Southwestern Montana offers RV campgrounds near Wisdom at elevations averaging 6,000 feet with significant temperature fluctuations. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest surrounds the area, creating a habitat for diverse wildlife including moose, elk, and pronghorn antelope. Most campgrounds open seasonally from late spring through early fall due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: Sportsman Lodge, Cabins & RV Park in Melrose provides easy access to prime fishing spots. "Walking distance to the river for fly fishing access. That seems to be the main activity in this very small town of Melrose," notes Mari H. The Big Hole River is known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing.
Hot springs relaxation: Fairmont RV Resort near Anaconda offers convenient access to natural hot springs. "The proximity to the hot springs is great and we took advantage of the pools," says Chris D. The resort provides guests with day passes to nearby Fairmont Hot Springs, which features both indoor and outdoor thermal pools.
Kayaking opportunities: Explore the Salmon River from Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground in North Fork, Idaho. "Lots of boat launches up and down river for kayaking, very peaceful," writes Lorrie K. The campground offers kayak rentals for guests who didn't bring their own equipment.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Southside RV Park in Dillon offers well-maintained campsites. "The sites are spacious and level. Get reservations to assure a site. Pull throughs or backins," advises Karla B. Sites include grassy areas and hookups for RVs of various sizes.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness at Countryside RV Park. "A very spacious park well kept and great views of the surrounding countryside. Clean bathrooms," writes James P. The well-maintained grounds provide comfortable accommodations for both short and extended stays.
River proximity: River's Fork Lodge & RV Park offers waterfront camping near the Salmon River. "Not sure if you can get any closer to the river. The back of the trailer was probably less than 10 ft. to the river. Outstanding view," shares Gabe L. This location combines scenic views with direct water access.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary significantly throughout the region. "If you want complete solitude from the internet and TV this is the place for you to reconnect with nature... There was internet at the office but it was 56k speed," explains Brian C. about Wagonhammer RV Park.
Seasonal operations: Most RV campgrounds near Wisdom operate seasonally. Beaverhead River RV Park closes during winter months. "We stayed here twice this year, once going North and then headed South for home," mentions Kenyon, highlighting the park's seasonal availability.
Weather variations: Even during summer, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. "We were there on a very windy night," notes a reviewer at Countryside RV Park. Evening temperatures often drop significantly, requiring campers to pack layers even for summer visits.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly areas: Wagonhammer Campground welcomes pets with dedicated off-leash areas. "Dog friendly and there is a dog island that your fur kid can run around off leash!" shares Lisa B. This feature allows families with pets to exercise their dogs safely away from campsites.
Swimming options: When selecting a campground, check for swimming access. "One downside was the lack of nice swimming area in the campground," notes Lorrie K. about Wagonhammer. Alternatively, Fairmont RV Resort offers access to swimming pools at the nearby hot springs resort.
Entertainment preparation: 2 Bar Lazy H RV Campground near Butte offers basic amenities but limited entertainment. "So it very basic, trees are almost none existent," writes Debbie P. Families should bring their own entertainment options, especially for longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Sportsman Lodge offers 17 full hookup sites with specific layouts. "All sites are back in, but they are reasonably wide and very long," explains Ben H. The park accommodates larger RVs despite not having pull-through sites.
Site selection strategy: At Beaverhead River RV Park, choose sites carefully based on your needs. "The water and electric only sites in the back (spots 28 to 36) of the park are long and spread out. I recommend if you can go without having sewer connection, the ones in back are the best to stay," advises Kenyon.
Dump station access: When planning your stay at rv campgrounds near Wisdom, Montana, confirm dump station availability. "The openings for dumping are a couple of inches below ground level and the kind you just point the hose down and put a few rocks over to hold it down," notes a reviewer at Beaverhead River RV Park, providing helpful insight for RVers planning their waste management.
