Searching for the best camping near Lolo National Forest, MT? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lolo National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.
Not bad for a free spot.
It’s a nicely maintained gravel road to the campsites and there are two tracks that give you access to the river.
Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions.
The"free spring" just south of Paradise has been turned off as of August 2022 and locals say it is unlikely to be turned back on.
Beautiful secluded site with view of the river. Easily can fit multiple rigs. I have xfinity mobile and had 3-4 bars the whole time.
campground which seemed potentially a little snug, but if you take the right toward “Rivulet” at the T at the bottom of the road, there are more campsites
This area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead.
LegendLovely dispersed camping area. Very pretty. We stayed for a night and were in good company. By the end of the day each site was filled and there were several folks driving through still looking for sites.
They’re spaced out well from one another giving all campers lots of privacy. Very wooded with paths down to the water. We hung out on a hammock most of the day but it rained throughout the night and into the next day so I wasn’t able to snag any good photos.
We small camper trailers, tents, single cots, and full RVs in this campground. Our site and seemingly most sites could have supported a 50 footer.
Although a popular spot, it wasn’t loud and we didn’t really interact with other campers.
There is a single vault toilet but no hookups. It’s dispersed camping. No water source beyond the river.
Great spot, highly recommend. I would try to get there early to grab a spot (first come first serve.) We went late September and every spot ended up filled.
ATT & Verizon service work well. Sites very unlevel
GuideThis area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down. On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs. Four wheel drive does not seem to be a requirement. I ended up camping at a turnoff and walked a bit off the road to set up my hammock. The road was not very busy I did hear an occasional car pass by. Good views and decently private. I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty
GuideThis is by far one of my favorite camping spots. Dispersed. Pet friendly. Quiet. Plenty of space between you and other campers. A river right by you. What more could you want? Oh and it’s right by a hot springs resort, in case you want to take a dip while you’re camping.
TravelerDispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.
We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water.
Pros:
Plenty of space, both large and small sites.
Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites.
3 bars Tmobile.
Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down.
12 miles to gas station.
Beautiful views.
Cons: No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground) No potable water. Road/train noise. POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)
Overall we loved this spot. Being ok the water in a mostly private setting with such amazing views is our goal. Little bit of road noise but hardly noticeable over the wind in the trees.
Sites were clean but well used, so thank you to all the campers that took care of this place!
GuideMaybe 6-7 spots for cars/trucks/vans. We fit our 170 sprinter no problem and would work for half the sites. Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in.
Sites looked clean and was very quiet while we were here for a Sunday night.
T-mobile 5G UC signal from campgrounds. Day use area has wide open sky to recharge if needed. Camp spots are shaded by trees. River access is along camp spots and also near day use area. No trails from campsite so pretty limited in exploration options, just more a beautiful place to stop for a night or 2.
Travelersuper easy to get to! just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two. not totally isolated, the site is not too far from the road but not the interstate, so there is a bit of noise but not frequently. service is spotty, verizon and at&t had only 1 bar. found some random bones, saw some deer, and lots of bugs. small area with a few places to park, thankfully nobody was there when we were but could be fun for a group!
TravelerPulled off, quickly found decent dispersed site. A bit buggy, no mosquitoes though. Great night sleep until OHVers came screaming through early
TravelerBeautiful secluded site with view of the river. Easily can fit multiple rigs. I have xfinity mobile and had 3-4 bars the whole time.
ScoutMost sites have river access. This is bear country so plan accordingly. No water available. Pack in, pack out. The road is somewhat close and train tracks across the river. Not really secluded but nice for a night or two.
Dispersed camping near Lolo National Forest in Montana offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lolo National Forest is Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Lolo National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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