Dispersed Camping in Dawson County, Montana
Showing 12 locations in Dawson County.
Albertson's Glendive
A convenient supermarket parking lot located off the main road in Glendive. The management is traveler-friendly and typically permits overnight stays in the far eastern corner of the lot. The area is quiet, bordering a pleasant treed field, making it a peaceful alternative to nearby highway rest stops. Be sure to park away from the main entrance and support the store by purchasing groceries.
Caine Coulee Campground - Makoshika State Park
This scenic campground is located within Makoshika State Park, offering stunning views of the eastern Montana badlands. The front section contains campsites suitable for rigs, while further back features steep dirt-road access to secluded drive-in tent sites nestled along the coulee.
Glendive Public Parking
A designated city public parking lot located on West Bell Street, adjacent to the local railway line. This lot accommodates cars and light trucks only and enforces a strict five-day stay limit. Its proximity to the active railway and main drag means train horns and traffic noise are frequent. Ideal for low-profile vans and passenger vehicles seeking a legitimate town stopover.
Green Valley Campground
A basic, older RV park offering full hookups close to the highway corridor. Primarily serves as a convenient stopover for weary travelers needing utility connections rather than a scenic destination.
Intake Fishing Access Site
A developed public campground and boat launch area managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, situated on the banks of the Yellowstone River. The site features level gravel spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and direct river access.
Joe's Casino Parking
This parking area at Joe's Casino offers a convenient overnight stopping point close to the highway.
Large Defunct Parking Lot
A massive, quiet parking lot in front of a defunct storefront on West Bell Street. Offering abundant space, this lot provides a quiet spot to pull in for a night of rest. A sign restricts commercial semi-truck parking, leaving the lot open and uncluttered for traveler rigs and passenger vehicles. Please keep the area clean to preserve this access.
Makoshika State Park Backcountry Campsites
A cluster of designated primitive/backcountry walk-in sites located within Makoshika State Park, featuring rugged badland vistas and scattered ponderosa pines.
Makoshika State Park
A scenic state park campground nestled within dramatic badland formations near the Yellowstone River. The park features unique geology, hiking trails, fossil displays, and quiet campsites set among pine-dotted coulees.
Makoshika State Park
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Pine-on-the-Rock Campground
Pine-on-the-Rock is a scenic, small developed campground nestled among rugged rock formations and ponderosa pines in Montana's largest state park.
Pump Town Travel Plaza - Flying J
A large, well-stocked travel plaza offering overnight parking for traveler rigs and commercial trucks. On-site facilities include pay showers, laundry services, a trucker lounge, and a convenience store with hot food options. Most visitors park toward the back of the lot where it remains well-lit and secure. Expect active truck engines and ambient plaza sounds throughout the night.