff is extremely friendly and helpful!”

      What you should know:

      • Busy highways: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A visitor at Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV noted, “Tent sites were small, no privacy. I wish we would have had our RV.”
      • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or water. A review for Otter Creek Fishing Access Site mentions, “Good cell reception on T-Mobile but no trash, water or power hookups.”
      • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially in more remote areas. One camper at Pine Creek Campground advised, “Definitely bring bear spray as this is a remote campground in the woods.”

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A review for Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday highlights, “Great place to go stargazing.”
      • Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch enjoyed the “gorgeous view of the river” while relaxing.
      • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Hood Creek Campground mentioned, “Perfect get away with so many different things to do.”

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check road conditions: Some roads can be tricky for larger RVs. A review for Spire Rock Campground warns, “The area is stunning, but we could not get to the campground.”
      • Look for full hookups: If you prefer more amenities, choose campgrounds that offer full hookups. A camper at Yellowstone Edge RV Park said, “Full hookups, nice clean bathrooms, game room and little store that has everything.”
      • Plan for privacy: Some sites are closer together than others. A visitor at Canyon Campground noted, “Very open. Ended up not staying for that reason.”

      Camping near Livingston, Montana, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Livingston, MT is Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone with a 4.4-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Livingston, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.