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Silver Gate, Montana offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities on public lands surrounding Yellowstone National Park. The Beartooth Scenic Byway provides several free camping pullouts with river access approximately 20 minutes from the park's Northeast Entrance. According to camper reviews, "We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning," making these sites ideal for early wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley. Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass features tent-friendly sites with mountain views, while Custer-Gallatin National Forest dispersed camping areas provide more secluded options.
These primitive sites require self-sufficiency. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service exists at any of the dispersed sites. Visitors must pack out all waste and come prepared with sufficient water. Fire regulations vary seasonally; always check current restrictions with the local ranger district before camping. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations where snow may occur even in summer months.
Road conditions vary significantly between camping areas. The Beartooth Scenic Byway sites are accessible to most vehicles, while Travertine Road requires higher clearance. As one camper noted, "It is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV." Arrive during daylight hours to locate suitable sites, as most dispersed areas are unmarked. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many locations. For backcountry sites within Yellowstone National Park, permits are required and must be obtained in advance through the park's backcountry office.
"We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect."
"National forest so it was open and free to whoever. Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder."
"This site was quiet the night we stayed here and had good views of the surrounding mountains but there was a few excavating machines near the site."
"The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not to bad to get to."
"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."
"Yellowstone Back Country site 2S3 - Slough Creek is an amazing camping location if you enjoy a valley view with high peaks all around and herds of bison, not to mention the sunrise and sunsets. "
from $3 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning."
from $3 - $15 / night
Check Availability"No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at."
"Perfect dispersed camping. Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV. Our 20 footer made it fine."
"We arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks."
"Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs."
"The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming."
"Completely off the beaten path. The road in is actually quite easy and the area has many 4x4 trails to explore, although the campground should be easily accessible in 2wd."
"Perfect pull outs off Travertine up Trail Creek/FS 1701 just 7-10 minutes out of Gardine. We ended up at the very end of the road where it loops back on itself in our truck camper."
"Road should be accessible with a good clearance suv. No one around."
ScoutAbsolutely stunning spot. The mountain views from camp were unreal — especially at sunrise. Super peaceful, with minimal noise. No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at.
GuideWe 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)
ScoutPerfect dispersed camping. Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV. Our 20 footer made it fine. Also wouldn't want to drive it if rain forecasted as I bet the dirt turns to impassible mud real fast.
The spots themselves are wonderful, some very open, some tucked away along the rocks, all very spread out from each other. Super quiet. I can't believe how quiet it was.
If you want to feel like you are camping on a mountain in the middle of no where, this is it.
LegendCamp among wide meadows, lush forests, towering peaks and wildlife
Yellowstone National Park's back-country site 2S1 is definitely the most amazing back-country site our Venturing Crew has backpacked to this summer, and we have been to quiet a few. Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning. It is a 4.3 mile hike along the Slough Creek Trail to the spur trail for site 2S1, then a.6 mile hike to the campsite. Being.6 miles from the trail would usually mean solitude, but this site appears to be a popular fishing location as well as their was always someone fishing in the area. But don't worry, the campsite is fairly hidden from the creek and those fishing were very considerate. The campsite has numerous flat locations to pitch a tent. Their is a pole suspended between two trees for handing your food, but you don't need to use it as a bear proof locker has been placed at the site. A rock fire ring is available for fires and has large logs on two sides to sit on. Plenty of firewood is available in the form of large trees that are scattered on the ground through out the area, just find one of the older ones that are rotting and pull them apart and in a few minutes you have a nice pile of wood that will start easy. You don't need much wood at any one time on the fire to have a nice hot fire as this dry rotted wood really burns hot. If you are planning on having a fire be sure to bring a container to bring water from the creek to put it out with, as you are at least 50 yards from the creek. The view is amazing from camp, a wondering creek going though a wide valley with steep mountains on each side. In the evening we were treated to the alpine glow on the mountain tops for a good 15 minutes. Do you want to see wildlife, well we say plenty on this backpack trip. Hundreds of bison on the drive to the trail head, watched a black bear munching on various vegetation 100 feet from the trail, a young fox walked right by us on the trail, squirrels, chipmunks, a badger, sandhill cranes and other song birds as well. To get to back-country site 2S1 start at Slough Creek Trail head(2K5) and hike the 4.3 miles to the spur trail to the campsite. You will have one hard climb right of the bat, the first.7 miles is a steep climb, after that it is a easy hike. A warning, don't be shocked when you see lots of tourist heading out on the trail completely unprepared. We are talking about hiking in flip flops, no water, no bear spray, and this on a steep trail to start where we spotted the bear along the trail edge.8 miles in.
