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BLM Camping

Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area

BLM sites are areas of unincorporated lands that offer visitors a way to enjoy nature away from the crowds. Many of these areas offer BLM RV camping or free or low-cost Bureau of Land Management camping. Amenities and camping options vary from site to site. You can find out what different areas offer by searching for "BLM camping near me."

The Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a section of land 30,000 acres in size, located just east of Butte, Montana. The area is mostly used by ATV and motorcycle riders because of the 75 miles of developed trails designed for off-highway vehicles. However, the area is also popular with hikers, campers, and mountain bikers. Yellowstone National Park is about 150 miles southeast of this BLM site.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Maud South Canyon Loop

This trail loop, located in the Deerlodge National Forest near Butte, offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Big Butte Loop

The Big Butte Loop offers a leisurely walk with views of the city.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Blacktail Canyon Loop

With both uphill and downhill sections, this trail passes through wooded areas and offers views of distant mountains.

Length: 4.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Beaver Ponds Trail

This beautiful trail winds through heavily wooded areas and provides views of tranquil ponds.

Length: 6.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Jon's Loop Trail

Jon's Loop Trail winds through lush meadows and quaking aspen groves.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Georgetown Lake, near Butte, is an excellent spot for ice fishing during the colder months. Here, fishing enthusiasts can often catch several types of trout, sturgeon, walleye, and largemouth bass. The Upper Clark Fort River, just west of Butte, also offers excellent flyfishing — trout is a common catch.

Climbing

New Rock, near Butte, is an excellent spot for climbing enthusiasts. This roadside granite crag offers several traditional, short-top rope, and bolted sport climbs of varying degrees of difficulty, making it a great spot for practicing new techniques. Each climb ranges from 20 to 50 feet in height.

Wildlife Viewing

The Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area is an excellent area to spot wildlife. The nearby Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is also an ideal location for viewing wildlife. Visitors to these areas can often see moose, white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and black bears. There are also many native bird species.

Picnicking

The Homestake Picnic Area in Butte offers picturesque views and has many picnic tables. There are also restrooms and drinking water. The Sheepshead Picnic Area in Butte has a covered picnic shelter, grills, picnic tables, and drinking water. The area also provides easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots.

Snowmobiling and Cross-Country Skiing

If you plan to visit the Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area during the winter, snowmobiles can be used on any of the trails. You can also use any of the trails or some of the hiking trails located around Butte for cross-country skiing.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The area around the Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area offers plenty of RV camping options. Visitors can even park their RV and set up camp off one of the many trails. The Butte KOA is also a great choice for RV camping — it offers electricity hookups, a pool, and a dog park. You can purchase snacks, propane, and firewood there. The Lowland Campground and Picnic Area, near the Sheepshead Recreation Area, offers a more rustic camping experience, with easy access to many recreational activities.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area. You can camp along any of the trails. There are limited facilities in the area and no hookups for electricity, so remember to pack accordingly.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area BLM trip

The Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area is located only a few minutes from Butte, so it's relatively easy to stock up on supplies for either a day trip or overnight camping trip. When you're using the trails, however, there are few facilities, so remember to pack enough food and water for your trip.

The area around Butte and the Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area tends to have a short but warm summer, with generally dry weather, making it perfect for off-roading, hiking, or enjoying the local landscape and wildlife. The spring brings beautiful wildflowers, and you can enjoy some colorful foliage in the fall. Winters can be long and very cold. The area sees about 28 inches of snow each year.

Most BLM sites allow for a stay of 14 to 15 days within a 28-day period, but these timeframes can vary, so be sure to double-check before heading out. Most BLM areas don't take reservations, so it's also a good idea to call ahead to ensure that there's space and ask any questions about amenities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whenever you're enjoying Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or areas, it's important to protect and preserve the area. Always dispose of any trash in the proper receptacles, and if there are no trash or recycling bins, take your trash with you when you leave. Carefully control any fires you make, and only make fires when the fire danger in the area is low. Leave the area as you found it, disturbing it as little as possible, and never take any animals, plants, or rocks home.