FOREST DISPERSED CAMP EAST
Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping, though winter access may be limited by snow and road closures. Maximum stay is 16 days. All campers must follow food storage orders and pack out all trash.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
About
Forest Dispersed Camp East is located in Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana, offering free primitive camping in a remote forest setting. As a dispersed camping area, there are no developed facilities, services, or designated campsites. Campers can set up anywhere that is not near developed recreation areas, trailheads, or day-use sites. The Flathead National Forest requires all dispersed campers to follow food storage orders due to grizzly bear and black bear activity in the area. Campers must store all food, garbage, and scented items in bear-resistant containers or vehicles. The maximum stay limit is 16 days, and groups over 75 people are not permitted. Campfires must use existing fire rings when available, and fires must be completely extinguished before leaving. This area provides access to the pristine wilderness of northwestern Montana with opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. Winter access may be limited due to snow, and campers should check current conditions and road closures before visiting. No water, restrooms, or trash services are provided, so campers must be completely self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Directions
From Flagstaff, take Woody Mountain Road (off I-40 west of Flagstaff), which transitions into Forest Road 231. Continue approximately 25 miles on unpaved roads to reach the dispersed camping area known as Edge of the World or East Pocket. The drive can be slow and bumpy, suitable for most passenger vehicles in good weather, but high clearance is helpful in spots.
Nearby Campgrounds
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP SOUTHEAST 0.0mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP SOUTHWEST 0.0mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP WEST 0.1mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP NORTH LOOP 1.8mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH LOOP 1.9mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH BEACH 1.9mi
- Devil's Corkscrew Campground 1.6mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH POINT 1.9mi
- Graves Creek Campground 4.2mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 758-5208 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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