Best Dispersed Camping in Montana

A state of staggering variety, Montana is truly one of the nation’s best camping destinations. The eastern part of the state characterized by badlands and prairie, the west is where most of the fun is found. Camping in Montana means sleeping in some of the most sensational landscapes anywhere in the USA.

With no fewer than 50 state parks and two of the greatest national parks in America, Montana is an adventurer’s paradise. The brightest star in Montana’s firmament is Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is blessed with magnificent mountainscapes. If you’re looking to go camping in Montana, Glacier should be at the top of your list.

Many explorers look for camping in Montana’s Yellowstone National Park, a sliver of which lies along the state’s southwestern border. Few people know this, but Montana is a superb access point to the world’s very first national park. If a visit to Yellowstone is on your itinerary, make sure to enter the park via the scenic Beartooth Highway.

Another great camping destination in Montana is gorgeous Flathead Lake, located within the Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation and the contiguous USA’s largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Numerous recreation areas surround Flathead Lake, offering excellent picnicking, fishing and camping. More adventure-minded travelers might want to attempt an ascent of Granite Peak, the highest mountain in the state.

If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, Montana offers you plenty of opportunities to do so. With more than 70 different mountain ranges belonging to the giant Rocky Mountains chain, it is easy to unplug and get closer to nature while camping in Montana. Pick a lesser-known campground and explore Montana “behind the scenes”.

In addition to fishing, rock climbing, and camping in Montana, there are myriad other ways to enjoy the state’s glorious natural scenery. Go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, backpacking...the list of choices is never-ending!

Best Dispersed Sites in Montana (156)

    1. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone

    34 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT

    "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."

    "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!"

    2. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    34 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    Website

    "The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."

    "Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people."

    3. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    26 Reviews
    Coram, MT

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."

    4. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    22 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT

    "I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too."

    "Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020."

    5. Acton Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Acton, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 896-5013

    "A bit out of the way from the highway but worth it. About 6 spots, the first 4 are huddled in a circle but we drove further down the rough road and found a secluded spot far from the others."

    "Great place to pull off to get some rest at drive up campsites. The road right before getting to the park was washboard like (late Sept. 2024)."

    6. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."

    "This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."

    7. Captain Clark

    12 Reviews
    Pompeys Pillar, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument."

    "A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Here's the link. Your permit is good all year."

    8. Custer-Gallatin National Forest Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Gardiner, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "We arrived to the Yellowstone area in the evening, and since we had been traveling around the U.S. for almost a year, we were well-versed in finding alternative camping options near national parks."

    "Take a left and drive in 3 miles on National Forest Road to areas where camping is allowed. There are mile marker signs."

    9. Blair Flats

    10 Reviews
    Flathead National Forest, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Also was a place for a tent by the river and two other dispersed sites, again suited for overnight, as there are no facilities."

    "Lovely little campsite next to the water. A little buggy but not too bad. Campsites we’re clean, had a fire pit and nice flat tent area, pit toilet on site too which was a nice surprise."

    10. Beaver Creek Road

    9 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website

    "We took the last one (just after 2ish miles from the entrance at the road) and it was absolutely gorgeous. Our little site sat on small ridge with a somewhat steep but short trail down to the creek."

    "This spot is one of my favorite dispersed sites I’ve ever stayed at. We stayed for 3 nights but could stay up to 16. Next time, I may stay the whole time."

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Showing results 1-10 of 156 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Montana

433 Reviews of 156 Montana Campgrounds



Guide to Montana

Discover the beauty of Montana through its dispersed camping options, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

  • Experience stunning views and ample space at Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
  • This location allows campfires and is pet-friendly, making it an ideal spot for families and furry companions alike.
  • With no permit required and free camping, it’s a budget-friendly choice for adventurers looking to explore the great outdoors.

Top activities while free camping in Montana

Unique features for dispersed campers