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Best Dispersed Camping near Butte, MT

50 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas near Butte, Montana provide free primitive camping options on public lands. Homestake Pass Dispersed, located just minutes from the interstate, features a large open area suitable for multiple RVs and more secluded sites along forest roads. Maiden Rock Dispersed, situated along the Big Hole River, offers well-maintained sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed sites consist of three Forest Service-marked areas with established fire rings and river access. Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp, approximately three miles from the highway on a maintained gravel road, includes clean pit toilets and creek access.

Most dispersed sites around Butte require visitors to bring their own water, as drinking water is not available. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally; check current regulations before planning to build campfires. According to reviews, fallen trees near Little Blackfoot River sites can be collected for firewood when restrictions aren't in place. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with Homestake Pass offering excellent coverage while Humbug Spires has none. Several campers noted that Homestake Lake Camp is "right off the exit, but not very noisy" and provides "access to a couple lakes" approximately eight miles from Butte.

Road conditions to these sites range from well-maintained to challenging. Homestake Pass is accessible via a smooth dirt road suitable for most vehicles. Forest Service roads to Little Blackfoot River sites have minimal traffic but may require careful navigation with larger trailers. Racetrack Dispersed Campsite features bumpy but maintained access roads with ample room for turning around larger RVs. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, particularly at higher elevations. Prepare for temperature fluctuations and potential precipitation even during summer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Butte, Montana (20)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Butte, MT

32 Photos of 20 Butte Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Butte, MT

50 Reviews of 20 Butte Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    Big Roomy Disperse campsite along the little Blackfood River

    Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike.  This is one of three disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot River in the Helena National Forest that have been marked by the Forest Service as a disperse camping area. This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs.  The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table.  A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling.  The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat.  Another short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place.  The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Roomy disperse site with easy river access

    This is the 3rd and final disperse site that the Helena National Forest has marked along the little Blackfoot River.  It is nice to be sure that you are on public land when in an area checker boarded with private land.  This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RV's.  Site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away.  Plenty of wood can be found for making a fire.  Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end.  Water can be easily filtered from the river (more like a creek at this point)

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite

    Small disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot RIver

    This is the second disperse camping sit along the Little Blackfoot River that has been marked as a disperse campsite by the Helena National Forest.  It is nice having these sits marked by the Forest Service as their are several parcels of private land along the road.  This site is small with only one small level area for a tent of mid sized RV.  The site has a large rock fire ring in the center.  Their is no easy trail access to the river.  Plenty of down trees in the area for firewood if you have a way to cut them, their is also plenty of small stuff that can be easily collected for a fire.   Site is right next to the road, but road noise should be little to none as a few curves will slow vehicles down and their isn't much more road left until the campground and trailhead at the end of the road.

  • Maddie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Maiden Rock Dispersed

    BEST SPOT YET

    Hands down the best spot I’ve found on this app so far!!

    Literally was talking to myself as I pulled up making weird noises because I was in so much awe at how beautiful the spot was! The sunsets here are amazing or at least the night I stayed was!

    The camping spots are somewhat close together so that’s good to keep in mind.

    But omg, the spot is insane. The mosquitoes were not bad at all. The spot feels like a perfect little oasis.

    The spot is close to the freeway, but far enough that you won’t hear any of the noise so it’s perfect if you are on a road trip. :)

    There are some train tracks that run by it, but I didn’t notice if the train was noisy or going by as I was car camping!

    Getting to the spot - you will get off the main road and drive through some dirt roads and past some private property. At the end of one of the roads you’ll see a small bridge you’ll drive over and the camping spots are maybe 30 seconds past the bridge.

    Also an incredible spot to fish!

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Homestake Lake Camp

    Convenient camping in nature

    This campsite is right off the exit, but not very noisy. There were several other campers and RVs and trucks there. Even just parts of cars. Kinda a weird vibe, but down the various 2 tracks, there are hidden sites that afford some shade and privacy. I got 3-4 bars LTE of Verizon here! Plenty of fire pits and access to a couple lakes. And it’s only about 8 miles from Butte!

  • Ann A.
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Popular, spacious

    There’s a big area that had a dozen RVs & tents, but it was late & we wanted space so we followed a rough dirt road 1/2 a mile to find a spot in the trees. The Homestake Trailhead down the road has a bathroom. We did have a weird experience: a truck camped near us with two people who openly watched us the entire morning & followed us to the trailhead before driving on.

  • TheFoxphire F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Bring drinking water!

    Already left a review but forgot to mention —about water. I do not recommend getting water from Butte other than from “Ultimate Big Spring Water” which cost $15 for 5gal with a jug. Apparently Butte has occasional toxic leakage into the mains from the Toxic Pits. Very sad and unfortunate. We were weary even getting filtered refill water from Walmart. Either bring your own drinking water or buy bottled. There is an rv park in Pipestone that said they’d allow fill-up there, though not sure what the fee would be, but they’re seemed super nice and willing to help out.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Racetrack Dispersed Campsite

    Rough road in

    Road in was 100% washboard, but the campsite was decent. Had to traverse a lot of private property to access it, and the locals do not appear to be friendly. A few fellow campers were a bit sketchy, so be wary. Enjoyed some great trout fishing in the adjacent creek though!

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp

    Total hidden gem!

    Only 3 miles from the highway, this campsite is at the end of a well maintained, slightly rutted gravel road. It’s wide enough for trailers.

    Along the road, there are a handful of pull offs that are big enough for an RV to pull into.

