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Divide Bridge Campground welcomes pets at all 14 campsites along the Big Hole River, offering both shaded riverfront sites in the lower loop and more open sites with sheltered picnic tables in the upper loop. All established campgrounds near Wise River permit dogs, including Dickie Bridge, Boulder Creek, Lodgepole, Fourth of July, Pettengill, and Beaverdam. The mosquitoes can get extremely thick at Dickie Bridge during summer months, so campers should bring industrial-strength repellent to protect both themselves and their pets. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Maiden Rock offers free dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience with their pets. Campground fees range from free at Dickie Bridge to $10 per night at Divide Bridge, with payment accepted by cash or check only.
Pet owners camping in the Pioneer Mountains can access numerous hiking trails near the campgrounds, including a lovely hike from Divide Bridge that overlooks the park and Big Hole River, perfect for exercising dogs. The area's creeks and rivers provide ample opportunities for pets to cool off, with Fourth of July Campground featuring a well-shaded creek ideal for playing and fishing. Wildlife is abundant throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential when camping with pets. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway offers access to several pet-friendly campgrounds, though some roads may be challenging - the approach to Boulder Creek Campground features steep drop-offs and narrow lanes that can be difficult to navigate. Winter access is limited, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day or June through September.
"The mountain views all all around you are gorgeous. Some other folks camping here went trout fishing - so that's an option. Only downside is that my dogs had some trouble walking on the gravel."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Dicky Bridge Campground is a small BLM campground located near the Big Hole River, just off of Montana Highway 43. This 10 site campground is well shaded by large pine trees."
"Great location along big hole river for fishing and hunting.Some rvs run generators all night long very rude, caused some tent campers to leave because of noise , I guess some people do not respect to"
"Nice location for an overnight rest spot. We had a tent site, close to the road, but traffic wasn’t bad after dark. Site was grassy. No fires allowed for obvious reasons."
"Sites are close to each other. There were no picnic tables and wood fires are not allowed so no fire rings."
"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. The bathroom facilities were clean."
"Lodgepole Campground is located about 13 miles south of Wise River on Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Road. With the exception of sites 1 and 2, all the other sites are nicely spread out."
"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."
"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."
from $29 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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. "
Guideno cell service for several miles- wi-fi at the bars in Wise River!
spacious sites that are paved and mostly level
water available i think but it’s wasn’t turned on in September
maybe not easy for a large camper to maneuver?
LegendLittle Joe Campground is approximately 21 miles South of Wise River on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Road. Little Joe has 5 campsites nicely spread out. One Vault toilet serves the campground and the campground has a single hand pump for water.
TravelerWe 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. The bathroom facilities were clean. Most campsites had some shade for either sitting or having a tent. Most people were in self sufficient RVs since there are not hookups. The campground also had a water pump with clean and very cold water.
LegendLodgepole Campground is located about 13 miles south of Wise River on Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Road. With the exception of sites 1 and 2, all the other sites are nicely spread out. Campground is fully paved, has two vault toilets and one hand pump for water, 10 sites total. Sites are $8 per night with a 16 day limit.
LegendBeautiful kept park. Lots of activities. Large dog park. Propane, laundry, store.
GuideAwesome campground, the camp host is friendly and making rounds to ensure the bathrooms are stocked and that everyone is enjoying their time. We camped at number 5 last time, and we just got done camping at number 15 for the weekend. Crystal park is not thst far and the Wise river is right after it. Also vheck out Elkhorn hotsprings th a ts the next turn for a natural spring nad suana. Can't wait to camp here again. The picture below will show you our camp set up sadly Teo fridns had to take off earlier before photos. We easily fit 4 tents and had 2 dogs with us. The site provides shared food storages, also vualt toilets, and drinkable water at the faucets through out the camp ground. It was 25 a night for 3 vehicles so we spent 50 in total. Another perk if you need or forgot something go to Ma's store it has a bit of everything. It's just on the other side of the lodge in Grasshopper.
TravelerWow this was a very unique camping experience up in the boulders. Had a lot of fun walking my dogs and cat up in there. (Yes my cat goes camping too). There was no water pumps on the campground, however there is a nice little creek running through that one could get water. Also there were vault toilets and the one we used was closer to the entrance of the campground. It was clean, however the door didn't lock. Really wish we didn't go on a holiday weekend as it sounded like a dirt bike ho-down and wasn't very relaxing. We will try again during the week or a non holiday weekend. The stars were gorgeous, and the bird watching was phenomenal. At least when there weren't dirt bikes.
GuideIt is a very off the beaten path, tucked away in the woods, true getaway from the busy city life. Travel south on 278 from Wisdom, MT and take the chance on an 18 mile gravel road to find a place only you see in pictures and read about in magazines. Drive through open cattle ranges and find a beautiful campground nestled up to 2 small lakes connected by a shallow channel. Clear water to see the bottom where it's shallow enough. No motorized boats allowed, so bring your own kayak or canoe and a fishing pole or two to enjoy the refreshing waters at the bottom of the mountains. Even in July, you can see snow atop the mountains on the Montana-Idaho border.
