Townsend is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Townsend is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Townsend, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"Canyon Ferry has great dispersed camping all around it. The specific site we stayed at was right next to the beach. Great views and right down from a pit toilet."
"Pit toilet available."
"Tons of spots for camping and big rigs up to 50 ft long with spots a couple of hundred feet from the reservoir itself and lots of shade in places with decent privacy and picnic tables and fire rings at"
"Pretty much can find a nice spot and most all are lake accessible."
"Plenty of boondocking sites as you approach the campground. The campground, offers full hooks and dry camp."
"Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."
"No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits."
"I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime."
"There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered."
"Road going around to the other side of the reservoir is gated and closed now."
"There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."
"This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles."
"I went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs)."
"Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites."
"There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently"
"It mentions private property but I think that’s the areas off the road. A few trucks with Mtn. bikes drove past at dusk but after that it was peaceful and a nice solitary overnight spot."
LegendBumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike. This is one of three disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot River in the Helena National Forest that have been marked by the Forest Service as a disperse camping area. This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs. The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table. A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling. The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat. Another short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place. The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road.
ScoutThe gate was closed and does not open until May 15. I was able to walk up about less than a quarter mile and find a flat ground where I was able to set up my shelter. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime. Since it’s on a mountain, the amount of flat areas are limited so it’s first come first serve. I took my bike and rode the Road a little bit and found an opening with an amazing spot to put up a hammock. There are absolutely no amenities here and you’re required a shovel and bucket if you were camping pack everything out and leave no trace. You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made. There are bullet holes everywhere in signs and remnants of shells everywhere to be honest the vibe was very off almost eerie and deadening silence. I did not really enjoy the vibe, but that was me personally I’m sure you’ll enjoy this very much.
LegendThis is the 3rd and final disperse site that the Helena National Forest has marked along the little Blackfoot River. It is nice to be sure that you are on public land when in an area checker boarded with private land. This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RV's. Site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away. Plenty of wood can be found for making a fire. Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end. Water can be easily filtered from the river (more like a creek at this point)
LegendThis is the second disperse camping sit along the Little Blackfoot River that has been marked as a disperse campsite by the Helena National Forest. It is nice having these sits marked by the Forest Service as their are several parcels of private land along the road. This site is small with only one small level area for a tent of mid sized RV. The site has a large rock fire ring in the center. Their is no easy trail access to the river. Plenty of down trees in the area for firewood if you have a way to cut them, their is also plenty of small stuff that can be easily collected for a fire. Site is right next to the road, but road noise should be little to none as a few curves will slow vehicles down and their isn't much more road left until the campground and trailhead at the end of the road.
GuideBeautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.
GuideCottonwood Reseravoir DNRC land section. accessible for overnight camping under DNRC rules. The reservoir has Yellowstone cutthroat trout and white suckers. No wifi, no trash, no bathrooms. Completely wild. Stars at night amazing. All kinds of waterfowl passing seasonal. No amenities.
TravelerI went a little further up the mountain than the coordinates (about 5 miles) and found a spot off the road (4wd highly recommended, no big rigs). The mountains were pink and purple at sunrise, awesome views! I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there. It's about 20-30 minutes outside of Bozeman, MT. Happy camping!
ScoutNot to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot
GuideThere is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here. I went all the way to the dispersed campsite above Fairy Lake. I felt it was adequate but the 2 remaining sites were full sun and the trailhead right below the CG was packed (approx. 30 vehicles)
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Townsend, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while taking in stunning landscapes and the tranquility of the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Townsend, MT?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Townsend. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite in Helena National Forest offers marked sites along the river, ideal for both tent camping and small RVs. The Forest Service has designated three sites in this area, making it easy to ensure you're on public land. Goose Bay BLM provides numerous spots close to the reservoir with a 14-day stay limit. For additional options, consider Canyon Ferry Lake area or the Bridger Mountains region. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season (May-September) is recommended. Always check seasonal road closures before heading out, as some areas like Kelly Gulch Road don't open until mid-May.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Townsend?
Dispersed camping sites around Townsend typically offer minimal amenities, as is standard with primitive camping. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping is completely wild with no facilities but offers amazing stargazing and seasonal waterfowl viewing. At Olson Creek Dispersed, you'll find small spaces with natural surroundings, birdsongs, and solitude, but no facilities. Some sites like those at Battle Ridge have flat tent pads and basic fire rings. Certain BLM areas provide vault toilets and established fire rings with picnic tables. Most dispersed sites require you to pack in all supplies (including water) and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically unreliable. For any dispersed camping, prepare to be fully self-sufficient with your own water, toilet supplies, and waste disposal plan.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Townsend, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Townsend, MT is Confederate Disperse Camping Area with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Townsend, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Townsend, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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