Travertine Road Dispersed, near Yellowstone National Park, is a stunning location that offers campers a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the park, it’s a prime spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

This area is known for its spacious sites, where you can set up your tent and enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors rave about the incredible scenery, with one camper noting, “Woke up to elk grazing close to my camp.” Just keep in mind that the road leading in can be a bit rough, but it’s manageable for most vehicles if you take it slow.

Wildlife is abundant here, with elk frequently spotted in the area, adding to the charm of your camping experience. Campfires are allowed, so you can cozy up under the stars after a day of exploring. Reviewers have highlighted the peaceful atmosphere, with one stating, “Gorgeous views and barely anyone out there,” making it a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude.

Located just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone, this spot is ideal for day trips into the park. Whether you’re hiking, wildlife watching, or just soaking in the views, Travertine Road Dispersed is a fantastic choice for your next camping adventure.

Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

Gardiner, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Gardiner is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Gardiner, MT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Gardiner

The Best Camping Near Gardiner, Montana

I camped here for one night, but would have happily stayed for a week.

I was on a huge hill overlooking all of "The American Serengeti" and it was stunning. Easy drive up and down to Gardiner for groceries. Besides a LOT of gunshots in the area, the campsite was perfect. Located directly off of the National Forest road. There are dozens more sites as you go further up the road but I preferred the view of the first site.

www.welovetoexplore.com

Unbelievable views of "The American Serengeti"

My group camped here the night before a visit to Yellowstone. Spotted 3 good sites off of Travertine. Only one of the other spots was taken on a weekend night. The road was a little bumpy, but not impossible without AWD or 4WD. The location relative to Gardiner and the Gardiner entrance to Yellowstone was great! It enabled my group to get up and get to the park early. Would definitely recommend staying if planning a trip to Yellowstone and have plans to enter or exit at Gardiner. Not to mention it's free! Bring your bear spray! We saw many bear signs. 

FREE, private camping outside of Yellowstone

I was easily able to drive up the bumpy gravel road in my compact car. The road gets a little rougher going to some of the further spots, but nothing bad. This spot is semi protected in a small gulch but if there was a bad storm in the area this valley side camping spot could be rough with high winds.

Great free dispersed camping

About a ten minute drive from the market in town so it was great for us after leaving Yellowstone. Very pretty surroundings and the night sky is gorgeous. Desert landscape so you should make sure to have a canopy or sun shade. People do come up here to shoot, so if that is something that bothers you it may not be the place for you. This is still bear country so I would suggest having bear spray and always make sure that your food is packed away. We did some some recent bear scat, but have not had an encounter. 

Great location to Yellowstone North Entrance

Great place, found a nice close to level 35’ spot for our class A

Nice spot

Such a beautiful spot. I easily got my 2WD Nissan Altima up there &amp; this spot surprisingly has good cell signal as well

Free dispersed camping right by yellowstone

About 16 miles from the north entrance of Yellowstone with a view of mammoth springs in the distance. After a great climb in elevation the no camping signs stop and there are pull offs along the road. The views are phenomenal. You aren’t far off the road so there is some traffic noise but minimal. A great location with an even better view. 

Hillside beauty 

Keep goin on up the road quite a bit. 6000-some elevation. Flat, did the job great. The overlook spot was taken but we found a nice flat spot right around the corner.  

Lil treasure way up high

I'm sorry, I have to be the voice of reason here y'all. Or at least the realistic one.

  

If you are sleeping in your car, camper, van, etc, then this could totally work for you. 

  

If you are camping alone, using a tent, looking for enough space to camp (cook, sleep, etc), this is most likely not for you.

  

The road itself is fine.

  

As a young woman traveling alone in a Subaru Outback, sleeping in a tent, this was such a huge hell no for me.

Some of the pullouts have graffiti with extremely offensive language and a crapload of shotgun shells. I could tell local people use the space as a party ground quite often. I know this all sounds like I have a stick up my butt, but I'm not some conservative person. I am all for foul language and partying in the mountains. This wasn't that. This was sketchy. Maybe that's just because I am traveling alone.

A few years back I traveled in a converted Toyota Sequoia with a sleeping dock in the back with my partner and this spot would be good for a situation like that, but not my current situation. 

I do not think there's really any reasonable place up there to set up a tent between the exposure, wind, noise, space, and threat of danger.

The overlook spot is awesome... its also only about 10 feet of sand on the side of the dirt road with steep drops on all sides. Might be cool for a small van or if you are sleeping in your car. You will still be dealing with noise all night. I saw people going up the road all through the late evening and coming back down.

Sketchy... Not for Tent Camping 

I would definitely come here again. 15 min to Yellowstone NP entrance. Nice dark quiet spots. ZERO amenities for ZERO dollars. We were driving a minivan and tent camping. The dirt roads were easily passable. A small RV would be able to find a spot here. It’s bear country and you’re on your OWN. You can indeed tell folks like to party here. There’s graffiti on some of the rocks. Our camp site had toilet paper and garbage all over it. We had to take ten minutes to pick up all the garbage before we could enjoy it...but once we did we had an AMAZING view and the whole place to ourselves! Highly recommend....but make sure you arrive with daylight so you can actually FIND a spot (nothing is marked...it’s sort of DIY camping). 

