Sheepshead Picnic Area
Closed for the season. The site operates mid-June through Labor Day weekend. Outside this window, the area may be accessible but gates are locked and water/trash services are unavailable.
Flash Flood Watch issued September 19 at 3:09AM MDT until September 20 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026. * WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following areas, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains and Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 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... - National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over recent burn scars, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Areas near recent burn scars from the summer 2026 and the Horse Gulch area. - 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
Sheepshead Recreation Area is a day-use picnic facility in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, situated about 20 miles north of Butte near the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The site features two pavilions overlooking Maney Lake and Sheepshead Mountain, available for reservation for group gatherings including weddings, family reunions, and corporate events. The pavilions accommodate up to 200 people and include picnic tables, barbecue grills, and potable water. No electricity is available on-site, so groups requiring power must bring their own generator. Recreational facilities include volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a ball field, nature trails, and paved walking paths. Vault toilets and trash receptacles are provided. This is not a traditional campground. Overnight use is not standard and may only be granted with prior approval for multi-day pavilion reservations. Contact the Butte Ranger District for overnight use inquiries.
Directions
From Butte, take I-15/I-90 east for approximately 1 mile. Merge onto I-15 north and continue for approximately 12 miles. Take the Elk Park exit (no. 138) and drive west on Forest Service Road #442 (Lowland Creek Road) for approximately 6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road #9485 and continue for approximately 2 miles. Turn left at the junction (Freedom Point) and drive approximately 1/8 mile; the site is on the right. Gravel road suitable for passenger vehicles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 - $200 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| scott.forman@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 494-2147 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!