Best Dispersed Camping near Mcleod, MT
Looking for the best Mcleod dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Montana excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Mcleod, Montana (20)
1. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
4 Reviews•21 SavesLivingston, Montana- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
2. Falls Creek
2 Reviews•9 Photos•59 SavesMcleod, MontanaA campground in the main boulder area on the Yellowstone District.
Camp sites: 8
Accessible Facilities: Toilet Trash Pickup: No Firewood: No No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. Information: Livingston Office 5242 Hwy 89. Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-1892
- Pets
- Fires
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
3. Buffalo Jump Camp
1 Review•3 Photos•25 SavesNye, Montana- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
5. Olson Creek Dispersed
6 Reviews•20 Photos•99 SavesBozeman, MontanaPeople enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.
Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic sites, and fishing areas and within close proximity of campgrounds. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. For information on occupancy and use, camping stay limits, weed free forage, visit Region 1 - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Travel to campsites must not create resource damage. Travel to campsites must not create resource damage Contact local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? Please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
8 Reviews•9 Photos•322 SavesGallatin Gateway, Montana- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
11 Reviews•38 Photos•426 SavesGardiner, Montana- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
8. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
4 Reviews•13 Photos•120 SavesBozeman, MontanaMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.
Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings. Contact your local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? To find out where you are allowed to disperse camp, please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details. To see our Motor Vehicle Use Maps, click here.
Can I have a campfire? Please use existing sites and fire rings. Firewood permits are not needed if wood is used on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use, you will need to purchase a firewood permit at the closest district office. This permit should be obtained prior to you gathering or transporting any wood.
Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.
The National Forest has wildfires each year. Many of these are human caused from escaped campfires in dispersed sites. Campfires are allowed unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office.
Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six to eight (6-8) inches deep at least 200 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Do not simply cover it with a rock. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
9. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
3 Reviews•2 Photos•38 SavesWilsall, Montana- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Mcleod, Montana
42 Reviews of 20 Mcleod Campgrounds
SwitchbackKids
Legend
Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
An oasis from the hustle and bustle of Yellowstone, with all the wilderness
We arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks.
Instead of camping somewhere in the park, we decided to drive through Gallatin National Forest, to the north of the park, until we found a good place to camp. We found a perfect overlook where we pitched our tent and watched the most gorgeous sunset. The best part? No people around for miles and miles.
Dispersed camping in the U.S. Forest Service land is almost always a win: the sites are free and remote; there are usually plenty of available spots; and you get a very unique camping experience. Just remember to look up regulations for the specific area you’re looking at, and don’t forget the toilet paper!
In Yellowstone, we worked our way from north to south, hitting the highlights. Many of the hiking trails were closed due to bear activity, so we stuck mostly to the close sights: driving through Lamar Valley, viewing Old Faithful & many other geysers, seeing Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and spotting wildlife everywhere we went.
You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Yellowstone)
Scott S.
GuideCuster-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Jardin - Dispersed = Roadside Beauty Near Yellowstone
Free Camping alongside the road overlooking Yellowstone and Mammoth Spring. After a few miles on this road, the no camping signs stop and it is free game! We scored a nice overlook and enjoyed the view. Way better than a campground on a busy summer day.
- MMadison B.
TravelerCuster-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Views of Yellowstone
Loved this boondocking area. Lots of spots up Eagle creek road. The road up is a little bumpy but no problem for us. The views are beyond beautiful. I highly recommend!
- AAaron A.Traveler
Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Eagle Creek Road/ NF-3243
Just passed the Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs. These are mostly little pull offs along the side of the road with great views into Yellowstone/Mammoth Hot Springs. There are more than a dozen good spots, but it also seems popular as I saw at least 10 occupied sites on a Monday evening. No cellphone service. No amenities, just the view and personal space. My Honda fit made it up the road no problem.
- SSabrina V.Guide
Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Very hard to find at night
This place seemed promising at first. It was hard to find a decent spot at night due to only using headlights of my van. Most of the road is extremely rugged/uneven/full of large holes. The only place I was able to stay for the night was the road leading up to the locked gate. This is about the only nice spot. Other than that this place is • quiet w/occasional traffic along the high way (right next to reservoir) • very few people here, but far enough away from me • no fee required • provides OK view to the mountains • great when you bring along a pet • you will need to be fully prepared for primitive camping
- kkatieGuide
Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Free, beautiful views and secluded.
