Top Free Dispersed Camping near Polebridge, MT
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Polebridge, MT (29)
1. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping
20 Reviews•57 Photos•877 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping
14 Reviews•42 Photos•501 Saves“Dispersed camping” is the term used for camping anywhere outside of a developed campground, including in some campgrounds with minimal development. Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest. Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition. Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed near developed recreation areas including campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas. Water, restrooms, and trash cans are not provided. Pack out all your trash. There is a 16-day stay limit at any site. After that you must move 5-miles away, and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Use existing fire rings. Avoid creating new fire rings. Your fire must be attended at all times and be dead out before leaving. Contact a local office about possible campfire restrictions before you go. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Additional rules or regulations may apply to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Flathead Wild and Scenic River corridor.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Glacier Rim River Access 10363
8 Reviews•9 Photos•331 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
4. McGinnis Creek
7 Reviews•14 Photos•382 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Red Meadow Lake
4 Reviews•13 Photos•144 SavesAt an elevation of 5,500 feet, Red Meadow Campground has 6 campsites near Red Meadow Lake. Bring your own drinking water, a vault toilet is available. Red Meadow Lake Campsite Food Storage
- Pets
- Fires
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
6. Just Past Schnaus Cabin Dispersed
1 Review•64 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Stillwater Lake
2 Reviews•9 Photos•77 SavesUpper Stillwater Lake Campground has 5 designated campsites, restroom, gravel boat launch, and day parking. The area has several hiking trails near by and the Stillwater River borders the campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
8. Big Creek Road
1 Review•9 Photos•14 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
9. Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed
5 Reviews•7 Photos•177 Saves“Dispersed camping” is the term used for camping anywhere outside of a developed campground, including in some campgrounds with minimal development. Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest. Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition. Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed near developed recreation areas including campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas. Water, restrooms, and trash cans are not provided. Pack out all your trash. There is a 16-day stay limit at any site. After that you must move 5-miles away, and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Use existing fire rings. Avoid creating new fire rings. Your fire must be attended at all times and be dead out before leaving. Contact a local office about possible campfire restrictions before you go. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Additional rules or regulations may apply to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Flathead Wild and Scenic River corridor. Human Waste Disposal Dispersed camping generally means no bathrooms. Keep your site clean for the next campers and prevent disease spread and pollution of water by following these rules:
Urinate on rocks and avoiding vegetation if possible, and well away from water and camp. Do not leave toilet paper or wipes on the ground after you pee. Carry a zipper-lock plastic bag and pack out your toilet paper. Dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 8-inches wide at least 200-feet away from water, camp and trails to bury feces. Cover all waste with the soil you removed, and sprinkle the disturbed ground with leaves, pine needles, or other organic debris. If you carry a portable camping toilet, treat and pack out all treated waste and dispose of according to instructions on the digestant. The Flathead Wild and Scenic River Corridor rules require all solid human waste be carried out in leak-proof manner and disposed of properly off-forest.
Camping with a vehicle Motorized use is limited to roads and trails designated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. Know and follow all seasonal closures and never go beyond gates or other barriers on roads. Do not park or camp in front of closed gates. This prevents authorized users, including emergency responders, from accessing the road. Find and select your campsite on foot and scout the most direct route to your campsite for your vehicle. Driving your vehicle more than 300 feet from a motorized route for purposes of dispersed camping is prohibited. You may not cut or damage trees or vegetation to access your campsite. Never drive across wet areas or areas with soft ground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
10. Ryan Road Dispered #2
2 Reviews•5 Photos•24 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Polebridge
119 Reviews of 29 Polebridge Campgrounds
- e
edward
Scout
Ryan Road Dispersed Camping
Me and my 21ft trailer
The road in was narrow. Glad I didn’t have any problems with on coming riggs
- bbrandon W.
Guide
North fork Flathead River dispersed camping
Great stay close to West entrance Glacer NP
I really enjoyed this boondocking site. They have great tent options right beside the river but not too close for flooding. Also they have a hard structured bathroom which was nice. Would stay here again. Also the road was bumpy but I managed it with my Honda Accord.
- MMichael S.Guide
Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed
Closed and gated off on 9/24/24
Road to this location was closed. A closed gate that looks private prevented access.
Sarah M.Guide
Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Huge pot holes and water puddles + crowded
You can only park on the one side of the river and it’s very crowded. Additionally the road going down to the camping area has huge pot holes and and water so you need high clearance to get down there.
Ben H.GuideBlankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Easy and convenient
Only about 15 minutes away from Glacier National Park Westgate. I was able to stay here for multiple days. Each time was no trouble in finding a place to park. This area is popular for rafting and fishing. The surrounding area is also beautiful. There are outdoor restrooms located nearby. The camping limit for this area is 3 days. I was able to have good Verizon signal. Overall a great spot to camp.
