SOUTH BOULDER UPPER DISPERSED SITE
Open for dispersed camping. Mandatory food storage order in effect March 1 through December 1. Camping limited to 16 consecutive days at a single site per calendar year. Fire danger is currently moderate.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
About
South Boulder Upper Dispersed Site is located in the Boulder River drainage of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwestern Montana. This dispersed camping area provides primitive backcountry camping for those seeking a more remote experience away from developed campgrounds. As a dispersed camping site on National Forest land, there are no developed amenities. Campers must bring their own water, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. The forest enforces a mandatory food storage order annually from March 1 through December 1, requiring proper food storage to prevent wildlife conflicts. Standard National Forest regulations apply: camping is limited to 16 consecutive days at a single site per calendar year and 32 cumulative days across all sites. High-clearance vehicles may be recommended for access depending on road conditions. Check current fire restrictions before building campfires.
Directions
To reach the South Boulder Upper Dispersed Site, take State Hwy 298 south from Big Timber, MT. Continue through the town of McLeod and follow the Boulder River Road as it heads into the Gallatin National Forest past the Natural Bridge Falls area. Dispersed camping sites are located along the Boulder River Road as it continues deep into the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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) 683-3900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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