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Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground

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Hikers and anglers exploring the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway will find Pettengill Campground positioned as the first developed camping option along this recreational route. This small Forest Service facility features just three paved sites, each equipped with metal fire rings and picnic tables, with good spacing between spots. The campground includes one vault toilet and seasonal water access, plus a large paved day-use area that doubles as winter snowmobile parking.

Sites sit approximately 100 yards from a nearby creek where fishing becomes viable once spring runoff subsides. The paved road and parking pads provide easy access, while the location offers proximity to multiple hiking trails and attractions like Coolidge Ghost Town and Crystal Park further up the byway. At $6 per night with no trash service, campers should plan to pack out all waste during the June through September operating season.

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Map & DirectionsBeaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground is located in Montana near Wise River

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

The campground is located 10 miles south of Wise River on Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Road 73.

Coordinates

45.68344098 N
113.05513067 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground

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4.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Very small but nice campground

Pettengill Campground is a nice pleasant three site campground.  This is the first campground as you travel up the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway.  The campground road and parking pads are all paved.  A large paved parking area is also available and is used for snowmobile parking in the winter.  One vault toilet and water is available in the summer.  All three sites are quiet nice, with good spacing between them.  Each site has a metal fire ring and picnic table.  At $6 per night you can't beat the price.  With only three sites crowds will not be a problem.  The campground is right next to the byway, but noise is not a problem as the road only received recreational traffic.  Plenty of near by hiking trails in the area.  Further up the byway be sure to visit Coolidge Ghost Town and dig for crystal at Crystal park.

Site1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground by Dexter I., July 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground by Dexter I., July 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground by Dexter I., July 18, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Small, but gets the job done

There are only 3 paved spots at Pettengill, but they offer a large fire ring and picnic table. There is a large day use area and vault toilets as well, but NO trash service so pack it in, pack it out.

Campsites are about 100 yards from the creek and I’m sure you can try to fish it once runoff ends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pettengill Campground located in Montana?

Pettengill Campground is located in the Beaverhead National Forest in southwestern Montana. It sits along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, making it the first campground you'll encounter when traveling this scenic route. The campground is positioned approximately 100 yards from Pettengill Creek, offering visitors easy access to water. Its strategic location at the beginning of the scenic byway makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Pioneer Mountains region.

What is the history of Pettengill Campground and George Pettingill in Montana?

Pettengill Campground is named after George Pettingill, a historical figure in Montana's Pioneer Mountains region. While specific details about George Pettingill's life and contributions to the area aren't widely documented, the campground bearing his name has become an important recreational site in the Beaverhead National Forest. The campground is situated along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, serving as the first developed camping area visitors encounter when traveling this scenic route. The site has evolved to include both camping facilities and a large day use area that serves dual purposes throughout the seasons.

What outdoor activities can you do near Pettengill Campground?

Pettengill Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. During summer months, fishing in the nearby creek is possible once runoff ends. Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding Beaverhead National Forest and Pioneer Mountains. The area transforms in winter, with the large paved parking area serving as a base for snowmobiling adventures. Day use visitors can enjoy picnicking in the dedicated area. Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities are plentiful throughout the region, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking to capture the beauty of Montana's wilderness.

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