We set out to find some great boondocking in western Montana. Originally we wanted to be near Yellowstone National Park, but had trouble finding a place that would accommodate our big rig. As we expanded our search, we came across the Ruby Dam Reservoir. It’s only about an hour’s drive from West Yellowstone, and it offers free camping for up to 16 days at a time right on the shores of a beautiful lake.
We arrived on a Friday, completely apprehensive about finding a spot due to the impending weekend. When we arrived, there were several RVs with spots already staked out along the shoreline, near the boat launching ramp, but the upper camping areas were relatively open. We scouted the area and chose a spot up on the hill, with a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding mountains. One thing we noticed about this area though, is that there aren’t any spots that are completely level. They ALL have some sort of slope, so depending upon your rig and what you want to deal with, you’ll have to find the spot that works best for you and then proceed with leveling out from there.
On a similar note, the upper campsites on the hill are probably better suited for bigger rigs. We did see a triple axle toy hauler right along the lakefront, but we also watched many trucks struggle and spin their tires trying to haul campers back up the hills when they decided to leave. Also, if there’s any rain (and we had quite a bit), it only complicates trying to haul a large rig up the hills from the lower campsites. The area we chose on the hill was easy in/easy out with no issues.
There’s also a noise factor when you get down near the boat launching ramp. Sure, you’re close to the single vault toilet, but on weekends there are groups who like to party, play loud music and run their generators well into the night. Up on the hill, you don’t really notice them. Luckily, they’re only a weekend phenomenon, so if you’re camped at Ruby Dam Reservoir during the week, the area is very peaceful and quiet.
This is a great area to bring your boat, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and fishing gear. Even with summer storms blowing in off the mountains in the afternoons, there was still plenty of good weather to get out on the lake and enjoy it
Nearby Resources
The nearest town is Alder, Montana, just eight miles away. There you will find a gas station that also doubles as a small grocery and liquor store. The people there are very friendly, and also sell ice, firewood and postage stamps.
The town also has a KOA campground, which includes an RV dump and potable water fill. It costs $10 to dump and $10 to fill, which puts it a bit on the pricey side. We arrived with a full fresh water tank, and chose to dump the holding tanks elsewhere upon our departure. If you don’t mind driving a bit with full tanks, there are more affordable options elsewhere.
If you need to do a larger grocery haul, the nearby town of Sheridan has an IGA supermarket and Ace Hardware, all in one. They carry most anything you would need and their prices aren’t too steep considering how far everything has to be trucked in.
Your nearest Walmart is probably two hours away.
Nevada City, Virginia City and Ennis are great day trips and are only about half an hour away. Check out The City Creamery in Virginia City for some really unique flavors, and don’t miss Willie’s Distillery in Ennis. Be sure to try the Coffee Cream Liqueur and the Honey Moonshine.
The town of West Yellowstone is about a one hour drive from Ruby Dam Reservoir. If you want to just take in the sights of the town for the day, it isn’t a bad drive. If you’re looking to do extensive exploration of Yellowstone National Park, then you’ll probably want to find someplace closer to camp.
Are There Rubies at Ruby Dam?
The area around Ruby Dam Reservoir is known for its many ruby mines. In fact, you can go panning for gold or digging for rubies nearby. We know some people who found enough rubies to have pieces of jewelery commissioned from them!
Around the dam and at the campsite, you’re more likely to find garnets. We found one just lying on the ground right next to the fire ring! It isn’t uncommon to see fellow campers out scouring the roads and beaches for garnets, but from what we have heard, the place to go is the foot of the dam. Apparently there are still a lot of garnets to be found there!
