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Best Dispersed Camping near Pony, MT

65 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Pony, Montana, with several free primitive sites on public lands. Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground, Homestake Pass Dispersed, and Maiden Rock Dispersed offer no-fee camping options within the region. Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area provides basic amenities including vault toilets while maintaining a primitive camping experience. According to reviews, most sites feature established rock fire rings and flat areas suitable for tents. The standard 16-day stay limit applies at all locations, consistent with Forest Service and BLM regulations.

These primitive sites require self-sufficiency as most lack basic amenities. No drinking water is available at any of the dispersed sites; campers must bring all water needed for their stay. Several campers noted that Copper City BLM is "extremely dry with no bugs" due to its exposed location. Most areas permit fires in established rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Roads to many sites can be challenging; Homestake Pass is accessible via "a relatively good dirt road," while other locations may require high-clearance vehicles or 4WD, particularly after rain.

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and nearby BLM lands manage most dispersed camping in the area. Maiden Rock Dispersed stands out with unusually good facilities for free camping, featuring picnic tables, fire pits, and even bear boxes at some sites. Ruby Reservoir offers fishing opportunities and interesting geology; campers report finding garnets along the shoreline. Wildlife encounters are possible; black bears have been spotted in the region, making proper food storage essential. Weather conditions can change rapidly at these higher elevations, with sites ranging from 6,000-6,500 feet. Winter access is limited or impossible at most locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pony, Montana (20)

    1. Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground

    1 Review
    Norris, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 682-4253

    2. Homestake Pass Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Butte, MT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 683-3900

    "There’s a big area that had a dozen RVs & tents, but it was late & we wanted space so we followed a rough dirt road 1/2 a mile to find a spot in the trees."

    "The dispersed camping is super easy to find, and it's right off the highway! It was perfect for a quick spot to camp on our way home to Colorado instead of getting a hotel room."

    3. Copper City BLM

    4 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."

    "No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."

    4. Mill Creek Road Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Sheridan, MT
    16 miles

    5. Pipestone Trailhead Camp

    1 Review
    Whitehall, MT
    24 miles

    6. Maiden Rock Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Divide, MT
    41 miles

    "The spot is close to the freeway, but far enough that you won’t hear any of the noise so it’s perfect if you are on a road trip. :)

    There are some train tracks that run by it, but I didn’t notice if"

    "Picnic benches, tent camping spots, rv spots! We might have been lucky but no mosquitos! It’s across the bridge in case you can’t find it from google maps :)"

    7. Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Virginia City, MT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 683-8000

    "Be prepared for steep inclines in some situations. While it was quiet people wise, I’m pretty sure you can hear the dam because we had rumbling noise that woke both of us up."

    "You can bring campers, motorhomes, or tent camp like we did! There is a bathroom available as well! Lots of neat agates in the parking lot! I highly recommend this area! This was our view each morning"

    8. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

    14 Reviews
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "Definitely busier than I expected, especially with the condition of the road; we had multiple cars coming down the road we were on and then they would turn around and come back but it wasn’t obnoxious."

    "Dispersed camping all along a pass through the canyon. Very remote and private. I drove up the mountain a ways and found a perfect spot to set up ."

    9. Homestake Lake Camp

    1 Review
    Butte, MT
    31 miles

    "This campsite is right off the exit, but not very noisy. There were several other campers and RVs and trucks there. Even just parts of cars."

    10. Four Corners Eastern Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Whitehall, MT
    27 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pony, MT

38 Photos of 20 Pony Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pony, MT

65 Reviews of 20 Pony Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 4, 2020

    Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed camping with great views

    Cow Creek Disperse camping area is a large fairly flat grassy area just off the road. Area is in the wide open on a high spot above the Ruby River meaning less bugs as you are unprotected from any breeze that may be blowing. The site has great views of the surrounding mountains and of the Ruby River below. Site has on large rock fire ring. Plenty of room to fit a large group at this location, with no problem finding flat spots for your tents. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site(so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6428 feet.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2019

    6100J Dispersed Camping Area

    Disperse camp with a Outhouse!!!

    A Outhouse!!!. Dispersed Camping Area 6100J is a large camping area a short distance off forest road 100 with four to six established sites depending on how you look at it. But the best thing of all is just across FS road 100 is a vault toilet. The camping area sits between FS 100 and the Ruby River, unfortunately none of the sites are along the river. I said 4-6 sites as a few of the rock fire rings are very close to another fire ring, could fit to groups of campers at these sites, but why would you want to be so close to someone else while disperse camping. Good size fire rings at nice flat locations with plenty of room to set up camp. The vault toilet did not have any paper in it when I visited, but it was after the usual camping season and the middle of hunting season. The site also has 3 tie up rails for horses at the entrance to the camping area. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site(except for the vault toilet) so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6472 feet

  • Maddie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Maiden Rock Dispersed

    BEST SPOT YET

    Hands down the best spot I’ve found on this app so far!!

    Literally was talking to myself as I pulled up making weird noises because I was in so much awe at how beautiful the spot was! The sunsets here are amazing or at least the night I stayed was!

    The camping spots are somewhat close together so that’s good to keep in mind.

    But omg, the spot is insane. The mosquitoes were not bad at all. The spot feels like a perfect little oasis.

    The spot is close to the freeway, but far enough that you won’t hear any of the noise so it’s perfect if you are on a road trip. :)

    There are some train tracks that run by it, but I didn’t notice if the train was noisy or going by as I was car camping!