Kaitlin K.Guide
GooseHead Camping Area
Good for the night
This campsite was very accommodating for our rig (40ft long x 13.5ft tall) and the road in wasn’t too bad either. Plenty of space for lots of rigs and turning around.
Pros:
- the reservoir access and sun set views were really neat!
Cons:
- there were a few shady characters about with some weird tent set-ups (lawn mowers, abandoned bikes, and tarps) so we didn’t feel entirely safe leaving our stuff alone for a day trip.
- SSara A.Guide
GooseHead Camping Area
Dispersed site
Drove in on a Wednesday and found a site right on the water. A number of spots were occupied with campers/tents with no one there. Really peaceful spot in my experience and an unbeatable view. Rented SUPs from in town to enjoy on the reservoir.
Pit toilet, well maintained, and walkable from all spots in the area.
Josh S.
Traveler
Ryan Road Dispered #2
Quiet solitude near West Glacier
Got here on a Monday at about 1pm.
There were about 3-4 sites available, 2 of which could fit a camper. We grabbed one. It could fit a 20-25' camper with vehicle at most.
The place emptied out pretty well mid week (peak season).
Pros:
Many sites Some flat/level sites Some very big sites (2-3 could probably fit a larger 30'+ rig) Very quiet 15 min to west glacier entrance gate Clean Full 5 bar Tmobile
Cons:
Not much for turn around space, especially for a larger rig. If sites at end of road are packed you may be up a creek. Weekends it's packed. Still quiet, just nit much availability. No water. The spigot that used to be available outside the park gates are no longer available. Closest water is inside the park at the picnic areas.
We stayed 6 nights and it was great. Very quiet, and an easy 25 minute drive to Columbia falls for grocery. 15-20 to hungry horse for gas.
Elizabeth F.TravelerNorth fork Flathead River dispersed camping
Nice stay near West Glacier
This was a nice site for the night. I came around 6pm and all 4 sites were full so we just car camped in one of the parking spots. The four spots look really nice, but they most likely fill up quick, as we came on a Monday night. It’s a very beautiful place to camp and the bathroom is a perk! I definitely recommend if wanting a free place to camp outside of the West Glacier entrance!
- IImmo Z.Scout
Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed
Tribal land - no camping allowed
DO NOT CAMP HERE. Got a citation even though there are roads leading here with no signs while others have signs stating camping is prohibited.
- CChristin B.Guide
Ryan Road Dispered #2
Super close to the West Entrance Glacier NP
Many little sites, some with stone rings for fire, some without. Road is easily doable without 4WD. But has some potholes. You will sleep surrounded by forest in nature and close to the west entrance of the glacier National Park.
zack B.TravelerHighway 89 East Glacier Dispersed
Overlooking st. Mary lake and east glacier.
Absolutly beautiful view of st. Mary lake and glacier park east. Another lake in the background im not sure of right now. Just a dirt road off the highway that nobody comes to and is good to park an rv for the night and let the dogs run around. Anti people camping!!
Mary B.GuideRyan Road Dispersed Camping
Last Minute Find Near West Glacier Entrance
Not sure where we were going g to spend the night, but discovered this great campsite through the Dyrt! Large campsites but was pretty full for the night. We were able to get a space for our Mercedes Sprinter next to another van. Score!
- WWyatt F.Scout
Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Decent spot
It's a good spot right on the river. Rocky Beach that has a somewhat difficult road to get into. Any stock 4 x 4 truck SUV can do it though. Are some sketchy types sometimes in peak season. There are porta potties, but they are not recently pumped out.
Vincent B.GuideRyan Road Dispersed Camping
I can't believe this is an option outside Glacier National Park!!!
This spot is so close from the west entrance. There's plenty of spots and it's absolutely free. This is an absolute gem of free national Park camping. Very easy to access with minimal clearance needed. I had absolutely no issue finding a spot with a Subaru Crosstrek pulling a square drop for 4 days over the 4th of July weekend. Truly a fantastic find.
Bobby J.
RangerRyan Road Dispersed Camping
Nice stay close to Glacier
It was a nice stay near glacier but something just felt off about it. There was someone shooting a little too close for comfort, people walking down the dirt road late at night, and cars coming and going throughout the night. It was a nice spot though just felt off
- TTrevor M.Scout
Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
Chill spot
Good spot lots of space. Need a little bit of clearance to get down here.
- kkristenTraveler
Ryan Road Dispersed Camping
Beautiful spot!
We have a 42’ trailer and thought we would give this spot a shot. There’s a slightly rough dirt road to get to the camp spots. There were about 3-4 sites that could fit our RV. We chose the very last site before the gate leading back to the Ryan air strip. Our site was quiet, loaded with trees and flowers and had a fire pit. We could have easily got a 2nd trailer back there as well. This spot is only about 5 minutes down the road from the West entrance to Glacier National Park. It is next to a used airstrip and we did hear planes taking off and landing a couple times.
