Best Dispersed Camping near Milltown, MT

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Milltown? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Milltown, Montana (17)

    Celine K.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed near Lolo, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed near Lolo, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed near Lolo, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed near Lolo, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed near Lolo, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed near Lolo, MT

    1. Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    123 Saves
    Lolo, Montana

    There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    Robert C.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping near Alberton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping near Alberton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping near Alberton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping near Alberton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping near Alberton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping near Alberton, MT

    2. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    26 Photos
    171 Saves
    Alberton, Montana

    There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping near Drummond, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping near Drummond, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping near Drummond, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping near Drummond, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping near Drummond, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping near Drummond, MT

    3. Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    28 Photos
    61 Saves
    Drummond, Montana

    One thousand people called Garnet home in the 1890s as they scoured the mountains for gold. Largely abandoned 20 years later when the gold ran out, today the town is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the struggles of those early miners and homesteaders. The visitor center has information about 19th century life here. Two rental cabins are available December through April; arrangements need to be made in advance by calling the Missoula Field Office BLM. Depending on weather, the visitor center is open daily from late May through September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Ahron B.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo near Clinton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo near Clinton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo near Clinton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo near Clinton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo near Clinton, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo near Clinton, MT

    4. Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    70 Saves
    Clinton, Montana

    There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Boulder Lake Backcountry Site near Arlee, MT

    5. Boulder Lake Backcountry Site

    1 Review
    13 Saves
    Arlee, Montana

    This trail winds through a variety of environments including an area burned from a wildfire 2003, forested areas, a creek, open ground, and alpine forest. The trail leads up to Boulder Point at 7100 feet which overlooks Boulder Lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Peterson Lake Dispersed near Florence, MT

    6. Peterson Lake Dispersed

    1 Review
    22 Saves
    Florence, Montana

    If you are looking for a great backpacking adventure you've come to the right place. The Bitterroot National Forest offers something for everyone, whether that be an out and back overnight trip or a multiple day excursion.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    BriAnne M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Lake Elsina - Dispersed near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Elsina - Dispersed near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Elsina - Dispersed near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Elsina - Dispersed near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Elsina - Dispersed near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Elsina - Dispersed near Seeley Lake, MT

    7. Lake Elsina - Dispersed

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    91 Saves
    Seeley Lake, Montana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Bass Lake Dispersed Camping near Florence, MT

    8. Bass Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    21 Saves
    Florence, Montana

    If you are looking for a great backpacking adventure you've come to the right place. The Bitterroot National Forest offers something for everyone, whether that be an out and back overnight trip or a multiple day excursion.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Marshall near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Marshall near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Marshall near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Marshall near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Marshall near Seeley Lake, MT
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Marshall near Seeley Lake, MT

    9. Lake Marshall

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    98 Saves
    Seeley Lake, Montana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Placid Creek Pull Off near Seeley Lake, MT

    10. Placid Creek Pull Off

    1 Review
    14 Saves
    Seeley Lake, Montana
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Milltown, Montana

34 Reviews of 17 Milltown Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    dispersed camping

    first dispersed camping spot for Lolo from the entry road for this Forest Service land entry. Just cross the bridge, and be careful of high water (signs stating it's impassable 100 yards past the photo of the bridge when high water.) The grey area is public land the white square at the end of the road is private property by the map legend. 

    maps attached are screenshots from the National Forest Service online map as of Sept. 8th, 2023.

    The dots show where dispersed camping is allowed for this spot.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Mining ghost town for day or overnight

    Many states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management. You need to pick up a map of exactly where you’re allowed to camp (there are no facilities, obviously). You can also rent “cabins” which are buildings from before the building became ghosted (but have been updated). Even if you don’t want to camp you can tour the town and have a surreal afternoon imagining what it’d be like to be a miner back in the day.

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    Dusty dirt road

    This area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down. On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs. Four wheel drive does not seem to be a requirement. I ended up camping at a turnoff and walked a bit off the road to set up my hammock. The road was not very busy I did hear an occasional car pass by. Good views and decently private. I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pine Campground
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Big Pine Campground

    Great camp spot, limited space

    Maybe 6-7 spots for cars/trucks/vans. We fit our 170 sprinter no problem and would work for half the sites. Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in.

    Sites looked clean and was very quiet while we were here for a Sunday night.

    T-mobile 5G UC signal from campgrounds. Day use area has wide open sky to recharge if needed. Camp spots are shaded by trees. River access is along camp spots and also near day use area. No trails from campsite so pretty limited in exploration options, just more a beautiful place to stop for a night or 2.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    beautiful spot by the creek

    super easy to get to! just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two. not totally isolated, the site is not too far from the road but not the interstate, so there is a bit of noise but not frequently. service is spotty, verizon and at&t had only 1 bar. found some random bones, saw some deer, and lots of bugs. small area with a few places to park, thankfully nobody was there when we were but could be fun for a group!

  • Amanda L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 17, 2016

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Wonderful Summer Camping and Winter Cabining

    Camping is dispersed and a little eerie. This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings. It is an interesting look at the mining industry in Montana. There are numerous interpretive signs and information about the building throughout the town and rangers on site during the summer months to answer questions. During the winter two of the cabins (the larger of which is the old saloon) are available to rent through the forest service. Most of my recent trips have been during the winter months, where the town is only accessible by ski, snow shoe or feet. Then it is silent and strange but heart breakingly beautiful.

  • Andy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
    Feb. 25, 2024

    Lower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Closed - but new options available

    The dispersed campground near the start of Johnsrud Rd (Mile Marker 28 on Hwy 200) has been removed. However, 2 new campgrounds have been added, and the entire road is now paved making RV accessibility much easier. 

