Best Dispersed Camping near Proctor, MT

Dispersed camping areas cluster around several lake and river access points near Proctor, Montana. The Swan River area features Blair Flats, a free primitive camping area with three designated sites. Additional dispersed camping options exist along the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River, particularly near Columbia Falls. The Hungry Horse Reservoir provides multiple dispersed sites along its shoreline, while Lolo National Forest lands offer more remote options. Most sites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service with standard 14-day stay limits.

Access roads to many sites require careful navigation, especially those reaching the Hungry Horse Reservoir dispersed areas, where approximately 20 miles of winding gravel and dirt roads must be traversed. Blair Flats can accommodate vehicles including small RVs despite some rough sections. Most dispersed sites feature basic fire rings but lack amenities such as drinking water, electrical hookups, or designated tent pads. A visitor commented, "If you're going to procure your own wood better be prepared to do a few hours of labor." Vault toilets are available at some locations, including Blair Flats and Lakeview, but many areas have no facilities whatsoever.

These primitive camping areas provide direct water access as their primary attraction. Blair Flats sites sit adjacent to the Swan River with a small boat ramp, while Hungry Horse Reservoir sites offer lake access for paddleboarding and fishing. One camper noted that "the water is cold and fast in May" at the riverside sites. Wildlife encounters are common, with food storage considerations important throughout the region. Bear boxes are available at Blair Flats. Several areas feature substantial tree cover providing natural shade and privacy, though many sites report significant mosquito activity during summer months. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most locations, with one reviewer confirming "0 cell service on Verizon or AT&T" at Blair Flats.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Proctor, Montana (32)

    1. Blair Flats

    15 Reviews
    Flathead National Forest, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Also was a place for a tent by the river and two other dispersed sites, again suited for overnight, as there are no facilities."

    "Lovely little campsite next to the water. A little buggy but not too bad. Campsites we’re clean, had a fire pit and nice flat tent area, pit toilet on site too which was a nice surprise."

    2. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    49 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    41 miles
    Website

    "The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."

    "We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"

    3. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    41 miles

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."

    4. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."

    "This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."

    5. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    47 miles

    "I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too."

    "Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020."

    6. GooseHead Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir."

    "Pit toilet, well maintained, and walkable from all spots in the area."

    7. Lakeview

    5 Reviews
    Essex, MT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "It’s free. close to the lake. The bathroom was pretty clean. Good for being a car access spot."

    "While somewhat hard to get to (roughly 20 miles on a winding gravel/dirt road following Hungry Horse Reservoir) this was one of my favorite spots to camp during the entirety of my cross country road trip"

    8. Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "The GPS coordinates for this place are slightly off. Look for Hungry Horse Rd and follow it 4 miles until you reach the Hungry Horse Reservoir Dam."

    "37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir"

    9. Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    10 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    42 miles
    Website

    "This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."

    "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river."

    10. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout. We stayed mid week during August."

    "Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Proctor, MT

209 Reviews of 32 Proctor Campgrounds


  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2022

    McGinnis Creek

    Great Site at the TOP- Watch Rig SIZE (see video review)

    In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 16 day stay limit.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llxG33OdoQ 

    Free Camping Near Glacier National Park- North Fork Road, Canyon Creek and McGinnis Creek Dispersed 

    GPS Point for North Fork Road Dispersed Camping

    48.499334,-114.131517 

    Natural Spring for drinking water etc. 48.447581,-114.165680 

    Conoco Station($5 Dump and Water) 48.371583,-114.203917 

    Bonus Content GPS Info Canyon Creek Dispersed 48.463612,-114.167320 

    McGinnis Creek Dispersed(start of road with North Fork Road Instersection) 48.52.3474,-114.128642 

    McGinnis Creek Large Boondocking Area from Video 48.531014,-114.157493

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    No bugs, good shade, right off highway

    A nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock

  • K
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome river side free camping

    The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    A+ campground

    I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too. Have a site that backed right up to the river.

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Quiet open site on the river

    Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.

    We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water.

    Pros:
    Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites. 3 bars Tmobile. Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down. 12 miles to gas station. Beautiful views.

