The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near West Yellowstone, MT

232 Reviews

Dispersed camping options abound near West Yellowstone, Montana, providing free alternatives to developed campgrounds. Several notable areas include Targhee Creek, Henry's Lake BLM, Beaver Creek Road, and Bootjack Dispersed Camping. These primitive sites typically feature established fire rings but minimal to no other amenities. According to reviews, Targhee Creek offers "established camp spots on both sides of a rugged 2-track" with some sites located "on the edge of a beautiful rushing stream" approximately 9-12 miles from the West Yellowstone entrance.

Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at most locations. Henry's Lake BLM is an exception, featuring two vault toilets that campers report are "clean and stocked." Bear activity is common throughout the area; proper food storage is essential. Several campers noted the presence of free-roaming cattle at Henry's Lake BLM, with one reviewer mentioning "you will hear them all times of the day."

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Many access roads become rough and rutted, particularly after rain. Bootjack Dispersed Camping accommodates larger RVs despite "a little rough" road conditions, with reviewers successfully navigating 36-foot rigs to campsites. Beaver Creek Road offers 8-10 designated spots within the first few miles, plus a group area with an outhouse at the 4-mile mark. The 16-day stay limit applies to most Forest Service and BLM dispersed camping in the region. Cell service is surprisingly good at many sites, with Targhee Creek and Henry's Lake both reported to have reliable coverage — a rarity for remote camping areas.

Map showing campgrounds near West Yellowstone, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near West Yellowstone, Montana (75)

    1. Targhee Creek

    28 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, ID
    10 miles
    Website

    "Great dispersed camp area . Rugged 2 track with established ( flat clearing with rock fire ring) camp spots on both sides."

    "Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser."

    2. Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    16 miles

    "There’s no official spots since it’s dispersed but several pull outs along the dirt road. There are 2 clean vault toilets that were stocked. Free to stay but no amenities other than toilet."

    "There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 at Henry Lake BLM."

    3. Bootjack - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    13 miles

    "A good amount of dispersed areas here. All the areas in the open meadow area closer by the road was occupied. We choose a dead end road and had the area all to ourselves."

    "A lot of boondocking opportunities in that area. Must of the spots in the open meadow area were full. Therefore, we went with this spot up a dead end road."

    4. West Yellowstone Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    4 miles

    "There is an established firing at this location as well as a small field that is open and the camp is surrounded by trees."

    "Amazing location just ~5 mins from the West entrance but tucked back into beautiful land. There are no views but a great meadow space. Continue down the road and there were plenty of spots!"

    5. West Fork Denny Creek

    6 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    8 miles
    Website

    "Typical forest road bumpy drive in, but not terrible. Not as much shade or privacy as I expected unless you get lucky in 2 of the spots. Quiet and only ~15 mins outside west Yellowstone."

    "Nice creek, accessible sites *road has some pot holes, but you can get there by car. 

    There seems to be only 4 official sites here and the are trying to restore the area near the creek."

    6. Henry Flats Dispersed Spot

    11 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 524-7500

    "Location is stunning, off the main road, and feels safe. Additionally it is stunning! The lake is incredible, however it was VERY windy while we were there."

    "Up the road a couple of miles is the Henry Lake Lodge which has a store but I did not check to see if they sold firewood."

    7. West Yellowstone Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    4 miles

    "We were looking for a free campsite just outside of the West entrance to Yellowstone and found a USFS Road that goes down to several dispersed camping sites just off the road."

    "Very nice and peaceful with the forest all around. You might be lucky and find a spot within the first mile of driving and no need to go far!"

    8. Upper Cherry Creek

    3 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    8 miles

    "It’s perched near a hill so you get slivers of views through the trees of West Yellowstone. Has a fire pit but that’s it. 2 bars of Verizon service. Lots of trees."

    "Pretty place up a mtn road not far out of West Yellowstone. The road had some pretty bad spots tho. I made it up in an F350 with a Capri camper on it. So not impossible."

    9. Bootjack Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    13 miles

    "Very close to West Yellowstone, about 25 minutes away. Close to Hwy 20. Lots of camping sites that are in the trees or out in the open. Dirt road has ruts, but many large rigs were camped here."

