Free RV Camping at Montana Fishing Access Sites (FAS)
Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks operates 340 Fishing Access Sites, of which 97 support camping. About half of those 97 are free.
When you think of camping in the Big Sky Country of Montana, you think of Glacier National Park, Lewis and Clark National Forest, or the expansive Fort Peck Lake. However, campgrounds in those areas can get crowded along with having to book your reservation months in advance.
But the locals have a secret!
Ninety-seven (97) of the state’s “Fishing Access Sites” (FAS) support vehicle-based camping, many being able to accommodate full-sized motorhomes and trailers. About half of these FASes are free for persons holding a Conservation License. The other half will charge per-night fees.
A Conservation License is like an annual pass for lands managed by Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). They’re also good for Montana’s state parks and Wildlife Management Areas.
Cost is $8.00 for residents, and $10.00 for non-residents.
FAS campgrounds do not accept reservations. It’s all first-come, first-served. Many FAS campgrounds offer a maximum 7-day stay, while others offer 14 days. Most campgrounds are accessed from hard-packed gravel roads suitable for all vehicles. All are located close to paved roads. You do not need a fishing license to camp at an FAS, but you do need one to fish.
Boondocking Sites of the Week
Our favorite boondocking sites of the week go to…
Owens River Road Dispersed Area, Inyo NF, Crestview, CA, (GPS: 37.7383, -118.9656) - Located along the east side of US-395, about 13 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, numerous spur roads branch from Owens River Road leading to dozens of boondocking sites. What makes this area idyllic are the groves of tall pines shading your camp. At 8,000 feet elevation, be prepared to stay cool in the summer. Read review on FreeRoam.
Shavano WMA Dispersed Area, Colorado BLM, Salida, CO, (GPS: 38.5541, -106.1177) - Among the most popular boondocking areas in the United States, Shavano WMA has room for a hundred RVs of all sizes. Because this place is up elevation, you also get decent to good cellular signal. The town of Salida, CO is only a few miles away. A hard packed dirt road leads into this area, though there is a very short, steep rise just before you enter. Read reviews on FreeRoam.
Snaggletooth Primitive RV Camp, California BLM, Needles, CA, (GPS: 34.5933, -114.6358) - While not suited for summer camping, this primitive area is popular with snowbirds. Cellular signal can be spotty here, but you’re only 20 miles from the town of Needles and 19 miles from Havasu Lake, both of which offer supplies. Plenty of hiking and desert combing, along with amazing sunsets and singing coyotes. Read reviews on FreeRoam.
Is it Legal to Camp Anywhere on BLM Land?
For the most part, yes, it’s legal to camp anywhere on BLM land, as long as your vehicle remains in a previously used campsite or stays close to the side of a road. Obviously, there are some exceptions. Nonetheless, if you’re on BLM land, and you see a dirt road leading away from the highway, it’s legal to drive down that road and pick a place to camp.
The only BLM areas where you cannot set up camp (for free) are…
Any area identified as “day use only”. These are typically visitor centers, viewing areas, picnic areas, trail heads, and boat launches.
Any area where there are signs posted prohibiting camping.
In developed campgrounds (where you have to pay).
If a road has a gate, and the gate is closed or locked, you cannot enter.
Areas marked as “Wilderness” are limited to hikers and tent campers only. No vehicles allowed.
Any BLM land existing within the boundaries of an incorporated city conform to city ordinances, and nearly all cities ban camping outside of lands zoned for RV Parks and campgrounds.
Any land the BLM has leased to other organizations, usually oil-drilling companies and mining companies. These areas will have signs posted.
And land that is adjacent to a military base usually has a buffer ranging anywhere from one mile to three miles where the general public is not allowed to camp. Again, you will see signs posted.
Read more about boondocking on BLM land.