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Best Dispersed Camping near West Glacier, MT

184 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist in multiple areas around West Glacier, Montana, primarily along the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, located approximately 5 minutes from the West Glacier entrance, serves as one of the most popular free camping areas. Additional sites include Blankenship Bridge, North Fork Flathead River, and areas near Hungry Horse Reservoir. These primitive camping zones typically feature established pull-offs with fire rings but minimal other amenities.

Access roads vary in condition, with most sites requiring navigation on dirt or gravel roads with occasional potholes. Ryan Road features approximately 10 designated campsites of varying sizes along a well-maintained dirt road that ends at a gated airstrip. Vehicle clearance requirements differ by location, with some areas accommodating larger rigs while others are suitable only for smaller vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and the standard 14-day camping limit is enforced in these areas.

The proximity to Glacier National Park makes these free camping areas highly desirable during peak season. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping fills quickly, especially on weekends, though midweek availability improves considerably. Cellular coverage is generally good, with multiple reviewers noting strong service at Ryan Road. The forested settings provide shade and natural privacy between most sites. Several campers note the convenient location as a primary benefit. "This spot is only about 5 minutes down the road from the West entrance to Glacier National Park," notes one visitor. Another camper describes Ryan Road as having "many sites with fire pits, of which we could have fit into 3, maybe 4 of them" with their 36-foot travel trailer.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near West Glacier, Montana (38)

    1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    45 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    4 miles
    Website

    "The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."

    "We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"

    2. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    4 miles

    "When you first turn off the main road there’s about 100 feet of very rough road so go super slow and keep to the left."

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    3. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."

    "Perfect spot for me and my Kia Soul on a forest service road outside west glacier. Saw some trailers and vans on my way up. Sizable turnout spot at the end of the FSR."

    4. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    8 miles

    "I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too."

    "It's pretty easy to find and close to West Glacier. The dirt road is DUSTY, but it is what it is (turn your lights on so you're more visible)."

    5. Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    10 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    6 miles
    Website

    "This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."

    "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river."

    6. McGinnis Creek

    7 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    7 miles
    Website

    "In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This spot is only about 25 minutes from West Glacier. The road is a really good gravel road."

    7. Ryan Road Dispered #2

    5 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    2 miles

    "Pros:

    Many sites Some flat/level sites Some very big sites (2-3 could probably fit a larger 30'+ rig) Very quiet 15 min to west glacier entrance gate Clean Full 5 bar Tmobile

    Cons:

    Not much for turn"

    "Road is easily doable without 4WD. But has some potholes. You will sleep surrounded by forest in nature and close to the west entrance of the glacier National Park."

    8. GooseHead Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Bonus…it’s only 12 miles from the West Glacier entrance."

    "If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir."

    9. Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "The GPS coordinates for this place are slightly off. Look for Hungry Horse Rd and follow it 4 miles until you reach the Hungry Horse Reservoir Dam."

    "37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir"

    10. Blankenship #1

    2 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    3 miles

    "We tried to go down by the river (1.5 miles further), but our ground clearance was too low. So we came back to this nice, secluded spot, just of the road."

    "This site has an easy pull off of Blankenship Rd. near Lake Five. Trees and a fire ring. The road was busy until sundown. No toilet. 2 bars and 5G on ATT."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near West Glacier, MT

171 Photos of 38 West Glacier Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near West Glacier, MT

184 Reviews of 38 West Glacier Campgrounds

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2022

    McGinnis Creek

    Great Site at the TOP- Watch Rig SIZE (see video review)

    In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 16 day stay limit.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llxG33OdoQ 

    Free Camping Near Glacier National Park- North Fork Road, Canyon Creek and McGinnis Creek Dispersed 

    GPS Point for North Fork Road Dispersed Camping

    48.499334,-114.131517 

    Natural Spring for drinking water etc. 48.447581,-114.165680 

    Conoco Station($5 Dump and Water) 48.371583,-114.203917 

    Bonus Content GPS Info Canyon Creek Dispersed 48.463612,-114.167320 

    McGinnis Creek Dispersed(start of road with North Fork Road Instersection) 48.52.3474,-114.128642 

    McGinnis Creek Large Boondocking Area from Video 48.531014,-114.157493

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2021

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect location near West Glacier

    The spot was wonderful. When you first turn off the main road there’s about 100 feet of very rough road so go super slow and keep to the left. And then splits three ways I kept the left and it was super smooth and brought me out onto the beach. I drove all the way through the beach back into the forest area for more privacy and that’s where the toilets are located. There were a total of four Porta potty‘s. No other services available. It’s 20 minutes from West glacier and had good enough AT&T service for me to work remotely. I would say they were about 15 other campers when I arrived Wednesday evening. The weekends I guarantee he gets very full but I think you could easily fit over 50 people camping here. I will definitely be back again and would recommend. I drive a Ford transit van and didn’t have issues.

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • Adi The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2023

    McGinnis Creek

    Women aren't safe here!

    I love the beauty of this area, it's so dark at night and there are pockets of phone service (Verizon) and there's so many animals and wild flowers.

    There is a lot trafficking that happens here around the park though. Camping near West Glacier this is more prevalent because it's near the reservation. This area off North Fork Road is not far from the park and many people camp here also.

    I had an experience today early morning where two men in a truck tried to break into my car to get to me. I keep the windows blacked out with covers aside from the back small windows that are dark tint. I call in my Subaru Outback.

    They pulled up to look in the back windows and thought it was a woman in the car. Back the car up to block me and they got out of the car and came around to the cracked passenger window facing the forest to try to get to me.

