Boondocking in Montana allows you to fully enjoy this state’s vast open spaces. You can choose to explore Glacier National Park, play on the Missouri River, or ride horses at the iconic Rocking Z Ranch. You may also want to spend time exploring cities like Billings, Great Falls, and Butte.
Not sure where to begin your Montana boondocking adventure? We’re here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about boondocking in Montana.
Boondocking Sites in Montana
Timber Camp Campground
Play in the grassy meadow at Timber Camp Campground in Gallatin National Forest near Gardiner. This West Absaroka Mountains campground, which is open from mid-June through the end of October, is especially a beautiful place to camp in the early summer when the wildflowers are blooming. Nearby hiking trails are a great place to spot wildlife, including grizzly bears, pronghorns, and mountain goats.
Battle Ridge Campground
Battle Ridge Campground is also located in Gallatin National Forest on the east side of the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman. This is a popular campground in the summer with hikers and in the winter with skiers. You can often spot golden eagles from this campground in the autumn. The campground can accommodate trailers and motorhomes and offers designated campsites with fire rings. There is a $10 fee to camp here.
Richardson Campground
Richardson Campground near White Sulphur Springs in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is a great place to go boondocking in Montana. Many nearby trails run through a lodgepole pine forest. The road to this campground is narrow, and vehicles over 16 feet are not recommended, but small vans can camp here. There are only three campsites spread across eight acres, so you will have plenty of space to spread out.
Billy Garret Memorial Bridge Access
Billy Garret Memorial Bridge Access is an overlook near Glacier National Park. This location is a great place to launch a kayak to float the lower part of the South Fork River. A vault toilet is available at this spot near Hungry Horse, Montana, and though the spot is not necessarily intended for camping, overnight parking is allowed. This is an ideal place to camp if you’re looking to explore the national park.
Ashley Lake North Campground
Ashley Lake North Campground near Kalispell. is an excellent place to camp if you love to catch kokanee, cutthroat, and yellow perch. There is a swimming area at the lake, meaning it’s also a good place to be if you want to swim to cool off in the summer months. This campground is located within the Flathead National Forest and is usually open from mid-May to mid-October. There is a 5 day stay limit.
Upper Twin Creek Access
Enjoy a peaceful floating trip on the South Fork River while staying at Upper Twin Creek Access near Hungry Horse, Montana. This spot is also a great place to stay if you plan on fishing in the Hungry Horse Reservoir. This campground located near a bridge that crosses the river offers a vault toilet, but no other amenities. It also may be difficult to access in a big rig.
Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping
Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping is in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ennis. This dispersed camping area is a fascinating location to explore, where you can go biking, hiking, off-roading, and fishing. Bears are frequent visitors at this campground, where you can go camping in Montana for free in the state’s largest national forest. Note that this campsite is best for vans and truck campers.
Muchwater Dispersed Campground
Muchwater Dispersed Campground is in Lolo National Forest near St. Regis. This campground is near the Clark Fork River, where you can go fishing, rafting, and swimming. This campground, open throughout the year depending on snowfall, has fire rings at each campsite. It can accommodate small to medium sized RVs in a decent number of designated campsites.
Where to Boondock in Montana
- Montana is home to six national forests. All six of these offer amazing opportunities for boondocking in Montana.
- There are also Bureau of Land Management areas where you can enjoy free camping in Montana.
- Some cities also offer free camping in their city parks.
- If you just need a quick overnight, places like Walmart and Cracker Barrel may allow overnight parking.
Exploring Montana in an RV allows you to go swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, and more. The memories that you build sitting around a campfire while stargazing can last a lifetime. Pack up your RV, and head to these boondocking locations very soon. If you do not have an RV, rent one!
