Best Dispersed Camping near Malmstrom AFB, MT

Belt Creek on Hughesville Road offers dispersed camping sites along a mountain stream about 47 miles from Malmstrom AFB. The well-maintained road provides access to multiple pull-off areas with natural fire rings. Most sites sit directly alongside the creek with room for both tents and RVs. A visitor noted, "There are several campsites along the road. We were there mid-week in September and I was surprised at how many other campers were there, but there were still several sites available." The area becomes busy on weekends, with Friday arrivals recommended before 5pm to secure prime spots.

Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area provides free off-grid camping options approximately 68 miles northwest of the base. This wetland area features flat gravel parking with picnic tables and vault toilets but no drinking water or trash service. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply. A camper commented, "It's quite, and there are paths around the water. I took a star off because by 9pm I had to retire to my camper because the mosquitoes were so bad." The area experiences heavy winds and abundant mosquitoes during summer evenings. Note that while camping is free, a $10 Conservation Permit is required, obtainable online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Malmstrom AFB, Montana (3)

    1. Belt Creek on Hughesville Road

    5 Reviews
    Monarch, MT
    33 miles

    "Sights are nice and have a fire pit we were east of the dam so our creek wasn’t dry. There are alot of spots with roads though them with multiple spread out sites."

    "The road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek.  There are several campsites along the road. "

    2. Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Choteau, MT
    42 miles
    Website

    "bring bug sprayStarlink is fast here."

    "Secluded, flat parking lot in a wildlife refuge. We woke to the sound of birds. The pit toilet was really clean. We were the only ones there."

    3. Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management

    2 Reviews
    Choteau, MT
    40 miles

    "There is a pit toilet about .2 mi from the pin. There are picnic tables here and at other sites. There are at least two entrances to the area from the highway."

    "Large flat gravel parking area. Picnic table and toilet. I read that this is a major bird watching area."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Malmstrom AFB, MT

6 Photos of 3 Malmstrom AFB Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Malmstrom AFB, MT

7 Reviews of 3 Malmstrom AFB Campgrounds


  • D0min0 3.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Mosquito Land

    Secluded place by the water. It smells like youre by the ocean, has a clean portable potty, tables and benches, level enough for an rv, quiet and perfect for star gazing! bring bug sprayStarlink is fast here.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2021

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Flat open and free

    Freeze Out Lake Waterfowl Manage Area's campground it a free campground.  If you wish to camp here be prepared for more of a disperse camping experience.  While the site does have a vault toilet that is about it.  "sites" are not labeled and appear mainly to be by rows of brush.  Each site is a large flat grassy area.  A few of the spots do have picnic tables but most don't.  Fires are not allowed in the camping area.  This is a trash-in/Trash-out campground.   You will also need to bring your own water as no water is available.  If you enjoy bird watching then you are in luck, plenty can be found at the lake and ponds.  Only two others were at the campground on my visit.  Campground is next to the highway but traffic appeared light.  If the campground where to be busy and you didn't get a spot with a picnic table you could take advantage of the parking areas in the area, their are several a short distance from the campground which have plenty of picnic tables to have a meal at.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Overnight Spot

    Secluded, flat parking lot in a wildlife refuge. We woke to the sound of birds. The pit toilet was really clean. We were the only ones there.

  • D
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    A Hidden Gem

    First of all, it’s free! Right off 89, 30 miles from 15. There is a bathroom, that’s clean enough. There are only two picnic table spots, but I was lucky enough to be one of only two vehicles parked for the night. The views are wonderful. It’s quite, and there are paths around the water. I took a star off because by 9pm I had to retire to my camper because the mosquitoes were so bad - but that’s to be expected. Another thing to note are the heavy winds, just make sure you don’t leave things out, and expect a windy breakfast. There is no dumpster, so pack in and pack out. Overall, for a free campsite, I highly recommend!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Great free spot

    Like others said, it is pack in pack out, but otherwise it is great. Bathroom is close and clean, being close to the water is nice, and 100% free. There’s also a campground not far away more inland that is free in the same park.

  • d
    Aug. 3, 2021

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Nice but windy and night and mosquitoes in the evening

    Stayed there for a night arrived at 5pm and it’s an open area where you can find a table and camp there. I cooked and it was fine but late in the evening after sunset there will be lot of mosquitoes so better be prepared and there will lot gusting wind at night.


Guide to Malmstrom AFB

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Malmstrom AFB, Montana, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of options, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Malmstrom AFB, Montana

  • Be prepared for a pack-in, pack-out experience at Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy clean facilities and beautiful views while ensuring you leave no trace behind.

Dispersed campers should check out Freezout Lake

  • Located just off Highway 89, Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping offers a peaceful setting with paths around the water, making it ideal for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Belt Creek on Hughesville Road

  • For those looking for a more secluded experience, Belt Creek on Hughesville Road provides a drive-in option with no permits required, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings without any hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Malmstrom AFB, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Malmstrom AFB, MT is Belt Creek on Hughesville Road with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Malmstrom AFB, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Malmstrom AFB, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.