Dispersed camping near Superior, Montana offers opportunities throughout the Lolo National Forest beyond the commonly known Clark Fork River corridor. Sites range from 1,800 to 3,500 feet in elevation, with mountain terrain creating distinct microclimates at different camping locations. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F, while nights cool to 40-50°F, requiring adequate sleeping gear even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing access points: Sites along the St. Regis River provide multiple entry points for fishing. "Beautiful site right next to the river. Spots are very private and spacious overlooking river. Minimal road noise," notes a camper at Clark Fork River dispersed site.
River swimming: Several camping areas feature swimming holes with varying depths. At Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, one visitor mentioned, "Arrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise."
Mountain biking: Forest service roads provide access to numerous trails. "Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out," explains a visitor about trail conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas provide natural separation. At Muchwater Recreation Area, visitors appreciate that "There's plenty of space between you and your neighbor. And it's dog friendly. Oh and the hiking is pretty good too."
Flat parking areas: Several sites offer level ground for easy setup. "Leveled gravel free space with some noise, loads of flat space, few other cars camping nearby. Beautiful river nearby," reports a camper at the fishing access near I-90 exit 30.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife throughout the seasons. One visitor at Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping shared, "super easy to get to! just exit off I90 onto Petty Creek Road and go straight for a mile or two... saw some deer, and lots of bugs."
What you should know
Cell service varies by location: Coverage differs dramatically between sites and carriers. At Big Pine Campground, "I had no service here," while another camper noted "T-mobile 5G UC signal from campgrounds. Day use area has wide open sky to recharge if needed."
Poison ivy presence: Some riverside camping areas contain significant poison ivy. One camper warned, "POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)" when staying at a riverside location.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to remote sites changes with weather. "Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky," notes one visitor about forest roads.
Limited turn-around space: Many forest roads lack adequate turning areas for larger vehicles. "Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size," cautions a camper about site access.
Tips for camping with families
Vault toilet locations: Know where facilities are available when traveling with children. "If you drive far enough you'll find pit toilets. We had good service on Verizon and T-Mobile to work. River is beautiful," explains a visitor at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.
Bug protection: Bring appropriate insect repellent for specific areas. One camper mentions their experience: "A bit buggy, no mosquitoes though. Great night sleep until OHVers came screaming through early."
Day-use alternatives: Several locations offer day-use access with more amenities. "Day use area has wide open sky to recharge if needed. Camp spots are shaded by trees. River access is along camp spots and also near day use area," describes a visitor at 2 Mile Turn Off dispersed camping area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all dispersed camping areas accommodate larger rigs. "Sign says no trailers where all the camp spots are and I would agree as there is no turn around room or ways to back in," warns a camper at Big Pine Campground.
Highway noise considerations: Proximity to Interstate 90 affects sound levels at some sites. "You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn't bother either of us," notes a camper at Petty Creek Road.
RV-specific parking tips: Some areas have designated spaces for larger vehicles. "We are parked in the front, I wouldn't recommend parking a 20ft plus rig in the back site," advises one RV camper about optimal positioning.
