Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, located in southwestern Montana, is the largest national forest in the state, covering millions of acres across eight counties. Visitors can explore breathtaking landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and winter sports. The best times to visit are summer for hiking and winter for snow activities.
Beaverhead-Deerlodge has six camping areas: the Butte Ranger District, Dillon Ranger District, Madison Ranger District, Pintler Ranger District, Wisdom Ranger District, and Wise River Ranger District.
Popular RV camping spots include Price Creek Campground and several other free options. The forest offers a variety of amenities and scenic views, making it ideal for RV enthusiasts. Nearby RV rental locations in Dillon and Butte provide convenient access to the forest's attractions and campgrounds.
Camping in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offers a variety of camping options, including campgrounds within the forest and nearby private sites.
Campgrounds in Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest
Private campgrounds near Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest
Check the top campgrounds in Montana before planning your trip to the forest. Find the best camping places, hiking trails, and budget-friendly camping options. Additionally, you can find RV dump stations nearby. If you are looking for alternative campgrounds near Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, check out these popular BLM sites in Montana.
Best Campgrounds in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Budget-Friendly Campgrounds Outside the Park
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Fairmont RV Resort
Fairmont RV Resort is a nice RV campground close to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It offers 116 spacious RV campsites, seven of which have pull-through capability. A playground, horseshoe pits, and special barbeque pits for every occasion are available for guests to enjoy. The campground sits on an open plain surrounded by the beautiful Montana mountain ranges. Movie rentals are available, and the country store provides access to perishable items that every camper needs to replenish. Gas and diesel are available for the guests, so they do not need to visit a fuel station.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amps
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, laundry facilities, dump station
Fee: $50 to $58 per night
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Hyde RV Park
Hyde RV Park, nestled alongside the Big Hole River inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near the small town of Dewey, MT, provides 11 RV pull-through campsites. The sites are 40 feet in width, allowing you to deploy any slide-outs that your RV may have. Fly fishing along the Big Hole River is one of the activities that guests enjoy. Horseshoe pits and kayaking or canoeing the river give visitors a chance to unwind. Guests often swim in many of the large pools that border the park.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, restrooms with flush toilets, laundry facilities, dump station
Fee: $30 to $32 per night
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Boulder Creek Lodge and RV Park
Boulder Creek Lodge and RV Park offers 10 RV pull-through campsites. All the campsites are 32 feet wide and 54 feet long. Located alongside picturesque Boulder Creek, the park offers some amazing trout fishing, a horseshoe pit, and a playground. The rec hall includes an arcade, pool tables, and foosball.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amps
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, laundry facilities, dump station
Fee: $43 per night
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Hiking Trails
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offers diverse hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Moderate Hiking Trails
Challenging Hiking Trails
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Tendoy Lake Trail
Tendoy Lake Trail is an exciting hiking trail in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The course is a two-track pathway that climbs 679 feet over 6.5 miles. The goal is beautiful Tendoy Lake, where hikers can fish, relax, or enjoy the surrounding mountains and incredible views.
Length: 6.5 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Jack Creek Trail #17
Jack Creek Trail #17 rises 1,394 feet. The trail ascends along the edge of Jack Creek as it drops from Cedar Lake. It is a multipurpose trail that welcomes horseback riders, bicyclists, and hikers. During the climb, the pathway hugs the south slope of a long ridge that harbors a natural wildlife habitat.
Length: 10.5 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Upper Miner Lakes Trail
The Upper Miner Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that climbs 731 feet from the trailhead to the lake hidden deep in the forest. Hugging the slopes of a ridge to the south and following the creek's twisting trail, the trail bounces up and down through the forest and open terrain.
Length: 8.2 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Lacy Creek Trail
The Lacy Creek Trail is primarily used as a nature observance pathway by schools, organizations, and other children’s groups. As the trail wanders along Lacy Creek, observers pass wildlife habitats, jumping fish, and bird nests. Lacy Creek Trail is an out-and-back pathway that is wide enough to accommodate traffic from both directions.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Lima Peaks Loop
The Lima Peaks Loop climbs 1,384 feet. Located near Lima, MT, this trail provides a diverse terrain, including mountain meadows, difficult climbing alongside rocky creeks, and excursions to the top of ridges. The views are incredible, with Lima Peak, the Continental Mountains, and the Italian Peaks within sight in places along the path. Mountain climbers often use this trail to reach and ascend Lima Peak.
Length: 7.9 Miles
Intensity: Difficult
How to get to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Address: 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Road
It can be reached from Nearby Cities like Butte, Dillon, and Anaconda through various access points.
Butte: Lies approximately 9 miles to the nearest section of the forest, specifically Thompson Park, which is located about 9 miles south of Butte on Highway 2.
Dillon: Located approximately 14 miles along Highway 41 from the forest.
Anaconda: Roughly 30-40 miles away, providing access to various recreational activities.
By Air
Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) in Butte: This is the closest airport with commercial flights, about 70 miles from the forest.
Dillon Airport (DLN): This is a smaller airport located closer to Dillon, offering limited services.
Popular Entry Points to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Dillon Ranger District: Dillon, MT
Butte Ranger District: Butte, MT
Philipsburg Ranger District: Philipsburg, MT
Seasonal Restrictions
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has specific seasonal restrictions to ensure safety and conservation. Fire bans may be implemented during dry seasons, particularly in summer. Winter access may be limited in high-elevation areas due to snow. Always check local regulations before visiting.
Entry Fees for Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
There is no general entry fee to access Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. However, specific activities like camping or using certain facilities may require permits or fees. Always check with the local ranger district for any applicable fees regarding specific recreational activities
Frequently Asked Questions About Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
What type of wildlife lives in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
Wildlife living in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest includes deer, elk, antelope, and timber wolves. There is a variety of birds and many other small animals that live in the forest as well.
What is the closest town to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
Dillon, MT is one of the closest towns to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Butte is a large city that is also near the forest and has plenty of places to eat, sleep, and stock up on groceries and other necessities.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. There are several rivers in the forest that are great for paddling. There are also several outfitters in the area that lead whitewater rafting trips through forest lands.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to hunt in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Anyone aged twelve or older is required to have a fishing license to fish in the forest.
How many hiking trails does Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest have?
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has over 1,500 miles of hiking trails through the forest lands. Hikers will find every level of trail from easy to extremely challenging.
