Where to Find Free Campsites in Montana

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Headline: Where Can You Camp for Free in Montana?

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Montana is a state with a wealth of natural beauty, from towering mountains to lush forests to sparkling lakes. It’s no wonder that camping is a popular activity in the state. But not everyone wants to pay for a campsite. If you’re looking for a free camping option, there are plenty of places to choose from in Montana.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best free camping spots in Montana. We’ll cover everything from national forests to BLM land to county parks. We’ll also provide information on the amenities that are available at each location, so you can find the perfect spot for your next camping trip.

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Campground Location Amenities
Smith River Campground Smith River, Montana Picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets
Beartooth Lake Campground Beartooth Mountains, Montana Camping shelters, bear boxes, hiking trails
Glacier National Park Campground Glacier National Park, Montana Backcountry camping, hiking trails, ranger stations

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Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and explore Montana’s natural beauty. There are many places to camp for free in Montana, both on public and private lands. This article will provide you with information on where to find free camping in Montana, as well as tips on how to make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible.

Public Lands

The following are some of the best places to find free camping on public lands in Montana:

  • National Forests. Montana has 13 national forests, which offer a variety of camping opportunities. Most national forests have campgrounds with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire pits. However, you can also find free dispersed camping in national forests. Dispersed camping is camping in undeveloped areas, away from developed campgrounds. To dispersed camp in a national forest, you must follow the agency’s regulations.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands. The BLM manages over 24 million acres of land in Montana, much of which is open to camping. BLM lands offer a variety of camping opportunities, including developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, and backcountry camping. Developed campgrounds have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire pits. Dispersed camping is camping in undeveloped areas, away from developed campgrounds. Backcountry camping is camping in remote areas, often without access to roads or trails. To camp on BLM lands, you must follow the agency’s regulations.
  • National Parks. Montana has five national parks, all of which offer camping opportunities. National park campgrounds have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire pits. However, you can also find free dispersed camping in national parks. Dispersed camping is camping in undeveloped areas, away from developed campgrounds. To dispersed camp in a national park, you must follow the park’s regulations.
  • Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Lands. The FWS manages over 3 million acres of land in Montana, much of which is open to camping. FWS lands offer a variety of camping opportunities, including developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, and backcountry camping. Developed campgrounds have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire pits. Dispersed camping is camping in undeveloped areas, away from developed campgrounds. Backcountry camping is camping in remote areas, often without access to roads or trails. To camp on FWS lands, you must follow the agency’s regulations.
  • State Lands. Montana has over 30 million acres of state land, much of which is open to camping. State lands offer a variety of camping opportunities, including developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, and backcountry camping. Developed campgrounds have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire pits. Dispersed camping is camping in undeveloped areas, away from developed campgrounds. Backcountry camping is camping in remote areas, often without access to roads or trails. To camp on state lands, you must follow the state’s regulations.
  • Tribal Lands. Montana is home to seven federally recognized tribes, all of which have their own land. Tribal lands offer a variety of camping opportunities, including developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, and backcountry camping. Developed campgrounds have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire pits. Dispersed camping is camping in undeveloped areas, away from developed campgrounds. Backcountry camping is camping in remote areas, often without access to roads or trails. To camp on tribal lands, you must follow the tribe’s regulations.

Private Lands

In addition to public lands, you can also camp for free on private lands in Montana. Some landowners allow camping on their property for a fee, while others allow it for free. To find free camping on private lands, you can check with the following sources:

  • Local chambers of commerce. Chambers of commerce often have lists of businesses that allow camping on their property.
  • Local land trusts. Land trusts often own land that is open to camping.
  • Local newspapers. Local newspapers often run articles about free camping opportunities.
  • Camping websites. There are a number of websites that list free camping opportunities in Montana.

Tips for Free Camping in Montana

Here are a few tips for making your free camping experience in Montana as enjoyable as possible:

  • Plan ahead. When planning your free camping trip, be sure to do your research and find a suitable location. Consider the following factors when choosing a campsite:
  • Accessibility. Is the campsite accessible by car or by foot?
  • Amenities. What amenities are available at the campsite?
  • Regulations. What are the regulations for camping at this location?
  • Be respectful. When camping on public or private lands, it is important to be respectful of the environment and the people who own the land. Be sure to follow all regulations and leave the area clean when you leave.

3. Things to Consider When Choosing a Free Campsite

When choosing a free campsite in Montana, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Location: Free campsites are often located in remote areas, so it’s important to consider how far you’re willing to drive to get to them. If you’re looking for a quick and easy camping trip, you may want to choose a campsite that’s closer to civilization. However, if you’re looking for a more secluded and peaceful experience, you may want to choose a campsite that’s further away.
  • Amenities: Some free campsites have limited amenities, while others have more. If you’re looking for a campsite with basic amenities like a fire pit and picnic table, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. However, if you’re looking for a campsite with more amenities like flush toilets and showers, you may have to do some research to find one.
  • Regulations: Free campsites are often subject to different regulations than paid campsites. For example, some free campsites may require you to have a permit, while others may have restrictions on how long you can stay. It’s important to make sure you understand the regulations for any free campsite you’re considering before you arrive.
  • Safety: When choosing a free campsite, it’s important to consider the safety of the area. Is the campsite located in a high-crime area? Are there any dangerous animals in the area? It’s important to do your research and make sure you’re choosing a safe campsite.

