Lewis and Clark National Forest — Wood Creek Dispersed Camp

Wood Creek drains the eastern flanks of the Continental Divide and cuts through heavy lodgepole and spruce before joining the Sun River system near the Benchmark corridor. Dispersed camping in this drainage is typical Lewis and Clark National Forest style: pull off where it makes sense, pack everything in, pack everything out. Sites are shaded and private, water is nearby but must be treated, and the forest service expects you to know the rules. Fire rings are non-existent — plan on a fire pan if you want a campfire, and check current burn restrictions with the Rocky Mountain Ranger District.

Access off Benchmark Road requires navigating a few unmarked junctions — run a paper map or downloaded topo alongside your GPS. Road surface is rough dirt with embedded rock on the steeper pitches; high-clearance 4WD is the right call. Snow can persist into late June at elevation and roll back in by October. Grizzlies are active in this drainage — mandatory bear canister or hang protocols apply.

Shaded staging just outside the Bob Marshall.