Best Dispersed Camping near Lolo, MT
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Lolo, Montana area, with several free primitive sites on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Popular locations include Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365, and Bass Lake Dispersed Camping. These sites typically feature established fire rings but minimal to no other amenities. According to reviews, Petty Creek Road sites are "about 5 minutes off the highway" with sites "separated by enough trees" to provide privacy.
Most dispersed sites near Lolo require campers to be self-sufficient. No drinking water is available at these locations, and visitors must pack out all trash. Fire restrictions are common during summer months; check current regulations before travel. Road conditions vary significantly; Blue Mountain Forest Road has been described as "dusty" with "some turn offs that you could park at," though four-wheel drive is not always necessary. Cell service is generally limited and spotty throughout the area.
The Garnet Ghost Town area offers a unique dispersed camping experience on BLM land. Visitors can camp near one of Montana's best-preserved mining towns, which features interpretive signs and historic buildings. As one camper noted, "You need to pick up a map of exactly where you're allowed to camp" since designated areas exist within public lands. During winter months, two cabins in Garnet Ghost Town are available to rent through the Forest Service when the area is only accessible by ski, snowshoe, or foot. The standard stay limit for dispersed camping is 14 days within a 30-day period.