Best Dispersed Camping near Monarch, MT
Dispersed camping near Monarch, Montana provides several free primitive options on public lands. Belt Creek on Hughesville Road offers streamside camping with established fire rings in a quiet setting. Dispersed site 9210, formerly part of Indian Hills Campground, features two sites with picnic tables and metal fire rings among large trees alongside a creek. Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping has limited flat areas suitable for tents and RVs. Refrigerator Canyon offers backcountry camping accessible by hiking approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area.
Most dispersed sites in this region lack amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Visitors must pack out all waste and bring adequate water supplies. According to reviews, Kelly Gulch Road requires a shovel and bucket for proper waste disposal, and campers must practice strict Leave No Trace principles. Several campers noted issues with trash left behind at Belt Creek, emphasizing the importance of packing out all materials brought in.
Road conditions vary seasonally. Kelly Gulch Road has a gate that remains closed until May 15, limiting early season access. Belt Creek on Hughesville Road is described as well-maintained despite being "off the beaten path." Fire regulations should be carefully observed, particularly during dry summer months. One reviewer cautioned against making fires at Refrigerator Canyon due to high grass conditions. Wildlife, wildflowers, and mountain streams are common features throughout these areas. Flat camping spots are limited at some locations, making early arrival advisable during peak summer months.