    "Island Park, ID

    44.5781, -111.341

    Dept Fish & Wildlife 

    14 day limit (doesn't seem to be enforced, but seems to be more seasonal campers, not permanent) Grass Spaces for even big rigs."

    10. Beaver Creek Road

    10 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    19 miles
    Website

    "This spot is one of my favorite dispersed sites I’ve ever stayed at. We stayed for 3 nights but could stay up to 16. Next time, I may stay the whole time."

    "We took the last one (just after 2ish miles from the entrance at the road) and it was absolutely gorgeous. Our little site sat on small ridge with a somewhat steep but short trail down to the creek."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

West Yellowstone Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near West Yellowstone, MT

173 Photos of 75 West Yellowstone Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near West Yellowstone, MT

232 Reviews of 75 West Yellowstone Campgrounds

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed

    Super quiet stay!

    I stayed for 2 nights and upon arriving on a Tuesday evening, there were 2-3 spots left. There’s no official spots since it’s dispersed but several pull outs along the dirt road. There are 2 clean vault toilets that were stocked. Free to stay but no amenities other than toilet. Cows are free roaming around here so you will hear them all times of the day. Bugs were bad on some days but if you have any time of wind or fan, it wasn’t an issue. Had 3-4 bars LTE via AT&T. Only 30 minutes from west Yellowstone. Definitely would stay here again, felt very safe!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2019

    6100N Dispersed Camping Area

    Large flat camping area

    Disperse campsite 6100N is located a short distance off of forest road 100. This camping area is a nice large flat grassy area to camp in, perfect for tents. Camping area sits along the Upper Ruby River. One large rock fire ring is available. Fir and Juniper trees surround this camping area. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6621 feet

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2019

    Coal Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Flat camping area next to Coal Creek

    Coal Creek Disperse Camping Area is a large flat grassy parking area just barely off the main road. Site has a large rock fire ring with plenty of flat areas to set up a tent or park a camper. Site is right next to Coal Creek. Being so close to the road you will have no privacy, but the remoteness of the area should mean little to no traffic at night. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 7000 feet

  • Traildog A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Targhee Creek

    Great dispersed camp spot near Yellowstone

    Great dispersed camp area . Rugged 2 track with established ( flat clearing with rock fire ring) camp spots on both sides. We camped at the very end of the track, about 2 miles in, on the edge of a beautiful rushing stream. Site was level and had a bear box , very peaceful. Other sites were occupied on the way in, area was clean ( no trash) and there was a large group area and trail head just before the end. Area is about 9 miles from the West Yellowstone Park gate. No facilities/ dispersed, so be prepared to pack in/ pack out.

  • E
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    Beautiful view

    Absolutely stunning spot. The mountain views from camp were unreal — especially at sunrise. Super peaceful, with minimal noise. No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 4, 2020

    Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed camping with great views

    Cow Creek Disperse camping area is a large fairly flat grassy area just off the road. Area is in the wide open on a high spot above the Ruby River meaning less bugs as you are unprotected from any breeze that may be blowing. The site has great views of the surrounding mountains and of the Ruby River below. Site has on large rock fire ring. Plenty of room to fit a large group at this location, with no problem finding flat spots for your tents. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site(so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6428 feet.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2019

    6100M Dispersed Camping Area

    Disperse camping on the shore of the Ruby River

    Dispersed Camping Area 6100M is a large camping area a short distance off forest road 100 with five established sites. Three of the sites are in the open and two are tucked in the trees along the edge of the Ruby River. The tree sites are very nice, sitting among large fir trees. Rock fire rings can be found at all sites, one of the treed sites along the river has a metal fire barrel. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6567 feet

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2019

    6100X Dispersed Camping Area

    Just a grass camping area next to a creek

    Dispersed Camping Area 6100X is not much to talk about. The location is just barely off the road in a bumpy grassy area along Forest Service route 100. This camping area is wide open, not much of a site, but does have a small rock fire ring. I would suggest not using the fire ring as small sage brush is growing along the edge of the ring, would build a new ring if you wanted a fire. While the ground is a little bumpy you should have no problem find a level enough spot for a tent and a camper should be no problem at all. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 7024 feet.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2019

    6100J Dispersed Camping Area

    Disperse camp with a Outhouse!!!

