How much does camping cost at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area?

Camping fees at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lowland Campground And Picnic Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates primarily on a first-come-first-served basis, with no explicit reservation system indicated.

What is the best time to visit Lowland Campground And Picnic Area?

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area?

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lowland Campground And Picnic Area have?

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area?

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area?

Popular activities at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area

4.00

27 reviews

Lowland Campground and Picnic Area, Forest Service Road #442, Butte, MT, 59701

Featured in:Fishing Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,240 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

The campground is ty...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,240 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

The campground is ty...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is a $15.00 per night fee from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

406-494-2147

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lowland Campground and Picnic Area, Forest Service Road #442, Butte, MT, 59701

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area

Lowland Campground and Picnic Area, Forest Service Road #442, Butte, MT, 59701

Nearby places

Butte: approximately 20 miles north, roughly 25-30 minutes by car.

Nearby supplies

A waste station is available at the Sinclair gas station in Butte, MT, on Harrison Ave, northeast of Interstate 90/15 (Exit 127B). Additional supplies such as groceries and fuel can be found in Butte.

Driving directionsFrom Butte, take I-15/I90 east for approximately 1 mile. Merge onto I-15 north and continue for approximately 12 miles. Take Elk Park exit (no. 138) and drive west on Forest Service road #442 (Lowland Creek Road) for approximately 6 miles and turn left onto Forest Service road #9485 for approximately 1 1/2 miles; turn left at the junction and drive approximately 1/8 mile; turn right into the campground.

The gravel road is suitable for passenger vehicle access, but the last two miles are single-lane with turnouts. During spring and fall, the access road may be muddy or have patchy snow.

Weather at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area

Best Time to Camp at Lowland Campground And Picnic Area

Summer brings the best conditions. Expect daytime highs between 65 and 80°F with cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to 50°F at this elevation. The meadow fills with wildflowers and access to Maney Lake for trout fishing is reliable. Hiking and mountain biking in the nearby Sheepshead Recreation Area peak during these months. The campground is small, so summer weekends see moderate crowds. Reserve early. Spring and fall mean muddy or snow-dusted access roads. Winter closes the area entirely with deep snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: Memorial Day–Labor Day, wildflowers, facilities and pleasant temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is typically open the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The campground is open on the shoulder season, but water and garbage are typically not available. During spring and fall the access road may be muddy or have patchy snow.

About Lowland Campground And Picnic Area

Lowland Campground sits 20 miles north of Butte in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, offering 11 back-in sites beneath towering pines at 6,240 feet. Sites accommodate trailers up to 22 feet and include tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. The $15 nightly fee gets you vault toilets, potable water, and proximity to the Sheepshead Recreation Area and Maney Lake. It's peaceful and lightly used, though tent campers should know the ground is compacted gravel.

Lowland Campground supports back-in trailer camping and tent camping, with seasonal limitations and a first-come, first-serve policy. Group camping, cabin lodging, and luxury glamping accommodations are not available.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions. Expect daytime highs between 65 and 80°F with cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to 50°F at this elevation. The meadow fills with wildflowers and access to Maney Lake for trout fishing is reliable. Hiking and mountain biking in the nearby Sheepshead Recreation Area peak during these months. The campground is small, so summer weekends see moderate crowds. Reserve early. Spring and fall mean muddy or snow-dusted access roads. Winter closes the area entirely with deep snow.

ElevationPerched at 6,240 feet above sea level, Lowland Campground offers the quintessential high-country experience. This elevation creates an alpine oasis where summer temperatures remain delightfully cool, morning mist dances across the meadow, and afternoon thunderstorms roll dramatically across the peaks. The crisp mountain air at this altitude provides relief from summer heat and creates ideal conditions for restful sleep under a canopy of stars.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transitional zone where dense pine forest opens to a large meadow, creating habitat variety that's excellent for wildlife viewing. Reviewers consistently call it peaceful and picturesque. Some sites nestle among the pines while others overlook the meadow. At 6,240 feet elevation, you're in true Rocky Mountain terrain where the forest gives way to grassland. Morning light filters through the pines and the meadow fills with wildflowers in summer.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Lowland Campground occupies a special corner of Montana's Rocky Mountain ecosystem. This remarkable forest spans over 3.3 million acres of diverse terrain, and here at Lowland, you'll experience one of its most enchanting settings. The campground's unique position where dense pine forest gives way to open meadowland creates a rich habitat for wildlife and offers campers a front-row seat to the natural drama of the Northern Rockies. This transitional zone between forest and grassland showcases the geological diversity that makes the Beaverhead-Deerlodge such a treasured landscape.

Scenic ViewsThe scenic views include a large meadow area and picturesque pine trees. One user review highlighted, 'The view is gorgeous.'

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16-day stay limit.

