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Best Dispersed Camping near Seeley Lake, MT

39 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Seeley Lake in western Montana's mountains, with Lake Marshall and Lake Elsina being highly rated options accessed via forest service roads. Both locations permit campfires and allow pets but offer no facilities whatsoever. A visitor noted that Lake Marshall features "only 1 site on the lake shore, 2-3 other sites scattered along the road," making early arrival essential to secure prime spots.

More remote backcountry options include Pyramid Lake and Lucifer Lake, accessible only by hiking into wilderness areas. These locations require physical effort but reward campers with pristine alpine settings. A review mentioned Pyramid Lake as having "spotty cell reception on shore of lake. Wonderful views, lots of wildlife (including bears...)." Lucifer Lake requires a nonresident reservation conservation permit and particular caution during late summer when grizzlies are active. Placid Creek Pull Off provides an easier access alternative with an outhouse but limited parking, described as having "4-5 semi designated parking spaces. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Seeley Lake, Montana (15)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Seeley Lake, MT

15 Photos of 15 Seeley Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Seeley Lake, MT

39 Reviews of 15 Seeley Lake Campgrounds

  • H
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Mining ghost town for day or overnight

    Many states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management. You need to pick up a map of exactly where you’re allowed to camp (there are no facilities, obviously). You can also rent “cabins” which are buildings from before the building became ghosted (but have been updated). Even if you don’t want to camp you can tour the town and have a surreal afternoon imagining what it’d be like to be a miner back in the day.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    dispersed camping

    first dispersed camping spot for Lolo from the entry road for this Forest Service land entry. Just cross the bridge, and be careful of high water (signs stating it's impassable 100 yards past the photo of the bridge when high water.) The grey area is public land the white square at the end of the road is private property by the map legend. 

    maps attached are screenshots from the National Forest Service online map as of Sept. 8th, 2023.

    The dots show where dispersed camping is allowed for this spot.

  • Reames C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    Very sunny and exposed spots, unsure if legal, but great river access

    Not for low clearance vehicles, it’s not far off the highway but we struggled with the two narrow bridges with tight turns in our travel trailer and then there’s a large flood way dip in the road that you can bottom out on. Unsure if this was legal camping as there are no defined spots and limited pull offs. Felt like I was looking over my shoulder for a ranger. Most everything is exposed to direct sunlight so it gets HOT in the summer. Our AC did not even budge the temps sometimes. Good fishing access and a cool area to visit. We overnighted here a couple nights before going to ekstrom which is before this place when getting off the highway and has power and water for a recharge day.

  • Amanda L.
    Jun. 17, 2016

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Wonderful Summer Camping and Winter Cabining

    Camping is dispersed and a little eerie. This ghost town is complete with still stocked shops, empty hotels with beds left in and slowly aging buildings. It is an interesting look at the mining industry in Montana. There are numerous interpretive signs and information about the building throughout the town and rangers on site during the summer months to answer questions. During the winter two of the cabins (the larger of which is the old saloon) are available to rent through the forest service. Most of my recent trips have been during the winter months, where the town is only accessible by ski, snow shoe or feet. Then it is silent and strange but heart breakingly beautiful.

  • SpentBrassOffroad B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Simple In & Out

    Great little spot to hold over for the night. The GPS coordinates listed on the map are spot on, and the turn-off comes up quickly. There look to be 4 spots. I used the one right by the road turn off. There was another person who had a travel trailer in another. It's close to the highway and just over the river in Lolo forest lands. Only stayed one night, but the guy in the camper says he's been there for weeks, and nobody has bothered him.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Amazing quiet and private spot!

    What a great spot! 3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there. Someone else pulled in around 9 but the sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there. Felt very private, and the stars were fantastic! Creek bed runs right next to the back site, but it was completely dried up in late July.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    Decrepit bridges, gorgeous

    We camp d down the road at Eckstrom’s but I walked down to check out the free spot, having chafed at spending $53 for no water/no electric. In a word, I was wrong to have pushed for heading to Rock Crerk— we would have felt really uncomfortable crossing even the first bridge, which had a bit out of it’s concrete edge, as though it had been hit by an elephant-sized tumbling boulder. On the upside, locals I ran into there love the fly-fishing at this site. If you have a passenger car, it’s passable— if you don’t mind rolling the dice.

  • Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2024

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    Primative but usable

    Open. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces. More if you were cozy. Not recommended for low clearance or large vehicles

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Small but good stop

    Right off the road and easy to get to. I only saw 2 spots and the other was occupied. Both had fire rings but we were in a fire restriction. I got the site closest to the road and it was not so bad, I was camping in my car anyway. The spot seemed pretty level. The trees were gorgeous. Not bad for a free spot.

Guide to Seeley Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Seeley Lake, Montana, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Dispersed campers should check out Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

  • This unique location offers a glimpse into Montana's mining history, allowing visitors to explore the remnants of a ghost town while enjoying the surrounding wilderness. Check it out at Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping.
  • Although camping is restricted within a half-mile of the town, the area is rich in history and provides a surreal experience for those interested in the past.
  • Visitors can enjoy a picnic area nearby, making it a great spot for a day trip or a brief stop while exploring the region.

Top activities while free camping near Seeley Lake

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic trails leading to breathtaking views, especially around Pyramid Lake Backcountry Primitive, which is known for its stunning alpine scenery.
  • Fishing is a popular activity in the area, with many lakes and streams teeming with wildlife, including the chance to catch a glimpse of bears and other animals.
  • Campers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife while taking in the natural beauty that surrounds Boulder Lake Backcountry Site.

Unique attractions for dispersed campers

  • The rugged terrain and pristine waters of Lake Elsina - Dispersed offer a breathtaking backdrop for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Adventurers can explore the nearby trails leading to hidden gems like Lake Marshall, where the serene environment is perfect for relaxation and reflection.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry provides an opportunity to connect with nature in a less-traveled area, ideal for fishing and hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RV camping allowed at dispersed sites near Seeley Lake?

RV camping is allowed at some dispersed sites near Seeley Lake, but access and suitability vary significantly. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping has accommodated travel trailers, with about 3-4 sites available. However, Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo presents challenges for larger vehicles, with narrow bridges, tight turns, and potential road dips that could cause bottoming out. Most dispersed sites aren't level and lack amenities like hookups or dump stations. Before bringing an RV, scout locations first or research thoroughly, focusing on road conditions, clearance requirements, and turning radius needed for your specific rig.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Seeley Lake, Montana?

Dispersed camping options near Seeley Lake can be found on public lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM. Placid Creek Pull Off offers 4-5 semi-designated spots near a creek, though the dirt entrance is rough and not ideal for low clearance vehicles. Lake Elsina - Dispersed provides another option in the area. When dispersed camping, always obtain maps showing designated areas, as camping is only permitted in specific locations. Look for established fire rings to identify appropriate sites, and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and properly managing waste.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Seeley Lake?

Dispersed camping sites around Seeley Lake typically offer minimal to no amenities. Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping and similar dispersed areas have no facilities as standard practice. Some sites like Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed may have established fire rings but little else. Occasionally, a basic outhouse might be available at certain locations, but you should prepare to be fully self-sufficient. Bring your own water, waste disposal system, and food. Cell service is unreliable in many areas, so download offline maps before your trip and pack emergency supplies.

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