By:
Submission
“Dispersed camping” is the term used for camping anywhere outside of a developed campground, including in some campgrounds with minimal development.
Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest.
Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition.
Rules for dispersed camping
Groups over 75 people are not allowed.
Dispersed camping is NOT allowed near developed recreation areas including campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas.
Water, restrooms, and trash cans are not provided. Pack out all your trash.
There is a 16-day stay limit at any site. After that you must move 5-miles away, and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days.
Use existing fire rings. Avoid creating new fire rings. Your fire must be attended at all times and be dead out before leaving.
Contact a local office about possible campfire restrictions before you go.
Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced.
Additional rules or regulations may apply to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Flathead Wild and Scenic River corridor.
Human Waste Disposal
Dispersed camping generally means no bathrooms. Keep your site clean for the next campers and prevent disease spread and pollution of water by following these rules:
Urinate on rocks and avoiding vegetation if possible, and well away from water and camp.
Do not leave toilet paper or wipes on the ground after you pee. Carry a zipper-lock plastic bag and pack out your toilet paper.
Dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 8-inches wide at least 200-feet away from water, camp and trails to bury feces. Cover all waste with the soil you removed, and sprinkle the disturbed ground with leaves, pine needles, or other organic debris.
If you carry a portable camping toilet, treat and pack out all treated waste and dispose of according to instructions on the digestant.
The Flathead Wild and Scenic River Corridor rules require all solid human waste be carried out in leak-proof manner and disposed of properly off-forest.
Camping with a vehicle
Motorized use is limited to roads and trails designated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Know and follow all seasonal closures and never go beyond gates or other barriers on roads.
Do not park or camp in front of closed gates. This prevents authorized users, including emergency responders, from accessing the road.
Find and select your campsite on foot and scout the most direct route to your campsite for your vehicle.
Driving your vehicle more than 300 feet from a motorized route for purposes of dispersed camping is prohibited.
You may not cut or damage trees or vegetation to access your campsite.
Never drive across wet areas or areas with soft ground.
Beautiful views from the dam area. Rugged, majestic scenery all the way to the dam.
This was a nice little Kayak. Easy in and out.
There are several boat and or kayaks.launches all around the reservoir. Some a little in the rough side. Just FYI!
Had a nice lunch, and kayak.
Absolute hidden gem of the West Glacier region. Fabulous visitor center. Great drive past the dam with awesome views of the Rocky Mountain range.
Stunning, beautiful, wild. The campsite was awesome, no fee at the cost of no hookups. I hope to visit this place in the future, maybe with a kayak.
We visited the three horse dam only ! Absolutely mind blowing and impressive ! They got nice visitor center where you can learn about the dam too ! I like the fact that the dam got road and sidewalk on it where you can walk and see ! The scenery around the dam is fantastic too! Also a good place to visit and spend time at !
