Dispersed camping near Roberts, Montana consists primarily of rustic sites situated along forest roads and waterways in the surrounding mountain terrain. Many sites lack designated facilities and sit at elevations between 5,000-10,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations regardless of season. The region experiences unpredictable mountain weather patterns with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months and early snowfall possible starting in September.
What to do
River fishing access: Lake Fork Roadside Camp provides direct river access for anglers, with one camper noting it's a "lovely spot near a river" with "lots of space" though they cautioned the "road was a bit rough in the back." The camp serves as a convenient base for fishing during periods when water levels are appropriate.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass attracts wildlife enthusiasts, with visitors reporting significant animal sightings. "We spotted lots of moose, they are everywhere up there," one camper reported after extending their planned one-night stay to three nights. Another camper documented seeing "a bear, moose and deer" during their visit, making the area ideal for wildlife observation.
Early Yellowstone Park access: Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping sites offer strategic positioning for Yellowstone visitors. One camper explained, "We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect... We 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."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Buffalo Jump Camp receives positive feedback for its river proximity, with one fisherman noting it was a "pretty decent campground" though they planned to "come back with the river is a bit higher to fish." The campground offers vault toilets and a sanitary dump station, distinguishing it from more primitive options.
Mountain views: Dispersed sites along Beartooth Scenic Byway provide panoramic mountain vistas. "I backed my van right up to the river with an amazing view of Pilot Peak in the background, and fell asleep to the sounds of the rushing water," one camper reported. Another found camping there "breathtaking" with "360 Views are Amazing" and "Plenty Room to Park."
Solitude and seclusion: Lady of the Lake Trail sites offer isolation from other campers. "It was so isolated and peaceful. The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other," observed one visitor who appreciated the privacy. These sites require more effort to reach but reward campers with greater separation from neighbors.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating rough forest roads. One visitor to Lady of the Lake Trail reported, "I came up the road which starts out very nice gravel but then gets pretty rough and rocky." Understanding vehicle limitations is essential before attempting these routes.
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations create significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer. "It was very cold at night even in August," reported one Lulu Pass camper. Another group camping at Beartooth Scenic Byway experienced more severe conditions: "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."
Bear awareness: Multiple campers report bear activity throughout the region. A Lady of the Lake visitor noted "there was a few Grizzly spotted on the trail around where we camped." Proper food storage is essential, with some Beartooth Highway sites providing bear boxes while others require campers to bring appropriate containers.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection criteria: When camping with children, prioritize sites with some amenities. Cliff Swallow offers riverside camping with vault toilets approximately "7 miles west of Absarokee, 2.5 of them gravel." The site provides opportunities for water play, though one visitor noted "some algae near the shore of river" and recommended wading "out deeper for refreshing dip."
Weather preparation: Beartooth Scenic Byway camping requires comprehensive weather planning for families. One camper with a planned overnight had to change course when "the weather turned terrible and it started snowing." Pack additional layers and contingency supplies even in summer months.
Water safety considerations: Camping near rivers requires vigilance with children. Multiple campsites sit directly adjacent to waterways, including locations where one camper describes being "right on the River Surrounded by gorgeous Mountains." Fast-moving mountain streams present hazards requiring constant supervision of young children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas around Roberts have limited space for larger recreational vehicles. One visitor to Cliff Swallow noted the "sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem," indicating small vans may access some sites, while larger RVs should seek alternatives.
Supply planning: The lack of hookups and facilities requires complete self-sufficiency. Beartooth Byway campers emphasized preparation: "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)." No water, electrical hookups, or dump stations exist at most sites except Buffalo Jump Camp.
Navigation challenges: Cell service is unreliable throughout the region. One camper advised that there is "No service but the bistro in Cooke city will give you WiFi if you eat there and that helped us get our navigation." Download offline maps before departure and bring physical maps as backup.