    They didn't realize I saw them the whole time around the top of the blackout curtain. I grabbed my keys and turned my alarm on. They thankfully sped off. I jumped in the front and sped away and called the police.

    Many areas don't have cell service here, this spot did. Most are very vulnerable out here. It's 25min back to town and mostly without service.

    Colombia Falls said they sent the police but no one ever came. They never called me. Didn't see one officer on the highway driving into town. The car with the men passed me and I told them the car info and still I don't think anything happened at all.

    Don't sleep out here unless you have a gun and you feel very secure and self contained in your car. It's not safe. I had a similar experience in two other areas and I won't stay in the area anymore unless it's a private campground that is monitored or is a hotel room.

    Be very very safe. If I had been sleeping, I don't know what would have happened.

  • K
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome river side free camping

    The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.

  • Jeff R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Camp off North Fork Road

    Beautiful spot

    Just a big field, room for about 20 figs of any size. About 20 minutes from West Glacier, Columbia Falls closer has everything you'd need.

  • J
    Apr. 27, 2025

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    A+ campground

    I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too. Have a site that backed right up to the river.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    McGinnis Creek

    Good camping close to Glacier N.P.

    Great camping for van life. Plenty of pull offs on the side of the road. First few miles of McGinnis Creek rd are open all year. After that, the gates are closed until July 1st. There are about 5 spots for bigger trailers. We managed to find a spot on a side road before the gates, that fit our 32' travel trailer. Verizon and tmobile service but only 1 to 2 bars. This spot is only about 25 minutes from West Glacier. The road is a really good gravel road.

Guide to West Glacier

Primitive camping near West Glacier, Montana consists primarily of undesignated sites along forest service roads and riverbanks. These areas typically sit at elevations between 3,100-3,500 feet with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in summer months. Most dispersed sites require driving on unpaved roads with variable conditions depending on recent precipitation and maintenance schedules.

What to do

River activities: Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed offers excellent opportunities for swimming, rafting, and fishing. "We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout," notes Lynsey M.

Stargazing: North fork Flathead River dispersed camping provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "At night, it clears out and that's when the magic happens. The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it," shares Denyel B.

Wildlife viewing: Watch for eagles, deer, and other wildlife from your campsite. "We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle," reports a camper at Middle Fork Flathead River.

Trail access: Many dispersed sites connect to hiking trails. McGinnis Creek offers multiple trailheads within walking distance. "Great camping for van life. Plenty of pull offs on the side of the road," notes dusty.

What campers like

Natural swimming spots: Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping features a river beach perfect for cooling off. "Beautiful beach side or individual sites. Super clean porta potty. Off road to access - need 4WD if real muddy," reports Jessica A.

Privacy between sites: Many locations offer natural spacing between campsites. "We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access," shares Lynsey M. about Middle Fork Flathead.

Reservoir views: GooseHead Camping Area provides waterfront camping with mountain backdrops. "We were able to park on the beach, right on the flathead river and watch the rafters go by," writes a camper.

Sunset viewing: Multiple riverfront sites offer ideal sunset viewing positions. "This site was perfect on the flathead river. You can't be afraid of being too close to people because it is just a busy site," notes Joshua M.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads can deteriorate quickly after rain. "Road has huge and I mean huge puddles. Very tight fit for truck and trailer for sure in a lot of the spots," warns Terrie L. about Middle Fork Flathead River.

Site competition: The closest free camping fills quickly during peak season. "Even if you get in late you can probably still find a spot, it just won't be riverfront," explains Joshua M.

Water access limitations: Glacier Rim River Access 10363 has specific entry points to the river. "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river," writes Tee C.

Noise factors: Some sites experience periodic noise from roads or watercraft. "Since it's a river access cars come and go from early to late," notes Beth T. about Glacier Rim.

Tips for camping with families

Best toilet facilities: Look for locations with maintained vault toilets. "Porta potties are dispersed throughout," mentions a camper at Middle Fork Flathead River about their facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Blankenship Bridge dispersed camping in West Glacier?

To access Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping, turn off the main road and navigate about 100 feet of very rough terrain by going slowly and keeping to the left. The road then splits three ways - taking the left fork leads to smoother terrain that brings you out onto the beach area. You can drive through the beach area back into forested sections for more private spots. For a different experience nearby, Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed offers nice gravel roads for most of the approach, though the final 500 feet to the shore is a bumpy dirt road that might challenge trailers. This leads to an open expanse of rocks by the river or a sparsely wooded camping area.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Glacier National Park?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Glacier National Park, primarily in the Flathead National Forest with a 16-day stay limit. McGinnis Creek offers numerous pullouts along the road suitable for van camping, with the first few miles open year-round and gates further in opening July 1st. There are also spots for larger trailers. North Fork Flathead River dispersed camping provides riverside sites close to West Glacier accessible via a dusty but passable dirt road, with spots that can accommodate larger vehicles including motorhomes. Other options include Middle Fork Flathead River areas, Ryan Road, and Glacier Rim River Access, all offering primitive camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility.

Is free camping available near Glacier National Park?

Yes, free camping is readily available near Glacier National Park. Teakettle River Access offers free camping if you park at the river access and walk south along the riverbank to access public land areas. It also provides amenities like toilets and trash bins. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping is another excellent free option close to the West Glacier entrance with about 10 designated campsites of varying sizes. The road is accessible by most vehicles, and the camping area offers amazing scenery. Multiple free boondocking locations are available throughout Flathead National Forest, all with a 16-day stay limit. These sites offer a more primitive experience without hookups but provide convenient access to the park.

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