Dispersed camping near McLeod, Montana presents opportunities for self-reliant campers within the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountain range, where elevations range from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and drop to 40-50°F at night. Seasonal road closures due to snow occur between October and May at many higher elevation sites.
What to do
Fishing the Yellowstone River: Access points like Otter Creek Fishing Access provide direct river access. "Several areas for campers and travel trailers and even big rigs and popular area for fishing so rather than normal BLM 14 days it's a 7-Day Max but it's beautiful just next to the river so you can hear it while you're sleeping," notes one camper.
Mountain biking forest roads: National Forest roads near Hyalite Canyon Dispersed offer rugged terrain for cyclists. "Winding mountain trail. Campsites well used. Not secluded, likely will have people drive/ ride bikes past your site. Relatively clean. Dense forest surrounding the sites," reports a reviewer.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports abundant wildlife including elk, deer, and bears. "Wildlife did start getting a bit too close by day 4, so make some noise every so often," advises a camper at Olson Creek Dispersed.
Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, many sites offer night sky viewing. "Needed a free site relatively close to town and this spot worked perfectly... Could've stayed here multiple nights and gone up to explore the reservoir if I had known about it sooner!" shares a Hyalite Canyon visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Falls Creek offers secluded camping experiences. "Each site is in the middle of trees and moss and directly next to the Boulder River. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site... The sites are beautiful and hidden under trees. There is plenty of room between sites giving you privacy," one camper explains.
River sounds: Many sites sit along waterways. "Very easy to get to with several camping and RV areas although little shade. Great cell service out here but this is completely self-contained BLM land and since it's a fishing access spot stays are limited to 7 days," notes a visitor at Pig Farm Fishing Access.
Temperature difference: Higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures during summer. "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," reports a camper at Olson Creek.
Boat access: Several fishing access sites include boat ramps. "There are some existent fire pits that people made and there is currently no fire ban here. Second time here in 2 years and probably won't be my last," shares an Otter Creek visitor.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Olson Creek Dispersed requires planning. "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," warns one visitor.
Limited spaces at popular spots: Arrive early during peak season. "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," notes a Hyalite Canyon camper.
Train noise at riverside sites: Railroad tracks run parallel to some river access points. "Beautiful spot by the Yellowstone River. Train whistles woke us up four times," reports a Pig Farm Fishing Access reviewer.
Bear activity common: Food storage precautions essential. "There is a small parking area right at the campsites. This campground is very serene with the soft forest floor and very dense forest. Follow the wonderful sounds of the creek that runs along the side of the sites," describes a Falls Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Vault toilets at fishing access sites: Cliff Swallow offers basic facilities. "About 7 miles west of Absarokee, 2.5 of them gravel. Sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem. Did not use vault toilet so cannot speak to its condition. Some algae near the shore of river but waded out deeper for refreshing dip," notes a camper.
Swimming opportunities: Several river access points provide swimming spots. "Only four or five spots right next to the river but plenty of open spots in the field next to where people Park their boats. This is a beautiful and tranquil spot with wonderful views and apparently great fishing but if you're going to fish make sure you get your license because the warden hangs out here!" advises an Otter Creek visitor.
Sheltered sites for weather changes: Forest cover provides protection. "You park, and then depending on your site, you're either directly at your campsite or you walk about 100 yards to your site. Each site is in the middle of trees and moss and directly next to the Boulder River," explains a Falls Creek visitor.
Cultural learning opportunities: Some areas have historical significance. "My last morning there I heard drums and so I followed the soft beats to discover a group of tribal members camping in a tipi. That was the icing on the cake for this gorgeous and simple campground," shares a Falls Creek camper.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations at walk-in sites: Buffalo Jump Camp accommodates smaller vehicles. "Pretty decent campground. Gonna have to come back with the river is a big higher to fish," notes a visitor.
Level parking at river access: Finding flat spots requires scouting. "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," shares a Pig Farm Fishing Access camper.
Parking orientation for views: Position rigs for optimal scenery. "Not really any established sites from what we found, but it was a great place to stop for the night and very private. We stopped on a Thursday and had the area all to ourselves," reports a Pig Farm Fishing Access reviewer.
Road clearance requirements: Higher clearance vehicles needed for some areas. "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," advises a Pig Farm Fishing Access visitor.
