Dispersed camping near Melville, Montana provides primitive overnight options on public lands where temperatures range from 45°F to 85°F during peak camping months. Most sites sit between 4,500-6,000 feet elevation with limited cell coverage in mountain locations. Forest Service and fishing access sites typically receive less visitation during weekdays, especially in spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing access points: Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp offers excellent Yellowstone River access with a boat ramp for launching kayaks or fishing directly from shore. One camper noted, "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."
Mountain hiking: The area near South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site provides access to several forest hiking routes. A visitor reported, "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."
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk provide prime wildlife viewing opportunities near forest campsites. Bring binoculars and maintain noise when hiking as one camper at South Fork Brackett Creek mentioned, "I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!)"
What campers like
Riverside camping: Cliff Swallow offers direct river access about 7 miles west of Absarokee. A reviewer shared, "About 7 miles west of Absarokee, 2.5 of them gravel... I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem. Did not use vault toilet... Some algae near the shore of river but waded out deeper for refreshing dip."
Temperature relief: Higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures during summer months. A camper at Olson Creek Dispersed mentioned, "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... It's very quiet and beautiful views and 15° cooler than Bozeman."
Train-watching: Buffalo Jump Camp and other riverside sites offer regular train sightings that some campers enjoy. As one camper at Pig Farm noted, "The train comes every couple of hours but just fell back asleep each time."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads deteriorate after rain or snow. At Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping, a visitor warned, "Rough road to get to the water, then beautiful views. 11 mph winds tonight but supposed to die down."
Private property boundaries: Several rustic camping areas near Melville intersect with private ranch lands. Always respect No Trespassing signs and stay on designated public lands. At Olson Creek, one camper observed, "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."
Water availability: No reliable drinking water exists at most dispersed camping sites. A camper at Falls Creek mentioned, "Suggest you boil the water as it is not tested, there is one hand pump."
Tips for camping with families
Riverside sites: For families with children, riverside camping spots provide natural entertainment. One visitor at Falls Creek described, "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."
Beginner fishing spots: Several sites offer shallow water access perfect for teaching children to fish. As one camper noted about Pig Farm Fishing Access, "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."
Wildlife safety: Store all food in vehicles or bear-resistant containers. A camper at Olson Creek warned, "Wildlife did start getting a bit too close by day 4, so make some noise every so often."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive camping near Melville suits smaller rigs under 25 feet. At Battle Ridge Dispersed, one RVer cautioned, "It is a tight road, we had to unhook our trailer to turn around so it is not a place for big rigs."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven ground. A camper at Pig Farm Fishing Access explained, "I found it easy enough to find a level spot where I could leave my little camper connected to the TV. Plenty of space."
Turning radius: Forest roads often lack proper turnaround areas for larger vehicles. One camper at Falls Creek observed, "I am sure a van or small RV could park in the parking lot for the night. The road in is gravel and rough at times."
