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Best Dispersed Camping near Whitehall, MT

49 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Whitehall, Montana encompasses several free sites across public lands, with notable locations including Homestake Pass, Maiden Rock, and Copper City BLM areas. Most sites sit on Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management property, offering primitive camping opportunities without designated facilities. Homestake Pass Dispersed provides easy highway access, while Maiden Rock Dispersed features picnic tables and bear boxes along the Big Hole River. Copper City BLM and Humbug Spires provide more remote options with varied terrain and hiking trails.

Roads leading to these dispersed sites range from well-maintained gravel to rough, washboard surfaces requiring careful navigation. Many campers note the need for high-clearance vehicles at certain locations, particularly when accessing more secluded spots beyond main parking areas. Standard 16-day stay limits apply on BLM lands, and fire restrictions vary seasonally across all areas. Most sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. As one visitor noted of Copper City BLM, "this place is DRY—so be sure to bring your own water." Cell service varies dramatically between locations, with strong coverage at Homestake Pass but limited connectivity at more remote sites.

The dispersed areas surrounding Whitehall provide excellent access to fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. Maiden Rock Dispersed stands out for its riverside location and well-maintained primitive facilities. A visitor described it as a place that "looks like a paid campground, only free! All the spots have a picnic table, fire pit and bear box." While some areas remain relatively quiet, others see moderate traffic, especially during summer months. At Homestake Lake Camp, campers can find "hidden sites that afford some shade and privacy" despite the area's popularity. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper reporting, "one morning a bunch of cows came through my site, which was amazing." Proximity to Interstate 90 makes several of these sites convenient overnight options for travelers passing through the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Whitehall, Montana (16)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Whitehall, MT

28 Photos of 16 Whitehall Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whitehall, MT

49 Reviews of 16 Whitehall Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite

    Big Roomy Disperse campsite along the little Blackfood River

    Bumped in to this disperse campsite while heading out for a hike.  This is one of three disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot River in the Helena National Forest that have been marked by the Forest Service as a disperse camping area. This is a nice large flat right next to the creek with plenty of room for multiple tents or RVs.  The site has a large rock fire ring and the big bonus of having a picnic table.  A short trail leads to the river, but does require a little bit of scrambling.  The River (more of a creek at this point) has a nice spot if you need to cool off from the summer heat.  Another short trail goes up a small hill and leads to an area with lots of fallen trees which can be cut for firewood if fire restrictions are not in place.  The only bad thing about this disperse site is that it is right next to the road.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3

    Roomy disperse site with easy river access

    This is the 3rd and final disperse site that the Helena National Forest has marked along the little Blackfoot River.  It is nice to be sure that you are on public land when in an area checker boarded with private land.  This is a large flat camping area with plenty of room for tents and several RV's.  Site has a large rock fire ring, and the river is only a few short flat feet away.  Plenty of wood can be found for making a fire.  Site is near the road, but very little traffic comes this way as you are almost at the roads end.  Water can be easily filtered from the river (more like a creek at this point)

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Little Blackfoot River 2nd Disperse Campsite

    Small disperse campsite along the Little Blackfoot RIver

    This is the second disperse camping sit along the Little Blackfoot River that has been marked as a disperse campsite by the Helena National Forest.  It is nice having these sits marked by the Forest Service as their are several parcels of private land along the road.  This site is small with only one small level area for a tent of mid sized RV.  The site has a large rock fire ring in the center.  Their is no easy trail access to the river.  Plenty of down trees in the area for firewood if you have a way to cut them, their is also plenty of small stuff that can be easily collected for a fire.   Site is right next to the road, but road noise should be little to none as a few curves will slow vehicles down and their isn't much more road left until the campground and trailhead at the end of the road.

  • Maddie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Maiden Rock Dispersed

    BEST SPOT YET

    Hands down the best spot I’ve found on this app so far!!

    Literally was talking to myself as I pulled up making weird noises because I was in so much awe at how beautiful the spot was! The sunsets here are amazing or at least the night I stayed was!

    The camping spots are somewhat close together so that’s good to keep in mind.

    But omg, the spot is insane. The mosquitoes were not bad at all. The spot feels like a perfect little oasis.

    The spot is close to the freeway, but far enough that you won’t hear any of the noise so it’s perfect if you are on a road trip. :)

    There are some train tracks that run by it, but I didn’t notice if the train was noisy or going by as I was car camping!

    Getting to the spot - you will get off the main road and drive through some dirt roads and past some private property. At the end of one of the roads you’ll see a small bridge you’ll drive over and the camping spots are maybe 30 seconds past the bridge.

