Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ovando, MT

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Ovando, look no further. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Montana camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ovando, MT (12)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ovando

22 Reviews of 12 Ovando Campgrounds


  • Ben H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    Dusty dirt road

    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

  • Terri F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Placid Creek Pull Off
    May. 22, 2024

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    Primative but usable

    Open. 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

  • Andy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM
    Feb. 25, 2024

    Lower Blackfoot River Dispersed - BLM

    Closed - but new options available

    The 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

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    dispersed camping

    first 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.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
    Nov. 8, 2021

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    Local fav

    Blue 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.

  • Leonidas R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    An escape from the city

    Not 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.

  • K B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry

    Amazing Alpine Lake

    Nonresident 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!!*

  • K B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid Lake Backcountry Primitive
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Pyramid Lake Backcountry Primitive

    Peaceful Alpine Lake

    Long 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...).

  • K B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Lake Backcountry Site
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Boulder Lake Backcountry Site

    Great Backcountry Lake

    Awesome 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.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    No camping within 1/2 mile of the town.

    Interesting and informative, though half of the buildings are locked upright. You can really interesting artifacts through the windows. Great potential. A little picnic area.

  • BriAnne M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Marshall
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Lake Marshall

    Rugged, beautiful little crescent lake

    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.

  • BriAnne M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Elsina - Dispersed
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Lake Elsina - Dispersed

    Rugged, mosquito infested, breathtaking

    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.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Mining ghost town for day or overnight

    Many 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.

  • Carla S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 29, 2016

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Campfire Story

    Camp 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!!

  • Amanda L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 17, 2016

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Wonderful Summer Camping and Winter Cabining

    Camping 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.

  • Lindsay B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 10, 2015

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Camp by a Ghost Town!

    This 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!



Guide to Ovando

Camping near Ovando, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campers enjoy the nearby lakes for fishing and swimming. One visitor at Beavertail Hill State Park Campground mentioned, "Great little spot hidden in the mountains," perfect for a day by the water.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, with one camper at Holland Lake Campground recommending the waterfall hike, saying, "Highly recommend the waterfall hike too."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A family at Holland Lake Campground spotted a black bear nearby, adding excitement to their trip.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A reviewer at Placid Lake State Park Campground noted, "The camp hosts were top notch and were very present in site. Very clean and orderly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Big Larch Campground said, "Campsites are close together but there are nice trails, clean vault toilets, picnic tables."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise. A camper at Lost Moose Meadows Campground shared, "The owners are very down to earth wonderful and eager to assist with whatever you may need."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. A visitor at Beavertail Hill State Park Campground warned, "There were literal swarms of mosquitoes."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Seeley Lake Lolo Campground mentioned, "Nice camp sites pipes broken no water at sites or bathrooms."
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or trains. A camper at Drummond Community Park noted, "Occasional train goes by but much rather that than noise of trucks in Walmart parking lots."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so pack some bug spray. A family at Holland Lake Campground advised, "Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. A camper at Salmon Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed exploring all the trails leading down to and along the lake."
  • Check for Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Placid Lake State Park Campground recommended reserving ahead to ensure a spot.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Lost Moose Meadows Campground noted, "It’s big rig friendly, which is a bonus for us."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if electric hookups are available. A camper at Salmon Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We lucked out and got a site with water and electricity."
  • Be Prepared for Dirt Roads: Some campgrounds may have unpaved access roads. A visitor at Harpers Lake shared, "The road getting in is dirt and gravel with some potholes but nothing a travel trailer or midsize 5th wheel couldn’t do."

Camping near Ovando, Montana, offers a unique experience with its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the local environment!

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.