    A Outhouse!!!. Dispersed Camping Area 6100J is a large camping area a short distance off forest road 100 with four to six established sites depending on how you look at it. But the best thing of all is just across FS road 100 is a vault toilet. The camping area sits between FS 100 and the Ruby River, unfortunately none of the sites are along the river. I said 4-6 sites as a few of the rock fire rings are very close to another fire ring, could fit to groups of campers at these sites, but why would you want to be so close to someone else while disperse camping. Good size fire rings at nice flat locations with plenty of room to set up camp. The vault toilet did not have any paper in it when I visited, but it was after the usual camping season and the middle of hunting season. The site also has 3 tie up rails for horses at the entrance to the camping area. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site(except for the vault toilet) so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 6472 feet

Guide to West Yellowstone

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near West Yellowstone, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near West Yellowstone, Montana

  • Always check for road conditions before heading to your chosen spot, as some areas like Beaver Creek Road can have rough terrain that may require a sturdy vehicle.
  • Be bear aware and practice proper food storage techniques, especially in areas like Targhee Creek, which is known for its wildlife presence.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, as popular locations can fill up quickly, particularly during weekends and holidays.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near West Yellowstone

  • Enjoy hiking and ATV trails in the scenic surroundings of Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed, where you can explore the forested areas and meadows.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to nearby lakes, such as those at Henry Flats Dispersed Spot, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Take advantage of the stunning views and photography opportunities at Bootjack Dispersed Camping, where the natural beauty is truly breathtaking.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the serene atmosphere of Fish Creek Dispersed Camp, which offers picturesque views and a peaceful creek nearby.
  • Visit the stunning landscapes at West Fork Denny Creek, where you can enjoy the sound of flowing water and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
  • Explore the remote and tranquil setting of Upper Cherry Creek, which provides a perfect backdrop for a quiet getaway amidst the trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Yellowstone's West Entrance?

Yes, free camping is available near Yellowstone's West Entrance. Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed offers completely free camping with basic amenities like clean vault toilets. The area has several pull-outs along a dirt road, though spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Another option is the 6100J Dispersed Camping Area, which provides free camping with the unusual luxury of an accessible vault toilet across the forest road. This area offers 4-6 established sites between Forest Service Road 100 and the Ruby River. Most dispersed sites in the region require campers to bring their own water and supplies while practicing leave-no-trace camping ethics.

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near West Yellowstone?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near West Yellowstone. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone offers stunning mountain views, especially at sunrise, with peaceful surroundings and minimal noise. It's accessible via a windy dirt road suitable for pickup trucks and camper vans, but not recommended for larger RVs. Another great option is Targhee Creek, which features established sites with fire rings along a beautiful rushing stream. The area has flat clearings approximately 2 miles down a rugged 2-track road, with some sites offering bear boxes. Both locations require self-sufficiency as they lack amenities beyond occasional vault toilets, and proper leave-no-trace practices are essential.

Is dispersed camping allowed on BLM land near West Yellowstone?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land near West Yellowstone. 6100M Dispersed Camping Area on BLM land offers five established sites a short distance off forest road 100, with some sites nestled among large fir trees along the Ruby River and others in more open areas. Each site typically includes a rock fire ring. Another BLM option is 6100N Dispersed Camping Area, featuring a large flat grassy area perfect for tents along the Upper Ruby River, surrounded by fir and juniper trees. BLM dispersed camping in this region generally follows the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period, and campers must practice leave-no-trace principles, pack out all waste, and observe seasonal fire restrictions.

What is boondocking in West Yellowstone and where is it allowed?

Boondocking (or dry camping) in West Yellowstone refers to camping without hookups or facilities, typically on public lands outside developed campgrounds. It's allowed in designated dispersed camping areas on Forest Service and BLM lands surrounding West Yellowstone. Coal Creek Dispersed Camping Area offers boondocking opportunities with large flat areas suitable for tents or campers, featuring fire rings and proximity to Coal Creek. While close to the road with limited privacy, the remote location provides peaceful overnight stays. Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area is another option with open, breezy sites offering mountain views and proximity to the Ruby River. Remember that boondocking requires self-sufficiency and adherence to land management regulations regarding stay limits, fire restrictions, and waste disposal.

Keep Exploring