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Best Dispersed Camping near Pompeys Pillar, MT

35 Reviews

The Yellowstone River corridor near Pompeys Pillar, Montana features several dispersed camping options that serve as convenient stopovers for travelers on I-94. Captain Clark Fishing Access Site in Custer offers four riverside campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, providing direct access to the Yellowstone River. About 30 miles north of Billings, Acton Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping with multiple sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. These locations primarily accommodate tent camping and smaller RVs, with Captain Clark limiting vehicle length to 20 feet. Both areas serve as practical bases for visiting nearby attractions including Pompeys Pillar National Monument and Little Bighorn Battlefield.

Road conditions significantly impact accessibility to these camping areas. Captain Clark requires navigation along dirt roads that can become slick during rainy periods, while Acton Recreation Area features what campers describe as "extremely bumpy graded roads" extending over six miles. As one visitor noted, "Couldn't go faster than 15 mph" on the approach to Acton. A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit ($10 for out-of-state visitors, valid for one year) is required at Captain Clark, while Acton remains free. Both locations offer vault toilets, though at Acton these facilities are located only at the entrance area. Neither site provides drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

Wildlife viewing opportunities and natural scenery rank highly in camper reviews. At Captain Clark, visitors regularly report sightings of geese, wild turkeys, and beavers along the riverbank. "Lots of birds," noted one camper, while another mentioned "LOTS of cool bird activity." Wind conditions can be challenging, particularly at Acton where campers are advised to "stake out tents fully" due to evening gusts. Seasonal considerations include mosquitoes, which can be problematic in June following spring flooding. Cell service varies by location and carrier, with some visitors reporting three bars of Verizon coverage at Captain Clark. Both areas receive praise for their quietness and stargazing opportunities, with one Acton visitor highlighting "amazing stars" as a standout feature.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pompeys Pillar, Montana (3)

    1. Captain Clark

    11 Reviews
    Pompeys Pillar, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument."

    "A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Here's the link. Your permit is good all year."

    2. Acton Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Acton, MT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 896-5013

    "A bit out of the way from the highway but worth it. About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others."

    "Great place to pull off to get some rest at drive up campsites. The road right before getting to the park was washboard like (late Sept. 2024)."

    3. General Custer Fishing Access Road

    2 Reviews
    Hardin, MT
    19 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pompeys Pillar, MT

22 Photos of 3 Pompeys Pillar Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pompeys Pillar, MT

35 Reviews of 3 Pompeys Pillar Campgrounds

  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 9, 2022

    Acton Recreation Area

    Quiet, Secluded, Pretty views!

    Loved this campsite. A bit out of the way from the highway but worth it. About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others. Some trash at the site which was sad to see, remember to leave no trace! Great quiet night except for the cows!

  • D
    Nov. 6, 2024

    Captain Clark

    Convenient overnight near the interstate

    We needed an easy stop crossing from WA to the Midwest. When we arrived, a number of sites were being used, but they were just there for the day. We loved our spacious spot with an amazing view of the river. Few bugs in September. We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2024

    Captain Clark

    Montana Conservation License Required!

    A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Here's the link. Your permit is good all year.

    https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/landing_input

    This is a great spot. I was here on a week night very quiet. Only one other couple. Lots of birds. You can see where the beavers have been at work felling trees on they way in. Wild turkeys were pretty vocal last evening.

    Easy to imagine Capt. William Clark floating past in 1806 in his lashed together canoes on his way to the Missouri to rejoin Capt. Merriweather Lewis.

    It is actually a fishing access point with boat ramp. A little slow going in on the dirt road. Could be slick if rainy. There are 4 campsites with fire rings and a pit toilet at the far end.

    Length limit on vehicles is 20 feet. They clarify 20 ft tow vehicle and 20 ft trailer. Don't know how strict they are on this. It would be tough to get anything big in here anyway. You can stay here up to 7 days.

  • Dominic J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Acton Recreation Area

    Mosquitoes

    Got swarmed by mosquitoes. Made putting up and taking down the tent terrible. Bring bug spray or stay in a vehicle/ rv if camping here in June. Could be from all the flooding, but it was dry when we got there.

