The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management was established under President Truman. About 10% of American land was set aside for the public to enjoy. Use the search term “BLM camping near me” to find out if there are Bureau of Land management campgrounds in your area. Some sites will offer free camping; others will charge a small fee. You can also find BLM RV camping sites.
The Humbug Spires WSA is located 26 miles south of Butte, Montana. It incorporates over 11,000 acres and has impressive granite outcroppings that provide outstanding opportunities for rock climbers. Hikers will enjoy the three-mile trek through an old-growth forest that winds along a creek and then climbs up a ridge to the Wedge, which is one of the more prominent spires. Other activities include horseback riding, primitive camping, small stream fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography. Both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park are within driving distance.
The Humbug Spires Wilderness Trail is an out-and-back trail that travels through conifer forests. Located a half-hour from Butte, it offers a chance to see wildlife and enjoy majestic views of natural granite formations. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Natural Bridges Trail will give you a pleasant hike or bike ride. Along the route, you’ll see natural stone bridges and waterfalls, as well as spruce groves. The path winds through the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area. Evelyn Cameron took a famous self-portrait here.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Beaver Ponds Loop Trail includes a lake with a beaver pond. It also features wide-open landscapes and meadows and plenty of wildlife. Horses are allowed on this trail.
Length: 6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Within the Humbug Spires WSA, you will find Moose Creek, which provides good opportunities to catch brook trout and rainbow trout in its lower reaches. The upper part of the creek, where you will find cutthroat trout, is separated by steep waterfalls. Most of the fish are smaller, so the fun is in the sport and not the size of the catch. Boating is possible at the Divide Bridge Campground in the park, which has boat ramps.
Known for its impressive granite outcroppings, the Humbug Spires WSA is a marvelous place for rock climbers. All levels of ability can find a good challenge here, though most of the peaks range from 5.5 to 5.7 in difficulty. The area is part of the Boulder Batholith, and most of the outcroppings rise between 300 and 600 feet.
The diverse habitats encompassed by the Humbug Spires WSA include dense forests, meadows, and riparian areas. These support a variety of wildlife that includes mule deer, moose, elk, black bear, cougar, wolf, foxes, and coyotes. Commonly sighted birds include golden eagles, hawks, falcons, and small songbirds such as the lark sparrow, American goldfinch, and mountain bluebird.
The Divide Bridge Campground located in the park includes picnic tables and grills. It is also dog-friendly.
The Beaver Ponds Loop Trail near Butte is open for horseback riding. A peaceful trail, it goes past a large, clear lake and winds through meadows that are full of wildflowers in the spring.
There are many types of wildlife in the park, from mule deer, moose, and elk to bears and wolves. However, hunting is seasonal, and permits are required.
The spectacular quartz monzonite and granite outcroppings attract amateur geologists. A combination of magmatic, plutonic, and erosive actions worked to create these formations, some of which rise as high as 600 feet. This BLM park has 50 such spires to explore.
RV camping is possible near the Humbug Spires WSA at the Fairmont RV Resort. Facilities include full hookups, pull-through sites, and a central modem. There are also large restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, public phones, a gas station, a dump station, a potable water station, and a country store. Guests can take advantage of on-site movie rentals, as well as a picnic area with grills and a horseshoe pit.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is provided at the Divide Bridge Campground. This is a pet-friendly site located five miles west of the Humbug Spires WSA. Both tents and RVs are welcome, and there is no charge. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Of the 24 sites, 10 are tent-only. Amenities include a picnic area with fire grills, potable water, toilets, and a boat ramp. The maximum RV length allowed is 25 feet.
Be aware that the wildlife in the area includes predators such as bears, cougars, coyotes, and wolves. In order to avoid a confrontation, stay on the trails, make some noise, and travel in groups of at least three people. Keep children close and dogs on a leash. Pack bear spray as well as bug spray and sunscreen. Make sure to carry enough water for yourself and any pets. Having a compass and a copy of the site map, found on the back of the brochure at the entrance, is advisable.
Being aware of your surroundings will help you safely enjoy the magnificence of this part of the country. The natural geological formations you will view at the Humbug Spires WSA are majestic. Before you head out on your trip check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors to the Humbug Spires WSA should clean up after themselves and minimize their impact on this natural area. They should pack out all trash and dispose of waste properly. Any human or dog waste should be buried at least 200 feet from the water. Do not confront wildlife. Remember, this is their home and you are the visitor, so respect their space. By following these rules, you contribute to the maintenance of a pristine environment.
Humbug Spires WSA is located in the western foothills of the Highland Mountains in Montana. To get here from Butte, Montana, take I-15 S about 26 miles to Moose Creek, Exit 99, and then follow the gravel road for three miles to the trailhead parking lot.
Ready to visit the Humbug Spires WSA? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
