Dispersed camping near Terry, Montana centers around two primary areas: Strawberry Hill Recreation Area and Short Pine OHV Area. These Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands provide primitive camping opportunities in the rolling plains landscape of eastern Montana. Strawberry Hill features several undeveloped sites along a rough access road, while Short Pine serves dual purposes as both an off-highway vehicle recreation area and dispersed camping zone. Neither location has designated campsites, allowing visitors to select suitable areas following standard dispersed camping practices.
Road conditions require careful consideration at both locations. Strawberry Hill demands four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles due to steep grades and rough terrain. As one camper noted, "I feel a 4 wheel drive is pretty much a must." The road ends after approximately one mile, with potential camping spots along the way. Short Pine OHV Area offers somewhat better accessibility but still presents challenges for larger vehicles. Both areas follow standard BLM dispersed camping regulations with a typical 14-day stay limit. Neither location provides drinking water, and Strawberry Hill lacks toilet facilities entirely while Short Pine maintains basic pit toilets.
The camping experience varies significantly between the two areas. Strawberry Hill provides a quieter, more natural setting with minimal facilities but impressive views. "Beautiful quiet spot with stunning views," reported one visitor, though they cautioned about broken glass at some sites. Short Pine caters more to off-road enthusiasts, which affects the camping atmosphere. "Some groups were ripping around on their OHVs late into the night, which was less than desirable," one camper mentioned, while another called it "super private" and "excellent for jeeps/off-road vehicles." Both areas offer stargazing opportunities and scenic badlands terrain. Wildlife sightings are common, primarily birds and small mammals adapted to the semi-arid environment.
"Primitive style camping with a rough road leading to potential site. Definitely need AWD or 4WD. Be wary of broken glass at sites. Views were beautiful and stargazing was awesome top tier."
"This is BLM land for dispersed camping.
There is a pretty steep hill down. No problems with pickup camper.
Sites access best suited for vans, pickup campers or small class C."
"This was an excellent spot for jeeps/off road vehicles. Very private, lots of fun if you have dirt bikes or four wheelers with you to explore."
ScoutPrimitive style camping with a rough road leading to potential site. Definitely need AWD or 4WD. Be wary of broken glass at sites. Views were beautiful and stargazing was awesome top tier.
LegendIt’s a really pretty area! Very quiet. Great if you’re offroading. Pit toilet. No water, no other amenities. Only 7-8 miles from Glendive and 94! Weird little bugs that pack a bite for their size. And some flies.
LegendWe were on our way to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and needed an overnight.
This is BLM land for dispersed camping.
There is a pretty steep hill down. No problems with pickup camper.
Sites access best suited for vans, pickup campers or small class C. Smal trailer might be able to make it.
This is a beautiful area and was very quiet. There is a highway nearby but almost no traffic.
GuideThis was an excellent spot for jeeps/off road vehicles. Very private, lots of fun if you have dirt bikes or four wheelers with you to explore. It’s just off the road so we heard cars going by every once in awhile, but for the most part had the area to ourselves. Only bugs were grasshoppers. Pit toilet was clean and unlocked. There was a map of the entire park as well. Probably one of my favorite spots
GuideStrawberry is a beautiful area and good for an overnight stay. There is a walking trail from the main parking lot, and there may be more spots to hike in that I didn't explore. I drove in about the mile until the road ends and you have to turn around. There are no designated areas off the road, no fire pits or tables. Im posting some video of the road in, I feel a 4 wheel drive is pretty much a must.
ScoutAbsolutely stunning views with calling off the beaten path. You definitely need awd or 4wd as the terrain is rugged getting to sites. The first one or two aren’t terrible. We stayed just past the gate a ways in (after the two sites) and there was a little fire ring. Explored a bit further and wouldn’t advise as it’s very rough and didn’t see much for quality camping. No highway noise but did get windy overnight
ScoutStayed on a Friday night. A few big toy hauler RV's were there and ran their generators late into the night. Some groups were ripping around on their OHV's late into the night (past midnight) which was less than desirable. Pretty area, but know what you might be in for.
GuideI pulled off at the second camping spot. There was a bit of a slope but not too bad for the van. It’s an okay spot for small clac C and smaller. I didn’t go any further so I’m not sure if there’s larger and flatter spots further down.
