Birdsong and fir trees greet campers along this free dispersed site on a National Forest road outside Bozeman, where pull-offs sit directly along the route with little buffer from passing traffic. Sites are small and exposed to the road, so privacy is limited. That said, the elevation brings temperatures noticeably cooler than in town, and open sightlines toward the surrounding forested slopes give the area a genuinely remote feel despite the accessible drive-in access.
Road conditions are the most important variable here. The main pull-off sits exactly at the listed GPS coordinates and has enough room for a vehicle like a Sprinter van. Farther down toward Skunk Road, additional pull-offs exist but the surface gets rougher, especially after rain, and high clearance or four-wheel drive becomes advisable. Summer use is steady. One reviewer counted more than a dozen vehicles passing through in a single 14-hour stay, and popular spots can fill with RVs overnight.
Cell service is reported as decent at the main pull-off. Wildlife has come close enough to camp that making noise periodically is worth doing. Marasha L. describes it as "views and birdsongs aplenty," which captures what the site does well. No services are on-site, and some signage along the road about private property and parking restrictions has confused visitors, though the pull-offs on the Forest Road itself appear to be the intended camping areas.
Campers wanting developed facilities nearby can look at Battle Ridge Campground to the north, or the more rustic South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site a few miles northwest.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOlson Creek Dispersed is located in Montana near Bozeman
Coordinates
45.803947 N
110.857525 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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.
Drive Time
- 16 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 41 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 19 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 41 min from Great Falls, MT
