MT/WY · Mountain West
Beartooth Highway & Gallatin NF
The Beartooth Highway climbs to nearly 11,000 ft past alpine lakes and tundra, then drops to Yellowstone's northeast entrance. Free dispersed camping.
- One of the most scenic drives in the lower 48, with the Chief Joseph Highway close behind
- Gallatin NF dispersed camping is right alongside the route, so camp with mountain views
- Bozeman (BZN) is 1.5 hours, the most accessible high-mountain corridor in the US
- June/July: wildflower meadows at high altitude that rival the Alps
- Wolves and grizzlies are legitimate possibilities. This is real wilderness
Free camping near Beartooth Highway & Gallatin NF
Gallatin NF: Rock Creek Canyon Dispersed (Near Red Lodge)
Custer-Gallatin National Forest (Beartooth Ranger District)
Free dispersed camping in Rock Creek Canyon at the base of Beartooth Highway. Dramatic canyon walls, rushing creek, easy drive-in access. The classic first-night Beartooth camp before climbing to altitude.
How to get there
From Red Lodge MT, take US-212 south (the Beartooth Highway start). Dispersed camping along Rock Creek begins within the first few miles of NF land.
Gallatin NF: Beartooth Plateau High Country Dispersed
Custer-Gallatin National Forest
High-altitude dispersed camping on the Beartooth Plateau itself: camp at 10,000 ft surrounded by alpine lakes and tundra. Snow possible any month of the year. Completely wild, cold, spectacular.
How to get there
Near the summit of Beartooth Highway (US-212) at the WY/MT border. Multiple pullouts and FS roads allow dispersed camping on the plateau.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July: best month
- August: best month
- September: best month
- October
- November
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$20 to $65
per day (food + transit)
Free camping available
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 5
days · moderate difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- Shoulder seasons (before June, after October): road may be closed due to snow
- You get altitude sickness, the summit is nearly 11,000 ft
- You're in a rush. Beartooth demands a slow pace