Dispersed camping options near Olney, Montana, range from riverside to forested settings in the Flathead National Forest region. Most sites sit at elevations between 3,000-5,500 feet, with temperatures dropping significantly at night even during summer months. These rustic camping areas typically require high-clearance vehicles to access, with seasonal road closures affecting availability from late fall through early summer.
What to do
Fishing at remote lakes: Bull Lake offers stocked fishing spots with minimal crowds. One visitor noted, "Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around."
Kayaking local waterways: Stillwater Lake provides excellent paddling opportunities on calm waters. A camper shared, "Under perfect weather conditions you have a glassy surface that your boat will glide right through. In not so perfect conditions? There are banks galore in which you can hunker down and enjoy a beverage and snacks."
Wildlife viewing: The forest areas host diverse wildlife populations. At Upper Stillwater Lake, campers report seeing "eagles, moose, mountain lion, beaver, chipmunk" according to recent reviews.
Cold water swimming: During hot summer days, the rivers provide natural cooling. One visitor at Blankenship Bridge mentioned the river was "clear" and "perfect for dogs" with safe swimming areas.
Night sky observation: The minimal light pollution makes stargazing exceptional. A camper noted, "The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it" at North Fork camping areas.
What campers like
River sounds for sleep: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise of flowing water. A reviewer at McGinnis Creek stated, "The river was 15 feet away and guided me and the wife to sleep."
Proximity to Glacier National Park: Sites provide affordable bases for park exploration. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping is "only about 5 minutes down the road from the West entrance to Glacier National Park," according to a recent visitor.
Seclusion in forested areas: The thick tree coverage creates private camping experiences. A McGinnis Creek camper described the area as "Thick, secluded, amazing. Camped 5+ miles off north fork road and it was incredible."
Beach camping options: Several sites feature sandy riverside spots. At Middle Fork Flathead River, a visitor mentioned, "We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle!"
Multiple camping styles: Areas accommodate various setups. Bull Lake has "a large parking area, could accommodate a travel trailer or two in addition to a couple tent sites with fire rings."
What you should know
Limited site availability: Many areas fill quickly during peak season. A Ryan Road camper advised, "There are only about 10 sites so get there early."
Primitive facilities: Most sites have minimal infrastructure. Middle Fork Flathead River has "Porta potties dispersed throughout" but no other amenities.
Wildlife precautions: Active bear areas require proper food storage. A McGinnis Creek visitor warned to "be aware of animals especially where we camped."
Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate significantly after rain. A North Fork camper described "about 5 miles worth of very graded dirt road but if you take it slow should be accessible to all."
Seasonal closures: Some areas close for various operations. Recent Ryan Road visitors reported finding "a bunch of signage that said temporarily closed to public access due to logging work going on."
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent across the region. Some areas at North Fork Flathead River have "one bar of Verizon service, so I could send and receive messages, but pics sent very slowly."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access lake spots: For family-friendly swimming, certain lakes offer safer water access. A visitor to Upper Stillwater Lake mentioned it's "a great lake to kayak in" with "gorgeous views, very non-tourist feeling."
Designated parking areas: When camping with children, look for established pullouts. At North Fork Flathead, "there is parking for people in tents" separate from the main camping area, providing safer play spaces.
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity increases at dusk and dawn. A Red Meadow Lake visitor advised, "There can be a lot of mosquitos in the summer so be prepared!"
Protected swimming areas: Look for gentler water sections for children. A Stillwater River camper noted the area is "right on the river with some nice deep pools" suitable for supervised swimming.
Noise considerations: Train tracks near certain sites may disturb light sleepers. A camper at Upper Stillwater Lake mentioned, "There is a train track in the background but the trains are very short."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many areas cannot accommodate larger rigs. A North Fork Flathead visitor noted only "3 spots for camping in a big rig, but there is parking for people in tents."
Turn-around space: Consider your ability to maneuver when selecting sites. At Bull Lake, a reviewer cautioned there's "Not a lot of turn around room, wouldn't bring a trailer in."
High clearance needs: Several access roads require suitable vehicles. A visitor to Middle Fork advised, "Road has huge and I mean huge puddles. Very tight fit for truck and trailer for sure in a lot of the spots."
Site timing strategy: RVers should arrive early for limited big rig spots. At Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "Only a few sites can accommodate larger vehicles."
Road width concerns: Some forest roads create passing challenges. A Ryan Road visitor mentioned, "The road in was narrow. Glad I didn't have any problems with oncoming rigs."
