Best Dispersed Camping near Livingston, MT
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Livingston? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Livingston, MT (22)
1. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
Gardiner, Montana30 Reviews•71 Photos•1126 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
2. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
Livingston, Montana4 Reviews•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
3. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
Gallatin Gateway, Montana8 Reviews•9 Photos•322 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Olson Creek Dispersed
Bozeman, Montana6 Reviews•20 Photos•100 SavesPeople 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
5. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
Bozeman, Montana4 Reviews•13 Photos•121 SavesMany 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
6. Falls Creek
Mcleod, Montana2 Reviews•9 Photos•59 SavesA 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
7. Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed
Bozeman, Montana3 Reviews•30 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
8. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Wilsall, Montana3 Reviews•2 Photos•38 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Gardiner, Montana11 Reviews•38 Photos•420 Saves- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
10. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
Belgrade, Montana1 Review•4 Photos•29 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Livingston
75 Reviews of 22 Livingston Campgrounds
BobT
Scout
Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
Close to town and Yellowstone
This is a nice place to boondock. There are a few level spots up here, but the road is pretty rough and pretty steep. The view into Yellowstone is gorgeous.
TexasRe D.
Traveler
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.
- SSabrina V.
Guide
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
- VViet N.Scout
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
- VViet N.Scout
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!
- mmel B.Guide
Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
Beautiful
Nice roads and huge beautiful sites. Being a small female solo tent camping I felt safe. There are lots of elk and rabbits.
- PPrudence T.Scout
Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
Train Whistle
Beautiful spot by the Yellowstone River. Train whistles woke us up four times.
Erik W.Scout
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.GuideTravertine 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.Guide
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.Traveler
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.
RangerSouth 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.RangerLittle 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.Ranger
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.
- KKenyon S.Scout
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.TravelerSouth 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.
- ttommieScout
Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
Good
Nice and quiet, lots of room
- MMarashaGuide
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.TravelerTravertine 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.TravelerLittle 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.ScoutLittle 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.
- EEdward R.Traveler
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.
- DDaniele G.Scout
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!
- AAaron A.Traveler
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.
Andrew K.GuideTravertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
What a view
Not far from city or entrance to Yellowstone, amazing view. Easy enough to find a spot, no service for the most part
Rebecca V.ScoutHyalite 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.GuidePig 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.
Guide to Livingston
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Livingston, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets the thrill of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Dispersed campers should check out Hyalite Canyon Dispersed
- This area offers a drive-in access, making it convenient for both tent and RV camping. Check out Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 for a scenic experience.
- Campers can enjoy the freedom of having fires allowed and pets welcome, making it a great choice for families and furry friends alike.
- The location is close to Bozeman, providing easy access to hiking trails and stunning views, perfect for those looking to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Livingston, Montana
- Always check road conditions before heading to Olson Creek Dispersed, as some routes can be rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; many spots, like Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp, do not offer drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak season, as popular areas can fill up quickly.
Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping for dispersed campers
- Nestled near the trail to Fairy Lake, this site offers a serene atmosphere with established fire rings, making it ideal for cozy evenings under the stars. Explore Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping for a memorable experience.
- The area is well-suited for tent camping, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to spot various animals in their natural habitat, enhancing the overall camping experience.
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.