Best Dispersed Camping near Trout Creek, MT

Trout Creek is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Trout Creek. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Trout Creek, Montana (30)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Trout Creek, MT

64 Reviews of 30 Trout Creek Campgrounds


  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    No bugs, good shade, right off highway

    A nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Engle Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great introduction to backpacking, beautiful location

    This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Quiet open site on the river

    Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.

    We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water.

    Pros:
    Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites. 3 bars Tmobile. Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down. 12 miles to gas station. Beautiful views.

    Cons: No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground) No potable water. Road/train noise. POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)

    Overall we loved this spot. Being ok the water in a mostly private setting with such amazing views is our goal. Little bit of road noise but hardly noticeable over the wind in the trees.

    Sites were clean but well used, so thank you to all the campers that took care of this place!

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    This is an okay place, don’t believe the hype

    Easy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.

    You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common

    Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    It’s okay, don’t believe the hype

    Easy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.

    You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common

    Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Easy, peaceful and beautiful

    So gorgeous! Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site. Super easy for quick stop road tripping (0.5 miles off main road)! Stayed in early September on a road trip to Glacier, was able to find our site decently well in the dark! Verizon cell service 3-4 bars! Loved it!

    The west is the only safe way to enter onto the road to the campsites. On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from the west).

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Sep. 24, 2022

    Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    Beautiful, right by the water

    Lovely dispersed camping area. Very pretty. We stayed for a night and were in good company. By the end of the day each site was filled and there were several folks driving through still looking for sites.

    They’re spaced out well from one another giving all campers lots of privacy. Very wooded with paths down to the water. We hung out on a hammock most of the day but it rained throughout the night and into the next day so I wasn’t able to snag any good photos.

    We small camper trailers, tents, single cots, and full RVs in this campground. Our site and seemingly most sites could have supported a 50 footer.

    Although a popular spot, it wasn’t loud and we didn’t really interact with other campers.

    There is a single vault toilet but no hookups. It’s dispersed camping. No water source beyond the river.

    Great spot, highly recommend. I would try to get there early to grab a spot (first come first serve.) We went late September and every spot ended up filled.

    ATT & Verizon service work well. Sites very unlevel

  • Kaitlin K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Buggy but Beautiful

    We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2024

    Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed

    Great location near the Hiawatha trail

    This is primitive off grid camping. No services, no water, no tables, just a bathroom in a field with a few campsites around it near the creek. Great location to stay if you're doing the Hiawatha trail and want to camp in the area. The busses picking up hiawatha trail users go right by the campground multiple times a day in the summer.


Guide to Trout Creek

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Trout Creek, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Engle Lake Dispersed Camping area features a challenging 3.5-mile trail that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Cabinet Mountains and the serene lake.
  • For a more relaxed experience, the Stevens Lakes Backcountry offers beautiful hiking paths leading to picturesque lakes, ideal for both tent and hammock camping.
  • If you're looking for a spot near the Hiawatha trail, the Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed provides a great base for exploring this popular biking route.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Trout Creek

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to great fishing spots near the 2 Mile Turn Off Dispersed Camp, where you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
  • Wildlife watchers can spot elk and moose while hiking the trails around Engle Lake Dispersed Camping, making it a fantastic location for nature photography.
  • The Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp is perfect for equestrian campers, offering ample space for horse trailers and access to scenic riding trails.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Trout Creek, Montana

  • Always store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife, especially in areas like Engle Lake Dispersed Camping, where grizzly bears have been spotted.
  • Bring a bear canister and place it at least 100-300 feet from your tent to ensure a safe camping experience in the backcountry.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at places like Oscar Miller Camping Area, where amenities are minimal, but the natural beauty is abundant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Trout Creek, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Trout Creek, MT is Engle Lake Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Trout Creek, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Trout Creek, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.