Dispersed camping near Milltown, Montana offers numerous primitive sites on public lands across Lolo National Forest. Located at the junction of Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers, the area provides campers access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities within a 30-minute drive from town. Most sites require self-contained camping with temperatures ranging from 80°F summer days to below freezing in winter.
What to do
Trout fishing access points: Clearwater Crossing Campground provides direct river access for anglers. According to Johnathan I., "Fishing access site, so if you have a fishing licence in Montana it's $12. If not, $18. One vault toilet. Six sites. No water." The nearby Clearwater Sinclair station offers supplies approximately half mile away.
Mountain hiking trails: Campers staying near Kreis Pond Campground can access nearby trails. Kirsten R. notes, "Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close. Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end."
Water recreation: Corricks River Bend offers river floating opportunities into fall months. Celine K. explains, "The river is great to float and holds enough water into the fall. The campsite had picnic tables and a vault toilet." Sites are spacious with river frontage for water activities.
What campers like
Small mountain ponds: Tom N. from Kreis Pond Campground reports, "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities. Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road." The small pond setting provides cooler temperatures during summer.
Secluded forest spots: Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed offers private camping away from crowds. David B. advises, "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks. Awesome sunset spot and no one bothered me."
Riverside camping: Campers praise the riverfront sites at Corricks River Bend. Jen F. shares, "Spacious sites, first come first serve. Lovely spots right along the river." Julie L. adds, "The campgrounds are pretty spread out and most along the river. Our site (9) was big enough for two trucks and a camper with plenty of room to spare."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires navigating rough roads. At Placid Creek Pull Off, Terri F. notes, "Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces. More if you were cozy. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles."
Cell service reality: Reception varies significantly by location and carrier. Ben H. reports about Blue Mountain, "I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty." At Clearwater Crossing, a camper confirms, "Good cell service on TMobile. Lots of road noise, bring earplugs."
Site availability: Many campgrounds have limited spots. Lady Phyre describes Placid Creek Pull Off as "a clearing with a clean outhouse. It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy." Earl Tennant Campground offers limited sites with Juliana H. noting, "It's a super minimal campground for tents only!"
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives: For families seeking more amenities than tent camping near Milltown, Montana provides, The Holmestead - Dry Cabin offers comfort with streamside access. Carolyn H. shares, "This cabin is so lovely, my dogs had a blast playing in the stream. I was happy to have a big real bed!"
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity occurs throughout the region. Harry H. from Kreis Pond recommends, "Nice little lake, was there in fall so not busy. Wooded and sites are along the lake, but views aren't fantastic. Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods. Bring water treatment methods."
Swimming options: Families seeking water recreation should consider pond access. Kirsten R. advises, "Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around." Amanda L. cautions about Kreis Pond's water quality: "The pond is small and prone to very dense algae blooms."
Tips from RVers
Site size restrictions: Julie L. notes at Corricks River Bend, "Our site (9) was big enough for two trucks and a camper with plenty of room to spare. There aren't many sites, and the price is $18 per night."
Road challenges: RVers should avoid certain forest roads. Regarding Blue Mountain Forest Road 365, Leonidas R. advises, "You've got to go in at least 5 miles to camp. 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."
Seasonal planning: Some sites flood seasonally, limiting access. At Lolo National Forest Harry's Flat Campground, Kelly warns, "It gets really flooded out in the spring time. Some times half the site is closed for a while into the season until it dries up. Good place to launch your boat though and when it is open it's great."