Looked to be 1-2 dozen sites there. We didn’t scope the WHOLE place out...but the first site is WOW AWESOME looking. We saw it, loved it, scoped out the rest for 10 minutes than came back to that first campsite to set up and look down and the minions below! 

It was as described 

Very much middle of nowhere feeling.  Go up travertine and the. Take FS1701 road west for a mile or so.  You’ll see a few spots along the way but I liked the ones I found farther west.  I was solo and it was a little weird as it felt totally isolated.  No tables or toilets but there are a number of spots with fire rings.  Was there sept. 18th.

Good option if you need to be near north entrance to Yellowstone

There are a few spots but the overlook the GPS Coordinates take you to is amazing! Perfect for a van camper or for a small bumper pull trailer - tent camping, too. The views for the sunrise and sunset are absolutely incredible! Some things to note is that it is very remote but you do have cell phone service for Verizon and spotty ATT. This is a popular clay shooting area so you might find small .22 casings and lots of broken pots if you venture into the field. It was quiet in terms of traffic passing through and slightly unnervingly quiet at night, so I understand getting the creeps as a solo camper. Overall, highly recommend! 

Awesome Spot!

15 minutes from the Mammoth Hotsprings visitor center. Easy to access, no crazy potholes or anything, just a dirt road. There’s a couple cabins up that road too so I assume whomever owns them keeps the road well maintained. The first spot you come to has an incredible view which is where we stayed, but if you want something more sheltered keep going around the bend and there’s a little rocky outcropping/quarry type area. It was absolutely freezing though, the inside of the truck bed had frost in the morning (22°!)

Perfect spot if you don’t want to pay to stay in Yellowstone

We arrived at 5-6 and only came across two available spots on the entire road. Each campsite is fully dispersed and a large distance between each other. Lots of animals in area so keep that bear spray. Great view of mountains. 

I gave a four star because when first entering there is a giant stone wall with graffiti and and elk skull bone and hooves lying around, kind of sketchy when wanting to be left alone. 

Great Spot close to northern entrance of Yellowstone.

Very close to the north entrance to Yellowstone. These spots were as described here. We saw the pretty little overlook spot, but it was too small &amp; windy for us. We went further down the road (it turns more west) &amp; saw the graffiti wall &amp; went past that to a great secluded spot. It does seem to be used by locals to dump their hunting carcasses &amp; for target practice, but you can't beat the price of FREE. We did sleep in the truck my husband has customized to be our 'hard sided camper' &amp; has a good night's rest. It was quiet &amp; dark &amp; a little cold - perfect for sleeping!

Free camp spot near Gardiner

Perfect dispersed camping.  Note it is a windy dirt road, so a pickup or camper van can make it, but don't try a Class A or Class C RV.  Our 20 footer made it fine. Also wouldn't want to drive it if rain forecasted as I bet the dirt turns to impassible mud real fast. 

The spots themselves are wonderful, some very open, some tucked away along the rocks, all very spread out from each other. Super quiet. I can't believe how quiet it was. 

If you want to feel like you are camping on a mountain in the middle of no where, this is it. 

Perfect dispersed camping

The road getting here is a little intimidating but once you get there it’s worth it. We had 2 elk does come eat right next to our van. The views are stunning. I wouldn’t recommend cooking so bring sandwiches or something. We were in a GMC Cargo van and I wouldn’t even try to drive anything larger up the hill. But I’d definitely camp here again. 

Beautiful primitive camping 

Got into a spot around 6 or 7pm after spending the day at Yellowstone in late May and wow, you can’t beat the views for $0! We took the first spot we saw due to road conditions (we were towing a Uhaul trailer with our Subaru Forester) so we didn’t bother going up further.

Definitely a bumpy and steep ride for our towing situation but dang the views were insane over Gardiner and the mountains. Only one other camper van in view a ways down. Our spot had pretty bumpy ground so we ended up skipping the tent and just sleeping in the car. Woke up to a serious snowfall in the morning so we got out of there quickly, but we’d definitely stay here again if we weren’t towing. 

Stunning Views, Challenging Drive

Uphill haul to sites.  Solid area lots of elk.  Near north entrance to park.

Good area right outside Yellowstone

Managed to pull my 18ft Winnie Drop trailer all the way to the top. Views we’re definitely worth it, but the road is definitely not smooth, but if you go slow you can do it just fine. Stayed 2 nights and did some rafting, there were also several other spots lower down the mountain.

Beautiful Views / Iffy Road

Right outside of town, right outside of the north entrance to Yellowstone, available when I pulled up at 11pm. And the views - I was so stoked!! Road was choppy but easy with my 4WD. Did have something sniffing around my tent in the morning and did hear coyotes. Was glad all my food was still in the car. The GPS coordinates drop you off at the best spot but there are other places to pull over. 

