The West Yellowstone and Island Park area is surrounded by national forest land with dozens of free dispersed camping options — if you know where to look. Here are 10 of our favorites, ranging from easy pull-in sites to more remote spots worth the extra miles of dirt road.
What Is Dispersed Camping?
Dispersed camping means camping outside of a designated campground on national forest or BLM land. It's legal, free, and often gives you a much better experience than a crowded developed campground. The rules are simple: camp at least 200 feet from water, roads, and trails; pack out everything you pack in; leave no trace.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest (Idaho Side)
1. Warm River — along the Henrys Fork
Beautiful spots along the Henrys Fork of the Snake River near Warm River. Flat areas for a trailer, access to great fishing, and tall lodgepole pines for shade. Easy to access with a larger rig.
2. Cave Falls Road Area
The road to Cave Falls (one of Yellowstone's lesser-known waterfalls, accessible from the Idaho side) has dispersed sites along it. Remote feel, great access to the Bechler region of Yellowstone.
3. Harriman State Park Surroundings
The national forest land surrounding Harriman State Park has dispersed camping options. Great base for fishing the Railroad Ranch section of the Henrys Fork — world-class fly fishing water.
4. Big Springs Area
Near the headwaters of the Henrys Fork at Big Springs. One of the clearest, most beautiful spring-fed rivers you'll ever see. Sites scattered through the forest nearby.
5. Macks Inn Vicinity
Forest roads off Highway 20 near Macks Inn lead to dispersed sites away from the crowds. Short drive to Island Park Reservoir and all the services in town.
Gallatin National Forest (Montana Side — Near West Yellowstone)
6. Hebgen Lake North Shore
Hebgen Lake sits just northwest of West Yellowstone and the north shore has dispersed camping on forest land. Lake views, fishing access, and only 10 miles from the park entrance.
7. Duck Creek Area
Forest roads off Highway 287 near Duck Creek Village lead to open dispersed areas. Meadow camping with mountain views. More exposed than the forested sites but worth it for the scenery.
8. Cabin Creek Campground Dispersed Areas
Around and beyond the Cabin Creek recreation area there's dispersed camping available. Creekside sites with good access to the Madison River corridor.
Tips for Dispersed Camping with a Trailer
- Check road conditions before you go — many forest roads aren't suitable for large trailers
- Download offline maps before you leave cell service — signal is unreliable throughout this area
- Bring extra water — dispersed sites rarely have water sources you'd want to drink without treatment
- Have a bear canister or bear box for food storage — this is serious bear country
- Check fire restrictions before you go — fire bans are common in summer and fall
- The Caribou-Targhee NF website and the Gallatin NF website both have current road condition and restriction info
9. Lava Lake Road
South of Island Park off Highway 20, forest roads in this area lead to open lava plateau camping. Unusual landscape, good stargazing, and usually uncrowded even in peak season.
10. Upper Mesa Falls Vicinity
The area around Mesa Falls (one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Idaho) has dispersed camping on adjacent forest land. Worth building a trip around the falls themselves.
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