Earl Tennant Campground
The campground is free and operates first-come, first-served. Seasonal closures may occur due to snow; access typically available late spring through fall depending on conditions.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Earl Tennant Campground is a free, primitive campground nestled in the Lolo National Forest along Lolo Creek, approximately 17 miles west of Lolo, Montana on US Highway 12. The campground sits near the junction with West Fork Butte Road (Forest Road 37) and offers a quiet, forested setting for campers seeking a basic backcountry experience. The area lies along the historic Lewis and Clark and Nez Perce National Historic Trail corridor, providing both natural beauty and historical significance. Nearby attractions include Lolo Hot Springs and the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or fees required. As a primitive campground with minimal development, campers should come prepared to be self-sufficient. The site is best suited for tent camping and smaller vehicles, given the rustic nature of the facility. Seasonal access may be limited by snow conditions during winter months.
Directions
From Lolo, Montana, drive 17 miles west on US Highway 12. Turn left (south) onto West Fork Butte Road (Forest Road 37). The campground is near this junction.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 329-3814 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Lolo NF West Fork Butte Lookout | |
| Lolo NF Camping & Cabins |
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