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.
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
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!