Best Dispersed Camping in Montana
Dispersed camping in Montana offers primitive, no-fee sites on public lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Popular areas include Travertine Road near Yellowstone, North Fork Flathead River near Glacier National Park, and Blankenship Bridge along the Middle Fork Flathead River. Most sites feature basic rock fire rings and flat areas for tents or small RVs. According to reviews, many locations provide riverside camping with natural privacy between sites, though accessibility varies significantly by location.
Road conditions to dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles. Several campers noted that while main forest roads may be well-maintained gravel, the final approaches frequently involve rough dirt roads that become impassable during rain. Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities. Visitors must pack out all waste and bring sufficient water or equipment to filter from nearby streams. Fire restrictions are common during summer months; always check current regulations before planning to have a campfire.
Stay limits typically range from 3 to 16 days depending on the managing agency. The Flathead National Forest enforces a 16-day limit at most sites, while Middle Fork areas permit only 3-day stays. Maps showing exact boundaries of public lands are essential, as many dispersed camping areas border private property. As one visitor to Rock Creek noted, "Be careful of high water signs stating it's impassable 100 yards past the bridge during high water." Wildlife encounters are common; proper food storage is mandatory in bear country. Most dispersed sites operate seasonally, with many high-elevation locations inaccessible until late May through October.
