Best Dispersed Camping near Olney, MT
Dispersed camping is prevalent in the Flathead National Forest surrounding Olney, Montana, with multiple free sites situated along riverbanks and forest roads. The North Fork Flathead River and Middle Fork Flathead River offer several primitive camping areas, including popular spots like Blankenship Bridge and McGinnis Creek. Additional options include Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, Red Meadow Lake, Stillwater River, and Bull Lake. These undeveloped sites typically feature fire rings and occasional vault toilets but lack other amenities common to established campgrounds.
Many access roads require careful navigation due to rough conditions, particularly after rain. Roads to sites like Blankenship Bridge contain significant potholes that may require high-clearance vehicles. According to reviews, the road to Blankenship Bridge has "about 100 feet of very rough road" where drivers should "go super slow and keep to the left." Most dispersed sites in the Flathead National Forest have a 16-day stay limit, though Middle Fork areas near Blankenship Bridge enforce a shorter 3-day limit. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, and visitors should practice proper food storage in this bear-active region. Some areas provide vault toilets or portable toilets, but most require visitors to pack out all waste.
The riverside dispersed sites provide direct water access for swimming, fishing, and rafting during summer months. Many campers value these areas for their proximity to Glacier National Park, with several sites situated within 20 minutes of West Glacier entrance. While weekends see higher usage, particularly at riverfront locations, weekday visitors often find ample space. The McGinnis Creek area receives positive reviews for its seclusion, with one visitor noting the "thick, secluded, amazing" camping experience where "the river was 15 feet away and guided me and the wife to sleep." Cell service is spotty but present at many sites, with some reviewers reporting sufficient AT&T signal to "work remotely" or for "streaming."