Ranger review of the Morsel Spork XL
We have been using the Morsel XL spork with out Scouts on several backpacking trips this summer and the unanimous opinion is a big thumbs up. We have used our Morsels with MRE's, and they truly out perform compared to the plastic spoon those meals provide. With backpacking dehydrated meals we are able to get out every little bit out of the corners of the bag without getting our hands messy. Bowls, cups, and plates, no problem getting to all the food, which makes clean-up after a meal easier. The variety of colors is helpful as well, as we can give each scout a different color so no one confuses their Morsel with anyone else, and we can quickly figure out who dropped theirs or left it laying around. The Morsel Spork XL is now our go to utensil for our backpacking adventures.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerWe 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.
GuideIf you keep driving past Silver run for anybody in a motorhome or hauling a camper, there are several pull-ups on the right and a few on the left that are BLM land. Easy access but I’m assuming any Class A wouldn’t be an option. We stayed up West Fork Road( continue past Silver run and take the next left) You’ll see several options to pull off( mostly on the right) There is a Federal CG caked Basin Campground that is at the base of a mountain and has a swift brook/river along its border for any fishermen. Site 7 and the two before it have the best water access. A few miles up the road is Cascade campground which is more rough to get to ( dirt road) and no bathrooms. We had an America The Beautiful pass and stayed for $10 a night at Basin. No hookups but very peaceful with nice hosts. Great place to stay if you’re looking to drive the Beartooth Highway. We rented a Polaris Slingshot in town to do this and it was amazing. There is no way we’d take our 22’ MH on the Beartooth. We saw people towing small campers but it’s full of twist backs with no shoulder. With that being said, I wouldn’t miss it!
LegendWe arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks.
Instead of camping somewhere in the park, we decided to drive through Gallatin National Forest, to the north of the park, until we found a good place to camp. We found a perfect overlook where we pitched our tent and watched the most gorgeous sunset. The best part? No people around for miles and miles.
Dispersed camping in the U.S. Forest Service land is almost always a win: the sites are free and remote; there are usually plenty of available spots; and you get a very unique camping experience. Just remember to look up regulations for the specific area you’re looking at, and don’t forget the toilet paper!
In Yellowstone, we worked our way from north to south, hitting the highlights. Many of the hiking trails were closed due to bear activity, so we stuck mostly to the close sights: driving through Lamar Valley, viewing Old Faithful & many other geysers, seeing Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and spotting wildlife everywhere we went.
You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Yellowstone)
TravelerGot into a spot around 6 or 7pm after spending the day at Yellowstone in late May and wow, you can’t beat the views for $0! We took the first spot we saw due to road conditions (we were towing a Uhaul trailer with our Subaru Forester) so we didn’t bother going up further.
Definitely a bumpy and steep ride for our towing situation but dang the views were insane over Gardiner and the mountains. Only one other camper van in view a ways down. Our spot had pretty bumpy ground so we ended up skipping the tent and just sleeping in the car. Woke up to a serious snowfall in the morning so we got out of there quickly, but we’d definitely stay here again if we weren’t towing.
Dispersed camping near Silver Gate, Montana provides direct access to Yellowstone National Park through forested mountain terrain at elevations ranging from 7,400-8,500 feet. The surrounding Custer-Gallatin National Forest contains over 3 million acres of public land with seasonal access typically running June through September. Winter weather can arrive unexpectedly even in summer months, with nighttime temperatures often dropping below 40°F.
