Top Free Dispersed Camping near Missoula, MT
Looking for dispersed camping near Missoula? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Missoula, MT (21)
1.
Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
Lolo, Montana4 Reviews9 Photos116 SavesThere 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
2.
Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Alberton, Montana5 Reviews23 Photos155 SavesThere 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
3.
Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
Clinton, Montana3 Reviews8 Photos69 SavesThere 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
4.
Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
Drummond, Montana7 Reviews28 Photos61 SavesAlthough there are no publicly owned campgrounds in this part of the Garnet Range you are allowed to camp for up to 14 days on “Public Land” (unless otherwise designated). No camping is allowed within 1/2 mile of Garnet. You can obtain a map of the location of Public Land around Garnet Ghost Town for $4 from the BLM, Missoula Field Office: 3255 FT Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5.
Boulder Lake Backcountry Site
Arlee, Montana1 Review13 SavesThis 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
6.
Peterson Lake Dispersed
Florence, Montana1 Review21 SavesIf 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
7.
Bass Lake Dispersed Camping
Florence, Montana1 Review18 SavesIf 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
9.
Lake Elsina - Dispersed
Seeley Lake, Montana1 Review7 Photos90 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Missoula
47 Reviews of 21 Missoula Campgrounds
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
Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
There is no camping here
Just a ghost town no camping
Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Perfect for one night stop
Great quiet spot next to the road. Not much traffic, we slept great in our car and felt very safe.
Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Amazing quiet and private spot!
What a great spot! 3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there. Someone else pulled in around 9 but the sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there. Felt very private, and the stars were fantastic! Creek bed runs right next to the back site, but it was completely dried up in late July.
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.
Muchwater Recreation Area
Awesome stay
This was a great stay right on the river with night sites and a vault toilet. Only issues I had was the train across the river runs throughout the night and it sounds like it’s coming right through your tent
Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
Not a camping spot.
This spot is not a camping spot. Day use only.
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.
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.
Muchwater Recreation Area
Muchwater Montana
Muchwater has earned a top spot for my camping areas. There’s a river nearby that’s great for fishing or swimming. The campgrounds has fire pits ready to go and well maintained. There’s plenty of space between you and your neighbor. And it’s dog friendly. Oh and the hiking is pretty good too.
Muchwater Recreation Area
Treasure oasis
Found a great spot - level with access down to the river. Fire pit. So peaceful. No service with Verizon. A little buggy.
Squaw Creek Road
Beautiful Spot And Very Remote
We camped along a lovely creek, we were hyper aware of the fact that we were in bear country but we didn't seeing any traces of them. We didn't have any phone service and were very far away from any civilization, which made us uneasy, but if that's your thing, then this is the perfect place for you! No one traveled the gravel road while we were there.
Muchwater Recreation Area
a beautiful place to stay on the river
stayed in site 1 first campsite on your right-hand side, big rig friendly plenty of room for our set up 70+ ft RV and trailer short walk to the river. quiet, clean and plenty of space between camps. it was cool to see and hear the trains go by. will definitely be back.
Muchwater Recreation Area
Amazing camping
This place is incredible! Wish we came sooner. Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river. The road conditions are wonderful—towed a 20 ft trailer. Some spots are more open to use Starlink. Highly recommend this site. There are a few bathrooms which are very clean
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!
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
Muchwater Recreation Area
Peacefulness by the river
This is by far one of my favorite camping spots. Dispersed. Pet friendly. Quiet. Plenty of space between you and other campers. A river right by you. What more could you want? Oh and it’s right by a hot springs resort, in case you want to take a dip while you’re camping.
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
Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
No actual camp spots
The recreation area is nice but there’s not actually anywhere to camp unless you want to camp on the road.
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.
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.
Muchwater Recreation Area
Beautiful quiet and cozy!
This is a wonderful camping area right off of quiet rt 56 along the Clark Fork river. I only saw one other van there. It’s a nicely maintained gravel road to the campsites and there are two tracks that give you access to the river. I didn’t get any Verizon service here, however.
Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
Standard
It’s a spot to pull up and sleep for the night
Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area
Beautiful, right by the water
Lovely dispersed camping area. Very pretty. We stayed for a night and were in good company. By the end of the day each site was filled and there were several folks driving through still looking for sites.
They’re spaced out well from one another giving all campers lots of privacy. Very wooded with paths down to the water. We hung out on a hammock most of the day but it rained throughout the night and into the next day so I wasn’t able to snag any good photos.
