Tent camping near Wise River, Montana includes small, scenic campsites along the Big Hole River, ranging from free primitive tent sites to fee-based fishing access areas. Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground offers three well-spaced tent sites with paved parking pads and access to hiking trails. East Bank Recreation Site provides riverside camping with vault toilets, though many trees have been removed due to beetle kill, leaving sites more exposed than in previous years.
Most tent sites in the area feature gravel parking pads, metal fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities are basic. Vault toilets are common, but drinking water is rarely available, so campers should bring adequate supplies. Several locations require no fee, while others like Salmon Fly Fishing Access Site cost $12 with a valid Montana fishing license or $18 without. Seasonal availability varies, with Pettengill typically open June through September. Pack-it-in, pack-it-out practices are necessary as trash service is not provided at most locations.
Tent camping around Wise River offers proximity to the Big Hole River, providing excellent fishing opportunities. Several sites, particularly at Fishtrap Creek and Brownes Bridge, offer shade from mature cottonwood trees, creating natural privacy barriers between campsites. Quieter options can be found at locations farther from Interstate 15 and the railroad tracks. As one visitor noted, "Brownes Bridge is a small campground with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot, right on the river with big trees and a view of the bridge." Hikers may appreciate using Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area as a starting point for backcountry tent camping, though the trailhead itself offers minimal amenities for overnight stays.
"The campground road and parking pads are all paved. A large paved parking area is also available and is used for snowmobile parking in the winter. "
"There are only 3 paved spots at Pettengill, but they offer a large fire ring and picnic table."
"Very beautiful area with not too many people around. River runs right next to it. Has a vault toilet and bear proof food storage. Was $15 a night."
"No shade. No water. No WiFi. No problem — if you knew what you were signing up for."
"While this campground sit along state highway 43, it is quiet at night as this is a lightly used highway with little to no truck traffic."
"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."
"Sites have gravel parking pads, metal fire rings and picnic tables, along with nice grass areas to set up a tent. The fishing access site is with in walking distance to the small town of Melrose."
"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."
"It’s a small campground (5 spots) with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot and a vault toilet. Right on the river with big trees and a view of the Browne Bridge."
TravelerBy the interstate, $10 to camp. Takes cash, check or there is a kiosk for cards. Definitely interstate noise and gun shots in the distance, but great for one night stay. You can back in right by the river. Our travel trailer was 27ft and we chose site #3, it was easy to back into to.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for an overnight stop while rolling through southwestern Montana on Interstate 15 or Interstate 90, the Butte KOA Journey serves its purpose as a functional travel hub. It is far from a luxury resort destination, but if you need a safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible place to park your rig for the night, it gets the job done.
Campground Grounds & Amenities
It is best to set expectations before pulling in—this is a very basic, older KOA:
Location & Highway Access
Must-See Local Stop: The Berkeley Pit Tour
If you stay here, do not leave town without visiting the Berkeley Pit.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
The Butte KOA Journey won't win awards for landscaping, but its budget-friendly rate, safe atmosphere, and prime interstate convenience make it a viable 3-star overnight rest stop. Pair it with a half-hour visit to the Berkeley Pit to get an authentic taste of Montana's copper history before hitting the highway again.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 Stars)
TravelerPlenty of sites to pick, it seems that at least half of them are right on the water. Pit toilets available. Campground host is attentive but not invasive.
ScoutNice for overnight stop cose to I90 sites are tight trails and Butte visitor center next to campground
GuideQuiet, few campers, closes Oct. 1st with some campgrounds remaining open. Narrow asphalt roads in campground. Narrow asphalt pad fairly level. Lots of shade in this campground
RangerWe had it mostly to ourselves and It’s so lovely and remote. Can’t hear highway noise, lots of beautiful views and an accessible creek to the front and side of all camp sites. Easy to get into Butte (30 mins) and even like the nearby restaurant (15 mins) called The Hitchin Post!
