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Best Dispersed Camping near Terry, MT

8 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Terry, Montana (2)

    1. Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Miles City, MT
    31 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Short Pine OHV Area

    3 Reviews
    Glendive, MT
    30 miles

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Terry, MT

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Terry, MT

8 Reviews of 2 Terry Campgrounds

  • Bryan The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping

    Picturesque and Wild

    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.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2023

    Short Pine OHV Area

    A stop, not a campsite

    It’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.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping

    Great overnight stay

    We 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.

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Short Pine OHV Area

    Super private, great area!

    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. 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

  • CATHLEEN B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Scenery

    Strawberry 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.

  • Tiffany L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful quiet spot

    Absolutely 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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Short Pine OHV Area

    Gravel parking lot

    Stayed 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Strawberry Hill Recreation Area Dispersed Camping

    Pretty and quiet

    I 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.

Guide to Terry

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Terry, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while exploring the stunning landscapes of this region.

Thrilling Off-Road Adventures while free camping near Terry

  • The Short Pine OHV Area is perfect for those looking to explore rugged terrain with dirt bikes or four-wheelers, offering a private setting for off-road enthusiasts.

Scenic Views and Quiet Retreats for dispersed campers

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Terry, Montana

  • When visiting the Short Pine OHV Area, be prepared for limited amenities, as there are no water hookups or trash services available, so plan accordingly.

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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