West Fk Cottonwood CR (FR 8918) in MT

Road corridorHelena-Lewis and Clark NF, Judith-Musselshell Ranger District

27 mi from White Sulphur Springs

12 mi off US 89 (straight line)

Maps 6,551 ft

Dispersed camping generally allowed

U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.

Stay limit: 16 consecutive days · 32 days total per calendar year · then move 0.5 mi

VerizonNONE

AT&TNONE

T-MobileNONE

StarlinkFAIR

Difficult

4.6 of this road’s 5.8 miles are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
Near Mount Elmo.
Estimated climb: 1,600 ft over 5.8 miles through 6 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 14% and pitches to 22%.
Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side.
Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
A gate 4.6 miles along the road.

Some privacy

Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year… Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year
Camping rules

October normals 29–48°F, 2.9″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

West Fk Cottonwood CR (FR 8918) in MT -- Camping Rules & Access