    The three campgrounds are as follows: 

    Thibodeau Campground- 5 mi in

    Corrick River Bend - 11 mi in

    Ninemile Prarie- 13 mi. in

  • K B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Peterson Lake Dispersed
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Peterson Lake Dispersed

    Nice mountain lakes

    About 5 miles one way to Peterson lake, anither 1 and 2 miles to Duffy and Holloway lakes above Peterson. Nice secluded valley heading into Bitteroot-Selway wilderness. You gain around 1700ft in elevation before dropping down around 800ft into the first lake.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pine Campground
    Aug. 2, 2023

    Big Pine Campground

    Near river, not far from 90

    Conveniently only 4 miles down a well maintained road and positioned next to the river, this campground has vault toilets and bear boxes. It’s very nice!

    Heads up for trailers, the coordinates will take you to the official campground which seemed potentially a little snug, but if you take the right toward “Rivulet” at the T at the bottom of the road, there are more campsites!

    I had no service here.

  • K B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Lake Backcountry Site
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Boulder Lake Backcountry Site

    Great Backcountry Lake

    Awesome lakento hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted. Trail that descends the steep grade down to the lake is not horse friendly, difficult for those who struggle with steep terrain.

    Numerous primitive campsites around west shore of lake, old growth grove at base of cliff is fun to explore. Burned remains of Boulder Lookout sits at the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. Awesome views to take in. There was a pair of loons mesting at the lake when we visited a few years ago.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Small but good stop

    Right off the road and easy to get to. I only saw 2 spots and the other was occupied. Both had fire rings but we were in a fire restriction. I got the site closest to the road and it was not so bad, I was camping in my car anyway. The spot seemed pretty level. The trees were gorgeous. Not bad for a free spot.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park

    Big Spot adjacent to the road, Good if in a pinch

    Sign says camping permitted to 14 days in a 30 day period. Adjacent to dirt road with a few trees in between. Not the most private but a good option if you need a place for the night if the nearby campsite is full. No amenities. T-mobile cell service is good here.

    River access just at the entry of the turn in. Could easily pull a big rig in but may have a hard time turning it around as there is not a pull through. There is a concrete slab that is level and about 12'x25' in size  which could be good for a trailer or van without having to do much for leveling. Many vehicles/tents could fit here in the dirt area but would likely be comfortable for a single group rather than multiple camp groups.

  • Carla S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 29, 2016

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Campfire Story

    Camp beside one of Montana's best preserved ghost towns!! Garnet!! Learn rich history of pioneer days of Montana and visit cabins among the town. Not many amenities available here. Yes I believe in ghosts!!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
    Nov. 8, 2021

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    Local fav

    Blue Mountain is a great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping is allowed west of road 365. The area can get busy during the day but is quiet at night.

  • Leonidas R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    An escape from the city

    Not the best in terms of views, but worth the drive to get out of the city. You will have the occasional driver coming up and dust you a bit, but if you can get past that, it's a nice area to set up camp. You've got to go in at least 5 miles to camp.

  • Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Placid Creek Pull Off
    May. 22, 2024

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    Primative but usable

    Open. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces. More if you were cozy. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    No camping within 1/2 mile of the town.

    Interesting and informative, though half of the buildings are locked upright. You can really interesting artifacts through the windows. Great potential. A little picnic area.

  • Lindsay B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 10, 2015

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Camp by a Ghost Town!

    This camp ground is less than a hundred yards from the Garnet Ghost Town! The ghost town was recently in the news because people from across the country applied to volunteer at it once a story about it went viral. No need to apply to volunteer -- just stay at the campground to get your fill of history and maybe a haunting!

  • BriAnne M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Elsina - Dispersed
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Lake Elsina - Dispersed

    Rugged, mosquito infested, breathtaking

    Absolutely gorgeous undeveloped area! If you can stand the hordes of mosquitos and constant trail of hikers coming through the area hiking to Lake Dinah.

  • K B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bass Lake Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Bass Lake Dispersed Camping

    Easier mountain lake hike

    Around 7 miles one way to the lake, only gain 3000ft over the course of the hike with around 1000ft of elevation gain in last mile. Scenic mountain meadows lots of vegetations, creek nearby for a good portion of the hike.


Guide to Milltown

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Milltown, Montana, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to enjoy the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365

  • This area allows for dispersed camping beyond a certain point, providing a chance to enjoy the tranquility of nature. The Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed site features good views and decent privacy, making it a popular choice among campers.
  • While there are no established campsites, you can find turn-offs to park and set up your hammock, as noted by visitors who appreciated the less busy road and occasional Verizon signal.
  • The site is free and does not require a permit, making it an accessible option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Milltown, Montana

  • Always check for local regulations, as some areas like Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo are primarily for day use and not suitable for overnight camping.
  • Be prepared for a rugged experience; many dispersed spots, such as Boulder Lake Backcountry Site, require a hike-in and may not have amenities like drinking water or toilets.
  • Bring your own firewood and be aware of fire restrictions, as some locations may not allow fires at certain times of the year.

Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Milltown

  • The Peterson Lake Dispersed area offers access to beautiful mountain lakes, with trails leading to Duffy and Holloway lakes, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Lake Marshall is known for its stunning scenery and is a favorite among families, especially during the summer months.
  • If you're up for a challenge, the hike to Bass Lake Dispersed Camping is scenic and rewarding, featuring mountain meadows and a nearby creek for a refreshing break along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Milltown, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Milltown, MT is Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Milltown, MT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Milltown, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.