Dispersed camping sites near Bonner, Montana dot the surrounding national forest lands between 3,200 and 5,800 feet elevation. The area experiences warm summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F with cooler nights dropping to 40-50°F. Fall camping season extends through late October when aspens turn golden and temperatures cool significantly, requiring warmer gear for overnight stays.
What to do
Fishing access points: Rock Creek Dry Campsites offers excellent fishing opportunities along Rock Creek, located about 10 miles from the main road. "Gorgeous area deep back on rock creek. Pass campgrounds with toilets. Individual campsites with fire rings and access to great fishing," notes Tim H. Many dispersed sites offer direct river or creek access for anglers.
Hiking trails: Boulder Lake Backcountry Site requires a steep but rewarding hike. "Trail that descends the steep grade down to the lake is not horse friendly, difficult for those who struggle with steep terrain. Numerous primitive campsites around west shore of lake, old growth grove at base of cliff is fun to explore," explains K B. The hike involves approximately 1,700 feet of elevation gain.
Mountain biking routes: The trails west of Forest Road 365 provide excellent mountain biking opportunities. "Blue Mountain is a great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping is allowed west of road 365," reports Celine K. These trails connect with larger networks throughout the forest.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping offers well-separated camping areas. "3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there. Someone else pulled in around 9 but the sites were separated by enough trees we could barely tell they were there," shares Sarah S.
Cell service coverage: Some primitive camping areas near Bonner have decent connectivity. "I was able to get Verizon signal at my campsite. However driving up signal was spotty," reports Ben H. about the Blue Mountain area. Another reviewer at Petty Creek noted "service is spotty, verizon and at&t had only 1 bar."
Wildlife viewing: Lake Elsina - Dispersed provides opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Absolutely gorgeous undeveloped area! If you can stand the hordes of mosquitos and constant trail of hikers coming through the area hiking to Lake Dinah," writes BriAnne M. Many campers report deer sightings at multiple sites throughout the area.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by location and season. "There are multiple spots to pull off from Garnet Range Rd, and there are spots with a stone firepit along them," notes Robert C. about Garnet Road Dispersed Campsites. Check current fire restrictions before your visit as they change seasonally.
No camping zones: Camping near Garnet Ghost Town requires attention to restrictions. "No camping within 1/2 mile of the town," clarifies Phillip R. Several areas marked for day use only prohibit overnight camping, with Rock Creek having signs stating "This spot is not a camping spot. Day use only."
Access road conditions: Prepare for challenging roads to most dispersed sites. "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks," cautions David B. Most sites require high-clearance vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Closest potable water: Placid Creek Pull Off offers basic facilities. "Open. Near creek. No amenities aside from outhouse. Rough dirt entrance. 4-5 semi designated parking spaces," explains Terri F. Most primitive sites have no facilities, so families must pack in all water.
Safety concerns: Multiple reviews mention bridge conditions on access roads. "We would have felt really uncomfortable crossing even the first bridge, which had a bit out of it's concrete edge, as though it had been hit by an elephant-sized tumbling boulder," warns Andrea B. Inspect water crossings before attempting with children.
Easier access options: Some areas offer simpler entry points for families. "Great little spot to hold over for the night. The GPS coordinates listed on the map are spot on, and the turn-off comes up quickly. There look to be 4 spots," notes SpentBrassOffroad B. about Petty Creek Road camping.
Tips from RVers
Bridge clearance: Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo presents challenges for larger rigs. "Not for low clearance vehicles, it's not far off the highway but we struggled with the two narrow bridges with tight turns in our travel trailer and then there's a large flood way dip in the road that you can bottom out on," cautions Reames C.
Turn-around points: Plan ahead for larger rigs. "We have a 27 foot RV towed with a truck that has a 8ft bed. Initially we missed the turn and had nowhere to turn around since this is on the side of a mountain," warns Jacob R. Scope out potential turn-around spots before proceeding down unfamiliar forest roads.
Level parking areas: Many sites have limited level parking. "It's a clearing with a clean outhouse. It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy," explains Lady Phyre about Placid Creek. Most primitive camping areas near Bonner have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks.
