Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Blm camping on the big hole river, montana, free up to 16 days. About 15 spots. Boat ramp, fishing hiking fire pits, no wood available."
"Put toilet right outside of camp. We walked down the road to the angler parking and took a dip in the evening :)"
$10 / night
"The BLM's Divide Bridge Campground is a nice campground located on the Big Hole River just off of state highway 43. The campground is a short distance past the pleasant day use area and boat launch."
"Boat ramp in the campground and also one at the main entrance (fun for dogs ) Only 10.00/night. 4 stars because the mosquitoes were INSANE! Apparently only in July and August."
$29 - $48 / night
"This is a great spot in a tiny town south of Butte Montana. They have a couple cabins, several motel rooms and about 10 full hookup, all grass, RV spots. Also a large area for car/tent camping."
"Quite hazy with smoke from forest fires when we were here but I can tell it is beautiful, nestled in between Montana mountain ranges. Easy walk to the river for fly fishing access."
"The fishing access site is with in walking distance to the small town of Melrose. The site has one vault toilet. No water or trash service is available."
"Some highway noise but not too bad."
"Brownes Island Fishing Access Site is located 6 miles south of Melrose on the Big Hole River. This nice little Fishing Access/Campground has five campsite sitting under large cottonwood trees."
"Only 3 miles from the highway, this campsite is at the end of a well maintained, slightly rutted gravel road. It’s wide enough for trailers."
"This campground is probably one of my favorite places to visit in Montana. My family makes the trip from washington to Montana once every summer, since I was little."
"Right on top of the highway, you definitely get some road noise here. The trees are pretty thin (maybe not good for hammocks), but there are a lot of them which provide a bit of privacy."
"It is absolutely beautiful, and the ability to fall asleep under the stars while listening to the rushing river nearby is exactly why I would recommend other people stay here."
"This is a popular campground because of the access to the well shaded creek that is gray for playing and fishing."
$20 / night
"Glen Campground is a great place to stop when passing through Montana on the 15. It’s not far from town or the freeway, but remote enough to enjoy a few nights of camping."
"It’s also set right next to the river offering great fishing!"
GuideI think the other reviews say it best but it’s a really nice spot, almost feels like it should be paid for. Smooth gravel roads and well set out campsites with picnic tables and a Bear box. The river is right there next to most of the sites, but could be a bushwhack to get to depending on where you are.
The only downside is as of September 1st 2025 a Bear might still be active in the area. It tried to get into our camper (it didn’t thankfully lol, but it did pull my window open and give me a heart attack). We didn’t see it the next two nights after that encounter. Apparently his name is Boo-boo, and he was orphaned as a cub and fed by miners making him not so human afraid. Last I heard rangers were trying to get him further away and up the canyon. Carry bear spray and you’re probably fine!
ScoutGreat no frills campsite 7.00 a night
TravelerQuiet, clean. Had spot away from highway. Hosts friendly and accommodating.
TravelerGrounds are nice and clean. Laundry room and bathrooms are very clean. Host is very nice. Bring your own WiFi.
GuideAlready left a review but forgot to mention —about water. I do not recommend getting water from Butte other than from “Ultimate Big Spring Water” which cost $15 for 5gal with a jug. Apparently Butte has occasional toxic leakage into the mains from the Toxic Pits. Very sad and unfortunate. We were weary even getting filtered refill water from Walmart. Either bring your own drinking water or buy bottled. There is an rv park in Pipestone that said they’d allow fill-up there, though not sure what the fee would be, but they’re seemed super nice and willing to help out.
GuideRolled in on Sunday afternoon. Found a spot right by the entrance to the large camping area (approx 1/2mile past railroad tracks on the left). We were exposed from 3 sides, luckily we could park our jeep for privacy block. This is definitely the place that all the locals bring out their quads and dirt bikes on weekends. Daily drive through by park rangers so that was nice. There’s a 16 day limit here and the rangers do keep a close eye on it. And several people do come here to stay for the full limit so it looks like people be living here, but they’re constantly ushered out by rangers. Found several good running/biking trails. The boulders are quite amazing! I could definitely feel bear vibes while on the trails, though we never saw one. Cows did come to our campsite nightly and dig through our fire pit. Several big classA’s in and out. Several other campers running gens all day.
ScoutWe really appreciated the quiet and nature with beautiful river views and fishing. Historical Browns bridge is worth looking up, quite interesting. Only a couple actual sites with picnic tables and burn rings, 4 in total.
RangerThis was a nice dispersed site off the Big Hole River
ScoutThey have a covered concrete pad that you pull up next to and enjoy the view of the water at the dam.
Camping near Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're in an RV, tent, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before visiting Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offers remote wilderness experiences with limited connectivity. Cell service is virtually non-existent at many locations like Lowland Campground, so plan accordingly. Roads can be challenging - many campgrounds require travel on gravel roads, with some areas like Twin Lakes accessible only via 18-mile unpaved routes. Be prepared for variable weather conditions even in summer. The forest is popular with OHV enthusiasts, particularly around Delmoe Lake area. Pack essential supplies as services are limited, and always check current fire restrictions before visiting. Wildlife is abundant, so proper food storage is essential.
What camping options are available in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
Beaverhead-Deerlodge offers diverse camping experiences, from developed campgrounds to primitive sites. For anglers, Salmon Fly provides beautiful riverside camping with spacious sites along the Big Hole River. Twin Lakes offers a true wilderness retreat with stunning mountain views, though accessed via gravel roads. For those seeking basic facilities, Basin Canyon provides a primitive experience with just two sites. Several fishing access sites like Divide Bridge and Brownes Bridge also permit camping. For nearby accommodations with amenities, check out Sportsman Lodge outside the forest boundaries, offering RV hookups, cabins, and tent sites.
What are the best hiking trails in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest features excellent hiking opportunities across its vast landscape. Near Lost Creek State Park Campground, you'll find trails winding between dramatic rock walls with spectacular sunrise and sunset views. The Humbug Spires Trailhead offers access to unique rock formation hikes. For historical hiking experiences, trails near Vigilante Campground connect to Bannack ghost town where you can explore preserved 1860s mining structures. The area around Grasshopper Campground features scenic lakeside trails. Most trails are best hiked from late spring through early fall, as winter conditions can make access difficult.
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