How much does camping cost at Pettengill Campground?

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

Is Pettengill Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pettengill Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has only 3 units, so walk-up availability may fill quickly.

What is the best time to visit Pettengill Campground?

Pettengill Campground is open Mid-May through September. 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 Pettengill Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Pettengill Campground?

Fire policies at Pettengill Campground: No specific fire policies provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pettengill Campground have?

Pettengill Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pettengill Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Pettengill Campground?

Pettengill Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pettengill Campground?

Popular activities at Pettengill Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pettengill Campground

5 reviews

300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,250 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Mid-May through Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,250 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Mid-May through Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Pettengill Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is a $15 per night fee with an additional $5 fee per extra vehicle.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

406-689-3243null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Pettengill Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761

Pettengill Campground

300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761

Nearby places

Wisdom, MT (approximately 10 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies likely available in Wisdom, MT, approximately 10 miles away

specific availability is not detailed.

Weather at Pettengill Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pettengill Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs run 60–80°F from June through August, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The season runs mid-May through September, though early and late visits risk snow and freezing temperatures. Outside the operational window, winter closes the road. Weekends see moderate use; weekdays are quiet.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–Sept; summer temps 60–80°F make it the most reliable season to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May through September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-May through September

About Pettengill Campground

Pettengill Campground sits at 6,250 feet where Wise River meets Pettengill Creek in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, about 15 miles from Wisdom, MT. The three primitive sites ($15/night) accommodate tents and RVs up to 24 feet, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no water or trash service. Reviews note the secluded setting but also report theft of camping gear and firewood.

Pettengill Campground focuses on primitive camping with basic facilities. It accommodates both tent and small RV camping, and includes three camping units.

Historical Significance

The campground is named for George Pettingill, an early homesteader known locally as the 'Wild Man of the Mountains.' He's buried nearby. Beyond that, no specific historical context is provided.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs run 60–80°F from June through August, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The season runs mid-May through September, though early and late visits risk snow and freezing temperatures. Outside the operational window, winter closes the road. Weekends see moderate use; weekdays are quiet.

ElevationAt 6,250 feet above sea level, this high-altitude sanctuary offers the crisp, thin air that mountain enthusiasts crave. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system during summer months while providing that distinctive alpine atmosphere where stars seem close enough to touch and morning air carries the pure essence of mountain wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the confluence of two mountain streams. Wise River and Pettengill Creek merge here, creating riparian habitat lined with willows and cottonwoods. The surrounding terrain is classic Montana high country: forested ridges, open meadows, and rocky peaks defining the Continental Divide ecosystem. Both streams run clear and cold, fed by snowmelt through much of summer.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness tapestry of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, this campground occupies a special geological crossroads where ancient river systems have carved their signatures into the mountainous landscape. The confluence of Wise River and Pettengill Creek showcases millions of years of geological artistry, creating diverse riparian habitats amid the rugged mountain terrain that defines this corner of Montana's Continental Divide ecosystem.

Scenic ViewsVisitors have access to scenic drives and views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Operational hours are 24/7.

Check-out

Operational hours are 24/7.

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limits stated.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree sites total, spaced along the creek confluence. The campground is small and primitive, with sites able to handle trailers up to 24 feet.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms listed.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground has only 3 units, so walk-up availability may fill quickly.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided.

AccessibilityThe campground includes ADA accessible vault toilets, but additional accessibility amenities are not specified.

Site SizeEach campsite is designed to accommodate trailers up to 24 feet in length.

PrivacyDetails about the level of privacy at campsites are not provided.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesNo recommendations for specific sites.

Amenities available

There is no water and no garbage service at this campground, so please pack out what you pack in.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Pettengill Campground include fishing in nearby rivers and streams, and taking scenic drives along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. The primitive nature of the campground encourages visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential theft was mentioned in user reviews. Wildlife around creek environments may present risks, although not explicitly stated.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours are stated.

Emergency ServicesWisdom Ranger District is the listed emergency contact. Closest hospital and police services are unavailable in the data.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service at the campground. Campers are required to practice 'pack it in, pack it out' principles.

Water FeaturesLocated at the confluence of Wise River and Pettengill Creek.

Camp HostNo campground host details provided.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Pettengill Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Pettengill Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the primitive and serene nature of Pettengill Campground but also note concerns about theft. One reviewer mentioned having their firewood, hammock, sleeping bag, and other gear stolen.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is appreciated for its secluded, natural setting and proximity to the Wise River and Pettengill Creek. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet, primitive camping experience.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers have reported theft at the site. One user specifically mentioned, 'Got my firewood stolen one day and a few days later someone robbed my hammocks sleeping bag, pad, and some other...

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are provided.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to secure their belongings, as theft has been reported.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No reviews address seasonal variations, but the campground is open from mid-May through September, suggesting it is best suited for warmer months.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice spot but got my firewood stolen one day and a few days later someone robbed my hammocks sleeping bag, pad, and some other clothes/gear stashed in the hammock."

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no user reviews specifically addressing the campground's accessibility features.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews discuss pet-related policies or experiences.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Anglers and creek-lovers after a quiet weekday base near the Wise River will find this hard to beat for $15. Bring all your water, pack out your trash, and the secluded confluence setting earns its score.