Groups

Group camping is not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsCash or check payments only, reservations may apply but availability is primarily first-come-first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates primarily on a first-come-first-served basis, with no explicit reservation system indicated.

AccessibilityADA-accessible toilets are available; no other specific accessibility features are reported.

Site SizeThe campground has 11 back-in sites suitable for trailers up to 22 feet. Tent pads are available at most sites.

PrivacySites are nestled among large pines, with some overlooking a large meadow. The area is described as peaceful and picturesque.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSites overlooking the meadow are particularly recommended for their views. Reviews suggest selecting sites with larger flat areas if tent camping.

Amenities available

Lowland Campground offers basic amenities suitable for a range of campers. The campground provides potable water, though this is seasonal and delivered via a hand-pump located in the adjacent picnic area. Vault toilets are available and ADA accessible, while garbage containers are seasonal. Sites have picnic tables and fireplaces, and wood can generally be collected around the area. However, there are no flush toilets, hot showers, public phones, or laundry facilities.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lowland Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, including picnic areas, wildlife viewing, biking, and hiking. While fishing is available at nearby Maney Lake within Sheepshead Recreation Area, there are no designated facilities for swimming, boating, or water sports.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMuddy roads and patchy snow in spring and fall can limit access. User reviews cited concerns over other campers leaving trash.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets; vault toilets are available instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Emergency ServicesButte Ranger District, 1820 Meadowlark, Butte, MT 59701. Phone: 406-494-2147. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingGarbage containers are available seasonally; during shoulder seasons, campers are expected to pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesNear Sheepshead Recreation Area and Maney Lake, which offer fishing opportunities. No direct water features within the campground itself.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability not mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

27 reviews

Satisfactory

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights such as the campground's peaceful atmosphere, clean vault toilets, and scenic views. Complaints focus on the difficulty of finding flat areas for tents and issues with litter left by campers. Positive aspects of the campground include its low usage and ample picnic benches.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the clean vault toilets, the picturesque views, and the peaceful environment. One user described it as 'awesome campground. Very low use and plenty of picnic benches.'

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with flat tent spaces due to gravel sites and RV compression, and others noted trash left by previous campers. A user reported that picnic tables need paint, and fire pits...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and pack out trash during the shoulder season when services are not available. Tent campers should plan for gravelled and compressed areas.

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak season, water and garbage facilities are available, which enhances convenience for campers. Shoulder seasons bring challenges such as muddy access roads and unavailable facilities.

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awesome campground. Very low use and plenty of picnic benches.' – Jessica Green 2. 'Hard to find a flat place for a tent. Other campers didn't respect the place and left trash. Very pretty area...

Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are ADA accessible; no additional accessibility concerns or praises are highlighted in the reviews.

Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.

Based on 27 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

RVs up to 22 feet and car campers who want low crowds, wildlife mornings, and easy access to Maney Lake trout fishing. Summer weekdays you'll likely have your pick of sites, and the vault toilets reviewers call genuinely clean.

Skip if

Tent campers with bad backs will fight compacted gravel where RVs have packed down the sites. Litter from previous campers is a recurring complaint, and shoulder season means no water, no garbage service, and roads that may be muddy or snow-patched.

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Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Lowland Campground And Picnic Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Lowland Campground And Picnic Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Lowland Campground and Picnic Area is located approximately 20 miles north of Butte, west of Interstate 15. The campground is located near Sheepshead Recreation Area, which provides fishing opportunities at Maney Lake and is in close proximity to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.</p><p>The campground has 11 units that accommodate trailers up to 22 feet. The sites are back-in trailer sites. Tent pads are available at most sites. There are day-use picnic areas, the toilets are ADA accessible, and water is available along with garbage containers. Wood is generally able to be found within the campground area.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 6,240 ft. The campground is adjacent to a large meadow with some sites overlooking the meadow. It is nestled among large pines - very peaceful and picturesque.

Seasons & access

Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Facilities

The water spigot is a hand pump and is located in adjacent picnic area. Deerlodge National Forest 154

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel. There is a waste station in Butte, MT at the Sinclair gas station on Harrison Ave - just northeast of Interstate 90/15 (Exit 127B).

Directions

In Butte, MT, at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 15, take Interstate 15 north 9 miles to Elk Park (Exit 138). At the end of the exit ramp, turn left and go 0.2 miles to Lowland Campground sign. Continue straight onto a dirt road and go 4.9 miles to another campground sign. Turn left and go 1.6 miles to a "Y" intersection (and campground sign). Bear left and go 0.3 miles to still another campground sign. Turn left into campground. NOTE: Last two miles is single-lane with turnouts.

National Forest: Deerlodge National Forest
Ranger District: Butte
Elevation: 6240
Rate: $5 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: Memorial Day through September