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Map: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/Acton_GeoRef_2019.pdf Located approximately 18 miles north of Billings, the Acton Recreation Area consists of an extremely diverse landscape. With Cretaceous Age upland bluffs of Eagle sandstone, minor badlands, steep drainages, weathered shale, and scattered ponderosa pine, this 3,800 acre parcel of land allows for many wildlife viewing opportunities. Open to camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting (during season), Acton provides multiple possibilities for use year-round. About 6.6 miles of mapped roads are open for motorized use. The Acton Recreation Area is located within the Hoskins Basin Archaeological District, an area containing the remains of both conical and cribbed aboriginal wooden dwellings. Both types are increasing rarities on the northwest plains. Reports of early explorers indicated that dwellings of this type were once common. Due to loss through natural causes (weathering, floods, and fire), many of the structures have been lost. Their use for firewood and fence posts account for other losses. Distribution of the both the cribbed and conical dwellings is quite limited. The cribbed type is reported to have been spotted only from south-central Montana to northern Wyoming. The conical types have a wider range but are not as common in southcentral Montana as the cribbed. Only a limited number of these dwellings are known to exist. Sites with both types represented are fewer still. No off-road motorized vehicle use is permitted to protect the archaeological sites and wildlife habitat.
Dispersed CampgroundBears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.
Haymaker Park Trail (604) is a short trail that provides access to a system of trails. Nevada Creek Trail 601, Haymaker Canyon Trail 602, and Daisy-Mountain-High Trail 603 all join Haymaker Park. Haymaker Park offers large numbers of wildflowers in spring and has good views to the south down Daisy Canyon. Obtain a Forest Visitor's map for information on any travel restrictions. Length: 0.4 miles Trail Begins: Forest Road 189 Trail Ends: Trail Junction. 602 Area Map: Lewis and Clark (Jefferson Division) USGS Map1: Daisy Peak Township 11N; Range 11E; Section 26
Scout
Great place to pull off to get some rest at drive up campsites. The road right before getting to the park was washboard like (late Sept. 2024). Can drive quite a ways down but make sure your vehicle has Clearance cause the dirt road gets rough.
Guide
Worth the drive, had great scenery and a vault toilet. I checked out the first couple groups of sites with my Subaru Crosstrek pulling a square drop trailer without issue. About half the sites were available just before sun down, didn't have an issue picking a great spot for the night. Some cool trails to walk the dog and bike leading from the area. Cool little place to stay.
TravelerGreat spot short drive into Billing’s but in the countryside
TravelerPretty nice spot. A few spots were open. Need 4x4 to get down road all the way down, but few spots before it gets rough. Got there late and there was a few spots left. Overlooks a ridge line. Spots have firepits and picnic tables. Bring wood. Awesome spot and definitely recommend.
TravelerBeautiful camping area well maintained would expect it to be an actual fee Campground but it's disbursement. Each site has a picnic table and barbecue ring. Only bathrooms are at the entrance so bring your own. AT&t has decent signal
GuideOne of the nicest BLMs if that’s what’s called. 30 min from Billings, easy access, nice gravel even road, well marked entrance and even leveled sites. We got some screaming teenagers passing in the car but soon they stopped. We had a restful night to continue our roadtrip.
ScoutRolled up to Billings and needed a place to post up for the night. A quick 30 minutes and I made it to Acton. Lots of cool spots to camp, great view as I was able to back right up to a ledge. Some nice trails which were fun to crawl around.
ScoutSmokey view of sage brush. Extremely bumpy graded road to get here for over 6 miles. Couldn’t go faster then 15 mph. Campsites well kept with fire ring and picnic tables. Fine for one night . Put toilet at entrance by day use area.
GuideGot swarmed by mosquitoes. Made putting up and taking down the tent terrible. Bring bug spray or stay in a vehicle/ rv if camping here in June. Could be from all the flooding, but it was dry when we got there.