    Also an incredible spot to fish!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2018

    Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area

    Primitive campground on the Ruby Reservoir

    The BLM's Ruby Reservoir is a disperse camping area. The only facilities at this campground is a double vault toilet. There is no signage on the highway to indicated the campground. After passing the dam look for the first paved turn with a stop sign on the right side of the road, this is your turn, the pavement will stop after a couple hundred feet. Lots of campsite can be found by following the web of roads once the pavement ends. Off road travel is not allowed. Their are no metal fire rings, all the fire rings in the area are made of rocks. Being a primitive camping area this is a trash-in-trash-out site, and you will need to bring your own water. This is a nice area, and I have camped here several times during hunting season. The fishing is decent as well. If you want to find garnets just head to the lake shore and start digging. Small ones can be found on the surface, bring a shovel and dig deeper if you want something decent. If you use a gold pan shake the gravel around for several minutes then flip the pan is the easiest way to find them as the garnets are heavy and will settle to the bottom of the pan. Site is free with a 16 day stay limit.

  • Ann A.
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Popular, spacious

    There’s a big area that had a dozen RVs & tents, but it was late & we wanted space so we followed a rough dirt road 1/2 a mile to find a spot in the trees. The Homestake Trailhead down the road has a bathroom. We did have a weird experience: a truck camped near us with two people who openly watched us the entire morning & followed us to the trailhead before driving on.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Racetrack Dispersed Campsite

    Rough road in

    Road in was 100% washboard, but the campsite was decent. Had to traverse a lot of private property to access it, and the locals do not appear to be friendly. A few fellow campers were a bit sketchy, so be wary. Enjoyed some great trout fishing in the adjacent creek though!

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp

    Total hidden gem!

    Only 3 miles from the highway, this campsite is at the end of a well maintained, slightly rutted gravel road. It’s wide enough for trailers.

    Along the road, there are a handful of pull offs that are big enough for an RV to pull into.

    The coordinates bring you to an open gravel lot with nice clean pit toilets. There’s a creek nearby. Big beautiful rocks, some shade, pretty epic views on the way in. Beautiful!

    No cell service, unfortunately. Another con is that there’s another road that goes in further, but it’s narrow and eroded. I attempted it in my campervan, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the hassle and parked in the open lot instead.

  • Avery S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Homestake Pass Dispersed

    Great quick spot!

    The dispersed camping is super easy to find, and it's right off the highway! It was perfect for a quick spot to camp on our way home to Colorado instead of getting a hotel room.

Guide to Whitehall

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Whitehall, Montana, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Whitehall, Montana

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Homestake Pass Dispersed, allow pets, making it easy to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; for instance, Copper City BLM has no drinking water or trash services, so pack out what you pack in.
  • Check for road conditions before heading out; Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road, but some areas may be rutted.

Scenic views and wildlife encounters for dispersed campers

  • Experience breathtaking vistas at Homestake Lake Camp, where you can enjoy the beauty of nearby lakes and mountains.
  • Wildlife sightings are common; one camper at Homestake Pass Dispersed reported cows wandering through their site, adding a unique touch to their camping experience.
  • Keep an eye out for local fauna while exploring the area around Meadow Creek Dispersed Campground, known for its beautiful surroundings and opportunities for horseback riding.

Outdoor activities while free camping near Whitehall

  • Mountain biking enthusiasts will find trails nearby Copper City BLM, making it a great spot for those looking to combine camping with biking adventures.
  • Hiking opportunities abound; the area around Pipestone Trailhead Camp serves as a great starting point for exploring local trails.
  • For those interested in off-road vehicles, Mill Creek Road Camp provides access to various OHV trails, perfect for a day of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free dispersed camping available year-round in Whitehall, MT?

Free dispersed camping is available near Whitehall, but year-round accessibility varies by location and weather conditions. Maiden Rock Dispersed and Racetrack Dispersed Campsite are popular options, though winter access may be limited due to snow and road conditions. Lower elevation sites typically remain accessible longer, while higher elevation areas like Homestake Pass often become inaccessible during winter months. No reservations are required for dispersed sites, but winter camping requires appropriate cold-weather gear and possibly 4WD vehicles. Always check road conditions and current closures with local ranger districts before planning a winter dispersed camping trip.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Whitehall?

Dispersed camping near Whitehall follows standard public land regulations. At Homestake Pass Dispersed, camping is permitted for up to 14 consecutive days. Pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Most areas have no designated facilities except for rare vault toilets, like at Humbug Spires Trailhead Basecamp. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Be aware of land boundaries, as many areas are checkerboarded with private property. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and use existing fire rings when available. Always check with local Forest Service or BLM offices for current restrictions before heading out.

Where is dispersed camping allowed around Whitehall, Montana?

Dispersed camping is available in several areas around Whitehall. The Helena National Forest offers marked dispersed sites along the Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite, which is helpful in an area with mixed public and private lands. BLM land provides options at Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area, which offers basic facilities like vault toilets. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Copper City BLM lands, Humbug Spires, and Racetrack area. Most sites are accessible via drive-in with varying road conditions, from well-maintained gravel to washboard surfaces.

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