Boondocking in Montana

Thanks, everyone, will check back for more replies. Doesn't look that good in general, but I think I can find something. Utah has me spoiled.

The areas you mentioned are pretty limited for boondock opportunities. Near Dillon, is Clark Canyon Reservoir. Several Bureau of Reclamation campgrounds that are FREE, but not boondocking really. Missoula and Flathead Lake aren't really close enough to NF lands to make boondocking practical. Haven't found any old logging roads that are suitable for boondocking, and as stated, closer to town is private land. We live a few hours away and are still looking for decent places as well. Sorry can't be more helpful. Maybe other locals will chime in.

This site may give you some ideas:

Free Campsites

If you happen to get to south-central Montana, look into the Gravelly Range. There is a georgous road that runs between Ennis and Luna that is spectacular and offers miles and miles of boondocking. What time of year are you looking at? Snow will keep you out of the high country for a couple more months.

This thread on ADV Rider has some pics including the Gravellys. Good stuff starts about page 5. Montana 1000

National Forest Service lands are usually a VERY good spot to find disbursed camping areas. Stop at district office for information about local rules and regulations but USUALLY when there is no prohibited signs, camping is permitted. Usually there are some restrictions like distance to a water course or lake (for example).
Good luck / Skip

Thanks everyone for the replies, hoping for more. I've camped in those areas, but always in campgrounds, so would really like some hard-core specifics on where to boondock (i.e., exact road etc.) if anyone cares to share, like Ralph and Camorhino's's done - thanks. I drive a silver Toyota FJ with Utah plates - if you see me, I'll have a beer or coffee or whatever handy so come on over. :)

Last year in Montana we were in the Gravelly Range of mtns to the east of Dillon, and south/west of Ennis,MT. The roads in the area would work fine for your rig, and there was numerous places to boondock. Be cautious of the area though as it is frequented by wolves and grizzly bears, so a clean camp is a must. I believe you would be in the Beaverhead/Deerlodge National Forest. There is a office in Ennis and Dillon depending which way you come from. It is not too far from West Yellowstone. You can access alot of the area off the highway as you follow it from West Yellowstone towards Ennis. The Madison River is well known for fly fishing.

Many National Forest's allow where you can get to camping, ie if you can drive up a dirt road and find a spot, you can camp (pack-in/pack-out).
The problems you will have so many of the places you list, well, like Flathead, most of the land around it is private, state-park or reservation land. East of Flathead, up the Swan Valley you might be able to find some nice places.

Missoula and Dillon are mostly private. South and west of Missoula up towards Lolo has some nice places, north-west of Dillon is Beaverhead.

West Glacier has some nice places near by that are NF. We used to go south of there toward Hungry Horse a lot

I go to Dillon every summer to visit my cousin for a couple of weeks and fish. Done a lot of traveling in the area you are talking about in my camper. I usually stay in USFS campgrounds. I do remember one boondocking spot on the Flathead River, where Glacier NP is across the river. Here is a Google map. .

I keep a very good website of my travels (see signature link). If you go to the Campsite Map page and look at all the separate year pages, you'll see every place I've camped. You might find a spot from there, although most are USFS campgrounds. However, USFS boondocking sites in the general area of the campgrounds are likely.

The boondocking spot I mentioned above was on 8/5/09 and a picture is below. The mountain is in Glacier NP and the river is at the base of the mountain. My log says the road was very washboarded. Also not particularly private, since boaters/rafters launch there.

Have fun. I'll be back in that area in August and I'll look for your Casita. :)