FOREST DISPERSED CAMP WEST

Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping. Access may be limited in winter due to snow. Maximum stay of 16 consecutive days. Strict food storage order in effect due to bear activity.

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Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.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From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .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.

Jewel Basin Hiking Area Regulations

Jewel Basin Hiking Area Regulations

About

Forest Dispersed Camp West is a primitive camping area located within the 2.4-million-acre Flathead National Forest in northwest Montana, near the Canadian border and just west of Glacier National Park. This dispersed camping location offers visitors a true backcountry experience with no developed facilities or services. The area is characterized by rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, abundant wildlife, and pristine natural beauty. Dispered camping is permitted throughout most of the Flathead National Forest and is free of charge. Campers must be completely self-sufficient, as there are no water sources, restrooms, trash collection, or other amenities provided. All visitors must pack out everything they pack in and practice Leave No Trace principles. The forest enforces strict food storage orders year-round due to grizzly bear and black bear activity in the region, requiring proper bear-resistant containers or techniques for all food and scented items. The camping season varies by elevation and snow conditions, with the main season running from late spring through fall. Winter camping is possible for experienced winter campers, though access may be limited by snow and road closures. The maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Campfires are allowed in existing fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place, but must be fully extinguished before leaving. Motorized vehicle use is restricted to designated roads shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map.

Directions

West Fork Dispersed Camping is located along the West Fork of the Greenbrier River to the north of Durbin on Forest Road 44 in the Monongahela National Forest, central West Virginia. From Elkins, drive south and follow the signs to the Monongahela National Forest. Continue to Forest Road 44 (Glady to Durbin Road) to access campsites along the river.

Nearby Campgrounds

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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