Elk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area
in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Reported open. Checked 2026-08-05.
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level RV detail confirmed against Recreation.gov. Where a field says "not published," the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
Recreation.govChecked 2026-08-05
Make Elk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area part of the drive.
Byway plans around your taste, verified places, real weather and opening hours — then opens every leg in Google Maps with one tap.
Official Forest Service pageElk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area
Elk Lake dispersed camping and picnic area is surrounded by pristine wilderness and mountain lakes and streams. There are abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the area, which is particularly popular with birders. Bears frequent the landscape here, so be sure to be bear aware and follow all regulations and best practices for food storage.
Before you go
Fees
There is no fee ($0) for this dispersed camping area.
Hours
Open annually mid-May through mid-October, weather dependent.
Restrictions
Forest-wide stay limit: Camping in an area, campsite, or developed campground is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30 day period. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has a mandatory forest-wide Food Storage Order. Food Storage Requirements 2014 Food Storage Order
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.