Dispersed camping areas near Townsend, Montana offer opportunities for economical overnight stays around Canyon Ferry Lake and the surrounding mountains. Sites range from lakeside spots with basic amenities to remote mountain locations with no facilities. Most areas enforce a 14-day limit and require campers to pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies.
What to do
Fishing access: Scott Reservoir Dispersed provides direct access to water with established sites overlooking the reservoir. One visitor noted, "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."
Mountain biking: Areas near Copper City BLM attract cyclists with trail access. A camper shared, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for animals at Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping where campers reported seeing wildlife. "The 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."
Hiking opportunities: Many sites provide access to trails, including Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping which connects to popular routes. As one camper explained, "It's also walking distance to the Fairy Lake trailhead and to the lake itself, which is very popular on weekends."
What campers like
Lakeside location: Canyon Ferry offers water access at various points around the shore. One camper at Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area reported, "Skip the first entrance on the right and go to the second or third to get to the NF land before you go to the marina. Vault toilets and fire pits and picnic tables provided."
Scenic vistas: South Fork Brackett Creek provides mountain views in a forested setting. A camper shared, "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!)"
Solitude on weekdays: Midweek stays offer more privacy at most locations. At Olson Creek Dispersed, a visitor wrote, "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."
Easy access: Many no-cost camping spots near Townsend have relatively straightforward approaches. "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."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most free camping options have minimal or no amenities. At Goose Bay BLM, visitors noted exceptions: "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 each site, and vault toilets provided."
Seasonal access: Some roads close during winter or spring conditions. A visitor to Copper City BLM warned, "The road to this location is closed, the bridge is out. There is no access."
Variable road conditions: Access roads range from good to challenging. At Olson Creek, one camper cautioned, "Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way!"
Weather extremes: Mountain areas can experience cold nights even in summer. "It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Look for spots with safe water access for children. At Scott Reservoir, a visitor noted, "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."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about bear safety in mountain camping areas. "I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!)"
Timing considerations: Visit popular areas on weekdays to avoid crowds. As noted at Confederate Disperse Camping Area, "I arrived on a Thursday with only one other person camping within 100 yards of me."
Weather preparation: Pack for variable conditions including cool nights. One camper at South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site advised, "It's about 20-30 minutes outside of Bozeman, MT. Happy camping!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs better than large ones. At Fairy Lake, a camper shared, "I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily, although this is by far the roughest road I've encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart! I saw a couple sprinter vans coming up but no other RV's."
Level parking: Look for spots where leveling is possible. "It's also about 15° cooler than Bozeman."
Length constraints: Most free sites have limited turning radius. "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."
Water planning: No hookups means carrying adequate water supplies. "Plenty of boondocking sites as you approach the campground. The campground, offers full hooks and dry camp."
