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.
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.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Lost Creek Area - Road Closure
DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILSThe closure applies to approximately 1 mile of NFS Road 78175 where it goes through NFS land in the western edge of Section 14, Township 5 North, Range 11 Wes, as depicted in the attached map.
Delmoe Lake Area/Road Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestButte Ranger DistrictArea/Road Closure
Elkhorn Mine Area and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety, the mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the adit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as…
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Restrictions
A package of restrictions for the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests regarding travel and camping with stock, campfires, group size, and mandatory party/individual registration.
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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