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Best Dispersed Camping near Red Lodge, MT

39 Reviews

The mountainous terrain surrounding Red Lodge, Montana features numerous dispersed camping options within Custer Gallatin National Forest. Silver Run and Rock Creek dispersed areas provide free primitive camping with drive-in access for those seeking basic outdoor experiences. The Beartooth Scenic Byway corridor, stretching from Red Lodge toward Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance, offers additional camping opportunities with spectacular mountain views. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or hookups, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for backcountry conditions.

Weather conditions in this high-elevation region can change rapidly, particularly along the Beartooth Highway where sudden snowstorms occur even in summer months. As one camper noted, "We had our itinerary set to stay at this site and then the weather turned terrible and it started snowing. We only had a tent with us and the wind was whipping so we had to pack up and head to Red Lodge." Many access roads to dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with some becoming impassable after rain or snow. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage and waste management practices.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and solitude available at sites near Red Lodge. River access is highly valued, with one visitor reporting, "We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning." Star-gazing opportunities are exceptional due to minimal light pollution. Wildlife sightings, including moose and bears, add to the experience but require appropriate precautions. The proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes these areas popular for travelers seeking more affordable alternatives to park accommodations. During peak summer weekends, the most accessible sites fill quickly, while those requiring more difficult access or lacking amenities often remain available even during busy periods.

Campground Showdown near Red Lodge, MT

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OR
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Red Lodge, Montana (16)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Red Lodge, MT

39 Reviews of 16 Red Lodge Campgrounds

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2019

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Perfect spot outside Yellowstone

    We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect. A nice pull off with several options to park a van, tent, or small trailer or RV. We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley. Wish we could have seen the surrounding area in the daylight but we got in late and were out early. From what we saw we highly recommend it!! It is dispersed Forest Service camping so you will need to have all of your own supplies and be sure to leave no trace (including your poop)

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Sunlight Camping Area

    Incredible Mountain Valley

    This site about 12 miles up sunset road along a very rough washboard dirt/gravel rod. The road was extremely dusty in the summer and almost forced us to turn back. The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming. The sunset in the valley seemed to go on forever and provided light up until 10 pm. You will need 4 wheel drive or high clearance to access the best sites next to the river. If you are willing to endure the drive and don’t mind rough dispersed camping, the beauty of the site more than makes up for it. No facilities here just a stone fire ring. The site is known for grizzly bears. So you need to be an experienced camper to enjoy this area or take precautions.

  • Corda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Check the weather

    We had our itinerary set to stay at this site and then the weather turned terrible and it started snowing. We only had a tent with us and the wind was whipping so we had to pack up and head to Red Lodge. I was SOO disappointed because I had been so excited to spend the night here. Unfortunately I couldn’t convince nature to cooperate. We already have plans to buy a camper van and return to this site next year because the view is worth the trip!

  • Cameron L.
    May. 22, 2025

    Sheep Mountain BLM

    Great location! Free boondocking!

    We were able to haul our 45-ft fifth wheel and find level ground. There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there. We boondocked here all week. Not far from Yellowstone and the town of Cody with amenities. The sheep mountain hiking trailhead is right here and lots of off-roading trails for single and double track. Great views. It was rainy and windy half the time we were here (late May). The roads were dirt but still solid and well maintained. Some of the hiking and OHV trails got muddy up on the mountain.

  • D0min0 3.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Sheep Mountain BLM

    Quick over Night

    Just a plot of land, when I showed up there was already a camper van. Next to the water, Stars were amazing!

  • HANNON C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Sheep Mountain BLM

    Sleep Under The Stars

    We have a truck camper and stayed one evening. There were two other people camping in this area as well. Perfect for rooftop tent/car/van camping. We arrived around 7 PM and had no trouble finding the location or setting up a spot. The views are incredible and very peaceful in the evening. There is a little noise from the roadway in the morning time. There’s a lot of horse poo in the area, be prepared for that. No issues with animals or people for that matter. It was a bit windy. Would definitely stay here again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping

    Open or Wooded — Your Choice

    Like most people, we had hoped to stay across the street along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. That area has 2 pretty shaded spots, and both were taken. We headed over to Pilot and we were pleasantly surprised. Yes, there is a big open area with little privacy if it is crowded. But it’s great for groups and perfect for solar and cattle watching (our dog loves to watch cows). But there are at least half a dozen wooded spots, setback. Three have bear boxes and are right by a hiking trail. Add to this the beautiful mountains, ease of access to Yellowstone or Red Lodge, and a clean vault toilet and we would stay again.

  • Scott D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2023

    Cedar Mountain Dispersed - Closed to Camping

    Questionable Location

    Popular with locals as a trailhead for day hikes. Very rough access road. Camping area was marked with no camping signs. Stayed one night then moved on.

  • Chad K.
    Mar. 9, 2021

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Best free camping anywhere!!

    This was hands-down one of the best campsite areas I ever found. National forest so it was open and free to whoever. Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder. Most turnoffs have places for three or four different groups to camp. Some with bear boxes and some without. Most are only a rocks throw from water. Crazy creek is a waterfall area across from crazy Creek Campground. Very worth the short hike. Yellowstone is only 10 or 15 miles to the west and the town of Cook City is there if you need any basic supplies.

Guide to Red Lodge

Dispersed camping areas near Red Lodge, Montana provide access to the Custer Gallatin National Forest at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 feet. Many sites require navigation of forest service roads that deteriorate with distance from highways. The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with higher elevation areas often inaccessible until mid-June due to snowpack.