Wildlife viewing after dark: Drive out to one of the Beartooth Scenic Byway sites with night sky views. "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," according to one Beartooth Scenic Byway camper.
Fishing in mountain streams: Several dispersed sites sit alongside pristine mountain waterways. "We 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," reports a Beartooth camper.
Hiking to hidden lakes: Access backcountry trails directly from multiple camping areas. "Sleep on Ribbon lake. Fire ring and bear hangers there. Very secluded," notes a camper at 4R1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry, adding it's "about a 2 mile hike to camp with a large elevation change."
Mountain panoramas: The elevated terrain provides sweeping vistas. "Montana Beauty...absolutely beautiful and worth it for someone who wants to sleep in a mountain viewing location," says a reviewer of Travertine Road Dispersed camping.
Crowd-free spaces: Many dispersed areas remain relatively uncrowded even in peak season. "We truly loved this place. It was so isolated and peaceful. The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other," writes a camper about Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain air with minimal light pollution creates prime stargazing conditions. "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," shares a Beartooth camper.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. "Road is bumpy but manageable. Wouldn't bring an RV though," warns a Little Trail Creek Road camper. Another notes, "The road is easy to miss, just a little dirt road off the left side of the road coming out of the NE entrance."
Weather changes rapidly: Temperature swings of 40+ degrees in a single day are common. "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," reports a Beartooth visitor.
Food storage regulations: Bear activity requires proper food handling. "Clean up though, because it is still bear country," advises a Little Trail Creek camper. Another adds, "There was a few Grizzly spotted on the trail around where we camped."
Pick sites with natural barriers: Look for spots with rocky outcroppings or trees to contain young explorers. "We stayed further in past the vault toilet where a tree labeled site A. Nice site for parking a car," notes a Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping visitor.
Bring extra layers year-round: Pack winter hats and gloves even in summer. "It was very cold at night even in August and we didn't know this when we set up camp," shares a Lady of the Lake Trail camper.
Plan early morning wildlife outings: Dawn provides optimal viewing with fewer crowds. "This was perfect. A nice pull off with several options to park a van, tent, or small trailer or RV. We...were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning," writes a Beartooth camper.
Size matters for road access: Large rigs struggle on most dispersed roads. "Open or Wooded — Your Choice... 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," notes a Pilot Creek camper.
Scout sites during daylight: Arrive well before dark to evaluate road and site conditions. "It is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it," explains a reviewer of Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping.
Water limitations: No water sources exist at most sites. "We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect... It is dispersed Forest Service camping so you will need to have all of your own supplies," advises a Beartooth camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is free camping available near Silver Gate?
Yes, free camping is available near Silver Gate. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone offers stunning free camping with mountain views, though note that it's accessed via a windy dirt road that may be challenging for larger RVs. Sheep Mountain BLM also provides free dispersed camping not far from Yellowstone with spots that can accommodate various vehicle sizes, including larger rigs. These areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis and follow standard dispersed camping regulations requiring campers to pack out all waste.
Where is Silver Gate dispersed camping located?
Silver Gate dispersed camping is primarily located near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Montana. The Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping area offers dispersed camping opportunities along the stunning highway that connects Silver Gate to Red Lodge. This area is ideal for early access to Yellowstone, with campsites about 20 minutes from the park entrance. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping is another option in the vicinity, providing accessible sites for those looking to explore Silver Gate and the surrounding wilderness.
What amenities are available at Silver Gate dispersed camping areas?
Silver Gate dispersed camping areas typically offer very minimal to no amenities, following true dispersed camping principles. At Falls Creek, you may find basic picnic tables and fire rings at designated sites, with the benefit of being located next to a river for water access (which must be filtered). Little Sunlight Camping Area features rough, minimally maintained sites but compensates with spectacular views. Most dispersed areas around Silver Gate have no toilets, no potable water, and no trash service, so campers need to be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.
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