Dispersed camping is available in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest surrounding Wise River, Montana, located at 5,800 feet elevation. This area experiences considerable temperature fluctuations, even during summer months when overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F. Most Forest Service roads leading to camping areas open by late May, depending on snowmelt and road conditions.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: The Big Hole River near Sportsman Lodge, Cabins & RV Park offers prime fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. "Easy walk to the river for fly fishing access. That seems to be the main activity in this very small town of Melrose," notes one visitor about the convenient riverside location.
Enjoy hot springs: At Fairmont RV Resort, campers can access the nearby hot springs facilities. "Within walking distance of the hot springs resort. Proximity to Fairmont hot springs is great and we took advantage of the pools," explains a reviewer who appreciated the therapeutic waters after a day of exploration.
Visit historic sites: Located near several RV parks in Wise River, the Big Hole National Battlefield is approximately 35 miles west. "We pulled off I-15 in little Melrose, MT and imagine our surprise to find this RV park. Beautiful setting, full hookups, well maintained, friendly small small town, near Big Hole National battlefield," shares one camper who discovered this significant historical site.
What campers like
Mountain views: 2 Bar Lazy H RV Campground provides scenic mountain vistas just outside Butte. "Enjoyed a warm shower. Road noise was not bad there, further from the highway," notes a visitor who appreciated both the amenities and relatively peaceful setting despite the highway proximity.
Creek access: Many campgrounds feature water features for recreation and relaxation. "This is the prettiest little RV park/campground with lovely little cabins alongside a wonderful creek. Something for everyone here and absolutely delightful," explains a camper at Boulder Creek Lodge.
Clean facilities: Southside RV Park maintains high standards for their bathrooms and showers. "Bathrooms and showers super clean. DVD's to borrow. Couldn't ask for more, this place is a wonderful spot to be weather your singing through or staying for a bit," reports one satisfied guest who appreciated the attention to detail.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Wise River operate seasonally. "Frost free spigots were good especially since the weather at night was below freezing," reports one camper at Fairmont RV Resort, highlighting the importance of cold-weather preparations even during shoulder seasons.
Limited services: Cell coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and surrounding areas. "We used AT&T and got two bars of 5G," notes a camper at Beaverhead River RV Park, providing useful information about connectivity in an area where service can be inconsistent.
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring proper preparation. "It was pouring rain when we visited but had full hookups. We went ahead and took showers in the downstairs bathroom/shower house. Huge clean shower stalls," explains a visitor at Boulder Creek Lodge, emphasizing the value of indoor facilities during inclement weather.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment. "We went down stairs to the game room and played pool, table soccer and checkers for about 4 hours. This campground is small but offers rv sites, cabins, teepees and covered wagons," shares a family who enjoyed Boulder Creek Lodge.
Swimming access: Beaverhead River RV Park offers a pool and riverside location. "We had a campsite with shade near the river and did some fishing. Restrooms and showers are small but very nice and clean," notes a visitor who appreciated the dual water recreation options.
Safety rules: Campgrounds enforce regulations to protect younger guests. "Just be sure to NEVER drive over 5mph as its the number one rule that is the quickest way to get booted out of there. It's for the children's safety and they take it very seriously," advises a visitor regarding the strict speed limits common at family-friendly facilities.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: At Countryside RV Park near Dillon, site options vary considerably. "The sites are good sized and easy to pull through. Gravel road in good condition. No trees and in a wide open location," explains one RVer who appreciated the accessibility but noted the lack of shade.
Hookup specifications: Review the specific hookups available before booking. "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. Gravel sites that are mostly level," advises an RVer at Beaverhead River RV Park.
Off-season preparations: RV parks in the Wise River area may have limited water services in colder months. "Water was available but not yet turned on so we could not hook up. Electric was fine," reports an early-season visitor to Countryside RV Park, highlighting the importance of checking seasonal service availability.
