Top Free Dispersed Camping near Pray, MT

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Pray? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pray, MT (39)

    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
    Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    2. Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    38 Photos
    418 Saves
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
    Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
    Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
    Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
    Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
    Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    4. Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    17 Photos
    100 Saves

    The Gardiner district covers the southeast part of Custer Gallatin National Forest, bordering Yellowstone National Park. Both Gardiner, MT and Cooke City, MT are within the Gardiner district. Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It also means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables, fire pits or toilets) are provided.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      5. Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

      4 Reviews
      21 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed

      6. Olson Creek Dispersed

      6 Reviews
      20 Photos
      98 Saves

      People enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

      Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic sites, and fishing areas and within close proximity of campgrounds. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. For information on occupancy and use, camping stay limits, weed free forage, visit Region 1 - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Travel to campsites must not create resource damage. Travel to campsites must not create resource damage Contact local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? Please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek

      7. Falls Creek

      2 Reviews
      9 Photos
      59 Saves

      A campground in the main boulder area on the Yellowstone District.

      Camp sites: 8

      Accessible Facilities: Toilet Trash Pickup: No Firewood: No No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. Information: Livingston Office 5242 Hwy 89. Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-1892

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Drinking Water
      • Alcohol
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

        9. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

        4 Reviews
        13 Photos
        117 Saves

        Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

        Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings. Contact your local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? To find out where you are allowed to disperse camp, please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details. To see our Motor Vehicle Use Maps, click here.

        Can I have a campfire? Please use existing sites and fire rings. Firewood permits are not needed if wood is used on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use, you will need to purchase a firewood permit at the closest district office. This permit should be obtained prior to you gathering or transporting any wood.

        Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.

        The National Forest has wildfires each year. Many of these are human caused from escaped campfires in dispersed sites. Campfires are allowed unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office.

        Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six to eight (6-8) inches deep at least 200 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Do not simply cover it with a rock. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Pray

        79 Reviews of 39 Pray Campgrounds


        • Tristan S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Fork Road Dispersed
          Sep. 20, 2024

          Taylor Fork Road Dispersed

          Easy Access Campground

          This is a fantastic campground with lots of empty sites along Taylor Creek. The site I stayed at had a fire pit with lots of room to setup a tent or camper if you’re interested. Lots of distance between each campsite and again, a pretty valley view with a beautiful creek.

        • TexasRe D.
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Sep. 1, 2024

          South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          2 peaceful nights

          We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper. We stayed at the first pull off a few minutes off the main road. This site was easily accessible, right off the main road, close to town and close to some hikes.

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
          Sep. 1, 2024

          Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping

          Very hard to find at night

          This place seemed promising at first. It was hard to find a decent spot at night due to only using headlights of my van. Most of the road is extremely rugged/uneven/full of large holes. The only place I was able to stay for the night was the road leading up to the locked gate. This is about the only nice spot. Other than that this place is • quiet w/occasional traffic along the high way (right next to reservoir) • very few people here, but far enough away from me • no fee required • provides OK view to the mountains • great when you bring along a pet • you will need to be fully prepared for primitive camping

        • V
          Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
          Aug. 18, 2024

          Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

          Not supposed to camp here

          Based on the dispersed camping guide provided by the Forest Service office in Gardiner, you’re not supposed to camp in the spot listed on this site. Take a left off Traveltine road, go past the rock quarry to find good sites

        • V
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
          Aug. 18, 2024

          Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

          Good place to stay outside of Yellowstone

          Quiet, secluded dispersed sites about 15 minutes outside of Gardiner. No trees so it gets pretty hot without shade. There are random animal bones scattered around the sites from what I assume previous hunting trips, which is a bit eerie. 

          I’d certainly stay here again for a couple nights!

        • Erik W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Aug. 8, 2024

          Olson Creek Dispersed

          No trespassing signs everywhere

          Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot

        • Cody K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Fork Road Dispersed
          Aug. 7, 2024

          Taylor Fork Road Dispersed

          Beautiful Site

          We stayed one night on our way back from Yellowstone. My RTT was perfect for this. There was a small corral for horses and plenty of room for a horse trailer and truck.

        • Voyager D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
          Jul. 30, 2024

          Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

          Stunning veiws

          There's about three good spots up on the hill, the two out on the edge have reliable service. But as soon as you go back up a bit, it vanishes.

          Stunning views of Yellowstone and the mountains. Be aware, there are NO trees, so it will get stiflingly hot with no clouds. But, close to town, and the road isn't the worst. For sure go slow, but even low clearance should be able to pick out a path.

        • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 29, 2024

          Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

          Amazing camp site with tree cover and fire ring

          This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles.

        • christian L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
          Jul. 27, 2024

          Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

          Bozeman visit

          We stayed here for a few days off one of the main trail head. There are not many sites off the main trail head and we’re all full when we arrived.

          We have a 25ft off road travel trailer and attempted to go down two side trail heads. The further one was so bad we had to back all the way out. The closest side trail head was slightly better. We made down the road. However there wasn’t many sites here as well. There was maybe 3-4 sites along this whole trail head. We needed up stay in a pull in a valley early on in this trail head

        • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Jul. 24, 2024

          South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          Ok stay

          This was an ok stay outside of Bozeman. The coordinates took me to a spot which was occupied but looked like the only spot on that stretch of road. It began to get extremely rutted and I didn’t want to push any farther after that spot. I camped in what looked to be a dispersed campsite that they closed off

        • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
          Jul. 17, 2024

          Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

          Great dispersed site

          Drove through a few open gates but there were clearly dispersed sites in this area. Nice flat sites, road was rocky and bumpy but not bad. Quiet area until a group of teenagers started a loud party at the site next to us

        • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Jul. 17, 2024

          Olson Creek Dispersed

          Fine for a night but not many options

          A bit confusing with all the no trespassing and no parking on/off the road signs. Felt more comfortable once we saw another van parked, and drove past the coordinate location a few minutes to use a tiny widened part of the road. No services.

        • KThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Jul. 15, 2024

          Olson Creek Dispersed

          Peaceful and Easy Access

          Great spot and easy to get to. Exactly where the coordinates are pull off was big enough for my sprinter 170 extended was even able to get it perfectly level a few dirt bikes on the road that stopped at sunset. It’s very quiet and beautiful views and 15° cooler than Bozeman.

        • Jenna B.
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
          Jul. 14, 2024

          South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

          Beautiful secluded Mountain views

          Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites. Very quite road. Level ground for car camping. Would 100% come back just for this gem.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Olson Creek Dispersed
          Jul. 6, 2024

          Olson Creek Dispersed

          Really a 4.5 star spot

          Beautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.

        • Samantha G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

          BEST CAMPING!

          This is the most beautiful place I have ever, and probably will ever, camp in. Safe and easy to find. Rough road coming up, but lots of spaces tucked away. Saw several elk on the drive in and heard some coyotes howling at dusk, but nothing bothered us. I wish I could live here!

        • Allison S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
          Jun. 23, 2024

          Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

          Perfect for a night or two

          Perfect pull outs off Travertine up Trail Creek/FS 1701 just 7-10 minutes out of Gardine. We ended up at the very end of the road where it loops back on itself in our truck camper. Road was a bit washboard and bumpy, but didn’t need 4wd. Saw elk, a beautiful sunset, and a full moon rise. No river views, but wildflowers all over. Some hikes nearby. We went to the end out of curiosity and passed about 5 other campers, but were alone at the end. Made dinner on our solo stove. Clean up though, because it is still bear country. ATT and Verizon service, mid to full bars. 30 minutes to the YNP north entrance.

        • Don&Becca W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site
          Jun. 21, 2024

          Little Trail Creek Road - Dispersed Site

          Roadside sites with fire rings

          Several roadside sites along this road that branches off Travertine Rd. A few sites are large enough for multiple tents/vans. Good Verizon service, poor AT&T service . We snagged the last site available the night we stayed, first site on left as you drive in. It is small but worked for our Sprinter.

        • E
          Camper-submitted photo from Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
          Jun. 15, 2024

          Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

          Good spot above

          There’s a spot down by the water that someone took with a tent who we let by us. We took a spot just above before you drive down to the water. I wasn’t sure if I could turn around my 20’ travel trailer down by the water. Very buggy.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
          Jun. 12, 2024

          Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

          Amazing place

          Views were amazing. The road was a little rough, but wide and easily passable. We had great Verizon cell service. Tons of elk around, as this is in an elk preserve. Overall excellent experience!

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 11, 2024

          Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

          Eagle Creek Road/ NF-3243

          Just passed the Eagle Creek Campground on Jardine Road. Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs. These are mostly little pull offs along the side of the road with great views into Yellowstone/Mammoth Hot Springs. There are more than a dozen good spots, but it also seems popular as I saw at least 10 occupied sites on a Monday evening. No cellphone service. No amenities, just the view and personal space. My Honda fit made it up the road no problem.

        • Rebecca V.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046
          May. 24, 2024

          Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

          Spot was closed

          The gate was closed when we went. We were also in an RV that doesn't do great with snow so we were going out to turn around anyway. Found a spot in the town of Bozeman. Would be great to know when these gates are open or closed though.

        • owen T.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp
          Mar. 30, 2024

          Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp

          Fishing access site. No developed sites. State of Montana lands .

          Rough camp. No amenities. Not large enough for motor home. But ok for pull camper. First come first serve. Looking for that free spot. Between the hotels and hassle.



        Guide to Pray

        Camping near Pray, Montana, offers a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

        What to do:

        • Wildlife Watching: The area is known for its diverse wildlife. Campers at Mammoth Campground — Yellowstone National Park rave about the wildlife sightings, with one camper noting, "We saw everything from elk to bears."
        • Hot Springs: If you're looking to relax, check out Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV. One visitor mentioned, "Between the free coffee, breakfast, & hot spring access, our stay was worth it."
        • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. Campers at Pine Creek Campground appreciate the nearby hiking options, with one saying, "Great trail nearby."

        What campers like:

        • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Red Cliff Campground said, "Beautiful Big Sky adjacent to Gallatin River."
        • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Yellowstone Edge RV Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor noted, "The restrooms, laundry, and all of the grounds are spotless."
        • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday, one guest said, "The staff is extremely friendly and helpful!"

        What you should know:

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV offers a fun atmosphere, with one reviewer saying, "Great RV park with hot springs."
        • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. Campers at Pine Creek Campground enjoyed the nearby trails, which are great for family hikes.
        • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. One camper at Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday mentioned, "The staff were quick to help and ensure we were taken care of."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your campground has the right hookups. Campers at Yellowstone Edge RV Park appreciated the full hookups, with one saying, "Nice level spots with lots of space and awesome river views."
        • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can get busy. A visitor at Red Cliff Campground noted, "It is right on the river and very close to the highway. This means it is not quiet."
        • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading out. One camper at Mammoth Campground — Yellowstone National Park mentioned, "For supplies, Mammoth is the closest place."

        Camping near Pray, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot or a lively campground, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pray, MT?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pray, MT is Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone with a 4.4-star rating from 30 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pray, MT?

          TheDyrt.com has all 39 dispersed camping locations near Pray, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.