Lodgepole Campground (Pioneer Scenic Byw
Open for the 2026 season. Operates mid-May through September, first-come, first-served. Potable water is currently unavailable; bring your own water supply. Pack out all trash. The Pioneer Scenic Byway closes December 1 through May 15.
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.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
About
Lodgepole Campground is a small, developed Forest Service campground nestled in the Pioneer Mountains of southwestern Montana. Located at 6,400 feet elevation along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, the campground provides convenient access to the Wise River, which flows directly across the road and offers opportunities for fishing and swimming. The 10 paved campsites are well-spaced for privacy and can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box for required food storage under the forest's annual food storage order (March 1 through December 1). Two ADA-accessible vault toilets serve the campground. While the campground has a hand pump for water, potable water is currently unavailable and campers should bring their own supply. Trash service is not provided, so plan to pack out all garbage. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway offers interpretive sites highlighting the natural scenery and mining history of the region. Nearby attractions include the ghost town of Coolidge and the abandoned Elkhorn silver mine. The campground operates first-come, first-served from mid-May through September, with the byway itself closed December 1 through May 15 due to snow.
Directions
From the intersection of Montana Highway 43 near Wise River and the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (Forest Road 73), proceed south on FR 73 for approximately 13 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 689-3243 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!