Looking for dispersed camping near Ovando? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
One thousand people called Garnet home in the 1890s as they scoured the mountains for gold. Largely abandoned 20 years later when the gold ran out, today the town is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the struggles of those early miners and homesteaders. The visitor center has information about 19th century life here. Two rental cabins are available December through April; arrangements need to be made in advance by calling the Missoula Field Office BLM. Depending on weather, the visitor center is open daily from late May through September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The Pyramid Pass/ Youngs Cr. trail is 6.5 miles long. It begins at Jct Trail #141 and ends at Pyramid Pass, Lolo Forest Bdy. Pyramid Lake is 10 acres and at an elevation of 6,993'. Pyramid Pass is 6,900'. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding
There 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.
This 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.
There 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.
Guide
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
Scout
Just a ghost town no camping
Scout
This spot is not a camping spot. Day use only.
ScoutOpen. 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
ScoutThe 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
ScoutThe recreation area is nice but there’s not actually anywhere to camp unless you want to camp on the road.
Guidefirst 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.
GuideIt’s a spot to pull up and sleep for the night
RangerBlue 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.
ScoutNot the best in terms of views, but worth the drive to get out of the city. You will have the occasional driver coming up and dust you a bit, but if you can get past that, it's a nice area to set up camp. You've got to go in at least 5 miles to camp.
RangerNonresident reservation conservation permit required, available at fwp.mt.gov
Accessed by mission falls trailhead, trail is steep and unmaintained after you reach the waterfall. Steep, rugged country with little evidence of people. Amazing fishing, great views. Short hikes to other high mountain lakes. Be wary of Grizzlies in late July/August during moth hatch!!*
RangerLong climb up the trail over Pyramid Pass to access the lake but its worth it. One of the shortest hikes to get in to a lake in the BobMarshall.
Spotty cell reception on shore of lake. Wonderful views, lots of wildlife (including bears...).
RangerAwesome lakento hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted. Trail that descends the steep grade down to the lake is not horse friendly, difficult for those who struggle with steep terrain.
Numerous primitive campsites around west shore of lake, old growth grove at base of cliff is fun to explore. Burned remains of Boulder Lookout sits at the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. Awesome views to take in. There was a pair of loons mesting at the lake when we visited a few years ago.
GuideThe river was running pretty fast when we were there. Couldn’t play in the water but it was still beautiful. Saw an eagle. Quiet.
ScoutGreat ghost town!
ScoutInteresting and informative, though half of the buildings are locked upright. You can really interesting artifacts through the windows. Great potential. A little picnic area.
Guide
One of our families all time favorites if you can get there early enough to get a spot! Only 1 site on the lake shore, 2-3 other sites scattered along the road in not as ideal but not that far. Great hiking just a little drive away along an old forest service road.
Guide
Absolutely gorgeous undeveloped area! If you can stand the hordes of mosquitos and constant trail of hikers coming through the area hiking to Lake Dinah.
RangerMany states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management. You need to pick up a map of exactly where you’re allowed to camp (there are no facilities, obviously). You can also rent “cabins” which are buildings from before the building became ghosted (but have been updated). Even if you don’t want to camp you can tour the town and have a surreal afternoon imagining what it’d be like to be a miner back in the day.
LegendCamp beside one of Montana's best preserved ghost towns!! Garnet!! Learn rich history of pioneer days of Montana and visit cabins among the town. Not many amenities available here. Yes I believe in ghosts!!
GuideCamping is dispersed and a little eerie. This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings. It is an interesting look at the mining industry in Montana. There are numerous interpretive signs and information about the building throughout the town and rangers on site during the summer months to answer questions. During the winter two of the cabins (the larger of which is the old saloon) are available to rent through the forest service. Most of my recent trips have been during the winter months, where the town is only accessible by ski, snow shoe or feet. Then it is silent and strange but heart breakingly beautiful.
RangerThis camp ground is less than a hundred yards from the Garnet Ghost Town! The ghost town was recently in the news because people from across the country applied to volunteer at it once a story about it went viral. No need to apply to volunteer -- just stay at the campground to get your fill of history and maybe a haunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ovando, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ovando, MT is Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping with a 3.3-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ovando, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Ovando, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
