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 (BLM) manages the country's national conservation systems, subsurface mineral estates, forests, deserts, and mountains. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities in Bureau of Land Management free camping sites, including biking, hiking, wildlife watching, and hunting. One popular site under the BLM's purview is Ringing Rocks in Montana. It's a unique geological formation with rocks that produce melodious resonant sounds when hit. The rock composition and the joining pattern formed as the rocks erode are the reasons behind the ringing sound. If someone removes a boulder from the pile, it won't ring. The Ringing Rocks are 18 miles east of Butte and north of I-90.
Glacier National Park is the nearest national park to Ringing Rocks at four hours and 37 minutes to the northwest. Alternatively, head to Yellowstone National Park, which is six hours and 15 minutes southeast of Ringing Rocks in Wyoming.
This is a fun-to-explore trail with various obstacles. The path has snow in early winter, and although it's open all year, the best time to visit is April through October. Popular activities here include mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading.
Length: 12.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The trail, which is 37 minutes south of Ringing Rocks, offers wildlife viewing, mountain biking, off-roading, and mountaineering opportunities. There are also various camping spots along the trail.
Length: 75 miles
Intensity: Easy to moderate
The nearest fishing and boating spot is Delmoe Lake Campground, 37 minutes northwest of Ringing Rocks. Some of the most common fish species caught here include brown trout and cutthroat trout. Remember to check the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks fishing regulations and permit requirements. There is also a boat launch on site.
Ringing Rocks provides a fun climbing experience. If traveling in a group, climb the rocks while lightly tapping them to make a tune. This is a fun activity for kids. Note that there are no trails through the rock piles, so you have to find your own way. You will enjoy fantastic views once you get on top of the rocks.
If you want to see wildlife, head to the Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area, which is 57 minutes northwest of Ringing Rocks. The mesquite forests, riparian woodlands, and warm springs attract a variety of wildlife. More than 200 bird species nest in these springs, including the threatened yellow-billed cuckoo, vermilion flycatcher, and Gambel's quail. You may come across kangaroo rats, bats, coyotes, and the bighorn sheep as you explore the area. The endangered Moapa dace fish also lives in the springs.
The area surrounding the rocks offers perfect spots to set up a picnic though there are no picnic tables. Remember to clean up before you leave.
If you don't want to camp at the free Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, there are several RV camping options nearby. Whitetail Creek RV Park is a half-hour southeast of Ringing Rocks, and it has pull-through sites, garbage bins, hookups, a laundry facility, and 10 RV sites with majestic mountain views. Alternatively, you can head 42 minutes northwest of Ringing Rocks to get to 2 Bar Lazy H RV Park. Some of the amenities include Wi-Fi, full-service hookups, a dump station, an RV self-service wash, pull-through sites, restrooms, and showers. Another conveniently located option is Fairmont RV Park, 53 minutes northwest of Ringing Rocks, which has full hookups, a recreational room, horseshoes, barbecue grills, and coin-operated laundry services.
When searching for "BLM camping near me," at Ringing Rocks, you will find a few options. You can stay at Potosi Campground and Picnic Area an hour and 17 minutes southeast of Ringing Rocks. It offers picnic tables, drinking water, and vault toilets. Forty-three minutes southwest of Ringing Rocks is Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area. There are no services provided here, so pack accordingly. The Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle Area, 20 minutes southwest of Ringing Rocks, is another bare-bones camping site that only provides restrooms.
Montana is one in seven places globally with rocks that sound like a bell when hit. You can visit the attraction all year long. The region experiences warm, dry summers and freezing, snowy winters. Most people prefer to hike during the winter months rather than in the summer. Ringing Rocks are in a remote location, so remember to carry enough supplies. While you can bring your hammer to hit the rocks, there is a rack at the bottom of the boulders with hammers of assorted sizes and shapes.
Note that not all rocks ring when struck. Only one in three stones produce sounds. Because they have been hit repeatedly, most rocks have visibly worn spots. You are responsible for your safety since there are no designated boundaries or trails through the rocks. Be very careful while climbing over the rocks to avoid tripping. Never try to break off any part of the rock.
The trail surface contains dirt and gravel, so you may need a vehicle with high clearance. You can park anywhere, and use of the area and the hammers on site is completely free. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Pack all litter from your campsite, and dispose of wastewater appropriately. Leave the rocks and other natural objects the way that you find them, observe wildlife from a distance, and keep your fire small. Show respect to other visitors by being courteous and minimizing noise.
To get to Ringing Rocks from Pipestone, take Exit 241 on Interstate 90. Head north from the exit, turn right on a gravel road, and drive for about 0.4 miles. Turn north, and cross over a cattle guard and then a railroad track. Continue north for about 3.5 miles until you see a steeply descending ATV trail on the left. You can park here and proceed on foot.
Ready to visit Ringing Rocks? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all 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 full 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.