What to do

Fishing access points: Lake Fork Roadside Camp sits adjacent to a river with multiple fishing spots accessible by short trails from camp. According to one visitor, it provides "lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back."

Mountain hiking: Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass offers numerous trails directly from campsites. A camper noted, "The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not too bad to get to."

Wildlife viewing: The area around Lulu Pass is known for abundant wildlife. One camper reported, "We spotted lots of moose, they are everywhere up there," while another mentioned seeing "a bear, moose and deer" during their stay.

What campers like

Riverside locations: Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping offers both open and wooded sites. A camper described, "Like most people, we had hoped to stay across the street along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. That area has 2 pretty shaded spots...But there are at least half a dozen wooded spots setback."

Cooling off options: Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground provides water recreation opportunities. A visitor described it as "perfect for fishing, floating and cooling off after a hike."

Isolation and quiet: Rustic camping areas near Red Lodge offer notable seclusion. One camper at Lady of the Lake described their experience: "It was so isolated and peaceful. We were only planning to stay 1 night and ended up staying 3 nights. We couldn't get enough."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. One camper at Lady of the Lake Trail noted, "I came up the road which starts out very nice gravel but then gets pretty rough and rocky."

Weather preparation: Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping experiences extreme weather fluctuations. A camper explained, "Right on the River, camping surrounded by gorgeous Mountains. Across is another Huge Spot for Camping. And it's Free."

Bear safety: Multiple sites require proper food storage. At Pilot Creek, a camper mentioned, "Some sites have bear boxes," which indicates active bear management is necessary.

Limited connectivity: Most dispersed camping areas lack cell service. A visitor at Beartooth Scenic Byway noted, "No cell service. Can stop at the bistro in town for food/wifi."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: For families, look for sites with natural barriers. At Pilot Creek, "There are multiple dispersed sites that back up to the Pilot Creek Trail. Plenty of spots in the grass for big rigs and trailers."

Temperature planning: Cliff Swallow offers more moderate temperatures at lower elevation. One camper noted, "About 7 miles west of Absarokee, 2.5 of them gravel...Some algae near the shore of river but waded out deeper for refreshing dip."

Access to amenities: For families needing occasional access to facilities, Lady of the Lake provides a balance of rustic camping with nearby town access. A visitor described: "Beautiful but had some active construction...It was very cold at night even in August."

Tips from RVers

Solar access: Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground provides good solar exposure. A visitor described the area as "spectacular. The property is immaculate. The reservoir is perfect for fishing, floating and cooling off after a hike."

Parking locations: At Pilot Creek, RVers recommend specific areas: "We ended up near the horse coral/bathroom (vaulted toilet), not ideal but worked in a pinch. Lots of mosquitos."

Site availability: For RVs seeking rustic camping near Red Lodge, arrive mid-week. One camper at Pilot Creek noted, "We intended to stay on the other side of the road, (river side) but missed the turn. We stumbled on this trailhead/OHV site and ended up staying here for the night."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Red Lodge, Montana?

Free camping near Red Lodge is abundant along the Beartooth Scenic Byway, which offers numerous pull-offs with space for vans, tents, or small RVs. These sites provide beautiful views and the soothing sounds of nearby rivers. Another excellent free option is Silver Run Dispersed Camping Area, which provides easy access to Red Lodge. These dispersed sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis and don't require reservations. Most free camping in the area is on National Forest land, allowing for 14-day stays. The best free sites can be found by driving west from Red Lodge on the Beartooth Highway and looking for established pull-offs. For the best experience, arrive early in the day, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly.

What dispersed camping options are available around Red Lodge?

The Red Lodge area offers several dispersed camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Sheep Mountain BLM provides dispersed sites with incredible views and accommodates various camping setups from truck campers to larger fifth wheels. The area is peaceful with amazing stargazing opportunities. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping offers another option near the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River with both open areas and more secluded spots. Additional dispersed camping can be found along Rock Creek and in the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest. These sites typically have no designated boundaries, so campers should look for previously used areas to minimize environmental impact. Most sites are accessible via gravel roads, though conditions vary seasonally and some require high-clearance vehicles.

Do I need permits for camping in the Red Lodge area?

Most dispersed camping in the Red Lodge area doesn't require permits, particularly on National Forest and BLM lands like Rock Creek Dispersed. These areas typically allow free camping for up to 14 days. However, regulations differ when venturing into Yellowstone National Park, where backcountry camping like at 2S3 Slough Creek requires backcountry permits obtained through the park's reservation system. Some areas may have seasonal restrictions or fire bans depending on conditions. It's always advisable to check with the local ranger district office in Red Lodge before your trip, as regulations can change. Remember that while permits aren't typically needed for dispersed camping, you must follow leave-no-trace principles and any posted regulations regarding campfires, waste disposal, and resource protection.

What amenities are available at Red Lodge dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping sites around Red Lodge typically offer very minimal amenities. At Little Sunlight Camping Area, you'll find basic sites with no developed facilities, though the spectacular views and solitude compensate for the lack of amenities. Some areas like Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground might offer vault toilets, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Most dispersed sites have no running water, electricity, garbage service, or restroom facilities. You'll need to bring everything you require and pack everything out when you leave. Fire rings may exist at established sites, but you should check current fire restrictions before your trip. Cell service is typically spotty or nonexistent. The trade-off for these minimal amenities is beautiful natural settings, privacy, and the authentic wilderness experience that draws many campers to dispersed camping in the first place.

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