The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest covers 3.36 million acres in southwestern Montana and is the state's largest national forest. In 1996, Congress combined two forests created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 to form today's immense national forest. The forest includes several mountain ranges; the most famous are the Bitterroot, Centennial, and Elkhorn ranges. The forest consists of ponderosa pine, firs, and juniper covering broad swaths of the hills and the various mountain ranges. Deer, antelope, elk, timber wolves, and several other species of wildlife wander the forest, often invading the several ghost towns that pop up here and there. While this national forest is near Helena and Butte, MT, in one section, the national forest expands to cover eight counties with various communities alongside and inside the reserve.
Camping in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
There are so many things to see and do in an area as sprawling as the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest that it is best to camp in a vehicle that allows you to move quickly from one campground to another. Whether you are hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, or sightseeing, the best camping method is in an RV, which not only provides you with a comfortable place to rest after a hard day, but also allows you to pick up your stakes easily and move on. RV rentals are easy to find through RVshare.
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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
Activities in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
There are many activities for visitors to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest to enjoy. Some of the best hiking opportunities, where guests observe wildlife habitats and unusual plants, are available in the forest. The mix of ponderosa pine, firs, and juniper make a unique environment that is nearly impervious to plant diseases. The canopy in some areas protects wildlife habitats for endangered species like timber wolves and bald eagles.
Steep slopes make for challenging geocaching explorations, and wild creeks that plunge from isolated lakes provide an excellent opportunity for anglers. The fish found in this park are natural and full of fight. Anglers experience the true challenges of their sport when they visit this area.
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Nature Watching
Everyone is a guest of nature inside this forest, and those who choose to observe wildlife on its home turf find comfort and wonder here. You can watch animals, such as hawks or owls and ground squirrels, as they battle for life.
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Stargazing
In the evening, the Milky Way enlivens the dark sky on a clear night. Lying back and watching the shooting stars is a favorite activity of many. Others try to pick out constellations but may find it difficult on those unforgettable nights when the Milky Way is as bright as street lamps.
How to get to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Address: 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725
Fee: Entry fee $0
Visitors to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Montana discover the wide-open spaces they have always heard about in legends of the Old West. The vast area involved and the dozen or so mountain ranges make for a scenic wonderland that you seldom find elsewhere. Parking your RV in one spot lets visitors explore an incredible number of sights. Many visitors find that a stop at one location is not enough and pull up stakes to move to a different forest area to see more wonders. No matter which part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest you choose to visit, make it simple; rent an RV from RVshare to explore in comfort.
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.
