Top Free Dispersed Camping near Townsend, MT
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Townsend, MT (17)
1. Confederate Disperse Camping Area
10 Reviews•23 Photos•72 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
2. Copper City BLM
4 Reviews•1 Photo•32 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Scott Reservoir Dispersed
2 Reviews•3 Photos•76 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
4 Reviews•13 Photos•117 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.
Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings. Contact your local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? To find out where you are allowed to disperse camp, please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details. To see our Motor Vehicle Use Maps, click here.
Can I have a campfire? Please use existing sites and fire rings. Firewood permits are not needed if wood is used on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use, you will need to purchase a firewood permit at the closest district office. This permit should be obtained prior to you gathering or transporting any wood.
Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.
The National Forest has wildfires each year. Many of these are human caused from escaped campfires in dispersed sites. Campfires are allowed unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office.
Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six to eight (6-8) inches deep at least 200 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Do not simply cover it with a rock. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
1 Review•4 Photos•28 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Olson Creek Dispersed
6 Reviews•20 Photos•98 SavesPeople enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.
Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic sites, and fishing areas and within close proximity of campgrounds. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. For information on occupancy and use, camping stay limits, weed free forage, visit Region 1 - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Travel to campsites must not create resource damage. Travel to campsites must not create resource damage Contact local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? Please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Tizer Lakes Dispersed Camping
Be the first to review!•9 SavesTizer Lakes is a state fishing access site located in southwest Montana. The lakes are accessible by pack trail, 8 miles from the trailhead. Tent camping is permitted with a 7 day limit, sites are primitive and no drinking water is available. Surrounded by Forest Service lands in Elkhorn Mountains with difficult access.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
9. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite
3 Reviews•14 Photos•75 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
10. Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
3 Reviews•2 Photos•37 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Townsend
36 Reviews of 17 Townsend Campgrounds
- HHunter
Scout
Copper City BLM
Bridge closed, no access!
The road to this location is closed, the bridge is out. There is no access.
TexasRe D.
Traveler
South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
2 peaceful nights
We were looking for an easy dispersed site to stay at while visiting a friend in Bozeman. This was an easy option for us with a 20ft camper. We stayed at the first pull off a few minutes off the main road. This site was easily accessible, right off the main road, close to town and close to some hikes.
- S
Sabrina V.Traveler
Cottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Very hard to find at night
This place seemed promising at first. It was hard to find a decent spot at night due to only using headlights of my van. Most of the road is extremely rugged/uneven/full of large holes. The only place I was able to stay for the night was the road leading up to the locked gate. This is about the only nice spot. Other than that this place is • quiet w/occasional traffic along the high way (right next to reservoir) • very few people here, but far enough away from me • no fee required • provides OK view to the mountains • great when you bring along a pet • you will need to be fully prepared for primitive camping
- Jaclyn J.Scout
Confederate Disperse Camping Area
Good gem!
I felt so secluded here on a Sunday night. Beautiful area. Appreciated the reviews on here to find a good free place to spend the night.
Rachel S.ScoutConfederate Disperse Camping Area
Great spot for the night
Stayed here twice in early August about a week apart. Any car should be able to get down the road to the campsites. A bit buggy but free. Pit toilet available.
Erik W.Scout
Olson Creek Dispersed
No trespassing signs everywhere
Not 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
John H.
Guide
Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping
Amazing camp site with tree cover and fire ring
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.
Bobby J.
RangerSouth Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
Ok stay
This was an ok stay outside of Bozeman. The coordinates took me to a spot which was occupied but looked like the only spot on that stretch of road. It began to get extremely rutted and I didn’t want to push any farther after that spot. I camped in what looked to be a dispersed campsite that they closed off
Renee G.GuideCopper City BLM
Classic blm camping
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. Also, note that this place seems common for mountain bikers and trail bikers, so you'll likely run into a few of those. Also also, this place is DRY--so be sure to bring your own water (but on the plus side, no bugs!!)
Rachel S.RangerOlson Creek Dispersed
Fine for a night but not many options
A bit confusing with all the no trespassing and no parking on/off the road signs. Felt more comfortable once we saw another van parked, and drove past the coordinate location a few minutes to use a tiny widened part of the road. No services.
- KKenyon S.Scout
Olson Creek Dispersed
Peaceful and Easy Access
Great spot and easy to get to. Exactly where the coordinates are pull off was big enough for my sprinter 170 extended was even able to get it perfectly level a few dirt bikes on the road that stopped at sunset. It’s very quiet and beautiful views and 15° cooler than Bozeman.
Jenna B.TravelerSouth Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
Beautiful secluded Mountain views
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. Very quite road. Level ground for car camping. Would 100% come back just for this gem.
Alex C.ScoutCopper City BLM
Open range
Plenty of pull out sites with some scattered man made fire rings. Secluded quiet and great views
Azaali J.Guide
Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3
Great little spot
We didn’t stay at this exact site as it was taken but there one more dispersed site about a mile or so down the road.
Was nice being close to the creek and there was lots of fallen trees we used for firewood.
Quiet spot with a small amount of traffic on the road.
Didn’t see any wildlife but the horseflies were a bit out of control this time of the year.
Ashley M.GuideCopper City BLM
Summer Biking
Great spot right on parts of the trial! It’s open and you can see miles in each direction. No shade, no bathrooms, but most have man made fire pits.