TravelerWas better and bigger then expected, camp up top the first 1-2 sections if not have a truck/high suspension for the dirt road further down. Excellent place too take 21 speed mountain bike too. The bathroom near entrance so camp first section if need that daily for easy walk to it. Took my 3 kids and had a great time for 2 days.
ScoutNeeded a spot to stay for the night and settled on coming here. wonderful views and relatively private spots compared to some areas. I was also pleasantly surprised to find an array of sweet mtb trails so my quick stop for the night turned into an actual noteworthy experience. Will definitely return
ScoutSo yes, the road leading to it is very washboard but stick with it! The views and trails are worth it. The wind does pick up at night so do stake out your tents fully!
RangerWe needed a quick place for the night on our cross country travels. We came across this spot on the Dyrt . Best part ? Free!! Let’s talk about the way there. We went thru Billings & it’s about 20 miles outside of the city. It’s mostly smooth sailing until you get to the gravel roads . Yikes ! We were towing a travel trailer & we were a shake, rattlin & rollin! Boy oh boy! I was a little worried. But once we got there, my nerves were put to rest . As you travel thru miles & miles off flat , farmland- it does not look like this place would be anywhere out here but boom! It suddenly appears & the landscape shifts . It’s a ways off the beaten path for sure ! And that’s fabulous! There are some spots right as you roll in but we went a touch further & found a primo spot nestled in the trees. There were some other campers but not anywhere close enough to feel like you have company. Some sites have trees & some are a touch more open . The sites are huge , well kept & most have a fire pit/ring & a picnic table. There are pretty decent bathrooms as you’re entering the grounds too. Be aware that At one point the gravel road thru the grounds ends and turns to a dirt road. A very very narrow one. If you’re tempted to go further down this road, don’t bother . There aren’t really any sites, just a few that might be & the road is anxiety inducing if you’re towing anything! If your mountain biking though, it’s pretty primo territory! The winds got pretty gnarly at night but it made for a cozy night in the camper. It’s quiet as can be out here & the stars are plenty. The views are spectacular too ! Pull up a rock , have a seat & sip a hot morning beverage under a beautiful blue sky . Just do it - it’s worth the voyage !
LegendLoved this campsite. A bit out of the way from the highway but worth it. About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others. Some trash at the site which was sad to see, remember to leave no trace! Great quiet night except for the cows!
TravelerBeautiful little spot about 25 miles north of Billings MT. Trails for biking and hiking. Fairly quiet and not to crowded. Just a bit windy at times.
GuideNice open campsites, but glass everywhere. We stayed at one of the first sites and found gladd scattered throughout the site. We were only staying for one night so we didn't bother looking at others. The site had amazing views. It was very quiet and peaceful.
GuideWent just past the vault toilets before the road turned to dirt as I knew it was supposed to rain. Lots of open campsites with picnic tables, fire pits and great views. It was super quiet and cozy. Heard some coyotes over night and saw some hunters in the morning
Legend
Disperse camping area 9210 is a two site camping area, with each site having a picnic table and metal fire ring. This is at the site of the former Indian Hills Campground which was decommissioned a few years ago. All of the campground was removed on the opposite side of the creek. The forest service left the first two sites for disperse camping. You can find the site by turning at the sign for forest road 9210, which goes for only a couple hundred feet to the two camp sites. Both sites are quite nice and sit among very large trees and along side the creek. An information sign is at the site.
GuideThis campsite is awesome. The gravel road in is great except the last two miles offer quite a bit of turbulence. When you get in you are greeted with gorgeous, large campsites, for any size rig. Each campsite has a fire ring (fire permitting) and a picnic table as well as ample space to spread out. It’s truly gorgeous.
GuideThis is one of my favorite local riding spots. The trails are well used and vary from flat and easy to moderately difficult. Lots of bicyclers on the trails. There are some camping spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shawmut, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shawmut, MT is Acton Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Shawmut, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Shawmut, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