TravelerI was camping at a nearby national park site that had a flyer for Camp Sula, saying that if you show the receipt from your stay you can use Camp Sulas shower, laundry facilities and wifi at no cost. I arrived there and the ladies working in the combination store/restaurant/gas and coffee station were so friendly and down to earth. I was given a towel and shampoo/conditioner for the shower, they had complimentary and coin washing machines, and coin dryers, all very efficient. After my shower and waiting for clothes to dry, I walked around the camp, the log cabins are adorable and cozy, each has its own porch, picnic table and adjacent fire pit. There is free put-put golf, horseshoes, tetherball and a small well stocked fishing pond with benches to watch the action or simply admire the beauty of the surroundings. It is close to the main highway but tucked back enough you feel "away" from the bustle. I enjoyed myself so much I inquired about camping there for the night & I would only need a parking space because I sleep in my truck bed canopy. They were full (accommodates RVs and tents) but offered a makeshift spot right by the creek. It was perfect. Because of COVID, they had limited reservations for dinner, and practiced social distancing and requested patrons wear masks. Not everyone participated with their request but were equally treated with kindness and respect. I highly recommend their breakfast, big fluffy pancakes and local meats. They kept the restaurant, showers & bathroom & store very very clean. The location is a landmark, the Lewis and Clark expedition camped there on their way to discover the west. I highly recommend them
The Pioneer Mountains region offers pet-friendly camping near Wise River, Montana at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet. Campsites range from riverside locations to high alpine settings with several free or low-cost options. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during daytime with cool 40-50°F nights even in July and August.
Crystal digging at Crystal Park: Located near Boulder Creek Campground, this mineral collecting area lets campers hunt for quartz crystals. "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," reports Austin K.
Fishing access points: The Big Hole River flowing near Maiden Rock Dispersed provides excellent angling opportunities. "Also an incredible spot to fish!" notes Maddie F., who stayed at Maiden Rock in 2025. Frank O. mentions that Boulder Creek Campground has "river between you and the byway, all you hear it's the water."
Stargazing at Beaverdam: Dark skies make Beaverdam Campground ideal for night sky viewing. "The dip keeps other lights away and the stars pop! We were also the only people in this loop which added to the dark sky viewing," writes Art S., highlighting the natural rock formations that enhance stargazing.
Well-maintained free sites: Campers appreciate the quality of free sites at Maiden Rock. "It's like actual campgrounds. Picnic tables, fire pits. Bathroom down the road," says C L. Another camper, Joey L., adds: "Wow… what a spot! Gorgeous scenery and A+ campsite spots for BLM land. Almost feels wrong not to pay for this experience!"
River proximity: Staying beside the river ranks high with visitors to Lodgepole Campground. Lisa K. reports, "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."
Clean facilities: Despite the remote locations, most campgrounds maintain clean facilities. John P. notes about Divide Bridge: "Vault toilets are clean and well lit. Camp host is friendly and will makes rounds throughout the day, which made me feel comfortable leaving my tent at my site during the day."
Variable road conditions: Access can be challenging at some campgrounds. Kristin warns about Boulder Creek: "The road to the campground was terrifying. Steep drop offs, sharp rocks, narrow lanes, and just really scary to be honest."
Water availability varies: While some campgrounds have pumps, others lack water. At Fourth of July Campground, Annie C. advises, "Be sure to give FULL pumps on the water pump if you want water- it takes 10!"
Insect issues: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially in certain months. Laura B. at Maiden Rock notes: "We stopped by twice over three weeks- both times only one other site occupied." But contrasts with Boulder Creek where Kristin observed, "The campground was nice, it was very pretty but the bugs were overwhelming for some."
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity occurs in the area. Meatball W. reports from Maiden Rock: "As of September 1st 2025 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."
Choose creek-side sites for kids: The creek at Fourth of July Campground provides natural entertainment. Hannah S. shares: "It's 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."
Look for paved bike paths: Some campgrounds offer paved paths suitable for kids. Annie C. notes that Fourth of July has "a short paved bike trail that circles the campground, going behind sites and through the day use area."
Visit during off-peak times: For quieter family camping with pets, timing matters. Janet H. found Divide Bridge "Quiet and empty. Clean vault toilets. No cell service. A variety of spots to chose from depending on your preferences."
Melrose provides full hookups: When needing full amenities for your RV with pets, Sportsman Lodge in Melrose (near Wise River) offers complete services. Patrick J. notes: "The RV sites are on grass that is pretty level. Lot of space in front and on the sides."
Back-in site navigation: Ben H. advises about Sportsman Lodge: "All sites are back in, but they are reasonably wide and very long." This makes pet management easier when arriving and setting up.
Weather considerations: RVers should prepare for rapid temperature changes. Angela M. recommends: "The open skies and no city lights make for great stargazing." But adds the practical note that "after driving 5 hours from Glacier National Park through arid ranch land, the Sportsman Lodge was like happening upon an oasis in the desert."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wise River, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wise River, MT is Maiden Rock Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wise River, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 92 dog-friendly camping locations near Wise River, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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