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This campground is named after an early homesteader, the "Wild Man of the Mountains" George Pettingill. His grave is nearby. He is widely admired in the area although he was somewhat of a hermit. The campground is located where the Wise River meets Pettengill Creek.
A series of small recreation sites are located along a 73-mile stretch of the Big Hole River between Wisdom and Melrose. The river offers blue ribbon trout fishing and excellent float boating. Nine of the sites are managed by BLM. Beginning at Melrose and going west, the sites are: Maiden Rock I, Maiden Rock East, Divide Bridge, Divide Campground, Jerry Creek Bridge, Dickie Bridge, East Bank, Sawlog Creek, and Pintlar Creek.
Boat Ramp, Restrooms, Gravel Parking, Tables, Fire-rings and Information Kiosk
A series of small recreation sites are located along a 73-mile stretch of the Big Hole River between Wisdom and Melrose. The river offers blue ribbon trout fishing and excellent float boating. Nine of the sites are managed by BLM. Beginning at Melrose and going west, the sites are: Maiden Rock I, Maiden Rock East, Divide Bridge, Divide Campground, Jerry Creek Bridge, Dickie Bridge, East Bank, Sawlog Creek, and Pintlar Creek. Facilities at Jerry Creek--boat ramp, restrooms, picnic tables, fire-rings, gravel parking and information kiosk
The Basin Canyon Camprgound is a small undeveloped campground near Boulder River. There is some interesting geology in the area as well with Indian Head Rock nearby.
Guide
We have always loved coming out here to camp. The mosquitoes can get pretty thick at times so be prepared.
Guide
For a dispersed BLM camping area, this is lovely. Plenty of sites that each have a picnic table and long gravel spot to park an RV. There’s a cute little river and some interesting rock features. Close to the freeway so an excellent stop for a night spot.
Traveler
It's basically a park with 2 RV spots tucked in at the end that were taken. The rest of "camping" is free in the gravel lot. Water and pit toilets, picnic tables available. It was close to the freeway, so there was lots of road noise all night.
GuideThis place looks like a paid campground, only free! All the spots have a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. 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.
GPS: 45.702416, -112.736869
TravelerStopped here on my way back home to Grand Teton. Super clean and large campsite with a few fire rings and an outhouse. A little noisy just because it’s right next to the interstate, but at night it’s fairly quiet.
Guide
We stayed here twice this year, once going North and then headed South for home. First time they put us in a full hook-up that was to small so I asked for a bigger spot and because about 1/3rd of the spots were empty, they moved me. Owner was very friendly and willing to find us a better spot. Second time was on Sunday and the note on door put us in an even smaller full hook-up, despite me asking for a bigger site so I wouldn't have to unhook. This is one reason for only three stars. Office was closed and no one answered the phone or returned our call. The site was totally unacceptable. Even if I un-hooked there was not enough room to park the pick-up truck. Left several messages, no response. We moved to an empty water/electric only site and set up. An hour later another camper came in and said we were in their spot. We moved again to another spot hoping no one would claim it. Still no response from owner. I guess camp is unsupervised on Sunday. Maybe owner was out of town.
Second reason for only three stars: Camp is older and full hook-up sites are close to each other. I did not see any 50 amp, only 30 amp. 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.
The Good: 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 (spots 28 to 36) are the best to stay in. Don't get the ones in front. Big trees and lots of grass (but watch out for the gofer holes). Quiet and peaceful night.
Did not use their restrooms or showers or pool (may not have been open) so no comment. There is a dump site. Wifi was 17 mbs but slowed down in the evening. We use AT&T and got two bars of 5G.
ScoutIf 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. Plus side it has an outhouse
TravelerEasy pull off, good amount of spots and not too busy! We stayed on the right were there are 2 spots away from the rest. Bugs are INTENSE though!
Guide7 spots off the beaten path, small creek lehmi. On the Lewis and Ckark trail. Bathroom is ADA.
GuideBlm camping on the big hole river, montana, free up to 16 days. About 15 spots. Boat ramp, fishing hiking fire pits, no wood available.
Guide
Great easy access spot! This area is free to use and is well maintained. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic bench. Also, each site has lots of space and decent privacy. Toilet, water, and food storage is provided. Lots of spots have creek access which is nice.
Traveler
Pinter Lake is 10 miles from the main road hwy 43. The mostly gravel road is far from smooth with uncomfortable washboard feeling much of the route. Three spots are available, although people did make two ad how sites down by the river. Both were RVs. No water pump here, so must bring your own. The lake is lovely but covered for the most part with lily pads on the backside of the lake. A creek coming from the lake also is adjacent to campground. Because of its remote location, it seems many appreciate the quiet, so I wouldn’t recommend it for those who have noisy activities like ATVs. It’s buggy with only a slight breeze to keep flys away. Overall nice but remote with only one bathroom facility. Fairly clean but lots of flies.
Traveler
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. 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.
Guide
So the road is gravel and pretty far with private property signs on both sides til you get there. Directions take you there with no problem. Two bathroom locations and spots along the creek. No wildlife while we was there. A few other campers but all spaced apart well so it was secluded. It is 15$ and you have a QR code to scan to pay, however there is ZERO signal there to get online to pay so we paid once we left and got back into town for the night we stayed.
Traveler
We stayed four days here and it was great! From Wednesday through Friday, we basically had the entire place to ourselves. Even in July, the mornings and evenings were cool and pleasant. The camp has three clean toilets stocked with toilet paper, and a pump water fountain with clean and cold water to enjoy. Overall pleasant but ATV campers showed up Saturday, driving around the camp, but they were polite after quiet hours. Short trail in the campground, and about five miles from entrance was the Continental Divide Trail. We didn’t know about that until we were leaving, so we will come back to explore. 20 spaces. Will accommodate RV off grid, but no generators after 10 pm, which is good. So quiet at night!!
Guide
It's not on the water but it is in a good place to get to. Half the spots are shady and the others are in the open in the sun.
Traveler
Big rigs have a great space at the bottom of the hill... but if you're in a truck, van, etc., head on up the hill. The road is in great shape. There are some pullouts, but look for a road on the right (veer left at the private drive; you'll see a sign) and you'll find a great site with a fire ring and somewhat level ground. Chances are it'll be COVERED in cow poop, but hey. It's quiet, aside from the mooing of cows, and totally private. There's probably more up the road, too, I just didn't go further. Solitude.
Guide
This is a great place in Montana. Easy access. Right outside Dillon MT. We stayed here one night and then the the Lewis and Clark Limestone Cavern tour. It is about an hour. Camp ground is super clean and all the sites are very easy to access. Very nice hosts.
ScoutGreat sites by a stream,,,just beautiful.
Scout
Literally a five star outhouse.
LegendBeautiful kept park. Lots of activities. Large dog park. Propane, laundry, store.
Traveler
Quiet busy on weekends NFS rules 14 day stay
Traveler
This site is one of the best sites if you want a bit of privacy. As with the rest of the Georgetown Lake sites, there are a number of people, but you have many options to try and limit contact.
Guide
We appreciated with fire ring and picnic table at this small rustic campground. It was a moist spring, so lots of bugs to contend with, but overall a lovely experience.
Guide
This campground was lovely. We had spot 14, which is an excellent spot with lots of room, easy access to a vault toilet and lovely background noise from the creek. Camp hosts are very welcoming and accommodating.
TravelerVery nice stop. Just a few others here on a weekend.
Guide
Easy over night stay. Free.
Camping near Wise River, Montana, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Wise River, Montana, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
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 33 tent camping locations near Wise River, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
