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Best Dispersed Camping near Ulm, MT

8 Reviews

Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, located off Highway 89 near Ulm, Montana, offers several free dispersed camping options on open, flat terrain. The main camping area provides basic amenities including clean pit toilets and a few picnic tables, but no drinking water or trash service. Campers should prepare for pack-in, pack-out conditions. The gravel parking area accommodates both tents and larger RVs, with sufficient space for multiple vehicles during most seasons.

Belt Creek along Hughesville Road presents another dispersed camping option with multiple pull-off sites adjacent to the creek. Several fire rings mark established camping spots, though the area becomes busy on weekends during summer months. A review mentioned, "There are several campsites along the road. We found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek." For more remote opportunities, Refrigerator Canyon in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area offers backcountry camping accessible via a 3.5-mile hike from the trailhead. Kelly Gulch Road provides additional forest service road camping about 40 minutes from Helena with sites identifiable by flat ground and existing fire rings.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ulm, Montana (5)

    1. Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Choteau, MT
    31 miles
    Website

    "bring bug sprayStarlink is fast here."

    "Secluded, flat parking lot in a wildlife refuge. We woke to the sound of birds. The pit toilet was really clean. We were the only ones there."

    2. Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management

    2 Reviews
    Choteau, MT
    29 miles

    "There is a pit toilet about .2 mi from the pin. There are picnic tables here and at other sites. There are at least two entrances to the area from the highway."

    "Large flat gravel parking area. Picnic table and toilet. I read that this is a major bird watching area."

    3. Belt Creek on Hughesville Road

    5 Reviews
    Monarch, MT
    39 miles

    "Sights are nice and have a fire pit we were east of the dam so our creek wasn’t dry. There are alot of spots with roads though them with multiple spread out sites."

    "The road was in great shape and we found a nice spot a few miles back and right next to the creek.  There are several campsites along the road. "

    4. Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site

    1 Review
    Helena National Forest, MT
    39 miles
    Website

    5. Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Helena National Forest, MT
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 449-5201

    "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. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ulm, MT

11 Photos of 5 Ulm Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ulm, MT

8 Reviews of 5 Ulm Campgrounds

  • M
    May. 10, 2025

    Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views 40 min from Helena

    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. I’m sure this gets busy in the summertime. Since it’s on a mountain, the amount of flat areas are limited so it’s first come first serve. I took my bike and rode the Road a little bit and found an opening with an amazing spot to put up a hammock. There are absolutely no amenities here and you’re required a shovel and bucket if you were camping pack everything out and leave no trace. You can identify a campsite by how flat the ground is and usually there is a fire pit already made. There are bullet holes everywhere in signs and remnants of shells everywhere to be honest the vibe was very off almost eerie and deadening silence. I did not really enjoy the vibe, but that was me personally I’m sure you’ll enjoy this very much.

  • D0min0 3.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Mosquito Land

    Secluded place by the water. It smells like youre by the ocean, has a clean portable potty, tables and benches, level enough for an rv, quiet and perfect for star gazing! bring bug sprayStarlink is fast here.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Overnight Spot

    Secluded, flat parking lot in a wildlife refuge. We woke to the sound of birds. The pit toilet was really clean. We were the only ones there.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2021

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Flat open and free

    Freeze Out Lake Waterfowl Manage Area's campground it a free campground.  If you wish to camp here be prepared for more of a disperse camping experience.  While the site does have a vault toilet that is about it.  "sites" are not labeled and appear mainly to be by rows of brush.  Each site is a large flat grassy area.  A few of the spots do have picnic tables but most don't.  Fires are not allowed in the camping area.  This is a trash-in/Trash-out campground.   You will also need to bring your own water as no water is available.  If you enjoy bird watching then you are in luck, plenty can be found at the lake and ponds.  Only two others were at the campground on my visit.  Campground is next to the highway but traffic appeared light.  If the campground where to be busy and you didn't get a spot with a picnic table you could take advantage of the parking areas in the area, their are several a short distance from the campground which have plenty of picnic tables to have a meal at.

  • D
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    A Hidden Gem

    First of all, it’s free! Right off 89, 30 miles from 15. There is a bathroom, that’s clean enough. There are only two picnic table spots, but I was lucky enough to be one of only two vehicles parked for the night. The views are wonderful. It’s quite, and there are paths around the water. I took a star off because by 9pm I had to retire to my camper because the mosquitoes were so bad - but that’s to be expected. Another thing to note are the heavy winds, just make sure you don’t leave things out, and expect a windy breakfast. There is no dumpster, so pack in and pack out. Overall, for a free campsite, I highly recommend!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Great free spot

    Like others said, it is pack in pack out, but otherwise it is great. Bathroom is close and clean, being close to the water is nice, and 100% free. There’s also a campground not far away more inland that is free in the same park.

  • d
    Aug. 3, 2021

    Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Nice but windy and night and mosquitoes in the evening

    Stayed there for a night arrived at 5pm and it’s an open area where you can find a table and camp there. I cooked and it was fine but late in the evening after sunset there will be lot of mosquitoes so better be prepared and there will lot gusting wind at night.

Guide to Ulm

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ulm, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while taking in stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping area offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is perfect for those who appreciate open spaces and natural beauty.

Birdwatching Opportunities While Free Camping Near Ulm

  • If you're a bird enthusiast, the Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping site is a prime location for observing various waterfowl and other bird species, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers.

Peaceful Retreats for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ulm, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ulm, MT is Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Ulm, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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