Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Montana encompasses a network of campgrounds along the Big Hole River that provide both dispersed and developed camping options. Maiden Rock Dispersed stands out as a highly-rated free camping area with designated sites that include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes, making it unusually well-equipped for dispersed camping. Divide Bridge Campground offers established sites along the river with water access for fishing and boating. The area accommodates various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with and without hookups, and cabin options at locations like the Sportsman Lodge in Melrose.
Road access varies throughout the region, with many campgrounds accessible via unpaved roads that may require careful navigation. Most dispersed sites in the area have gravel parking pads that can accommodate larger vehicles. A camper noted, "The designated camp spots are super clean and nicely laid out. I couldn't give 5 stars for several reasons: there is not any shaded spots, it's very exposed." Cell service is limited in much of the area, particularly at Maiden Rock where visitors report no service except at specific points along Frontage Road. Camping limits typically extend to 14 days on public lands, with fees ranging from free at dispersed sites to approximately $10 per night at developed campgrounds like Divide Bridge.
The Big Hole River provides a centerpiece for recreation in the region, with numerous fishing access sites doubling as camping areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors frequently reporting bird sightings and occasional bear activity. "It's like actual campgrounds. Picnic tables, fire pits. Bathroom down the road," wrote one visitor about Maiden Rock Dispersed, highlighting the surprisingly developed amenities at this free site. Campgrounds in the area are generally well-maintained with clean vault toilets, though amenities vary significantly from basic dispersed sites to more developed options with showers and hookups. Summer brings mosquitoes at riverside locations, particularly in July and August, while higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures even during peak season.
"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
"Then I noticed the sprinklers watering a manicured lawn in the middle of southwest Montana and genuinely did a double take."
"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."
$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."
"The sprinter all wheel drive negotiated the trail easily from the trailhead up. We found an open meadow of sagebrush. Beautiful sunrise. One bar AT&T signal."
"Great location closer to the north side of the park near Wise. Was great falling asleep to the sound of the river. Everything in the park was a short drive away."
"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."
ScoutNot far off a main road down a well kept gravel road. Tucked away in the trees along the river. Well kept and friendly host. The normal fee ($15) is half-off for Senior Park Pass holders plus a small transaction fee. Camped out in the campground aread along the river with grass and trees.
RangerVery nice small campground on the lake. Has 4 sites with shelters and several without. Hand pump water and vault restrooms. Well maintained and clean. Good all weather gravel access road.
ScoutThis was our first time at this spot and it was okay. We might stay here in the future. The only downside was that it was 30 or 40 minutes on dirt roads (from, I-90) A nice surprise was that there was a hot spring, a short walk north of the campsite.
ScoutRight by the river with an easy drive from the highway yet it still feels remote. Very well maintained sites and roads. Highly recommend.
GuidePets are allowed on leash. Be bear aware . Has 2 vault toilets and fresh water. Easy access to hey 1 .
TravelerRough road, glad we had 4wd and clearance. Not for a trailer camping and wouldn't takke myy rv either.
GuideClean, and has picnic tables. Shade and breezy for today. Some hey noise but that’s because it’s right off the hwy90 in MT.
GuideWe camped here as a last resort driving through on 90. There were thunderstorms and we didn’t want to risk muddy conditions of dispersed camping at 11pm. We drove up, and everything was closed. There were payment envelopes, but no fees posted. We took an envelope, but left in the car, intending to pay in the morning. There was a large sign posted on the hut next to the office stating “Don’t bother me until after 10:00am.” The campground is a gravel lot next to the freeway, with high weeds and broken down cars/RV around the perimeter. There is one shower/bathroom house, with a key code. One dumpster. One spigot for water. The spaces have full hookups, but are so close together it looks like a derelict parking lot with a view of the freeway. We slept there, and the next morning at 8:30, the owner drove up in his 4 wheeler, yelling and cursing at us. Our leashed dogs barked at him, as he was verbally attacking us, and he threatened to hit them with his 4 wheeler. Apparently, someone had dropped $10 for payment in an envelope last night and he thought it was us. He continued screaming in my husband’s face along with our three and eight year old sons next to him, stating how little money $10 would buy. I came out and told him that wasn’t our payment, our envelope is in the car, and we couldn’t pay last night as there were no prices listed. The then told us to settle up as we leave, still didn’t give us the code to the bathroom, and then said he was going to have to find the “f$$cking sonan1tch” who gave him only $10. And drove away. No apologies, no nothing. This place is a sh1t hole with a mean tempered owner who nearly gets into violent altercations as a first course of action. Oh, and a site with electricity is $60.
