Dispersed camping in the Missoula region spans over one million acres across the Lolo National Forest, where elevations range from 3,200 feet in the valleys to over 9,000 feet at mountain peaks. Mountain temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September. Many dispersed sites require driving on rough forest roads with significant washboarding, making advance planning essential.
What to do
Fish in Rock Creek: Rock Creek Dry Campsites offer excellent fishing access along a blue-ribbon trout stream. "Individual campsites with fire rings and access to great fishing," notes Tim H., who adds these sites are "gorgeous area deep back on rock creek. Probably 10 plus miles. Pass campgrounds with toilets."
Hike to mountain lakes: Bass Lake Dispersed Camping provides access to alpine lakes via a 7-mile trail. "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," explains K B.
Explore ghost towns: The historic mining area near Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping offers a glimpse into Montana's mining past. "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," writes Amanda L. Note that camping rules have changed, as Susan S. points out: "This location is not a campsite as it is within the 1/2 mile zone. It is marked with no camping sign."
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Blue Mountain Forest Road offers isolation for those willing to navigate rough roads. "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with a absolute beautiful view. We hardly saw anyone on the way up but the road is very narrow," reports Ady.
Cell service in remote areas: Some free camping near Missoula maintains limited connectivity. Ben H. notes about Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365: "I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty."
Multiple site options: Petty Creek Road features several established dispersed sites. "There look to be 4 spots. I used the one right by the road turn off. There was another person who had a travel trailer in another," writes SpentBrassOffroad B., while Sarah S. notes: "3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. The sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there. Felt very private."
What you should know
Bridge conditions: Access to certain camping areas requires crossing potentially hazardous bridges. Andrea B. describes Rock Creek bridges as "decrepit" with "a bit out of its concrete edge, as though it had been hit by an elephant-sized tumbling boulder."
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary by location and season, with many areas prohibiting fires during summer months. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip.
Road quality issues: Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping is more accessible than others, but Jacob R. warns: "If you have an RV don't miss the turn! Initially we missed the turn and had nowhere to turn around since this is on the side of a mountain."
Animal activity: Wildlife encounters are common at dispersed sites. Jacob R. advises: "Something is eating big game out here so lock up your food."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For family camping near Missoula, select areas with defined sites and easier access. "Great spot, easy access for our van. Flat parking and quiet," reports Christi M. about Petty Creek Road.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects sleep quality. Scott C. notes about Petty Creek: "You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn't bother either of us."
Pack for variable conditions: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Lake Elsina campers face particular challenges: "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," warns BriAnne M.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access limitations: Rock Creek Lolo presents challenges for larger vehicles. Reames C. cautions: "Not for low clearance vehicles, it's not far off the highway but we struggled with the two narrow bridges with tight turns in our travel trailer and then there's a large flood way dip in the road that you can bottom out on."
Backup sites: Robert T. found success with a medium-sized setup at Petty Creek: "Toyota Tundra pulling a 14' trailer. We were able to back into site (flat!) and do a 180° turn ok to exit."
Heat management: Shaded sites are crucial in summer months. Reames C. notes about Rock Creek: "Most everything is exposed to direct sunlight so it gets HOT in the summer. Our AC did not even budge the temps sometimes."
