Shields River Dispersed Site

Star0
3 reviews
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Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

6/16 – 12/1

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 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."

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Fees & Passes at Shields River Dispersed Site

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free

Stay Limit: null

Cancellation: null

Prices verified November 17, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Custer Gallatin National Forest website.

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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

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.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the available sources.
Sites SizeThe size of the individual sites is not specified for this campground.
Sites PrivacyDetails about privacy at the campsites are not provided in the source materials.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull

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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Season6/16 – 12/1
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull

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
Winter activities are not discussed in the sources, although one user review mentions camping in a tent at -20°F, indicating the potential for extreme winter conditions.
Water Sports
Water sports are not described for this campground.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • null
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazards"There was a lot of flies and a lot of bugs I had to make sure to keep my RV closed up."
Active alertsnull

Weather at Shields River Dispersed Site

32
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 61%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 16.6 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services

null

Good to know

Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash pickup service available at the site. Campers are advised to pack out all trash and dispose of it responsibly.
Proximity to water features"A river right there."
Common complaints"There was a lot of flies and a lot of bugs."
Hostnull

Campground Map

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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

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Shields River Dispersed Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 3 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...
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Based on 3 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 3 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...
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Based on 3 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...
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Based on 3 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...
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Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or rankings are provided in the reviews.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

Information regarding accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities is not available.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no specific mention of pet policies or pet-related experiences in the reviews.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0
0 review
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2
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5
Last updated November 17, 2025
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