Powder River Depot Dispersed Camping

This is an unmarked, informal spot just downstream of the rail bridge crossing the Powder River, just above where it enters the Yellowstone. We have a 15' Aliner folding trailer, and wouldn't take anything larger in there. There are no facilities and barely a track in there, but it was private and peaceful. There are trains that pass through at night, but because there are no crossings, they don't blow their whistles. To get there we turned North off of the (Old MT Hwy 10) frontage road west of Terry, just on the east end of the Powder River Bridge. Then we (slowly, carefully) drove down the dirt track toward the river, turned right under the rail bridge, and followed the track as far as we could go. Apparently, at one time that track continued downstream to the Yellowstone, but the Powder has eroded it away at the base of a bluff.
It is possible to access the big cottonwood flat at the mouth of the Powder. We walked it that evening. It's a rough enough access that I would only do it with a pickup camper or a high-clearance trailer. If you want to go to that flat, here's how: After passing under the rail bridge, go up the hill to the flat pasture on top. There's a stock gate--be sure to close it behind you. Head north on that road until it turns left and drops back down to the river. There's another gate (be sure to close it). Below the gate is the roughest part of the access. You may want to walk it before risking your rig. Once you get down, there's a big cottonwood flat with numerous campsites. There was one pickup camper there when we walked through on a June weekend. This is apparently BLM land, but please respect the stock fencing. Since we spent only one night, prior to visiting Terry Badlands, we didn't even try to access the flat at the mouth of the river.
Our spot below the railroad bridge was private enough, but we had to park so close to the river that we had to be careful coming and going from our trailer. There are no toilets, fire pits, water, or other services.

We stayed here and it was the perfect spot. There’s no amenities but really we didn’t need any. My Buick Encore made it through the pathway just fine so definitely accessible. Although I would caution because it is a little sketchy road so some vehicles could have trouble. Our camping spot was level and peaceful! The only disruption we had were a couple trucks pulling in to hangout by the lake, but eventually left. Close to a railroad but I’m writing this before nightfall, so unsure if the train is bothersome.

I don’t think you’re accessing this site if you have a large rv, or trailer. It was a bit steep at times, and definitely rutted up due to rains. But go ahead and give it a try. What’s the worst that can happen, you get stuck at an awesome campsite?
I stayed at different sites here. One was fairly near the entrance, next to the Powder River. My Converted GMC Savana had no problems getting in. Picture perfect site. Train did roll past a few times, but it was almost quiet. The birds chirping is louder than the train.
The following day, I decided to see what else was available further in. After a slow, enjoyable drive across a wide open flatland, I took a peek at an area with what looked to be several available sites. The only issue, was the entrance was on a steep decline, with several large rocks. Probably no problem for a four wheeled drive, or vehicle with higher clearance, but I didn’t want to chance it. There was an area before the decline, that was great, but I decided to drive on.
After another slow, enjoyable drive across the flatlands, passing two marked gravesites, I accessed an area near the Yellowstone River. Somewhere along the drive, the Powder flowed into the Yellowstone.
This is the spot you want to camp at. Absolutely beautiful. I was the only one out there, so I had nothing but nature as far as the eye could see. If one has the gumption, there is a large area of dried river bed, covered in smooth rocks and sand, that is just begging to be explored. A plethora of wood for campfires. And did I mention there were birds? Geese, robins, blue jays, woodpeckers, turkeys, and what looked like pelicans. The sound of the river knocked me out when it was time to sleep.
Beautiful site. Made me sad I had to move on. I would definitely stay here again.

Other reviews helped me in the search for this place; barely a track in (a wet day could be problematic), and the trip across the field is worth it! Cross the fence and enjoy the bumpy ride in; I drove in during sunset, and met some cows for dinner about halfway through the field. Then after the second gravesite, crawled down an almost sketchy bank to get to the river bank (I'm unsure if a trailer could make that - I was just in my truck). Found a grouping of trees there, amongst some previous campfire rings and cow paddies. LOTS OF COW PADDIES. It was a peaceful night; no one else was in there, seemingly. The distant trains provided some white noise while I slept. In the morning, the cows joined us for breakfast!

Stopped here with my 24 foot travel trailer and my companion in a car. Neither one of us could make it in over though steep entrance requirements on the south side of the river, which was quite mucky and buggy.

Once you enter from the southside the Road splits and going to the right has low clearance. Could possibly make it with a truck camper if it’s one of those expandable kind. To the left were deep ruts and steep and short humps With cattleguard.

The entrance from the north was better but still doable with our set up.

But beautiful with trees and would definitely camp here if I had the right rig

Near a railroad track but didn’t spend the night so I can’t see if the train will come by all night

Mostly dried up. My car is very low with it being filled with stuff and did hit bottom a few times. River is pretty dried up. It worked as a free camping spot after a long day driving

We have a 32’ class c RV and was quite a trip to get here. Three miles down a gravel road, then over a very narrow rickety bridge with metal sections over heavy board bridge bed. Finally down a 1/4 mile of rutted dirt road. Best part is the huge rock bar with great rock hunting. The location is quite isolated which is a plus for us.