    Getting to the spot - you will get off the main road and drive through some dirt roads and past some private property. At the end of one of the roads you’ll see a small bridge you’ll drive over and the camping spots are maybe 30 seconds past the bridge.

    Also an incredible spot to fish!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2018

    Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area

    Primitive campground on the Ruby Reservoir

    The BLM's Ruby Reservoir is a disperse camping area. The only facilities at this campground is a double vault toilet. There is no signage on the highway to indicated the campground. After passing the dam look for the first paved turn with a stop sign on the right side of the road, this is your turn, the pavement will stop after a couple hundred feet. Lots of campsite can be found by following the web of roads once the pavement ends. Off road travel is not allowed. Their are no metal fire rings, all the fire rings in the area are made of rocks. Being a primitive camping area this is a trash-in-trash-out site, and you will need to bring your own water. This is a nice area, and I have camped here several times during hunting season. The fishing is decent as well. If you want to find garnets just head to the lake shore and start digging. Small ones can be found on the surface, bring a shovel and dig deeper if you want something decent. If you use a gold pan shake the gravel around for several minutes then flip the pan is the easiest way to find them as the garnets are heavy and will settle to the bottom of the pan. Site is free with a 16 day stay limit.

  • Ann A.
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Popular, spacious

    There’s a big area that had a dozen RVs & tents, but it was late & we wanted space so we followed a rough dirt road 1/2 a mile to find a spot in the trees. The Homestake Trailhead down the road has a bathroom. We did have a weird experience: a truck camped near us with two people who openly watched us the entire morning & followed us to the trailhead before driving on.

  • Kimberly L.
    Aug. 2, 2022

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Gorgeous mountain views

    I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs). The mountains were pink and purple at sunrise, awesome views! I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there. It's about 20-30 minutes outside of Bozeman, MT. Happy camping!

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    On the road to Fairy Lake

    There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here. I went all the way to the dispersed campsite above Fairy Lake. I felt it was adequate but the 2 remaining sites were full sun and the trailhead right below the CG was packed (approx. 30 vehicles)

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp

    Total hidden gem!

    Only 3 miles from the highway, this campsite is at the end of a well maintained, slightly rutted gravel road. It’s wide enough for trailers.

    Along the road, there are a handful of pull offs that are big enough for an RV to pull into.

    The coordinates bring you to an open gravel lot with nice clean pit toilets. There’s a creek nearby. Big beautiful rocks, some shade, pretty epic views on the way in. Beautiful!

    No cell service, unfortunately. Another con is that there’s another road that goes in further, but it’s narrow and eroded. I attempted it in my campervan, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the hassle and parked in the open lot instead.

  • Avery S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Great quick spot!

    The dispersed camping is super easy to find, and it's right off the highway! It was perfect for a quick spot to camp on our way home to Colorado instead of getting a hotel room.

Guide to Pony

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pony, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets the freedom of the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of adventure.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pony, Montana

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Copper City BLM, offer vast open spaces perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the scenery. Just remember to bring your own water, as these sites typically lack water hookups.
  • If you're looking for a spot with a bit of privacy, Homestake Lake Camp features hidden sites accessible via various tracks, providing a peaceful retreat from the crowds.
  • For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground is a great choice, offering opportunities for OHV and horseback riding in a beautiful setting.

Scenic views and outdoor activities for dispersed campers

  • Campers at Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area can enjoy fishing and garnet hunting along the shores, making it a fun destination for families and rockhounding enthusiasts.
  • The Pipestone Trailhead Camp serves as a great starting point for hiking adventures, allowing you to explore the surrounding wilderness while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Homestake Pass Dispersed offers stunning vistas and ample space for tent camping, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Dispersed campers should check out Mill Creek Road Camp

  • Mill Creek Road Camp is a drive-in location that provides easy access to the surrounding natural beauty, perfect for those looking to set up camp quickly.
  • This area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to unwind and connect with nature without the distractions of modern life.
  • While amenities are limited, the charm of dispersed camping at Mill Creek Road Camp lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping near Pony?

Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping near Pony, Montana, but regulations vary by land management agency. Most dispersed camping in this area falls under Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest or BLM land rules. At South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, you can camp without permits, though 4WD is recommended for access. Similarly, Copper City BLM offers permit-free camping on public lands. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: stay within 150 feet of forest roads, camp only in established sites, and observe the 14-day stay limit. Always check current fire restrictions during summer months through the Forest Service or BLM offices in Dillon or Butte.

What amenities are available at Pony dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas near Pony generally offer minimal amenities, which is typical for this type of camping. 6100J Dispersed Camping Area is a standout option with access to a vault toilet located just across Forest Service Road 100. The area features four to six established sites between the road and Ruby River. At Homestake Pass Dispersed, campers can use the bathroom facilities at the nearby Homestake Trailhead. Most other dispersed sites around Pony don't provide toilets, water, trash service, or electrical hookups, so come prepared with all essentials and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Pony, Montana?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist around Pony, Montana. Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with views of the Ruby River. Look for the first paved turn with a stop sign after passing the dam. Another option is Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area, featuring a large, flat grassy area with mountain views. For those willing to venture a bit farther, the Tobacco Root Mountains surrounding Pony offer numerous Forest Service roads with pull-offs suitable for dispersed camping. Most sites are accessible via dirt roads, though some require 4WD vehicles.

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