4. Tips for Free Camping in Montana

Free camping in Montana can be a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty and save money on your vacation. However, there are a few things you need to know to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

  • Plan ahead: The first step to successful free camping is planning ahead. This means doing your research and finding out where the free campsites are located, what amenities they offer, and what regulations they have. It’s also important to make sure you have all the necessary gear for your trip, including a tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, and food.
  • Be prepared: Once you’re at your campsite, it’s important to be prepared for anything. This means having a plan in place for what to do in case of bad weather, injuries, or other emergencies. It’s also important to be aware of the wildlife in the area and how to avoid them.
  • Leave no trace: When you’re leaving your campsite, it’s important to leave no trace behind. This means packing out all of your trash and properly disposing of it. It also means being careful not to disturb the natural environment.

By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable free camping experience in Montana.

Free camping in Montana is a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty and save money on your vacation. By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable free camping experience.

Where Can I Camp for Free in Montana?

  • National Forests. The U.S. Forest Service offers over 100 campgrounds in Montana, many of which are free. These campgrounds typically have basic amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms, but no running water or electricity.
  • BLM Lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also manages over 2 million acres of public land in Montana, some of which is open to dispersed camping. Dispersed camping means camping in undeveloped areas, away from established campgrounds. There are no fees for dispersed camping on BLM land, but campers must follow all applicable regulations.
  • National Parks. The National Park Service manages five national parks in Montana, all of which have campgrounds. Campgrounds in national parks typically have more amenities than those in national forests or BLM lands, but they also come with a higher price tag.
  • State Parks. Montana has over 50 state parks, many of which have campgrounds. Campgrounds in state parks typically have more amenities than those in national forests or BLM lands, but they also come with a higher price tag.
  • Private Campgrounds. There are also a number of private campgrounds in Montana, which range in price from free to expensive. These campgrounds typically have more amenities than those on public land, such as showers, laundry facilities, and restaurants.

What are the Rules for Dispersed Camping in Montana?

When dispersed camping on BLM land, campers must follow the following rules:

  • Camp at least 100 feet from any road, trail, or water source.
  • Camp in areas that are already disturbed, such as old fire rings or areas with existing vegetation.
  • Pack out all trash and human waste.
  • Be respectful of other campers and the environment.

What are the Best Places to Camp for Free in Montana?

Some of the best places to camp for free in Montana include:

  • The Bob Marshall Wilderness. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is located in the northern part of Montana and offers stunning scenery, including mountains, forests, and lakes. There are a number of designated backcountry campsites in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, as well as dispersed camping opportunities.
  • The Great Divide Basin. The Great Divide Basin is located in the central part of Montana and is home to the Continental Divide. There are a number of dispersed camping opportunities in the Great Divide Basin, as well as a few established campgrounds.
  • The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is located in the southern part of Montana and offers stunning scenery, including mountains, forests, and lakes. There are a number of designated backcountry campsites in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, as well as dispersed camping opportunities.

What Gear Do I Need for Free Camping in Montana?

When free camping in Montana, you will need to bring the following gear:

  • A tent or other shelter
  • Sleeping bag or pad
  • Cookware and utensils
  • Food and water
  • Toilet paper and a trowel for digging catholes
  • Firewood or a camp stove
  • First aid kit
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • Insect repellent
  • A map and compass
  • A flashlight or headlamp

How Do I Stay Safe When Free Camping in Montana?

When free camping in Montana, it is important to take precautions to stay safe. Here are a few tips:

  • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and be careful of bears and other wildlife.
  • Bring a bear canister or hang your food from a tree to keep it away from bears.
  • Be prepared for bad weather.
  • Know how to treat injuries and illnesses.
  • Leave no trace.

Additional Resources

  • [U.S. Forest Service: Camping in Montana](https://www.fs.usda.gov/ccrc/managing-land/recreation/camping-montana)
  • [BLM: Camping on BLM Land in Montana](https://www.blm.gov/visit/camping-montana)
  • [National Park Service: Camping in Montana](https://www.nps.gov/state/montana/planyourvisit/camping.htm)
  • [Montana State Parks: Camping in Montana](https://mtstateparks.org/camping/)

    Montana is a beautiful state with a variety of free camping options. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in the wilderness or a more accessible campground near a town, you’re sure to find something to your liking. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Montana camping trip today!

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

  • There are many different types of free camping in Montana, including dispersed camping, boondocking, and camping on public lands.
  • Each type of free camping has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for you.
  • When free camping, it’s important to be respectful of the environment and follow all local regulations.
  • Free camping is a great way to experience the beauty of Montana and save money on your next camping trip.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.