Sheepshead Picnic Area
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically opens mid-June through Labor Day. Shoulder season access is possible but gates are locked and water and garbage services are not available until mid-June.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
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.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
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.
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.
Madison Ranger District 8325A and 8325B Roads Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMadison Ranger District
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 fir
Thompson Park Area Closure for Camping and Fires
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and resource protection resulting from high levels of undeveloped (dispersed) camping in the area.
Elkhorn Mill and Mine Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety. The mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the audit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
About
Sheepshead Picnic Area is a day-use recreation site in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, located approximately 20 miles north of Butte in a scenic forested setting. The main feature is a reservable pavilion that can accommodate up to 200 people for private gatherings, with pricing based on group size. The facility includes multiple picnic tables, barbecue grills, and seasonal water service, though there is no electricity (generators permitted). Recreational amenities include horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, a ball field, and both paved and natural walking trails. The area also provides fishing access to nearby Maney Lake. All picnic tables must be returned to their original locations, and visitors are required to pack out all trash when facilities are not staffed. Overnight use may be granted for multi-day reservations with prior approval from the Butte Ranger District. The site is accessed via gravel Forest Service roads suitable for passenger vehicles, approximately 20 miles from I-15. The area sits at a moderate elevation with a mix of open meadows and forested terrain, providing a pleasant setting for group picnics and outdoor recreation.
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 area is on the right. Gravel roads suitable for passenger vehicles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 - $200 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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!