  • K
    May. 16, 2024

    Captain Clark

    Hidden gem convenient location

    Fortunately, there is good signage guiding you in here from the frontage road. If there wasn’t, one would almost feel as though they were driving onto someone’s property as opposed to public land.

    I loved this place because it was close enough to I94 to feel convenient but far enough away that the noise from the freeway wasn’t bothersome although it’s so peaceful here, you can still hear the road. But you’re hearing it from a distance. It’s far from overpowering.

    We were lucky enough to get the site under this truly massive tree that was likely here when captain clark was on his expedition. The pics don’t do justice to its size but use my camper for comparison. Haha

    Sites are well spread apart. Fire rings and picnic tables at each. FYI, there is no place nearby to purchase firewood. Stop in Miles City or Billings on your way in depending on the direction you’re coming from if you need it.

    You do have to have a MT Conservation License to stay here. They out of state variety that I had to purchase was $10 and is good for an entire year at this and any other location in the state that requires it. The good news is that the sign board at the campground has a QR code on it and I had three bars of Verizon to do it from the campsite.

    No one ever came through to check if I had it, but one would have to understand that they do maintain these places to some degree and that maintenance has a cost.

    We saw several geese. Heard several wild turkeys but never saw them. And we were greeted with an amazing sunrise right before we set out on our way.

    Definitely recommend this place if you’re traveling I94. Would most definitely stay again.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Acton Recreation Area

    No complaints

    Great place to pull off to get some rest at drive up campsites. The road right before getting to the park was washboard like (late Sept. 2024). Can drive quite a ways down but make sure your vehicle has Clearance cause the dirt road gets rough.

  • S
    Aug. 15, 2021

    Captain Clark

    Loved it

    Dirt road to get to, keep going all the way back past train tracks and houses. Sites are nice, everyone dispersed pretty well. Vault toilet super clean. Right on the river, so silent.

  • C
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Captain Clark

    Nice spot with boat launch

    A few miles off of the highway and you will find this nice camping area along the Yellowstone River. Very windy the day we were there, but the campsites were nice with fire rings and the scenery was exceptional. This is close to Pompey’s Pillar(which is currently closed for repair), and the Little Bighorn battlefield. Also not far from Billings.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Acton Recreation Area

    Off the path

    Was better and bigger then expected, camp up top the first 1-2 sections if not have a truck/high suspension for the dirt road further down. Excellent place too take 21 speed mountain bike too. The bathroom near entrance so camp first section if need that daily for easy walk to it. Took my 3 kids and had a great time for 2 days.

Guide to Pompeys Pillar

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pompeys Pillar, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Pompeys Pillar

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Captain Clark, where you can cast a line into the Yellowstone River and enjoy the scenic views.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pompeys Pillar, Montana

  • Be sure to bring your own firewood when visiting Acton Recreation Area, as there are no nearby markets to purchase supplies.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Acton Recreation Area

  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Acton Recreation Area offers well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a relaxing evening under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Pompeys Pillar dispersed camping areas?

Amenities at dispersed camping areas near Pompeys Pillar are minimal but functional. General Custer Fishing Access Road provides basic facilities including a toilet and a limited number of designated campsites, though access can be challenging with overgrown vegetation in some areas. At Captain Clark, you'll find clean vault toilets and established fire rings at the campsites. Most dispersed areas in the region offer fire rings but lack water, electricity, or dump stations. A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is required for camping at some locations. Remember to pack out all trash and bring everything you need, including water, as services are limited in these primitive camping areas.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Pompeys Pillar?

There are several excellent dispersed camping options near Pompeys Pillar. Captain Clark is located along the Yellowstone River with spacious sites and beautiful views. It's a few miles off the highway but offers exceptional scenery and convenient access for exploring Pompeys Pillar National Monument. You'll find good signage guiding you from the frontage road, though you'll need to continue past train tracks and houses to reach the camping area. Another option is Acton Recreation Area, which features multiple camping spots with some secluded areas if you continue down the rougher section of road. Both locations make great bases for visiting the nearby attractions.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pompeys Pillar, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pompeys Pillar, MT is Captain Clark with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pompeys Pillar, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Pompeys Pillar, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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