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Best Dispersed Camping near Wolf Creek, MT

30 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Wolf Creek, Montana occurs primarily on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Several primitive sites are located along creek and river corridors, including Little Blackfoot River which features multiple Forest Service-designated dispersed sites. Other options include Kelly Gulch Road, Goose Bay BLM land near Canyon Ferry Lake, and Elliston Forest Road 314. Most sites are undeveloped with limited or no facilities, providing true backcountry camping experiences.

Access routes range from maintained gravel roads to rough forest service tracks requiring high-clearance vehicles. The Little Blackfoot River sites are accessible to most vehicles, while areas like Elliston on Forest Road 314 may require four-wheel drive, especially after rain. Most sites permit stays up to 14 days. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with most sites allowing campfires when conditions permit. Water sources include nearby rivers and lakes, though visitors should plan to bring their own drinking water or purification methods as no potable water is available at any of these sites.

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking natural settings with minimal development. Canyon Ferry Lake dispersed sites provide water access for recreation, while river locations offer fishing opportunities. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating larger groups and RVs, while others are suited only for tents. Visitors report varying levels of seclusion. "Secluded place by the water...perfect for star gazing," noted one camper at Freezout Lake. Others mention seasonal concerns: "If you have a long trailer it is a difficult spot to get into," warned a visitor regarding Little Blackfoot River sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common throughout the region, though seasonal bugs can be problematic, with one camper advising: "bring bug spray."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wolf Creek, Montana (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wolf Creek, MT

20 Photos of 13 Wolf Creek Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wolf Creek, MT

30 Reviews of 13 Wolf Creek 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    RV disperse camping on Canyon Ferry Lake

    You almost don't realize that this area open to camping and would drive right by if it were not for a plywood sign just after crossing a cattle guard. The plywood has just a few signs on it, one listing the number of nights you can camp for. The others are the camping rules, travel restrictions and notice that spot must be occupied at night. This camping area is a mile north of Confederate Campground. When you look back up the road leading to the camping area you can notice a vault toilet in the distance. It is over a½ mile to this vault toilet down a two track road. One flat grassy camping spot can be found about half way to the toilet. This grassy spot is your best bet if you have a tent with out a crowd. The spot is on the shore of the lake with just a few young willows between you and the water. The remainder of the camping appears to happen just after the ADA vault toilet.  A few more grassy spots are possible near the vault toilet, then there is a narrow section of gravel beach on which RV's turn in to a parking area. The RV's line up one right behind the other on this beach as this is the only real level place to park. No other services besides the ADA vault toilet is available so come prepared. The area has no picnic tables and any fire rings are on the beach made by previous visitors. The site does not have a boat ramp, but the gravel shore would make it easy to launch one.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314

    Nice Spot

    Up a forest service road, so four-wheel-drive came in handy. A bit muddy. There are a variety of sites available, some are easier to access than others.

  • 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.

  • Jessa
    May. 1, 2021

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Confederate Dispersed Camping

    Canyon Ferry has great dispersed camping all around it. The specific site we stayed at was right next to the beach. Great views and right down from a pit toilet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Too crowded / lots of full timers

    There’s signs about limiting the stay to 14 days, but there clearly are people who have been here much longer than that. Way too crowded.

Guide to Wolf Creek

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wolf Creek, Montana, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Scenic Views and Relaxation while Free Camping near Wolf Creek

  • Enjoy breathtaking views at the Scott Reservoir Dispersed, where you can overlook the serene waters and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
  • The Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3 offers easy access to the river, providing a peaceful backdrop for your camping experience and opportunities for fishing or cooling off.
  • For those seeking solitude, the Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping is a hidden gem where you can enjoy quiet nights under the stars, away from the hustle and bustle.

Fishing and Water Activities for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping near Wolf Creek, Montana

  • When visiting the Refrigerator Canyon Back Country Camp Site, be prepared for a hike-in experience, which adds to the adventure and seclusion of your camping trip.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially at sites like Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while ensuring it remains pristine for future visitors.
  • If you're camping at the Confederate Disperse Camping Area, remember to bring your own firewood and water, as these amenities are not provided, allowing for a more authentic outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Wolf Creek dispersed camping located?

Wolf Creek dispersed camping is located in the Helena National Forest in Montana. You can find several marked dispersed camping areas along Little Blackfoot River, which helps ensure you're camping on public land in an area that's mixed with private property. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite offers a large flat area right next to the creek. Other dispersed camping options in the vicinity include Elliston Dispersed Camping on Forest Road 314, which is accessible via a forest service road where four-wheel-drive is recommended, especially during muddy conditions.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping at Wolf Creek?

No special permit is typically required for dispersed camping at Wolf Creek, but there are stay limits and regulations to follow. Most dispersed camping in this area follows the standard National Forest dispersed camping rules. At Confederate Disperse Camping Area, signs indicate a 14-day stay limit, though enforcement may vary. The area has posted camping rules and travel restrictions after crossing a cattle guard. Similarly, Goose Bay BLM enforces a 14-day stay limit for its dispersed camping spots. Always check current regulations with the local Forest Service office before your trip.

When is the best time to go dispersed camping at Wolf Creek?

The best time for dispersed camping at Wolf Creek is late spring through early fall (mid-May to September), when access roads are most likely to be open and conditions are favorable. Kelly Gulch Road Dispersed Camping doesn't open until May 15, with gates remaining closed before that date. Summer is the most popular season, so sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Freezout Lake - Dispersed Camping, summer offers pleasant conditions for stargazing, though bug spray is recommended. Spring and fall provide more solitude but may have variable weather conditions. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow, access issues, and cold temperatures.

What amenities are available at Wolf Creek dispersed camping?

Wolf Creek dispersed camping offers minimal amenities, as is typical with dispersed sites. Most areas have natural flat spots for tents and sometimes enough room for RVs, plus existing fire rings. Little Blackfoot River Dispersed Campsite #3 provides a large flat camping area with space for tents and several RVs. For more facilities, Canyon Ferry Lake Dispersed Camping Area is nearby with access to drinking water and a dump station at the main campground. Some dispersed sites like those at Freezout Lake have portable toilets, tables, and benches. However, most Wolf Creek dispersed sites have no water, toilets, trash service, or other amenities.

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