- AAlexander S.Scout
Confederate Disperse Camping Area
Too crowded / lots of full timers
There’s signs about limiting the stay to 14 days, but there clearly are people who have been here much longer than that. Way too crowded.
- MMarashaGuide
Olson Creek Dispersed
Really a 4.5 star spot
Beautiful 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.
- KKatie T.Scout
Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite
Good spot
Easy to find, road isn’t too rough, no service with t mobile, nice little fire ring. Definitely recommend getting there a little earlier to get the good spots
David H.TravelerConfederate Disperse Camping Area
It was ok
You can not stake anything down here. It's all sand. No cover from wind. Does have a vault toilet. Could see how to could very crowded in summer.
owen T.GuideCottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Cottonwood reservoir wilsall montana
Cottonwood 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.
Jenny&Tobias P.GuideCottonwood Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Overnight at a lake with mountain view
A few sites, close toe Hyw 89 through a Texas gate. We camped for a night and it's a beautiful space with stunning views and a reservoir right at the spots. No fire rings a little bit a rough road 4x4 and higher clearance recommended. Better no enter with big rigs or trailer. But a beautiful place to spend time.
Antha A.TravelerOlson Creek Dispersed
Beautiful views with little to no traffic
Spent 3 nights here and aside from a few cars, main traffic coming through was a few dirt bikes and dune buggies and a few folks on bikes. Pullout is on a corner turn and very obvious. Decent tent spot over the hill and on top if needed. Spot is exactly where coordinates are and cell service is decent. Wildlife did start getting a bit too close by day 4, so make some noise every so often.
Erik B.GuideOlson Creek Dispersed
Nice Jeep trail with a few pull outs and good views
I drove a few miles up the road and found a pull out area on one of the switchbacks. 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.
- DDon S.Guide
Scott Reservoir Dispersed
Great Secluded Reservoir
Great place to camp for overlooking the reservoir. Ran into one local taking pictures but left soon after. About 4-5 rock fire rings fairly close together. I had the entire place to myself on a Thursday night. Some bugs but not too bad. Road going around to the other side of the reservoir is gated and closed now.
Austin R.GuideConfederate Disperse Camping Area
Mostly quiet / Overall a good stay
Pulled in early on a Friday and it was already filling up. Stayed 1 week and was by myself for most of it besides the weekend. I did come back at one point during a storm to find a bunch of teenagers parked right next to my camper and when it stopped raining they started doing donuts and messing around. Also, the fire pit was full of garbage when I got there. Overall it was a great stay, especially since it was free. The reception was good, the road just leading to the camping spots was a little bumpy
- Ashley C.Scout
Scott Reservoir Dispersed
A nice view of the reservoir
Came up here in a whim one night and got lucky! No one else camped up there so it was peacful. You're right by the water with. Great mountain view, couldn't ask for more.
There were just a few cars driving back down the mountain in the evening. But no one bothered.
There's a nice hand full of spots you could pull up in a car, maybe two spots your could fit a small trailer in. About four or five fire rings in the immediate area. I wouldn't be surprised in there were more spots in the area or the other side of the reservoir.
Pretty easy to get to from Helena. Just take Rimini road all the way up, past the town, past private property. At some point I took a right onto Goulds.
Not the best roads but I got up there fine with my 2015 Outback just fine.
- Kimberly L.Traveler
South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site
Gorgeous mountain views
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). 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!
Guide to Townsend
Camping near Townsend, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore the water: Many campgrounds, like Court Sheriff Campground, are right by the water. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is right against the sites and makes for a beautiful place to stay."
- Hiking and biking: Trails are available for those who enjoy walking or cycling. A visitor at Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground noted, "The paved trail is really nice and is far enough off the road for a great morning run."
- Fishing: Campgrounds like Black Sandy State Park Campground provide access to fishing spots. One camper shared, "All the sites are on the water. Nice swim area. Clean bathrooms."
What campers like:
- Scenic views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping said, "This is a lovely little campground & it’s free! Just about every site is on the water."
- Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful experience. A visitor at Hellgate Campground mentioned, "Quiet and almost empty Wednesday/Thursday."
- Friendly hosts: Campers often highlight the helpful staff. One camper at Three Forks KOA Journey said, "Beautiful facilities and friendly helpful staff."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes can be a problem: Campers at Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitos were so bad we immediately left and found another place to stay for the night."
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Black Sandy State Park Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "You must already have water or get it at the dump station at the entrance."
- Crowded during peak times: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Court Sheriff Campground mentioned, "I was told it books up early for weekends by reservation."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Three Forks KOA Journey, where one reviewer said, "The restrooms and showers were nice and clean."
- Plan for activities: Make sure to have games or outdoor activities ready. A camper at Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping mentioned, "We swam in the water and it was nice."
- Check for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds have playgrounds or open spaces. A visitor at Three Forks KOA Journey noted, "The kids had fun."
Tips from RVers:
- Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Three Forks KOA Journey offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. One reviewer said, "Bathrooms and shower house were very clean and private."
- Be cautious of tight spaces: Some campgrounds may have narrow roads. A camper at Black Sandy State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are really tight to get into with a larger rig."
- Check for cell service: If you need to stay connected, look for campgrounds with good reception. A visitor at Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping noted, "Service was good for us to work remote."
Camping around Townsend, Montana, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be prepared for the bugs and check the amenities before you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 17 dispersed camping locations near Townsend, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.