    Cons: No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground) No potable water. Road/train noise. POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)

    Overall we loved this spot. Being ok the water in a mostly private setting with such amazing views is our goal. Little bit of road noise but hardly noticeable over the wind in the trees.

    Sites were clean but well used, so thank you to all the campers that took care of this place!

  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Perfect place right outside of glacier

    This was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it! We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    This is an okay place, don’t believe the hype

    Easy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.

    You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common

    Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere


Guide to Proctor

Dispersed camping near Proctor, Montana offers remote sites in dense coniferous forests at elevations around 3,000 feet. The camping areas experience significant temperature shifts, with daytime highs reaching 80°F in summer and dropping to 40°F at night. Many access roads require high clearance vehicles, with local campers reporting multiple water crossings and erosion channels during spring runoff.

What to do

River activities: Access points along the North Fork Flathead River provide excellent opportunities for swimming and cooling off. At North fork Flathead River dispersed camping, "The River was perfect for cooling off after being in the sun," according to one camper who spent three nights there.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk are prime times to spot wildlife along river corridors. A camper at Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping noted, "I loved this spot! I was able to get a spot back in the trees and shade a bit, but could still just walk down to the river."

Stargazing: Clear mountain nights offer exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. One visitor to the Flathead River area described, "The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it. Sites are rustic but there is a serviceable vault toilet that is regularly maintained."

Fishing: Local streams provide trout fishing from May through October. A visitor to the Peninsula Recreation Area shared, "Absolutely beautiful site right next to the river. Great for fishing, swimming, etc."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant distance from other campers. At Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "Sites are very private and spacious overlooking river. Minimal road noise."

Natural features: The river sounds provide a natural noise buffer at many sites. One camper described, "Arrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming back from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise."

Accessibility: Some areas provide access for multiple vehicle types despite rough roads. A reviewer at Blair Flats noted, "The road is rough, but has room at the end for a boat ramp, campsites, toilet and an overflow camping field that can accommodate several low fuss campers."

Beach access: Several sites offer direct access to sandy beaches along reservoirs. A camper at GooseHead stated, "Little walkway down to the beach as well. Absolutely no cell service once you turn off Highway 2 about 6 miles out from sight."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate significantly after rain. At Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, one camper described, "The road is only a couple miles long and not too rough but there is a private gated drive at the end."

Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common from July through September due to dry conditions. Always check current restrictions with the local ranger district before planning to have a campfire.

Limited facilities: Most sites lack basic amenities. A camper at Middle Fork noted, "If you're looking for absolute primitive camping, this is your spot! Down by the water, some campfire rings are already built for you out of the rock!"

Seasonal issues: Spring brings high water levels while late summer brings lower flows. A visitor to Blankenship Bridge warned, "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose locations with gradual water access for safer swimming. A family camping at Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed recommended, "If you kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access."

Wildlife precautions: Store food properly as bears are common. A camper noted, "Easy access! Solid place for camping. They have a few spots at the end of the road, and few places to pull off on the road. There's also a bear box at the end of the road."

Bug protection: Prepare for mosquitoes which are abundant near water from June through August. According to one camper, "The only negative thing about this campsite were the masses of mosquitoes and other bugs."

Water safety: River currents can be strong, particularly in early summer. A visitor warned, "The water is cold and fast in May."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Scout ahead before bringing large rigs down narrow roads. At GooseHead Camping Area, a camper with a larger RV advised, "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."

Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling blocks. One RVer reported, "We were in a 26 ft 5th wheel and had no problems fitting in. Also was a place for a tent by the river and two other dispersed sites."

Water access points: Some locations have unofficial boat ramps for launching kayaks or canoes. A camper observed, "There were 3 spots with fire rings, and a lot for tent campers to park their car. The '4th Spot' right by the river is not an actual spot. It is a boat landing that which the locals use."

Ground conditions: Watch for soft ground after rain that can trap larger vehicles. "Road has huge and I mean huge puddles. Very tight fit for truck and trailer for sure in a lot of the spots."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Proctor, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Proctor, MT is Blair Flats with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Proctor, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.