We small camper trailers, tents, single cots, and full RVs in this campground. Our site and seemingly most sites could have supported a 50 footer.
Although a popular spot, it wasn’t loud and we didn’t really interact with other campers.
There is a single vault toilet but no hookups. It’s dispersed camping. No water source beyond the river.
Great spot, highly recommend. I would try to get there early to grab a spot (first come first serve.) We went late September and every spot ended up filled.
ATT & Verizon service work well. Sites very unlevel
Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area
Great spot
Yes, there are railroad tracks across the river, but the trains don’t use their horns here. The train noise is infrequent, brief, and mostly just a low rumbling.
The area is large, and individual spots are gigantic by most standards. Spots have tables and fire rings with grills, and there are toilets available. Sites are flat, clear, clean, and easy to maneuver in. Road is gravel but very well maintained.
You aren’t “on” the river, but you are on a small bluff above the river. Riverfront sites have paths down to the water, though some are steep and unstable.
Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area
Amazing Free Camping in Montana
We loved our time here at Muchwater. As people have mentioned before the only real drawback is the trains on the other side of the river. During our 12 day stay her we averaged about 6-10 per day. A couple of times they rolled thru at 2am but all the positives outweigh getting woken up a few times.
Very easy access, two pit toilets in the camping area. Plenty of spots to pick from and not very busy during our stay. State route 135 currently has construction just outside the campground so there are often cars backed up for as long as 20minutes at a time. You get a little road noise but nothing that is too bad. I imagine when the construction is finished you won't even hear the road.
Couple items to mention if you are planning to stay for a while. It has been pretty difficult to find potable water in the area. The"free spring" just south of Paradise has been turned off as of August 2022 and locals say it is unlikely to be turned back on. Closest gas is down in St. Regis(about 15 minute drive). Closest Grocery is in Plains(about 20 minute drive).
No Verizon or Tmobile but had a nice spot on the river that gave us great Starlink service.
We have also done a video review for our Youtube Channel if you want to check it out. https://youtu.be/ZmWOcAWBiHg
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.
Guide to Missoula
Camping near Missoula, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Fishing and Swimming: Beavertail Hill State Park Campground is a great spot for fishing and swimming. One visitor mentioned, "Great little spot hidden in the mountains," but warned about the mosquitoes, saying, "We ended up having to jog back and in that short time my daughter had over 20 bites."
- Hiking: The trails around Charles Waters Campground are perfect for hiking. A camper noted, "There are tons of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and driving," making it a great base for outdoor adventures.
- Family Activities: At the Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA, families can enjoy mini-golf, paddle boats, and arcade games. One reviewer said, "This campground has it all. Lots of fun for the kids."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Jim & Mary's RV Park. A visitor shared, "Everything was clean including the picnic table. Plenty of room in the shower."
- Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at Granite Peak RV Resort said, "Everyone we met, both staff & guests was very nice."
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness at Placid Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Great sites that are spaced out from your neighbor."
What you should know:
- Electric Vehicle Restrictions: If you have an electric vehicle, be cautious. One camper at Missoula KOA Holiday reported, "Once they found out we have an electric car they would not allow us to even come on the property."
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at the Chief Looking Glass Campground warned, "I’ve never seen so many or been bit so many times."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Montana Lolo Creek Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "There is no cell service at nor near the campsite."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids, like the Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA. One family said, "Free breakfast in the morning was a great touch."
- Plan for Mosquito Protection: Bring bug spray and nets, especially if you're camping in the summer. A camper at Beavertail Hill State Park Campground shared their experience with mosquitoes, saying, "We ended up having to jog back."
- Check for Activities: Make sure to check what activities are available at your chosen campground. One camper at Charles Waters Campground mentioned, "Close enough to Missoula or the other communities in the Bitterroot Valley."
Tips from RVers:
- Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many RVers appreciate campgrounds that accommodate larger vehicles. Granite Peak RV Resort is noted for being "big rig friendly."
- Check for Amenities: Facilities like laundry and showers can make a big difference. A visitor at Jim & Mary's RV Park said, "Hot showers and clean bathroom."
- Be Mindful of Space: Some RV parks can be tight. One reviewer at Granite Peak RV Resort mentioned, "Decent green space between sites, but the length was pretty short."
Camping in Missoula, MT, offers a variety of experiences, from family fun to peaceful retreats. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Missoula, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Missoula, 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 Missoula, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Missoula, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.