GuideNo luxuries but if you need a place to pull off the road with restrooms, it works great. Tents can stay under shelter. Run by veterans and members of the American Legion, we appreciated it.
ScoutThis place was beautiful. We enjoyed our 1 evening and night here. No fresh water, but in the town of Butte you can fill up at a casino/ gas station on Harrison Ave
TravelerNice place. Come here to just hangout and relax before get my kid. It’s right by interstate and train so not sure if anyone will mind this. But nice place good place to do some Picnics.
Tent camping near Wise River, Montana provides direct access to the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and several fishing access sites along the Big Hole River. The area sits at approximately 5,600 feet elevation with summer daytime temperatures typically reaching the 70s-80s and nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F. Most sites remain accessible from late spring through early fall, with several locations requiring fishing licenses for discounted camping fees.
Hiking at Crystal Park: Located up the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway from Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground, visitors can dig for crystals at designated digging areas. "Further up the byway be sure to visit Coolidge Ghost Town and dig for crystal at Crystal Park," notes Dexter I.
Snowmobile access in winter: The Pettengill area maintains a large paved parking lot specifically for winter recreation. "The campground road and parking pads are all paved. A large paved parking area is also available and is used for snowmobile parking in the winter," according to a reviewer.
Backcountry exploration: Use Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area as a starting point for wilderness trips. "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.
Shade and privacy: Larger cottonwood trees create natural screening between sites at several riverside locations. "Brownes Island Fishing Access Site has five campsite sitting under large cottonwood trees... The campsites are nicely spread apart from each other," explains Dexter I. about Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site.
Affordable pricing options: Many sites offer discounted rates with valid Montana fishing licenses. "Cost to camp is $12 with a valid MT fishing license, $18 without, if you are over the age of 62 then those rates drop to $6 or $9 a night," reports a reviewer about Salmon Fly.
River access: Direct water access for fishing and water activities. "Great sites. Close together but clean and right on the river. A little short on the length but okay for our 29'," notes Nathan about Salmon Fly's six riverfront sites.
Limited facilities: Most sites lack drinking water and trash service. "Very beautiful area with not too many people around. River runs right next to it. Has a vault toilet and bear proof food storage. Was $15 a night," reports Maggie K. about East Bank Rec Site.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common, especially near water. "It gets a lot colder in a riparian area at night," warns Christine R. about camping near rivers.
Road conditions: Several access roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. "If you were getting ready to hike in from this trailhead the next morning it might be an okay place to sleep in your truck," suggests one camper about more remote areas.
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds with vault toilets for easiest family camping. "Pettengill Campground is a nice pleasant three site campground. This is the first campground as you travel up the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway," suggests a visitor.
Noise considerations: Some sites experience train or highway noise that might disturb light sleepers. "While this site is near the Interstate and a railroad the campground was still fairly quiet thanks to all the large cottonwood trees," notes a reviewer about Brownes Bridge.
Recreation planning: Plan for diverse activities beyond fishing. "Plenty of near by hiking trails in the area," mentions one camper about Maidenrock FAS, though others note this is "not the greatest camping area, and private residents are near the site."
Site dimensions: Most sites accommodate smaller to mid-sized RVs only. "There are only 3 paved spots at Pettengill, but they offer a large fire ring and picnic table. There is a large day use area and vault toilets as well," reports Jordan V.
Boat ramp conditions: Boat launch facilities vary significantly between locations. "The boat ramp is dirt, but the area has a large parking area," notes a reviewer about East Bank, while another mentions, "The site has a concrete boat launch, but be warned that Montana FWP has posted that the water is shallow for larger boats."
Limited hookups: No sites in the immediate area offer electrical, water, or sewer connections. "If you were self contained and just looking to get off the 15 for the night then it would work for ya. Otherwise it's just a big boat parking lot for the river," explains Kaitlyn L. about one basic location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wise River, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wise River, MT is Beaverhead National Forest Pettengill Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wise River, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Wise River, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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