Shields River Dispersed Site

3.67

8 reviews

null

Quick Facts

6,388 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

6/16 – 12/1

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,388 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

6/16 – 12/1

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Shields River Dispersed Site

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"No Fees are required for this site."

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

nullnull

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

bugs

"The user reviews for Shields River Dispersed Site are generally positive, highlighting the site's clean restrooms, scenic location, and free access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

null

Shields River Dispersed Site

null

Driving directions24 miles northeast of Wilsall on Shields River Rd.

"Last few miles of gravel road is smooth and easy."

Nearby places

Wilsall, 24 miles

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Shields River Dispersed Site

This high-country haven transforms dramatically with the seasons. Winter arrives with a vengeance, bringing bone-chilling temperatures that can plummet to -20°F, turning the landscape into a crystalline wonderland that challenges even the heartiest cold-weather campers. As spring melts into summer, the mountains shed their snowy coat to reveal warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration. Clear mountain skies and comfortable temperatures make summer the ideal season for those seeking to experience the Crazies in all their glory.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews are more favorable; site open and accessible June–Aug with pleasant conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Site remains open into late fall (open until 12/1) but temperatures drop; still scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Site closed until 6/16; spring access is not within official open season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Official season closes 12/1; reviews note extreme -20°F winter conditions but site is effectively closed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: 6/16 – 12/1
Current Alerts: null

About Shields River Dispersed Site

Nestled in the rugged West Crazy Mountains, this dispersed camping site offers an authentic wilderness experience within the Yellowstone District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Here, adventurous souls can escape the crowds and immerse themselves in Montana's untamed backcountry, where the only amenities are those provided by nature herself.

Shields River Dispersed Site is designed for dispersed camping with minimal facilities available. It is situated in the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsThis high-country haven transforms dramatically with the seasons. Winter arrives with a vengeance, bringing bone-chilling temperatures that can plummet to -20°F, turning the landscape into a crystalline wonderland that challenges even the heartiest cold-weather campers. As spring melts into summer, the mountains shed their snowy coat to reveal warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration. Clear mountain skies and comfortable temperatures make summer the ideal season for those seeking to experience the Crazies in all their glory.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lowing of free-ranging cattle as they meander through your campsite, a reminder of Montana's enduring ranching heritage. The crystalline waters of a mountain river flow nearby, providing both a soothing soundtrack and endless opportunities for streamside relaxation. This harmonious blend of working ranchland and wild spaces creates a uniquely Western camping experience where the frontier spirit still runs free.

Geological RegionThe West Crazy Mountains rise like ancient sentinels within the Yellowstone District, their dramatic peaks and hidden valleys carved by millennia of geological forces. This lesser-known corner of the Custer Gallatin National Forest offers solitude seekers a chance to explore one of Montana's most captivating mountain ranges without the crowds found in more popular destinations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group sites or their specifications are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the available sources.

Site SizeThe size of the individual sites is not specified for this campground.

PrivacyDetails about privacy at the campsites are not provided in the source materials.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers opportunities for those who enjoy dispersed camping in a natural environment, with some user reviews suggesting an enjoyable experience being close to nature.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"There was a lot of flies and a lot of bugs I had to make sure to keep my RV closed up."

Active Alertsnull

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Shields River Dispersed Site

Reviews

3.7

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Shields River Dispersed Site has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The user reviews for Shields River Dispersed Site are generally positive, highlighting the site's clean restrooms, scenic location, and free access.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean pit toilets and the scenic nature of the area. One reviewer commented, 'Great free campsite with clean pit toilets.' Another noted the enjoyable drive to the site and the...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues mentioned in user reviews include the presence of flies and bugs, as well as the lack of cell phone reception.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and firewood since these are not provided. It is also recommended to keep RVs and tents closed to avoid bugs. One user remarked that driving slowly (10...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

One user review points to extreme winter conditions, specifically camping in -20°F, which indicates the site can be challenging in colder months. Summer conditions, based on reviews, seem more...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great free campsite with clean pit toilets.' 2. 'I really enjoy this spot. You have cows walking around, a river right there, the bathrooms are clean and they have a fire pit.' 3. 'I did not have...

Based on 8 reviews