    The coordinates bring you to an open gravel lot with nice clean pit toilets. There’s a creek nearby. Big beautiful rocks, some shade, pretty epic views on the way in. Beautiful!

    No cell service, unfortunately. Another con is that there’s another road that goes in further, but it’s narrow and eroded. I attempted it in my campervan, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the hassle and parked in the open lot instead.

Guide to Butte

Dispersed camping areas around Butte, Montana offer free overnight stays on public land, typically with limited amenities and no reservation requirements. This area sits at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet in the northern Rocky Mountains, with sites scattered through forested and riverside locations. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during daytime hours, with rapid weather changes common throughout the camping season.

What to do

Fishing access points: Several dispersed campsites provide direct access to fishing waters. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite offers "a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs" with "a short trail leads to the river" according to reviewer Dexter I.

Mountain biking trails: The areas near Homestake Pass contain extensive trail networks. Marc M. reports that Homestake Pass Dispersed has "lots of mountain bike trails nearby" making it convenient for riders looking to combine camping with trail access.

Wildlife viewing: Cattle frequently wander through camping areas, creating unexpected viewing opportunities. Camper mel B. noted, "As a single female tent camping I felt very safe here. One morning a bunch of cows came through my site, which was amazing."

What campers like

River swimming spots: On hot days, the Big Hole River provides natural swimming areas. At Maiden Rock Dispersed, camper Laura B. says they "walked down the road to the angler parking and took a dip in the evening," providing a refreshing end to the day.

Bear boxes: Some free sites include secure storage for food and scented items. Meatball W. noted that Maiden Rock has "well set out campsites with picnic tables and a Bear box," which adds convenience and safety in bear country.

Cell service availability: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Scott Reservoir Dispersed, you'll likely have no service, while Don M. reports "No AT&T service" at Homestake Pass. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

What you should know

Fire restrictions: Always check current fire regulations before your trip. Azaali J. noted at Little Blackfoot River that "there was lots of fallen trees we used for firewood," but this is only permitted when restrictions aren't in place.

Water supplies: Bring all drinking water with you as no sites offer potable water. TheFoxphire F. warns: "I do not recommend getting water from Butte other than from 'Ultimate Big Spring Water' which cost $15 for 5gal with a jug. Apparently Butte has occasional toxic leakage into the mains from the Toxic Pits."

Bear activity: Local bears may approach campsites in search of food. At Maiden Rock Dispersed, one camper reported "as of September 1st 2025 a Bear might still be active in the area. It tried to get into our camper... Apparently his name is Boo-boo, and he was orphaned as a cub and fed by miners making him not so human afraid."

Tips for camping with families

Flat camping areas: Look for sites with level ground for easier tent setup. At Racetrack Dispersed Campsite, Heather L. found "a good chunk of mostly flat spots with a few fire rings" making it easier for family camping setups.

Vault toilet access: Some free camping areas include basic restroom facilities. Brodie B. notes that at Maiden Rock "the vault toilet is a significant jaunt for the campers to reach, especially females," so consider site location relative to facilities when camping with children.

Safer sites for kids: Some locations feel more secure than others. At Homestake Pass, Natalie P. reported "Three trucks drove by our spot and parked just staring at us and would leave. They did this 3 times before we decided to pack up and go elsewhere." Consider more established areas when with family.

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access roads vary widely in quality. Heather L. reported that at Racetrack Dispersed Campsite, "The road in is pretty bumpy but otherwise maintained... Came in with our 28' travel trailer and had ample room for turning around etc."

Backing skills required: Some sites require technical maneuvering. Laura M. warns about Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3: "if you have a long trailer it is a difficult spot to get into as you have to back your trailer down it and then when you're done, you have to back your trailer back up into a brush area in order to get back on the road."

Generator etiquette: Be aware of generator usage at dispersed sites. TheFoxphire F. observed at Homestake Pass that there were "Several other campers running gens all day," which can impact the peaceful experience of neighboring campers seeking quiet in these free camping areas near Butte.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Butte?

Dispersed camping sites around Butte are typically primitive with minimal amenities. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite offers flat camping areas next to the creek with space for tents and RVs, but no developed facilities. Some areas like Homestake Lake Camp provide good cell service (3-4 bars LTE Verizon reported). For bathroom facilities, the Homestake Trailhead has a public restroom nearby some dispersed sites. Water access can be challenging - campers are advised against using Butte's municipal water due to occasional contamination issues. Instead, consider bringing your own water or purchasing from local water suppliers. Most sites have natural features like shade trees and flat ground but lack hookups, trash service, or other amenities.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Butte, Montana?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Butte. Homestake Pass Dispersed is conveniently located right off the highway, making it perfect for quick overnight stays. The area features multiple camping spots, some in an open area that accommodates several RVs and tents, while others are accessible via dirt roads that lead to more secluded spots in the trees. Another excellent option is Maiden Rock Dispersed, which offers beautiful scenery with amazing sunset views. The camping spots are somewhat close together, but the natural beauty makes it a popular choice. Both locations are easily accessible and provide a convenient base for exploring the Butte area without any camping fees.

Are there any BLM dispersed camping options near Butte, MT?

Yes, there are BLM dispersed camping options near Butte. Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp is a prime BLM location just 3 miles from the highway via a well-maintained gravel road that's suitable for trailers. It features an open gravel lot with clear camping areas and several pull-offs along the access road that can accommodate RVs. Another option is Copper City BLM, which provides dispersed camping opportunities in the Bureau of Land Management areas surrounding Butte. When camping on BLM land, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on existing sites, and be aware that these areas typically have no services or facilities available.

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