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BLM Camping

Carbella Rec Site

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is a federal government agency in charge of administering federal lands. Of the 850+ sites and 247.3 million acres that the agency maintains, there are many scenic spots where visitors flock every year to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. You might have a couple of these places in your area. To find out, a search for "BLM camping near me" will let you know the locations of the nearest BLM sites.

One unique BLM site is Montana's Carbella Rec Site, which lies beside the Yellowstone River, only about 20 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. In addition to the huge variety of activities and attractions at the nearby national park, the Carbella Rec Site offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and more.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Grotto Falls Trail

The Grotto Falls Trail is in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, only a short distance east of the Carbella Rec Site. This forested out-and-back trail is suitable for all hiking skill levels. It's also a popular spot for mountain biking. The best time to visit is between May and October.

Length: 2.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Petrified Forest Interpretive Trail

The Petrified Forest Interpretive Trail is an out-and-back trail near Emigrant, MT that takes visitors through a lushly forested area with lots of greenery and scenic views. Regardless of your fitness level, this trail should make for a pleasant nature walk.

Length: 2.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Joe Brown Trail

Located in Custer-Gallatin National Forest, the Joe Brown Trail is a rocky out-and-back trail that's somewhat challenging to traverse. It's not only a great uncrowded hiking spot, but it's also a top place for snowshoeing during the winter.

Length: 4.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Due to its location right beside the banks of the Yellowstone River, the Carbella Rec Site is a great place to visit for fishing. In that river, anglers reel in brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. The BLM site also features a boat ramp. You can take your kayak, canoe, or small fishing boat out into the river and cast your line from your watercraft. If you visit the nearby Custer-Gallatin National Forest, you'll come across many more lakes, streams, and rivers for fishing.

Climbing

Just to the west of the Carbella Rec Site is a large stretch of land covered in mountain peaks and rocky areas. If you're an adventurous climber, you'll find all sorts of routes and challenges in the area. One great destination is Red Cliff, one of Montana's best sports climbing spots. Another option is Gallatin Canyon, which features a wide variety of climbing routes to choose from.

Wildlife Viewing

The best wildlife viewing opportunities near the Carbella Rec Site are in the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. This gorgeous park is most known for its bison population, but some of the other species you can spot in the area include wolves, elk, grizzly bears, moose, bighorn sheep, cougars, American black bears, red foxes, and bobcats.

Picnicking

The Carbella Rec Site is a lovely spot for a picnic. The site has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Relaxing near flowing water is always so peaceful. If you bring a picnic blanket with you, you can set up your own picnic site by the banks of the Yellowstone River.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is a definite possibility around the Carbella Rec Site. The on-site Carbella Campground can accommodate all sizes of RVs. None of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area offer modern amenities or RV hookups, but you will find several nearby spots that do. A couple of options within a short distance are the Yellowstone's Edge RV Park to the north and the Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North to the south.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is quite popular at the Carbella Rec Site. The Carbella Campground offers free, well-maintained campsites in a serene setting. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and campers have access to a boat ramp, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. You're permitted to stay at the campsite for up to 14 days per visit.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Carbella Rec Site BLM trip

If you're planning a visit to the Carbella Rec Site, keep in mind that certain parts of the area can be challenging to access. For example, reaching the Carbella Campground requires travel on dirt roads. Navigating them could be problematic during certain times of the year, especially if you're traveling in a large vehicle. Check the weather beforehand to ensure that there isn't excessive snow or rain in the area. Since the BLM site is located in a remote part of Montana, you should also pack as much extra food, water, and emergency supplies as possible.

Consider having a plan B and C for your camping accommodations if you're visiting on the weekend. The Carbella Campground's limited developed sites could be full, but you'll also find other affordable camping areas nearby. A couple of convenient backup options are Canyon Campground and Dailey Lake Campground. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

During your visit to the Carbella Rec Site, you can do a few things to help keep the area pristine. There are no trash receptacles at the site, so take all of your garbage with you when you leave. Leave anything you find in nature as you found it, and if you see any wildlife, keep a safe distance. You can also help preserve the land by keeping your campfires as low-impact as possible and only camping on durable land. With your help, this beautiful natural land can remain clean and healthy far into the future.