Dispersed camping options near Terry, Montana provide rustic overnight accommodations in the semi-arid badlands terrain of eastern Montana. The area sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation and experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows well below freezing. Free camping near Terry offers minimal amenities but substantial privacy for self-sufficient campers prepared for primitive conditions.
**Badlands exploration: Easy hiking opportunities exist throughout the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area. "There is a walking trail from the main parking lot, and there may be more spots to hike in that I didn't explore," notes one Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping visitor.
**Wildlife observation: Morning hours provide optimal viewing of native species. "This is a beautiful area and was very quiet. There is a highway nearby but almost no traffic," reports a camper at Strawberry Hill Recreation Area.
**Off-road vehicle recreation: The designated trails at Short Pine OHV Area accommodate various skill levels. "This was an excellent spot for jeeps/off road vehicles. Very private, lots of fun if you have dirt bikes or four wheelers with you to explore," a visitor mentions.
**Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Views were beautiful and stargazing was awesome top tier," according to one Strawberry Hill camper.
**Privacy: Many sites offer considerable separation from other campers. At Short Pine OHV Area, one visitor reports, "It's just off the road so we heard cars going by every once in awhile, but for the most part had the entire area to ourselves."
**Budget-friendly accommodations: The free camping near Terry provides economical overnight options for travelers. "We were on our way to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and needed an overnight. This is BLM land for dispersed camping," notes a visitor to Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping.
**Vehicle requirements: Access roads present challenges for standard passenger vehicles. At Strawberry Hill, a camper advises, "Definitely need AWD or 4WD. I pulled off at the second camping spot. There was a bit of a slope but not too bad for the van."
**Limited facilities: No potable water exists at any dispersed camping locations near Terry. At Short Pine OHV Area, "Pit toilet was clean and unlocked. There was a map of the entire park as well. No water, no other amenities."
**Site selection considerations: Suitable camping areas vary considerably. "I drove in about the mile until the road ends and you have to turn around. There are no designated areas off the road, no fire pits or tables," reports a Strawberry Hill camper.
**Insect preparation: Pack appropriate repellent for seasonal pests. "Weird little bugs that pack a bite for their size. And some flies," reports a visitor to Short Pine OHV Area.
**Campsite hazards: Inspect potential sites carefully before setup. "Be wary of broken glass at sites," cautions a Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping visitor.
**Weather protection: Wind exposure affects certain camping areas. "No highway noise but did get windy overnight," notes a Strawberry Hill camper.
**Size limitations: Large RVs face significant access restrictions. At Strawberry Hill, "Sites access best suited for vans, pickup campers or small class C. Small trailer might be able to make it."
**Generator etiquette: Noise considerations affect camping experience. One Short Pine OHV Area camper reported, "A few big toy hauler RVs were there and ran their generators late into the night."
**Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires preparation. "There was a bit of a slope but not too bad for the van. It's an okay spot for small class C and smaller," notes a Strawberry Hill visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Terry, Montana?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Terry, Montana. Short Pine OHV Area is a convenient option located only about 7-8 miles from Glendive and Interstate 94, making it easily accessible for overnight stays. The area is particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts. Additional dispersed camping can be found throughout the BLM lands surrounding Terry. These areas typically allow stays up to 14 days and don't require reservations. Look for established pull-offs with evidence of previous camping, and always verify you're on public land before setting up camp.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Terry Badlands?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in the Terry Badlands, which is Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping offers primitive dispersed camping opportunities within the badlands. The area features beautiful views and excellent stargazing opportunities. Access requires navigating steep terrain and rough roads, so vehicles with AWD or 4WD are recommended. As with all BLM dispersed camping, visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all waste, and be prepared for no services or facilities.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Terry, MT?
Dispersed camping sites near Terry, MT offer very minimal amenities, consistent with true dispersed camping experiences. At Short Pine OHV Area, you'll find basic pit toilets but no drinking water or other facilities. The area is quiet and scenic, though you may encounter other campers with RVs or OHVs, especially on weekends. Most dispersed sites in the region, including those in Strawberry Hill, have no designated camping areas, no water sources, no trash service, and no hookups. Campers need to be fully self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and power. Cell service may be limited in these remote areas.
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