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Best Dispersed Camping near Whitefish, MT

190 Reviews

The North Fork Flathead River area provides multiple free dispersed camping options near Whitefish, with several sites concentrated along forest service roads approximately 25 minutes from West Glacier. Middle Fork Flathead River and Blankenship Bridge offer riverside camping with beach access, though the road down to the river can be challenging for vehicles with low clearance. According to one visitor, "The 'road' down to the beach from the asphalt is not smooth. We made it though barely with our 22' trailer."

McGinnis Creek features limited spots but excellent views, with additional camping available at pullouts along North Fork Road. A camper noted, "We found a decent spot on a spur road off McGinnis Creek where we could get a bit more off the forest road." Most sites have fire rings but no amenities—pack in all supplies and water. Cell service varies throughout the area, with some spots offering 1-2 bars of Verizon coverage. Stay limits range from 3 days at sites like Glacier Rim River Access to 16 days at other public land locations in Flathead National Forest.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Whitefish, Montana (39)

    1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    49 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    14 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

    32 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    14 miles

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

    "This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."

    3. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    15 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."

    "Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020."

    4. Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    10 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    12 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."

    5. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

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

    "Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."

    "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."

    6. McGinnis Creek

    7 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    12 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 is dispersed camping with no amenities, but it makes up for that with the views. Pack in, pack out, LNT, and be bear aware!"

    7. Camp off North Fork Road

    3 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    12 miles

    "The area down the road was full and had limited car camping / roof top tent camping so my buddy and I moved this way and found plenty of opportunity."

    8. Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    15 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"

    9. Teakettle River Access

    2 Reviews
    Columbia Falls, MT
    10 miles

    "You can park in the tea kettle river access and walk south along the rivers bank to access large areas of public land for free camping. There are toilets and trash bins available at the river access."

    10. Stillwater Lake

    5 Reviews
    Olney, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Maybe 20 minutes from whitefish, this area offers only a handful of rustic sites as well boat launch parking. First come first serve. Lovely trails nearby with lake access."

    "This lake is never a disappointment! Easy access roads, nice boat launch, and solid camping sites."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Whitefish, MT

175 Photos of 39 Whitefish Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whitefish, MT

190 Reviews of 39 Whitefish 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • zack B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed

    Overlooking st. Mary lake and east glacier.

    Absolutly beautiful view of st. Mary lake and glacier park east. Another lake in the background im not sure of right now. Just a dirt road off the highway that nobody comes to and is good to park an rv for the night and let the dogs run around. Anti people camping!!

  • L
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome

    The other reviews here are accurate. Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people.

  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Perfect place right outside of glacier

    This was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. 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! 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. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.

  • Tim
    Sep. 27, 2020

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    Awesome dispersed set of campsites.

    Fire pits. Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020. Right next to the to river and it’s babbling mini rapids. Standard bumpy gravel road access to Glacier national park. Also easy access to the Flathead national forest. Not too crowded while we were there. Couple RVs in the main lot area, ran generators for brief moments at reasonable times. One night only one other tent there. Another there were 5 or 6. A short walk from parking to sites but no big deal. Left our stuff each day while we went to explore glacier and came back to no problems. Limited wood in the area to burn but you can find it - especially if you have a saw/axe.

Guide to Whitefish

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Whitefish, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and easy access to water at North Fork Flathead River dispersed camping, where you can set up camp right beside the river.
  • This location offers multiple spots suitable for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile choice for all types of campers.
  • The area features a hard-structured bathroom, which adds a level of convenience not often found in dispersed camping spots.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Whitefish, Montana

  • When visiting Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a narrow road that may require careful navigation, especially with larger vehicles.
  • It's advisable to arrive early during peak season, as spots can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
  • Remember to pack in and pack out all your supplies, as there are no trash services available at these sites.

Fishing and Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Whitefish

  • The Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed area is ideal for fishing enthusiasts, with fast-moving waters that are perfect for fly fishing.
  • Campers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife watching, thanks to the area's rich natural surroundings.
  • Be sure to check local conditions, as some areas may be closed due to flooding or other natural events, impacting accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whitefish, Montana?

Flathead National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Whitefish. McGinnis Creek provides boondocking opportunities with a 16-day stay limit. The Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed area offers riverside camping with spacious sites suitable for various camping setups, though the access road can be rough (4WD recommended when wet). Other free options include Blankenship Bridge, North Fork Flathead River, and Glacier Rim River Access. Most sites are within 30-45 minutes of Whitefish and provide convenient access to Glacier National Park. These areas typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Whitefish, Montana?

Dispersed camping in the Whitefish area follows standard Forest Service regulations. Most sites, including Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping and North fork Flathead River dispersed camping, enforce a 16-day stay limit. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Campfires are permitted in established fire rings only, but fire restrictions may apply during dry conditions (check current restrictions before your trip). Camp at least 100 feet from water sources. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservations. Most areas require vehicles to stay on established roads and camping in designated areas only. These regulations help preserve the natural environment while allowing public access.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in the Whitefish area?

The prime season for dispersed camping around Whitefish runs from late spring through early fall (mid-May to mid-October). Summer (June-August) offers warm days and cool nights, with temperatures typically ranging from 45-85°F, but this is also the busiest period. Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed provides beautiful views during summer months. Fall brings spectacular colors and fewer crowds, though nights get colder. At Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed, spring camping (May-June) offers wildflowers and more solitude, but be prepared for variable weather conditions. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers with proper gear, but many forest roads become impassable due to snow, and facilities are minimal to nonexistent.

What amenities and facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Whitefish?

Dispersed camping sites near Whitefish offer limited amenities consistent with their primitive nature. Teakettle River Access provides toilets and trash bins, making it one of the more developed options. Stillwater River features three separate fire rings, a vault toilet, and a picnic table. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings but lack amenities like showers, hookups, or potable water. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. Cell service varies by location but is generally limited. Many sites offer river or lake access for recreation, fishing, and a natural water source (must be filtered). Be prepared for self-sufficient camping with minimal facilities.

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