-free -pet friendly -dispersed campsites -no water, toilets, amenities of any sort -just a fire ring at each site -some good trails -great phone service (Verizon)
- RRosstin W.Traveler
Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass
We fell in love with this place
We truly loved this place. It was so isolated and peaceful. The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not to bad to get to.(if you use the right road on the way up) we were only planning to stay 1 night and ended up staying 3 nights. We couldn’t get enough. Also spotted lots of moose, they are everywhere up there.
- DDecker D.
Scout
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
Perfect spot
Followed this road up a few miles and found the perfect camp spot.
John H.Guide
Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
Amazing camp site with tree cover and fire ring
This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles.
Bobby J.
Ranger
South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
Ok stay
This was an ok stay outside of Bozeman. The coordinates took me to a spot which was occupied but looked like the only spot on that stretch of road. It began to get extremely rutted and I didn’t want to push any farther after that spot. I camped in what looked to be a dispersed campsite that they closed off
- Lucille W.Ranger
Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Views, views, views
This Forest Service road provides tons of neat pull offs and campsites! The view up the road is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS... you can see Mammoth Hot Springs in the distance! The road is pretty well maintained and windy. A lot of the pull offs have a fire ring pretty close to the road. No bathrooms or amenities. But this space is worth it. All free, gorgeous camping just outside of Gardiner and Yellowstone National Park!
TexasRe D.TravelerSouth Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
2 peaceful nights
We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper. We stayed at the first pull off a few minutes off the main road. This site was easily accessible, right off the main road, close to town and close to some hikes.
Jenna B.TravelerSouth Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
Beautiful secluded Mountain views
Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites. Very quite road. Level ground for car camping. Would 100% come back just for this gem.
owen T.GuidePig Farm Fishing Access Camp
Fishing access site. No developed sites. State of Montana lands .
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.
- Rob M.Scout
Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed
It's free, it's legal but you wont get much sleep
Definitely just a place to pull over and try to sleep if you can. It's free, it's legal but it's right beside railroad tracks and the train runs every other hour and that area is where it starts to sound it's horn coning up on Bozeman.
Tucker B.LegendHyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
Nice Free Site 25 Minutes from Downtown Bozeman!
Needed a free site relatively close to town and this spot worked perfectly.
It was super easy to find, had a nice fire ring, and plenty of tent space.
Could've stayed here multiple nights and gone up to explore the reservoir if I had known about it sooner!
- Dexter I.Legend
2S1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park
Ranger review Morsel Spork XL at Yellowstone Backcountry site 2S1
Camp among wide meadows, lush forests, towering peaks and wildlife
Yellowstone National Park's back-country site 2S1 is definitely the most amazing back-country site our Venturing Crew has backpacked to this summer, and we have been to quiet a few. Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning. It is a 4.3 mile hike along the Slough Creek Trail to the spur trail for site 2S1, then a.6 mile hike to the campsite. Being.6 miles from the trail would usually mean solitude, but this site appears to be a popular fishing location as well as their was always someone fishing in the area. But don't worry, the campsite is fairly hidden from the creek and those fishing were very considerate. The campsite has numerous flat locations to pitch a tent. Their is a pole suspended between two trees for handing your food, but you don't need to use it as a bear proof locker has been placed at the site. A rock fire ring is available for fires and has large logs on two sides to sit on. Plenty of firewood is available in the form of large trees that are scattered on the ground through out the area, just find one of the older ones that are rotting and pull them apart and in a few minutes you have a nice pile of wood that will start easy. You don't need much wood at any one time on the fire to have a nice hot fire as this dry rotted wood really burns hot. If you are planning on having a fire be sure to bring a container to bring water from the creek to put it out with, as you are at least 50 yards from the creek. The view is amazing from camp, a wondering creek going though a wide valley with steep mountains on each side. In the evening we were treated to the alpine glow on the mountain tops for a good 15 minutes. Do you want to see wildlife, well we say plenty on this backpack trip. Hundreds of bison on the drive to the trail head, watched a black bear munching on various vegetation 100 feet from the trail, a young fox walked right by us on the trail, squirrels, chipmunks, a badger, sandhill cranes and other song birds as well. To get to back-country site 2S1 start at Slough Creek Trail head(2K5) and hike the 4.3 miles to the spur trail to the campsite. You will have one hard climb right of the bat, the first.7 miles is a steep climb, after that it is a easy hike. A warning, don't be shocked when you see lots of tourist heading out on the trail completely unprepared. We are talking about hiking in flip flops, no water, no bear spray, and this on a steep trail to start where we spotted the bear along the trail edge.8 miles in.
