Pettengill Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates mid-May through September on a first-come, first-served basis. No potable water or trash service available.
Flash Flood Watch issued September 19 at 3:09AM MDT until September 19 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall continue to be possible over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars. * WHERE...A portion of southwest Montana, including the following area, Northwest Beaverhead County. * WHEN...Through this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Additional precipitation today may contribute to flooding and debris flows in some drainages near the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek burn scars. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Areas near the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars, including portions of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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
Pettengill Campground is a small, rustic campground nestled in the Pioneer Mountains of Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Located at 6,250 feet elevation where Wise River meets Pettengill Creek, the campground offers three sites with paved trailer pads suitable for trailers up to 24 feet. The site is named after George Pettingill, an early homesteader known locally as the 'Wild Man of the Mountains.' Each site features a picnic table and fire ring. An ADA-accessible vault toilet serves the campground. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. There is also no garbage service, so pack out all trash. The area provides excellent access to river and stream fishing along Wise River and scenic driving on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis from mid-May through September. It serves as a quiet base for exploring the surrounding Pioneer Mountains and accessing backcountry trails.
Directions
From the intersection of Montana Highway 43 and the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 73), proceed south on Road 73 for approximately 10 miles to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 24ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 689-3243 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Pettengill Campground |
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