GuideGood choice of FCFS sites - keep driving up the valley to check them all out. From the top ones — only a short hike to the waterfall. Very picturesque sunsets. Short drive to Anaconda
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest spans over 3.3 million acres across southwestern Montana, featuring elevations from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer brings warm 75-85°F days with cool nights even in July. Most campgrounds in the region open from late May through September, with higher elevation sites typically accessible only after mid-June due to snow conditions.
Fishing at Big Hole River: Access premier fly fishing at Glen Campground where the river provides excellent opportunities for anglers. "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," notes Richard M.
Hiking near Pioneer Mountains: The scenic byway provides access to trails with varying difficulty levels through lodgepole pine forests. At Fourth of July Campground, visitors can use the short paved trail that circles the grounds. "There is a short paved bike trail that circles the campground, going behind sites and through the day use area," according to Annie C.
Rock climbing and exploration: The unique granite spires at Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area offer climbing opportunities with routes suitable for various experience levels. "Road was rocky and rutted by water runoff. The sprinter all wheel drive negotiated the trail easily from the trailhead up. We found an open meadow of sagebrush. Beautiful sunrise," shares David M.
Spacious designated sites: Campers appreciate well-defined areas with ample space between neighbors. "The designated camp spots are super clean and nicely laid out," reports a visitor at Maiden Rock Dispersed. Another camper, Maddie F., notes, "The camping spots are somewhat close together so that's good to keep in mind. But omg, the spot is insane. The mosquitoes were not bad at all."
Accessible water features: Sites near rivers receive consistent praise for recreation options. "This spot was so friggin beautiful! Surrounded by mountains, each with a different look to them every direction you look," says Ashleigh Z. about Maiden Rock. At Fourth of July Campground, Annie C. mentions, "This is a popular campground because of the access to the well shaded creek that is gray for playing and fishing."
Surprising amenities at dispersed sites: Free dispersed camping areas often exceed expectations with provided facilities. Laura B. from Maiden Rock Dispersed shares: "This place is amazingly beautiful! We stopped by twice over three weeks- both times only one other site occupied. Sites are spaced nicely, brand new looking picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically throughout the forest. Tee C. reports about Humbug Spires Trailhead: "No cell service, unfortunately. Another con is that there's another road that goes in further, but it's narrow and eroded." At Glen Campground, visitor Tee C. mentions it's "Only 9 miles from Dillon" where services are available.
Wildlife considerations: Bears are active throughout the region. "A Bear might still be active in the area. It tried to get into our camper... Apparently his name is Boo-boo, and he was orphaned as a cub and fed by miners making him not so human afraid. Carry bear spray and you're probably fine!" warns Meatball W. from Maiden Rock.
Water availability: Many sites lack running water. Annie C. advises about Fourth of July Campground: "Be sure to give FULL pumps on the water pump if you want water- it takes 10!" At Glen Campground, Janelle G. reminds visitors: "it is maintained, they do not come daily as it is a free campground on BLM land and does not have garbage bins or water spigots."
Choose campgrounds with shade: Summer temperatures can be intense at exposed sites. "We had a lovely site that was close to the Wise River. Even with a full camp, the ambient sound of the river shielded the sounds of people talking or kids playing," shares Lisa K. about Lodgepole Campground.
Look for established recreation spaces: Sites with built-in activities work best with children. At Fourth of July Campground, Hannah S. reports, "There is a campfire with an attached grill, along with a nice picnic table." Sasha W. adds, "Great trails with beautiful views!!!"
Consider toilet accessibility: Facilities vary greatly between sites. Regarding Sportsman Lodge, Angela M. notes, "Beautifully maintained property with lots of green grass for the pups to walk through. And there are doggie bag stations galore!" While at Lodgepole Campground, Lisa K. mentions, "The bathroom facilities were clean."
Site length considerations: Many forest campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Divide Bridge Campground, Steven L. shares: "Stayed in the upper area. More like a parking lot than a campground. But large sites and very level."
Surface conditions: Level parking pads are crucial for comfortable RV camping. At Sportsman Lodge, Patrick J. notes, "The RV sites are on grass that is pretty level. Lot of space in front and on the sides." Ben H. adds, "All sites are back in, but they are reasonably wide and very long."
Hookup availability: Most forest campgrounds lack connections, though some options exist. About Sportsman Lodge, Ben H. writes, "Quality hookups at each site, and each site has its own trash can. Clean bathrooms and laundry on site. Owners are very present and attentive on site and super friendly."
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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