Ranger review of the Morsel Spork XL
We have been using the Morsel XL spork with out Scouts on several backpacking trips this summer and the unanimous opinion is a big thumbs up. We have used our Morsels with MRE's, and they truly out perform compared to the plastic spoon those meals provide. With backpacking dehydrated meals we are able to get out every little bit out of the corners of the bag without getting our hands messy. Bowls, cups, and plates, no problem getting to all the food, which makes clean-up after a meal easier. The variety of colors is helpful as well, as we can give each scout a different color so no one confuses their Morsel with anyone else, and we can quickly figure out who dropped theirs or left it laying around. The Morsel Spork XL is now our go to utensil for our backpacking adventures.
- MMarashaGuide
Olson Creek Dispersed
Really a 4.5 star spot
Beautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.
The W.TravelerCuster-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
Idk where everyone else is but it’s not here
Photos from some other reviews do not match the coordinates. GPS took me 20 minutes out of the way to someone’s private drive. I ended up getting lucky when I turned around and saw a pull off before the sign that said no camping beyond this point. It’s less than half a mile from a sign that says “beware high grizzly activity in area.” I can’t imagine it would be comfortable to camp in a tent here (it’s literally just a pull off) and I wouldn’t want to with that sign either, but it worked for me to car camp for a night. Also, the review that says to turn just after Eagle River Campground makes absolutely no sense. The coordinates to this campsite are far from Eagle River and you absolutely do not make a left. wherever they went sure does look pretty but it’s not here. It works to stop for a night, but I would not come back here unless I was desperate. The road up isn’t bad - it has your typical washboard and a few potholes here and there. I did see an elk on the way up so that was neat. 
- ttommieScout
Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
Good
Nice and quiet, lots of room
- PPrudence T.Scout
Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
Train Whistle
Beautiful spot by the Yellowstone River. Train whistles woke us up four times.
- EEdward R.Traveler
Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
Good spot above
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.
- WWill B.Guide
Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed
Just a parking spot.
I showed up here at night and there was nothing. No lights or anything. I got back on the 90E. and found a rest stop to park and sleep. The good thing about this place is there were restrooms. I would not come back here.
- Taylor B.Guide
Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed
Quick Stop for Sleep
We parked here overnight for a quick nights rest in the jeep before continuing up to Glacier from Bozeman. Did the job, no amenities, this is definitely just a place to park and sleep in the car, i’m sure you could set up a tent inside the trail but when we went April 2019 there was a moose carcass up the trail and wanted to avoid grizzlies and scavengers lol
Antha A.TravelerOlson Creek Dispersed
Beautiful views with little to no traffic
Spent 3 nights here and aside from a few cars, main traffic coming through was a few dirt bikes and dune buggies and a few folks on bikes. Pullout is on a corner turn and very obvious. Decent tent spot over the hill and on top if needed. Spot is exactly where coordinates are and cell service is decent. Wildlife did start getting a bit too close by day 4, so make some noise every so often.
Erik W.ScoutOlson Creek Dispersed
No trespassing signs everywhere
Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot
Rachel S.RangerOlson Creek Dispersed
Fine for a night but not many options
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.
Guide to Mcleod
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near McLeod, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets the thrill of adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers
- The Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp offers beautiful spots right by the Yellowstone River, making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- Campers can enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river while taking in the surrounding scenery, although be prepared for occasional train whistles that might interrupt the serenity.
- This area allows for both boat-in and drive-in access, providing flexibility for different camping styles.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near McLeod
- At Falls Creek, visitors can indulge in tent camping surrounded by a serene forest, with the soothing sounds of a nearby creek enhancing the experience.
- The site features a hand pump for water, making it a convenient choice for those looking to enjoy a rustic camping experience without sacrificing too much comfort.
- With no fees and a first-come, first-served policy, this location is perfect for spontaneous getaways.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Cottonwood Reservoir
- The Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping area boasts stunning mountain views and is a great spot for fishing, especially for those interested in catching Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
- This location is completely wild, offering a true escape into nature with no amenities, making it essential for campers to be fully prepared for primitive camping.
- The reservoir's proximity to the highway ensures easy access, but the rugged terrain requires a vehicle with higher clearance for the best camping spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mcleod, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mcleod, MT is Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mcleod, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Mcleod, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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