Dope

Woke up to elk grazing close to my camp. 10/10 recommend 


Great place, I stayed at the last spot  

Stayed here for a night in June. The road getting there is a little rough, but nothing my Subaru couldn’t handle. Gorgeous views and barely anyone out there. We had plenty of space at our site and made a fire. Through the evening and as the sun was setting, there was a small group of elk following after a bugling bull and some coyotes. Great location right outside of Yellowstone (Mammoth) and Gardiner. Would recommend eating at the Wonderland Cafe. 

Quiet and Beautiful

Not far from city or entrance to Yellowstone, amazing view. Easy enough to find a spot, no service for the most part 

What a view 

Views were amazing.  The road was a little rough, but wide and easily passable.  We had great Verizon cell service.  Tons of elk around, as this is in an elk preserve. Overall excellent experience! 

Amazing place

This is the most beautiful place I have ever, and probably will ever, camp in. Safe and easy to find. Rough road coming up, but lots of spaces tucked away. Saw several elk on the drive in and heard some coyotes howling at dusk, but nothing bothered us. I wish I could live here!

BEST CAMPING! 

There's about three good spots up on the hill, the two out on the edge have reliable service.  But as soon as you go back up a bit, it vanishes.

Stunning views of Yellowstone and the mountains.  Be aware, there are NO trees, so it will get stiflingly hot with no clouds.  But, close to town, and the road isn't the worst.  For sure go slow, but even low clearance should be able to pick out a path.

Stunning veiws

Nice roads and huge beautiful sites. Being a small female solo tent camping I felt safe. There are lots of elk and rabbits. 

Beautiful 

Based on the dispersed camping guide provided by the Forest Service office in Gardiner, you’re not supposed to camp in the spot listed on this site. Take a left off Traveltine road, go past the rock quarry to find good sites

Not supposed to camp here 

This is a nice place to boondock. There are a few level spots up here, but the road is pretty rough and pretty steep. The view into Yellowstone is gorgeous.

Close to town and Yellowstone

No crowds at all! There was a car or two that drive past. Absolutely beautiful views! 

Perfect camp site 

It was last minute I read about this spot on Dyrt and was pretty relieved to find something with great reviews and relatively close to home in Bozeman. We are literally the only people up here off this FS road. Strange to see so many dead elk carcasses all around but it’s Montana so not surprised. Epic views, peaceful atmosphere and lots of open space. I definitely will come back again to enjoy another night or two. Bring along wood and water. It is best country but I’m not in any fear whatsoever. 

A Mountain All To Ourselves 

There are 3 or 4 spots in this area. I came in Labor Day weekend at 6:30 pm and was able to get a spot. 

Great spot

Great spot with great views. Washboard road for a bit but it’s ok

Dispersed Yellowstone 

This is one of the most gorgeous dispersed sites I have stayed at. Surrounded by rolling mountains, hills and plains filled with Yellowstone plants, wild rabbits, and the occasional elk family. The sites start about 2 miles up the road (which is a bit rough at times but even a sedan should be okay if you take it slow). Sites weren’t too far apart from each other but the bushes and hills provided total privacy.  There are only about 6-8 sites, but there were a few available both nights we camped here. Right next to the northern entrance to Yellowstone too. Highly recommend!

Gorgeous and private

Stayed overnight while exploring Yellowstone, it appeared to filled up overnight but we arrived at 5ish and all spots were open 


Great for access to Yellowstone with great Mountain Views 

Very nice sites. We picked one of the first we saw. A little bit windy but absolutely stunning mountain views.

Incredible Views

One of the most beautiful places I’ve stayed! The sites are straight up from Gardiner on your usual rocky, washboard road. There were quite a few spots and it wasn’t busy at all (arrived at 5:30pm on a holiday weekend). No amenities (ie fire pit) but you really can’t beat those views!

Stunning Views

Great spot for travelers or people who didn't book a site in or close to Yosemite. This site is about twenty minutes away from the Yosemite entrance from the Montana side, which is the north entrance of Yosemite. It's absolutely beautiful and worth it for someone who wants to sleep in a mountain viewing location. There are bears and elk so take care to put away any food you may have. The road is said to be rough but I made it up fine in my Honda civic. Just take it slow.

Montana Beauty 

Great camping spot, the views were great and it’s within a 10 min driving from Yellowstone. My only complaint was that the dirt road you have to drive on to access it is super bumpy due to many potholes and large rocks. This is likely no problem for a truck or suv but my sedan had a difficult time getting up the road. So long as you’re in a big vehicle you will have a great time camping here. 

Great but difficult to access

Absolutely stunning spot. The mountain views from camp were unreal — especially at sunrise. Super peaceful, with minimal noise. No amenities, so pack in everything you need and leave no trace. Would 100% come back for the views alone. One of the best dispersed sites I’ve stayed at.

Beautiful view

Roads weren't terrible. Just outside of town. Close to the park. View was terrific.


Nice Spot!

Gorgeous! Spots are spread out and some already had fire rings. Not too far to town or Yellowstone 

Photos of Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

Real photos from real campers