Skip if

Gear left unattended gets stolen here, multiple reviewers confirm it. If you're leaving camp for day trips and can't lock everything in a vehicle, the risk is real and documented.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(5)

Boulder Creek Campground

300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761

Boulder Creek Campground sits at 6,400 feet in Montana's Pioneer Mountains, thirteen sites tucked into dense lodgepole pine forest along the Wise River. Three pull-through sites accommodate trailers up to 30 feet. Sites run $8-15 per night and include fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, potable water via hand pump, and bear lockers. The campground fills quickly on summer weekends.

$8.00 - $15.00 / night

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Lodgepole Campground sits along the Wise River in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana's largest national forest. The campground has 10 sites with paved parking aprons that accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. Sites run $8-17 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and hand-pump potable water.

$8.00 - $17.00 / night

PO BOX 100, WISE RIVER, MT 59762, USA

Canyon Creek Cabin sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Wise River, Montana. This remote rental cabin operated by the Forest Service offers a well-stocked backcountry base for hikers, anglers, and mountain bikers exploring the surrounding wilderness. The property includes vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with a four-day stay limit during the peak summer season.

1 campsites

Reservable

13.028 km

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Less Visited

3.8

(12)

Little Joe Campground

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Little Joe Campground sits along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at 6,762 feet. The five-site campground draws visitors for its quiet setting and fishing access to nearby Wise River. Sites run $15 per night and fill with tent and primitive campers seeking solitude.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Less Visited

3.5

(8)

Mono Creek Campground

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Mono Creek Campground sits at 7,000 feet in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Wisdom, Montana. This small, five-site campground offers tent and RV camping (18-foot trailer maximum) for $15 per night. The location provides access to hiking trails and is a base for visiting the nearby Coolidge Ghost Town.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Nestled along the legendary Big Hole River at 5,700 feet elevation, Dickie Bridge offers an authentic Montana riverside experience on 26 acres of BLM-managed land. This no-frills campground delivers the essentials—picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets—while keeping you connected to the wild rhythm of one of Montana's premier trout streams. Come prepared with your own water and be ready for mosquitoes during peak season.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Tucked along a pristine stretch of the Big Hole River, East Bank offers anglers and paddlers a gateway to some of Montana's finest trout waters. This quiet BLM-managed site delivers exactly what you'd hope for: unobstructed mountain views, abundant wildlife, and the soothing soundtrack of moving water—all without the crowds.

Price Creek Campground (Mt)

420 Barrett St, Dillon, MT 59725

Price Creek Campground sits in the high-elevation pines of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Dillon, Montana. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing in Price Creek and nearby streams, hiking alpine trails, and exploring wildflower meadows during the summer season.

$8.00 - $25.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(3)

Steel Creek Campground

Steel Creek Road, Wisdom, MT

Steel Creek Campground sits at 6,200 feet in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Wisdom, offering seven sites beneath lodgepole pines and Douglas firs. The campground costs $15 per night and accommodates trailers up to 22 feet. Steel Creek runs through the property, and the small size means summer weekends fill fast while weekdays stay quiet.

7 campsites

23.619 km

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(57)

Grasshopper Campground (Mt)

420 Barrett St

Grasshopper Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Dillon, Montana. Managed by the Dillon Ranger District, this small campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites along a scenic creek where families pan for gems. Reviewers praise the cleanliness, attentive camp hosts, and well-maintained facilities, though some note close site spacing and seasonal traffic.

$8.00 - $25.00 / night

4.3

(54)

Divide Bridge Campground

106 North Parkmont, Butte, MT, 59701, USA

Divide Bridge Campground sits along the Big Hole River near Butte, operated by the Bureau of Land Management in mid-elevation forest. This small riverside site draws anglers and float-trippers with direct boat launch access and dry-fly trout fishing. Vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables serve tent and RV campers on a 14-day stay limit.

Dinner Station Campground And Picnic Area

Dinner Station Campground and Picnic Area, Dillon Ranger District, 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Dinner Station Campground sits along Birch Creek at 7,200 feet in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, near Dillon. Eight sites occupy a hillside perch with views across the valley. The campground has vault toilets, potable water, bear lockers, and picnic tables. No cell service. Trailers are limited to 16 feet.

$0.00 - $50.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Less Visited

3.5

(26)

Pigeon Creek Campground

null

Pigeon Creek Campground sits at 6,086 feet in the Highland Mountain Range, 26 miles southwest of Butte. The six tent-only sites line Fish Creek in a remote pocket of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. There's no potable water, no cell service, and reviewers consistently warn about rough access roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. You come here for genuine isolation.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.8

(12)

Little Joe Campground

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

$8.00 - $17.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.3

(143)

Piney Campground And Boat Launch

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Piney Campground sits on the shore of Georgetown Lake in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, offering direct boat launch access and a swim beach. Operated by Big Sky Recreation, this mid-sized campground provides tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish, paddle, hike into the nearby Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, and watch for wildlife along the lakeshore.

$17.00 - $17.00 / night

Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Pettengill Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Pettengill Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This campground is named after an early homesteader, the "Wild Man of the Mountains" George Pettingill. His grave is nearby. He is widely admired in the area although he was somewhat of a hermit. The campground is located where the Wise River meets Pettengill Creek. The campground has 3 units. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 24 feet. There are ADA accessible toilets at this site. There is no water and no garbage service at this campground, so please pack out what you pack in.</p>

Open Season: Mid-May through September