Dispersed Camping

In addition to American Prairie facilities, visitors can tent camp on American Prairie's deeded land and on nearby public land.


Dispersed Tent Camping on American Prairie Deeded Land

Visitors are welcome to tent camp on American Prairie deeded land with the following guidelines:

  • At least ¼ mile off any road, ½ mile from any structures/dwellings, 200 ft. from bodies of water, no motorized off-road travel
  • Tents only
  • Three night limit at any one site
  • No fires
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles

Dispersed Tent Camping on Your Public Lands

These lands include areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Montana’s Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Each agency has its own regulations for recreation and camping, which are provided below. It is the responsibility of each visitor to know your location and the regulations that apply.

We also encourage visitors to follow the principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics during their adventures on the prairie.


Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

View BLM guidelines for dispersed camping. Contact the BLM at 406-896-5004 or visit the BLM Montana/Dakotas website for more information.

Visit the BLM Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Friends of Missouri Breaks Monument for area-specific travel and recreation information.


State Trust Lands

The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation regulates the recreational use of state trust lands. General recreationists, including campers, hikers, horseback riders, and sight-seers, must possess a “State Land Recreational Use License” that can be acquired online or by an authorized Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks agent.


Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge

View Refuge information and regulations for travel, camping, vehicles, fishing, boating, hunting and more. Maps are available on the Refuge website and we encourage visitors to stop in at the main office in Lewistown for more information.


More Places to Stay

Antelope Creek Campground

Myers Family Huts

Buffalo Camp

Local Lodging

Regional Campgrounds