Dispersed camping near Lolo, Montana occurs primarily in the Lolo National Forest where elevation ranges from 2,800 to 7,000 feet across diverse terrain. Many free campsites sit within mixed conifer forests of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and western larch trees. Camping season typically runs from May through October, with July and August temperatures averaging 75-85°F days and 45-55°F nights.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several dispersed camping areas offer direct access to quality fishing. At Rock Creek Dry Campsites, campers find "individual campsites with fire rings and access to great fishing" with sites located "deep back on rock creek" approximately "10 plus miles" from the main road according to reviewer Tim H.
Mountain biking trails: Blue Mountain Recreation Area contains numerous trails for mountain biking near free camping. As Celine K. notes about Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365, it's a "great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking."
Lake hikes: Multiple alpine lakes accessible via moderate to challenging hiking trails provide backcountry camping options. K.B. describes Bass Lake Dispersed Camping as having a trail that's "around 7 miles one way to the lake" with "scenic mountain meadows lots of vegetations, creek nearby for a good portion of the hike."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at dispersed sites. At Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365, Ady reports: "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with a absolute beautiful view. We hardly saw anyone on the way up but the road is very narrow."
Easy highway access: Some dispersed camping areas can be reached quickly from Interstate 90. Reviewer J E. notes that Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping offers "easy access and quiet" sites that are "minimal road noise but not too far off the road."
Wildlife viewing: Free camping near Lolo provides opportunities to observe wildlife in natural settings. According to Jacob R. at Petty Creek Road, "something is eating big game out here so lock up your food" - indicating active wildlife in the area. Other campers report seeing deer and various birds near campsites.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving on unpaved roads. David B. warns about Blue Mountain: "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks."
Fire restrictions: Summer fire bans frequently affect dispersed camping areas. Lauren M. notes that despite fire rings being present at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, "we were in a fire restriction" during her July visit.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. Ben H. reports about Blue Mountain: "I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty." At Big Pine Campground, Joshua C. found "T-mobile 5G UC signal from campgrounds" while Tee C. "had no service here."
Limited facilities: Most free campsites have minimal or no amenities. For example, Joshua C. explains that Big Pine has "no trails from campsite so pretty limited in exploration options, just more a beautiful place to stop for a night or 2."
Tips for camping with families
Ghost town exploration: The Garnet Ghost Town area provides educational opportunities. Amanda L. describes it as "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. There are numerous interpretive signs and information about the building throughout the town."
Safe swimming areas: Creeks and rivers near camping areas can provide water play opportunities during hot summer days. Sophia M. mentions that Petty Creek Road camping is "super easy to get to" with sites located "by the creek" though water levels vary seasonally.
Bear-aware practices: Families should follow proper food storage protocol. Tee C. notes that Big Pine Campground has "bear boxes" available for secure food storage, which can provide peace of mind when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate large rigs. SpentBrassOffroad B. describes Petty Creek Road as having "4 spots" where they "used the one right by the road turn off" and saw "another person who had a travel trailer in another."
Turnaround challenges: Jacob R. cautions RV drivers about Petty Creek Road: "Initially we missed the turn and had nowhere to turn around since this is on the side of a mountain... We have a 27 foot RV towed with a truck that has a 8ft bed... We ended up finding a turn around. We did have to hop out of the truck and maneuver it a bit."
Leveling considerations: Finding level parking can be critical for RV comfort. Lauren M. noted her Petty Creek Road site "seemed pretty level" which made it suitable for car camping, while Robert T. specifically highlighted his spot as "flat!" which allowed him to successfully back in with his "Toyota Tundra pulling a 14' trailer."
