Dispersed camping opportunities near Troy, Montana extend beyond the immediate vicinity into neighboring national forests. Forest Service Road 6746 provides access to remote sites in the Kootenai National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,900-4,500 feet. Most dispersed camping in this region requires preparation for variable weather conditions, as nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even during summer months.
What to do
Gold panning opportunities: At Libby Creek Gold Panning Area, visitors can try their luck at finding gold flakes. The area features "several sites with fire rings a short distance to the creek," though campers should note that "there is mercury contamination due to mining activity in the area in years gone by," according to Emmett S.
Boating access: Clark Fork River provides water recreation options for rustic camping near Troy, Montana. One visitor noted the area has "a boat launch with dock and another without," and mentioned "there are lots of cicadas to listen to in the brush, some mosquitoes and other lake bugs flying around, so be ready."
Mountain hiking: Backcountry exploration awaits at higher elevations. The trail to Engle Lake "is mostly uphill along both trails," and offers connections to "Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains," according to Arielle W.
What campers like
Riverside solitude: Pack River Dispersed Site offers waterfront camping options where visitors find "a few sites available along this road" that are "on the river and very peaceful," as Emma T. describes. Another camper notes the area is "good for horses, camping and solitude."
Wildlife viewing: The Cabinet Mountains wilderness provides encounters with local fauna. Near Engle Lake, "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," advises a backpacker who camped in the area.
Equestrian facilities: Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp caters to horse owners with designated equestrian areas. One camper called it a "nice equestrian campground" with "picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets" and "big pretty pine trees."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires preparation for rugged terrain. The Pack River area has "lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites," while still offering worthwhile destinations.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across dispersed camping locations. At one site, a camper reported "I get one bar of Verizon service but it's not very useful," a common situation throughout the more remote areas.
Overnight parking regulations: Cedar Creek Trailhead "is not officially a campground but the parking lot can be used for camping at after 5PM," providing "plenty of space for five or six tents or car campers" according to Clayton S., who added that a spring "runs next to the lot" for water filtration opportunities.
Tips for camping with families
Lake alternatives: When creek access is restricted, nearby lakes offer swimming options. One camper mentioned "Howard Lake Campground is nearby (mile and a half) with swimming opportunities and other amenities" when discussing restrictions at creek sites.
Wildlife education opportunities: The Cabinet Mountains area provides chances to teach children about wildlife safety. Parents should note that "there have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently," and should "bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent."
Backcountry introduction: Engle Lake Dispersed Camping offers "a great introduction to backpacking" with the 3.5-mile trail described as "challenging and encouraging" and suitable for "anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. One RV camper reported, "I drove a 24' class C RV and while there were a few different areas I could have parked, level ground was the principal factor for parking at a wide site right next to the road."
Road preparation: RV owners should secure interior items before traveling to dispersed sites. A camper advised to "just make sure everything is securely tied down and stowed" when navigating the washboard surfaces and chuck holes on forest service roads.
Single site opportunities: Beehives Lakes provides an "awesome single site adjacent to the Beehive Lakes trailhead parking lot," which offers convenient parking for smaller RVs while accessing trail systems.
