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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Olson Creek Dispersed

Olson Creek Dispersed, near Bozeman, Montana, is a unique spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the usual campground frills. This area offers a chance to camp for free, surrounded by stunning views and the sounds of wildlife, making it a solid choice for a peaceful retreat.

The location is known for its quiet atmosphere, with visitors enjoying the beautiful scenery and cooler temperatures compared to the nearby city. Some campers have found decent spots for tents and RVs, with a few pull-offs available along the road, although space can be limited. As one camper noted, “It’s very quiet and beautiful views,” which captures the essence of what Olson Creek has to offer.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the area is accessible for dirt bikes and offers some trails for exploration. While amenities are minimal—no drinking water, toilets, or trash services—this spot is perfect for those who appreciate a more rugged camping experience. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride on the way in, as the road can be rough in places.

If you’re seeking solitude and a connection to nature, Olson Creek Dispersed is worth considering for your next camping trip. Just remember to pack out what you bring in and enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

People enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal), and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided.

Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic sites, and fishing areas and within close proximity of campgrounds. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Please pack out all your trash. For information on occupancy and use, camping stay limits, weed free forage, visit Region 1 - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Travel to campsites must not create resource damage. Travel to campsites must not create resource damage Contact local district office for information on fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before camping. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Where can I disperse camp? Please refer to each district's Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps will show which roadways allow disperse camping and it tells you the distance you are allowed to drive off the road to camp. Please note that some roads have more limitations and restrictions than others. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the district office for more details.

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Location

Olson Creek Dispersed is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.803947 N
110.857525 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2024

No trespassing signs everywhere

Not to mention the single-lane cobblestone road, I have a truck and was bouncing up and down the whole way! I didn't find one area big enough to set up camp. I definitely would NOT recommend this spot

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2024

Fine for a night but not many options

A bit confusing with all the no trespassing and no parking on/off the road signs. Felt more comfortable once we saw another van parked, and drove past the coordinate location a few minutes to use a tiny widened part of the road. No services.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Rachel S., July 17, 2024
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Reviewed Jul. 15, 2024

Peaceful and Easy Access

Great spot and easy to get to. Exactly where the coordinates are pull off was big enough for my sprinter 170 extended was even able to get it perfectly level a few dirt bikes on the road that stopped at sunset. It’s very quiet and beautiful views and 15° cooler than Bozeman.

SiteRoad Pull Off
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Kenyon S., July 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Kenyon S., July 15, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2024

Really a 4.5 star spot

Beautiful space with views and birdsongs aplenty. Spaces are small and right off the road, but for a free night not far from I-94 with solitude and nature, it’s fantastic. There are a few more pull-offs (again, no privacy and right off the Forest Road) if you drive on down toward Skunk Rd, but road gets rougher (high clearance and/or 4WD fine) from especially if it has recently rained. Those spots were also all taken. Went about a 1/2 mile beyond the GPS coordinates for spot with wee bit more space but the pull-off with these exact coordinates ended up getting claimed by an RV at some point in the night—this road gets solid use in the summer—saw at least a dozen vehicles in the 14 hours here.

Siten/a
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Marasha , July 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Marasha , July 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Marasha , July 6, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2023

Beautiful views with little to no traffic

Spent 3 nights here and aside from a few cars, main traffic coming through was a few dirt bikes and dune buggies and a few folks on bikes. Pullout is on a corner turn and very obvious. Decent tent spot over the hill and on top if needed. Spot is exactly where coordinates are and cell service is decent. Wildlife did start getting a bit too close by day 4, so make some noise every so often.

Site1st pullout
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Antha A., August 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Antha A., August 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Antha A., August 10, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2023

Nice Jeep trail with a few pull outs and good views

I drove a few miles up the road and found a pull out area on one of the switchbacks. It mentions private property but I think that’s the areas off the road. A few trucks with Mtn. bikes drove past at dusk but after that it was peaceful and a nice solitary overnight spot.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Erik B., July 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Erik B., July 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Olson Creek Dispersed by Erik B., July 27, 2023
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Olson Creek Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Olson Creek Dispersed does not have wifi.