Theresa N.TravelerNorth fork Flathead River dispersed camping
perfect
about 6 spots to camp. plenty of people close by, felt safe. fire pits. vault toilet. right next to the river - beautiful! some bees around but weren’t bothersome.
- Theresa N.Traveler
Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
looked beautiful but unable to get to
i have a subaru crosstrek and the potholes were too flooded to drive down. super unfortunate bc looked absolutely beautiful! only trucks and jeeps were able to make it down the treacherous road.
- Abreon T.Guide
GooseHead Camping Area
BEAUTIFUL
Took my RV down there, lots of spaces, fire pits, bathrooms, walking trails, swimming. Was lots of fun! ❤️
- Abreon T.Guide
North fork Flathead River dispersed camping
Beautiful
Very clean, open space, next to the river. Had clean toilets, big rig safe. Dry camping/dispersed camping. Beautiful views! 😍
JJ D.GuideRyan Road Dispersed Camping
free
Located close to the west entrance, this dispersed camping location is quiet and easily accessible to most vehicles. It did fill up, so get there early. Mosquitos were pretty bad.
jess W.ScoutNorth fork Flathead River dispersed camping
Close to West Glacier, quiet enough, pretty views
I used this spot for the four days I was visiting Glacier NP. It's pretty easy to find and close to West Glacier. The dirt road is DUSTY, but it is what it is (turn your lights on so you're more visible). The dirt road and driveway is a little rough and pothole-y, but my Town and Country handled it just fine.
Lots of sites to choose from; I was joined by a couple others each night and there was a bit of road traffic and people coming to put their rafts in the river, but it wasn't bothersome at all for me.
Right on the Flathead River, surrounded by mountains, and it has a pit-toilet! As a solo female traveler, I would absolutely stay here again.
Haley L.Guide
Big Creek Road
Large, quiet dispersed spot
Dispersed spot in the flathead national forest. Did some group camping here. Nice and open, however it was absolutely littered with trash. Some a moose!
Pallah B.GuideMiddle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
Not for Camping
Part of the area is closed due to flooding until at least June 24. There are also signs that say no camping.
David H.TravelerMiddle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
Fantastic views
Gorgeous place to camp. We arrived on Memorial day late in the evening. Everyone was leaving at this point. I could see how in the summer and on holidays it could busy. River is very fast for fishing, could maybe get away with fly fishing. Plenty of places to camp.
Guide to Polebridge
Camping near Polebridge, Montana, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Glacier National Park. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views and well-maintained paths. One visitor mentioned, "Glacier provides world-class hiking and scenery. Be bear prepared," highlighting the need for caution while enjoying nature.
- Fishing: The nearby lakes and rivers are perfect for fishing. A camper at Many Glacier Campground shared, "I fly fished there and caught some trout! It's shallow so not for swimming but nice to stick your feet in to cool off."
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. A camper at Rising Sun Campground noted, "Lots of wildlife, especially bears are constantly present, so prepare accordingly."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Bowman Lake Campground said, "The remote location is amazing, and the campsites are nicely spread out in a moody, dark forested area."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Fish Creek Campground mentioned, "Relatively cramped but quiet enough," making it a great spot for relaxation.
- Access to Water Activities: Campers enjoy easy access to lakes for swimming and kayaking. One camper at Sprague Creek Campground stated, "The lake access, tree canopy, and small non-generator campground was just our style."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Apgar Campground, lack showers and have limited bathroom facilities. A camper noted, "The bathrooms don’t have soap and there is no dishwashing stations."
- Bear Country: Always be cautious of bears. A camper at Many Glacier Campground warned, "The game wardens WILL fine you if you leave either food and/or fires unattended."
- Road Conditions: Some campgrounds are accessible via rough roads. A visitor at Bowman Lake Campground advised, "DON’T plan on camping here unless you have the proper vehicle to get you safely up that road."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A camper at West Glacier KOA Resort mentioned, "The grandkids loved the pool and the Gaga ball pit."
- Plan for Wildlife Safety: Teach kids about bear safety. A parent at Sprague Creek Campground emphasized, "Bring your bear spray and don’t interact with the wildlife!"
- Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games for downtime. A camper at Fish Creek Campground appreciated the "visitor tent with activities and games like scavenger hunts."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Glacier Campground noted, "Some sites would not be great for tents because of how tight they are and the hills."
- Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t offer electric hookups. A visitor at Apgar Campground mentioned, "Sites are extremely tight and unlevel."
- Arrive Early: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A camper at Rising Sun Campground advised, "Be ready to come early and wait in line to grab a campsite."
Camping near Polebridge, Montana, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Polebridge, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Polebridge, MT is North fork Flathead River dispersed camping with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Polebridge, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Polebridge, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.