Free Camping in Montana

Montana has 40 free camping spots in the Camphive database. Every listing on this page has a $0 fee. Most are dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests; some are no-fee developed campgrounds. The highest-rated are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1-10 scenic rating, and every listing links to a full page with location and details.

Back to all campgrounds in Montana.

Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 11 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale.

Top free camping spots in Montana

• MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND — MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 9.8
• Sprague Creek Campground — Sprague Creek Campground · Free · Vistas 8.5
• Seeley Lake Lolo Campground (MT) — Seeley Lake Lolo Campground (MT) · Free · Vistas 8.4
• Lake Alva Campground — Lake Alva Campground · Free · Vistas 8.4
• West Fork Of Rock Creek Cabin (MT) — West Fork Of Rock Creek Cabin (MT) · Free · Vistas 8.2
• STAR MEADOWS GUARD STATION — STAR MEADOWS GUARD STATION · Free · Vistas 8.2
• BLOODY DICK CABIN — BLOODY DICK CABIN · Free · Vistas 8.2
• CRYSTAL LAKE CABIN — CRYSTAL LAKE CABIN · Free · Vistas 8.2
• East Rosebud Campground — East Rosebud Campground · Free · Vistas 8
• Jimmy Joe Campground — Jimmy Joe Campground · Free · Vistas 8
• ANNA CREEK CABIN — ANNA CREEK CABIN · Free · Vistas 8
• EAST FORK CABIN — EAST FORK CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.9
• Emerald Lake Campground — Emerald Lake Campground · Free · Vistas 7.8
• OLD CONDON RANGER STATION — OLD CONDON RANGER STATION · Free · Vistas 7.8
• MOOSE LAKE CABIN — MOOSE LAKE CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.7
• River Point Lolo Campground (MT) — River Point Lolo Campground (MT) · Free · Vistas 7.7
• CRANDALL CREEK CABIN — CRANDALL CREEK CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.5
• Lodgepole Campground (on Georgetown Lake, Montana) — Lodgepole Campground (on Georgetown Lake, Montana) · Free · Vistas 7.5
• NOTCH CABIN — NOTCH CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.5
• BIG LARCH CAMPGROUND — BIG LARCH CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7.5
• TWOGOOD CABIN — TWOGOOD CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.5
• BULL RIVER GUARD STATION — BULL RIVER GUARD STATION · Free · Vistas 7.5
• Initial Creek Campground — Initial Creek Campground · Free · Vistas 7.5
• Axolotl Cabin — Axolotl Cabin · Free · Vistas 7.5
• TRAIL CREEK CABIN — TRAIL CREEK CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.3
• PINEY CAMPGROUND AND BOAT LAUNCH — PINEY CAMPGROUND AND BOAT LAUNCH · Free · Vistas 7.2
• Montana Gulch — Montana Gulch · Free · Vistas 7.2
• CUMMINGS CABIN — CUMMINGS CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.2
• HIGH RYE CABIN — HIGH RYE CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.2
• PHILIPSBURG BAY CAMPGROUND — PHILIPSBURG BAY CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7
• M-K Campground — M-K Campground · Free · Vistas 7
• SPRING HILL CAMPGROUND — SPRING HILL CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7
• Hyalite Reservoir — MT - Bozeman · Free · Vistas 7
• BEND GUARD STATION — BEND GUARD STATION · Free · Vistas 6.8
• James Kipp Campground — James Kipp Campground · Free · Vistas 6.8
• FREEDOM POINT PICNIC AREA — FREEDOM POINT PICNIC AREA · Free · Vistas 6.6
• Coal Banks Landing — Coal Banks Landing · Free · Vistas 6.5
• SAVENAC COOKHOUSE — SAVENAC COOKHOUSE · Free · Vistas 6.5
• PATTEE CANYON PICNIC AREA — PATTEE CANYON PICNIC AREA · Free · Vistas 6.3
• Toston Dam Rec Site — Toston Dam Rec Site · Free · Vistas 6

Open the interactive Montana camping map on Camphive to browse all 40 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.

Montana camping FAQ

Is camping really free in Montana?

Yes. Every spot on this page lists a $0 fee: mostly dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests, plus some no-fee developed campgrounds. Rules can change seasonally, so confirm with the managing agency linked on each spot's detail page before you go.

How long can you camp for free in Montana?

On most BLM and national forest land the limit is 14 days within a 28-day period at one location, after which you must move. Exact limits vary by district, so check locally.

What should I expect at a free campsite in Montana?

Most free sites are primitive: no water, no trash service, and often no toilets. Pack in your water, pack out your trash, check fire restrictions, and download an offline map since many of these spots have no cell coverage. 11 of the spots listed below score 8 or higher on Camphive's 1-10 Vistas scenic scale.

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